Rafa Siguion-Reyna out to prove he's more than just a famous surname

Having famous parents makes it easy for children of showbiz royalties to gain access in the industry. But making a mark could be another thing.

Rafa Siguion-Reyna, son of director Carlos ‘Carlitos’ Siguion-Reyna and actress-screenwriter Bibeth Orteza, is the latest showbiz recruit out to prove he has more than just a famous surname to offer.

“'Yung una meron pressure, but eventually na-realize ko na nakakatulong talaga sa career ko na may mga magulang ako na matatanong kung masama or 'di maganda pakiramdam ko sa performance,” the 24-year-old actor told Yahoo Philippines recently.

Being the son of showbiz personalities isn’t Rafa’s only credential. He holds a degree in Communications (minor in Entertainment Business) from New York University. He also had previous acting workshops to hone his craft as an artist.

Working with Mom and Dad

Collaborating with his parents came early for the acting neophyte who recently starred in “Hari ng Tondo,” his dad’s directorial comeback which was in competition at the recently-concluded Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival (Directors Showcase). Bibeth wrote and produced the movie, while Rafa’s cousin, Cris Villonco, was among his co-stars.

"It’s very fun. 'Yung dad ko very professional yung relationship namin. 'Di ko akalain na wala siyang naging parent moment sa set."

Rafa added, "I enjoyed working with them, kasi when I was growing up, when I was learning about acting, ‘yung mga natutunan ko, ngayon ina-apply ko na sa trabaho ko. I know na what to expect from it. Hindi ako nahirapan actually.”

The Kapuso newbie (he’s a regular in primetime series “Niño”) conceded that his character in the movie, a sheltered kid who learned life lessons from his grandpa’s Tondo roots, is close to reality.

''Yun din ang main connection ko. 'Yun nga kasi if you live a privileged life, you can be sheltered.”

His character's struggle to fit in was familiar to Rafa, too—except that the community is far from Tondo.

"Nag-college ako sa US so first year ko do’n hindi pa ako naka-fit in. 'Yun lang ang main thing ko with the character. I wanted to experience the desire to be part of the community."

Proud dad

Carliitos took a break from his current teaching duties at New York University’s Tisch Asia School of the Arts in Singapore after a 13-year hiatus in doing films. And what better way to return than to make a film dedicated to his late dad, Leonardo?

The director said he has “high hopes" for his son in their family  movie.

"I think he’s natural and he’s a professional actor... very talented.”

The supportive dad also related that he could speak to his son on a professional level on the set.

"He took some workshops already. He has a foundation, has a technique. I could speak to him as professional director-actor and he’d get it, just like what I did with the others.”

The director filmed a number of notable movies in the ‘90s, including Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit (1991), Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin (1997), Ang Lalaki Sa Buhay Ni Selya (1997), and Kahapon, May Dalawang Bata (1999). His last movie was Azucena (2000).