Hearing news about Filipino actors successfully making it into Hollywood can only make their countrymen more than just proud of them.
That’s exactly the feeling that was stirred in us upon being told of the inclusion of Filipino actor Ramon De Ocampo, son of former finance secretary Roberto De Ocampo, in the big–budgeted film "xXx 2: The Next Level," a sequel to the Vin Diesel hit from Columbia Pictures.
Twentysomething Ramon has been in the Hollywood circuit for a year now. Although he admits that it’s not easy to penetrate this high–brow world, Ramon’s perseverance, hard work and most of all talent, have no doubt brought him closer to where he wishes to take himself and his craft.
While taking up a drama course at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Ramon has performed for various theater productions, with "Romeo and Juliet" as his very first project. A few years back, Ramon was in the country for the staging of the Obie Award–winner theatrical production "The Romance of Magno Rubio" at the CCP Theater.
After graduating summa cum laude in 1998, his passion for acting grew stronger and drove him to explore the other corners of the industry such as TV and film.
Aside from theater work, Ramon also does guest appearances in popular TV series such as "Law and Order," "CSI Las Vegas," "Cosby" and a "Night Ride Home."
Now, Ramon temporarily takes on the role of Agent Meadows in "xXx 2: The Next Level," a hard–core action flick that movie–goers are going to see him in for the very first time.
Getting to work with some of Hollywood’s giants such as Samuel L. Jackson, Willem Dafoe, Scott Speedman, and rapper Ice Cube is another reason that keeps Ramon with the firm belief he is heading somewhere.
In a phone interview with Ramon De Ocampo, which Columbia Pictures arranged for us, we had the opportunity to ‘’frisk’’ the actor and here below are some interesting finds.
Question: Was this your first time to work with Ice Cube and Samuel L. Jackson?
Ramon De Ocampo: It’s my first time to work with all of them so I really felt like the new kid in Hollywood while we were filming.
Q: How were they on the side?
R: Samuel and I never got to film on the same day but I was lucky enough to get his autograph. Ice Cube is very cool. He works very hard but on the side he’s just so cool.
Q: Were you able to share jamming moments with Ice Cube? That is if you’re into music as well?
R: Oh yes, I’m a music enthusiast but Ice Cube is a rapper while I play blues on the guitar. I took after my dad who’s a classical guitarist.
Q: Speaking of your dad, didn’t you ever imagine yourself following in his footsteps in politics?
R: (Laughs) First of all I don’t think my father is really into politics. He was the minister of finance but he never thought of running for governnor or any other position. I can’t picture myself in politics. I think that’s because I’ve never been interested in politics or economics.
Q: Are you the only child of your parents or do you have siblings?
R: I’m the first of four. One of my younger sisters is in Michigan, my other sister in Hawaii and my brother is in Virginia. We all grew up here in the States though I was born in Makati City before we moved to Virginia when I was a year old.
Q: So I guess you have vague memories of the Philippines?
R: No, I have a lot of beautiful memories of the Philippines because when I was younger I used to spend summer vacations there, particularly in Boracay. I was the typical American boy who would be home for the summer.
Q: Can you speak Filipino?
R: No, but I manage to understand when I’m looking for the restroom. (laughs)
Q: How often do you visit the country now that you have your hands loaded with Hollywood chores?
R: I go there every two years because now it’s hard to visit regularly, When there’s work, you have to stick around.
Q: Was it easy for you to penetrate Hollywood?
R: I’ve been acting for 10 years but I must say it will always be difficult. I put years in theater, slowly made it into television and now into my first big–budgeted studio film.
Q: Among your past projects, what are those that make you proud for being part of it?
R: I’m lucky to have been part of "CSI," and a "Night Ride Home" which I heard is very popular in the Philippines. I was told of it the last time I was there. I’m also proud of my theater experience. I’ve played played Lorenzo in "The Merchant of Venice," "The Romance of Magno Rubio," and I’ve played both Romeo and Juliet for "Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet."
Q: What prepararations did you make for your role as Juliet?
R: I just put together all the traits of all the women I’ve loved in my life and imbibed them.
Q: Has your role Agent Meadows in "xXx 2" challenged you a great deal?
R: I have never done an action movie before that’s why everyday was a workout. I’ve never been in a movie before that had a lot of money put into it that you really have to do your work.
Q: What can you advise to Filipino actors who want to try it in Hollywood?
R: First and foremost, you can’t come out here and survive on your own. You need techniques and let them know you’re at the top of your game, and that you can handle it. Although there are much roles written for American actors, there are also many written for Asians. You look different so use that to your advantage. You have to try to separate yourself from the fold but still get the same respect. Persistence is the key. You must love what you do.
Q: Only a year in Hollywood, what role do you wish to take on next on the big screen?
R: I just continue working. You can just hope that you’re still part of the fabric on the loom.
Q: What steps are you taking to maintain your position?
R: I always give a fine presentation, surround myself with people who believe in me and it’s very important that I keep an eye on my craft. Most of all, I make the best of any role that’s given to me.
