Derek Ramsay, Coleen Garcia talk about ‘stereotyping’ in upcoming movie

Derek Ramsay and Coleen Garcia star in “Ex With Benefits” (Photo from Star Cinema)

MANILA – With several medical representatives displeased with the depiction of their job in the upcoming romantic film “Ex With Benefits,” actor-host Derek Ramsay and co-star Coleen Garcia clarified that the movie did not intend to stereotype the profession.

In the film, Coleen portrayed the role of Arki, a medical representative who wanted to be named as the “Medical Representative of the Year.” She then sought the endorsement of Derek’s character, Adam, who was awarded as the “Doctor of the Year.” The two were former lovers.

“Why are we juding? We shouldn’t live our lives making assumptions. Sana panoorin muna nila ang pelikula (I hope they watch the film first) then if they still feel that way, they can address it and we can give our explanation,” Derek said in a Philippine Entertainment Portal report.

“This movie is not about med reps (medical representatives) and trying to stereotype med reps. We have full respect for med reps and what they do. Sinabi ko nga, mahirap ang trabaho ng med reps kasi (Like I said, the med reps’ job is hard because) one thing they have to do is convince the doctor and gain their trust to endorse their product. To get the trust of the doctor, you need to know a lot about the product that you are presenting,” he added.

Coleen also asked medical representatives to not be quick to judge but first give “Ex With Benefits” a chance. She also explained that the film focused on the love story rather than her role’s profession.

“I’m the one who plays the med rep. Ang mga minememorize ko pa lang na lines, sobrang hirap na. Paano pa kaya sila na inaaral nila yun? It’s really a hard profession and I have so much respect for med reps. I understand why they got offended but sa akin lang, I hope they give the movie a chance,” the actress said.

(I’m the one who plays the med rep. It was very difficult to memorize my lines. What more for them who also study those? It’s really a hard profession and I have so much respect for med reps. I understand why they got offended but for me, I hope they give the movie a chance.)

“The focus of the movie is really not about a doctor and a med rep. It’s about two exes who found each other again after 10 years. It’s about the history they had because they had history long before they were a doctor and a med rep. It just so happens na ganun ang naging profession nila (that they ended with those professions). It’s the story of these two individuals, as individuals, not as doctor and med rep,” she added.

“Ex With Benefits” also starred Meg Imperial, Rayver Cruz, Tirso Cruz III, Carmi Martin, Juan Rodrigo, Nina Ricci Alagao and Jobelle Salvador.

Directed by Gino Santos, the movie will premiere on cinemas tomorrow, September 2.