Ruffa Gutierrez and Carmi Martin in ‘Working Girls 2010’ edition.

Two film giants, GMA Films and Viva Films are ensuring that “Working Girls 2010” will live up to the tradition of its 25-year-old, critically-acclaimed predecessor that many laud as iconic sexy comedy film way ahead of its time.

The sequel to the 1984 Ishmael Bernal-classic not only cast four of the original lead actresses in “Working Girls,” namely Maria Isabel Lopez, Gina Pareño, Carmi Martin and Rio Locsin; but it also gathers today’s hottest stars including Ruffa Gutierrez, Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, Jennylyn Mercado and Cristine Reyes.

More, (“Working Girls 2010”) is being helmed by award-winning director Jose Javier Reyes (“May Minamahal,” “Batang PX,” “Kutob”). “Although some of the lead stars of the first ‘Working Girls’ are in the new movie, the focus of the story is not on them but on the younger working girls. We will be telling the stories of the new characters whose lives happen to intertwine with those from the original batch,” said Reyes.

There are many tweaks on the central elements of the new film. For one, the lead characters from the first “Working Girls” were assistants (receptionist, secretary) who all worked in Ayala, Makati City while most of the new film’s working girls command huge salaries and hold top posts in such diverse industries as media, health and call center.

Reyes said that huge big time gap between the two films made it necessary to opt for a sequel rather than a remake. “So much has changed since 1984 that some of the things that were shown in the original film are no longer applicable such as confetti’s in Ayala, etc. And we’ve had two woman presidents since. Obviously, the status of women in our society has evolved, and along with it, their stories,” said Reyes.

While the two film giants that have joined hands in producing “Working Girls 2010” are eager to release their film, Reyes said they are careful that every detail is worked out perfectly. “‘Working Girls’ is a comedy, which, to some people, is a genre of lightweight caliber. But make no mistake about it: Hindi pipitsugin yung pelikulang yon at maging ang pelikula namin. Coming up with a high-quality sequel is the least we can do to honor the legacy of Ishmael Bernal. He, after all, is a National Artist of the Philippines and ‘Working Girls’ is one of his classic films. To say that expectations are high on the update is an understatement,” said Reyes.

Even the actors in support roles in “Working Girls 2010” were handpicked to fit their roles perfectly. Among these are Cherie Gil, Eula Valdez and Mylene Dizon.

As with the original, “Working Girls 2010” tells the story of women who will do anything and use everything to get what they want. The cast and crew are currently wrapping up work on the highly-anticipated movie that’s tentatively set for release on April 21.

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Rhian Ramos takes it one sure step at a time

Despite being hailed both by the public and her peers as one of the most talented young actresses in showbusiness, Rhian Ramos treads her career path very carefully. “I’m a very committed person.  I concentrate on a task instead of spreading myself thin. Nothing I do is half-baked. I hate embarrassing myself,” she said.

This is the reason Rhian accepted carefully selected projects even after the deluge of offers that came her way since the universal praise heaped on her scintillating work on the top-rating “Stairway to Heaven.” Apart from starring in last month’s “Dear Friend” series, Rhian focuses on recording her forthcoming album.

Unknown to many, Rhian has always been interested in singing; one that may run in the genes since her mother was a singer herself. Fortunately, the GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) talent didn’t even have to lift a finger to find a record deal. “One of the executives of Belhaus Entertainment [her album producer] saw me singing on ‘SOP.’ They called and offered a recording contract. Did I play coy? Hah!”

Perfectionist that she is, Rhian is taking up advanced voice lessons to “spring a surprise” to naysayers. “But more importantly, it’s for the believers. I want them to be proud that they threw their support behind me. I won’t let them down,” she said.

Before the album, which will be out middle of this year, Rhian will be seen in the indie film, “Saving Sally,” opposite her “Dear Friend” co-star, TJ Trinidad. They played sweethearts on the TV show which amuses Rhian no end. “The first time TJ and I worked together, we were cast as brothers and sisters. And now...” she said.

Given the chance, Rhian would like to put up her own business. She’s toying with the idea of working hand in hand with a foundation the name of which she will put on the product she plans to sell. “I want to generate employment in my own small way. I’ll do it when I have enough resources and time so I could give it fair attention. I promised myself that I’ll show people something new in me every year. That way, I grow even as they   grow with me,” she said.

Rhian looks forward to working with Regine Velasquez. Although Regine gained renown as a singing diva, Rhian thinks the former is as talented as an actress. Does she aim to become a multi-media star like her idol? “If it happens, that’s great. But I won’t force myself to do everything all at once. Like I said, I wanna be good in all my undertakings and that takes time and devotion.”