RUBEN MARIA SORIQUEZ is one busy artist of Filipino-Italian heritage who is carving out a spot for himself in the local film industry.
Hailing from Bologna, where he grew up, he never lost touch with his family in the Philippines traveling constantly since 1990, once or twice a year. He finally decided to settle in Manila for good in December 2013, as for most people of mixed heritage, he feels more Filipino in Italy, while he feels more Italian now that he has chosen to live here. In other words, he ends up identifying with the part of himself that is farthest away.
His first interest in the arts was music; while he was an active musician until 2005, acting was never too far from his horizon, since he did appear in TV commercials from 1990 to 1992 and dabbled in theater.
His interest in acting peaked in 2006, when he decided to take up a two-year course in an acting school, Scuola di Teatro Colli, right in his hometown, where his teachers, Emanuele Montagna and a lifetime honorary member of The Actors Studio in New York Danny Lemmo, saw that he had the makings of a director and steered him to study the craft, as well. He, then, had the opportunity to train as an actor in his own shorts.
Having experienced work as an actor both here and in Italy, he can safely say it is easier there, in terms of workhours, as unions protect the category setting limits while here, actors are required to work until the day is over.
When it comes to producing a movie, on the other hand, it becomes easier here on two counts: It is more affordable and it can be done directly in English, since there are many good actors who speak the language well, and this is the main reason he moved to the Philippines.
He prefers to spin action-drama tales, as well as edifying stories, but he will gladly do comedy, should an opportunity arise. He actually has several original scripts waiting to be turned into movies.
His filmmaking experience has been rewarding in Italy, where he made two significant movies. Sexocracy talks about politics and showbiz in Italy during the time of Silvio Berlusconi, which he wishes could be distributed here, as it has happened in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
There is also The Broken Crown, an indie film that showcases him in the lead role with supporting roles interpreted by known Italian actors.
Speaking of indie productions, Soriquez was able to act and direct in Saints and Sinners, a film that competed last year in the Filipino New Cinema category in the World Premier Film Festival for which he bagged the best actor award.
Soriquez speaks of how rewarding the experience was for him, as he was able to recruit established Filipino actors who were very supportive as they reduced their honorarium to an indie-friendly rate.
In truth, this has been the prevailing industry practice that ensures the existence of a thriving local indie scene.
On top of that, owing to the constant film festivals, indie films have the chance to reach the public at large, because they get shown in commercial venues. Indie films have placed the Philippines on the map in recent years as they do compete in the international scene, where some have earned top honors.
While he would like to produce more indies, Soriquez had to be on hiatus due to his busy acting schedule. He is currently one of the main cast of Dolce Amore, a teleserye that will be aired on Channel 2 starting February 15.
He hopes to join this year’s edition of the World Premier Film Festival, which is organized by Film Development Council of the Philippines, and he has other projects in store, including more indies and coproductions that will definitely see the light of day right here in the Philippines.