Rafa declares his mom Bibeth (Orteza) a cancer-free
Coming from a clan whose members are highly respected in the industry can pose a very big challenge for Rafa Siguion Reyna.
Although he has the pedigree to show for it, he remains steadfast to make a name for himself and rise on his own merits.
In fact, he could be a multi-tasker who could juggle projects for theater, TV and indie films.
“I want to do at least two or three projects sa TV or sa movies a year. Iba rin kasi ang fulfillment if you act in front of camera compared sa stage,” he says.
Rafa plays an antagonist in Topel Lee’s “Baklad,” an entry to the 2nd TOFARM Filmfest.
“Parang may conflict lang kami ni Ronwaldo (Martin) na main character na nagiging pabaya dahil naiin-love sa karakter ni Elora (Espano). Parang ako kasi iyong lider ng mga fishpen boys na hindi boto sa ginagawa niya kaya may pagka-anti hero siya,” he describes.
According to Rafa, he doesn’t mind doing supporting and character roles.
He adds that “Baklad” is more than a coming of age story.
“It is a story about one of the most neglected people in the workforce, iyong mga fishpen boys o mga nagtratrabaho sa baklad. They give us the fish we eat everyday and yet, iyong buhay nila parang sa isda rin na nalulunod sa lungkot at hapis dahil hindi sila makawala sa kanilang sitwasyon,” he explains.
“Baklad” is related to farming but he admits that he has no experience in farming.
“Actually, it’s my Mom na mahilig magtanim ng plants at herbs. Noong nagka-kanser siya, naging hobby na niya iyong pagtatanim. It helps naman dahil naging therapy iyon sa kanya kasi hindi siya nagpopokus sa sakit niya,” he shares.
He also says that his mom, Bibeth Orteza, is already cancer-free.
“Mag-e-eleven to twelve years na siyang magaling. Wala nang nararamdaman. In remission. Nakatulong sa kanya iyong kanyang trabaho. Matiyaga kasi siya sa pagsusulat at even noong nagkasakit siya hindi siya nag-stop,” he declares.
He confides that his mom is currently in Singapore to act for an international theatre company.
Despite their hectic schedules, they still manage to find quality time for the family.
Rafa admits that he auditioned for a role in “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag:The Musical.”
“To be part of the cast would be an honor for me. It’s a classic Brocka although hindi pa namin alam ang magiging treatment niya,” he concludes.
“Baklad” also stars Ronwaldo Martin, Elora Espano, Hector Macaso, John Vincent Sevilla, Royce Cabrera, Raul Morit and a lot more.
