Many reports mistakenly stated that someone else said “Ekis” to Sunshine. In truth:
Here is the proper, factual story regarding the remark made by actress Sunshine Cruz and her subsequent clarification. Ekis - Sunshine Cruz target
"Ekis," directed by the acclaimed Erik Matti, was released in 1999. The title itself is street slang, often referring to "X" or a crossing out, but in the context of the film, it signaled danger and the underground. While the film featured a ensemble cast including Albert Martinez, Angie Madonna, and Raymond Bagatsing, the marketing and the lasting legacy of the film heavily relied on the star power of Sunshine Cruz. Many reports mistakenly stated that someone else said
To understand "Ekis," one must first understand the context of Philippine cinema in 1999. This was the height of the "bold" genre—a period characterized by films that tackled mature themes, sexual liberation, and harsh urban realities. Unlike the romantic comedies that dominate the box office today, these films were dark, often violent, and served as a proving ground for actors willing to shed their teeny-bopper images for serious, mature roles. The title itself is street slang, often referring
At face value, the idea seems absurd. Sunshine Cruz has been a household name since the 1990s. She is known for her professionalism, her graceful handling of a very public divorce from Cesar Montano, and her strong advocacy for women’s rights. She is, by all accounts, a production favorite—easy to work with, reliable, and possessing a mature fanbase.
For that, she is marked.