Rafa Siguion-Reyna: Finding recognition beyond his surname
Having celebrity parents makes it easy for one to gain access in the industry but making a mark is a different story.
Rafa Siguion-Reyna comes from a long line of showbiz luminaries, starting with his grandmother Armida Siguion-Reyna.
The son of director Carlos ‘Carlitos’ Siguion-Reyna and actress-screenwriter Bibeth Orteza, also counts respected theater actress Cris Villonco and singer Irma Potenciano.
Given his lineage, many would think Rafa feels he needs to live up to his family of achievers.
“Hindi ako pressured kasi deep down in my heart I know that I really just must work hard to make a name for myself,” he said.
Rafa had no qualms accepting anything and everything offered him just to hone his craft.
“Anywhere na I can act, sing or dance (tinatanggap ko) kasi I’m really very serious about my career. Kahit indie, theater or sa TV tatanggapin ko kasi I think I need that to become a fullfledged artist on my own,” he said.
He may not consider himself the most talented and most good-looking actor around but Rafa maintained he is the most hardworking.
“Gusto ko makita nila na nagtatry ako. I have to keep going kahit minsan merong bad days,” he said.
If things don’t pan out for him, Rafa has other options.
Rafa holds a degree in Communications (minor in Entertainment Business) from New York University and he said, he just might try and pursue a career as director or producer someday.
He tried his hand at it, recently, producing a show-date of the popular musical “Rak Of Aegis.”
He shared, “It was stressful but I got fulfillment from doing that.”
Rafa is giving himself 10 years before letting go of his acting dreams.
“I believe that I still have to learn a lot. I need pa to experience more,” he said.
Whereas young celebs seem increasingly dazzled by showbiz and the promise of money and popularity, Rafa sets an example by being both a dreamer and a realist.
“The money I save I put it in business din pero kasi you want to invest your money on something that you are passionate about,” he said.
Rafa feels more at home in theater compared to appearing on TV and in movies.
“Sa theater kasi ’yung actor ang nagdadala ng buhay sa stage eh. Iba kasi talaga ’yung experience na you will be bringing story to life on stage,” he explained.
He is currently cast in the musical play “La Cage Aux Folles.”
Working on the play is a huge challenge for the actor, especially since his role requires some dancing .
“Siguro iba ang dedications ko dito. Kailangan malandi ’yung katawan. Malambot. Kaya ayun medyo nakakasakit lang ng lower back,” he said.
Rafa isn’t bothered playing a drag queen.
“I just want to show na I can play different sides,” he said.
“La Cage Aux Folles” runs until September at the RCBC Plaza, Makati City.