FILIPINO-ITALIAN – Is he an Italian actor? Who is he?
Questions televiewers asked when Ruben Maria Soriquez appeared in the ABS-CBN soap “Dolce Amore,” along with Cherie Gil, Matteo Guidicelli, and LizQuen (Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil).
Well, Ruben is Filipino- Italian. He was born and grew up in Italy, but has been living in the Philippines (Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna) the past few years with his Filipina wife (Lani) and young son (Kim).
This columnist had the pleasure of interviewing him last year when he was promoting “Of Sinners and Saints,” shown at the World Premieres, which gave Ruben a best actor award. He also produced, directed, and co-wrote with Alejandro Mirasol Ramos the movie, which won other awards in Honolulu, Los Angeles, and Berlin.
But needless to say, “Dolce Amore” made Ruben some kind of household face.
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RENAISSANCE MAN – Ruben Maria Soriquez is some kind of Renaissance man. Aside from producing, acting, and directing, he also writes songs and sings. And is part time real estate businessman.
Art is his love and passion.
He produced two horror films for international release, :Arachnicide” and “virtually Dead,” both on post-production stage and directed by Paolo Bertola, an Italian.
On the pipeline is a comedy, “Hurry Father,” sort of inspired by “Harry Potter,” where Ruben co-stars with Maribel Lopez and Leo Martinez. He’s looking for investors as the special effects of the film is very expensive.
He’s talking to Star Music for a possible recording of his own songs. Back in Italy, Ruben mounted concerts.
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MORE TV-MOVIE ROLES – “Dolce Amore” was such a pleasant experience that he hopes to work again with LizQuen, Matteo, and Cherie. Why not a sequel considering how well received “Dolce Amore” was. Incidentally, like Ruben, Matteo is half-Italian.
By the way, he got the “Dolce Amore” role upon the recommendation of Viva executive June Rufino, the manager of Cherie.
He was advised to learn Filipino better and Ruben is doing just that, taking up lessons in the language. That way, he will get varied roles. But some people find his Filipino and English with Italian accent rather “cute.”
Come to think of it, Ruben will be perfect in a contravida role as Mafia leader. Or comedy or drama making use of his Fil-Italian looks…focusing on his pleasant singing voice.
