MANILA - "Hindi ko naman po talaga pangarap maging artista," teen actress Sue Ramirez admitted in an interview on "Tonight with Boy Abunda" on Tuesday.

Ramirez, 19, said she decided to audition to become a Star Magic artist to help pay for the medical expenses of her father, James Peter Dodd, a retired senior officer of the US State Department.

Her dad suffered a stroke in 2002 and passed away three years ago.

"Naisip ko lang po maging artista kasi baka it would help with the expenditures of my dad," Ramirez continued, adding that her father would have been proud of her achievements.

Ramirez recently had a boost in popularity thanks to her role as the third wheel to the love team of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in the remake of "Pangako Sa 'Yo."

She also plays a significant part in the ongoing "Dolce Amore" series alongside Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano.

"I know na kahit wala na siya [her father], nandito pa rin po siya sa tabi ko, always watching out for me," shared Ramirez.

Meanwhile, the young actress also talked about her rumored romance with "Hashtags" member Ronnie Alonte.

She said her fan-made love team with Alonte came as a "surprise to everyone."

"Kasi I don't know him, I don't think he knows me. Pero nakikita ko na na tina-tag kami ng fans," the actress said. "And then we had an endorsement shoot, and that was the first time we met. Pero love team na kami noon sa social media. Kaya ang awkward."

Ramirez, however, admitted that she is happy that her "love team" with Alonte had allowed them to become closer to each other.

"We made an effort for the fans to be friends. Iyong effort nila ay gusto namin ibalik sa kanila. ...Happy naman kami ngayon na magkaibigan kami," she said.

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