Sharon Cuneta gets gift of vintage photos and film memorabilia from Khalil Ramos

Khalil Ramos surprised Sharon Cuneta with a gift celebrating her nearly five-decade career in show business as they wrapped up their drama series “Honor Thy Mother.”

The actor-singer put together a collection of rare photographs and film memorabilia featuring the Megastar, including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes images and original lobby cards from her films “Bituing Walang Ningning” and “Madrasta.”

In a social media post, the 30-year-old shared that the idea came to him as he searched for a meaningful way to thank Sharon, 60, for their time working together.

“As Honor Thy Mother was coming to an end, I started thinking about what to give Mama Sharon Cuneta as a wrap gift,” he wrote.

Finding the right present proved challenging, so Khalil turned to his girlfriend, Gabbi Garcia, for advice. He wanted to give Sharon something memorable, especially considering her many accomplishments throughout her career.

“I remember asking Gabbi, ‘What do you give someone who pretty much has everything already?’ I had such a hard time figuring it out. But Gab told me to just give her something she would remember,” he shared.

Khalil eventually found inspiration in something he had observed on set. During breaks, he noticed Sharon watching recordings of her past concerts and browsing old photographs as she prepared for her upcoming US tour. According to the actor-singer, she described these mementos as her “pampalakas ng loob.”

Inspired by this, Khalil reached out to ARCHIVO 1984, an art gallery dedicated to collecting and preserving Philippine film and television memorabilia. After inquiring about items related to Sharon, he found several pieces he thought would make a fitting tribute to her illustrious career.

The collection included rare photographs documenting different stages of Sharon’s career, candid behind-the-scenes moments, and original lobby cards from “Bituing Walang Ningning” (1985) and “Madrasta” (1996). Some of the photographs had never been publicly seen before.

Putting the collection together also gave Khalil an opportunity to reflect on Sharon’s remarkable career and the lessons he could learn from her as a younger actor.

“Going through those photographs myself, I couldn’t help but admire just how colorful her career has been. From the 2nd golden age of Philippine cinema to today, she still gives 101% in every scene. And as a younger actor, it’s such an inspiring reminder to always give my all, no matter how far I get in this industry. And to do it with heart, kindness and grace.”

Khalil ended his post by expressing his gratitude for Sharon’s influence on him, both as an actress and as a person.

“Thank you, Mama Sharon, for your kindness, generosity, and for being such an inspiration. I came into Honor Thy Mother getting to work with the one and only Megastar, but I walked away feeling like I had found another mom.”

Along with the photos, Khalil shared a video capturing Sharon’s reaction to the gift, with Gabbi by her side. Visibly surprised and delighted, Sharon repeatedly expressed how much she loved it.

“Oh my God! It’s the best,” she exclaimed.

Aside from Sharon and Khalil, “Honor Thy Mother” also stars Barbie Forteza, John Estrada, Mercedes Cabral, Tonton Gutierrez, Criza Ta-a, and RK Bagatsing.

Meanwhile, Khalil recently starred in “Saving Cherry” alongside Barbie and co-starred with Ian Pangilinan in “Patay Gutom,” which Ian also co-directed.