From 'Dolce Amore' dad to global recognition: Ruben Maria Soriquez bags another US acting honor
By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- Filipino-Italian actor Ruben Maria Soriquez adds another international accolade to his growing list of achievements after winning an acting award in the US.
For many actors, landing a memorable role is already a career milestone. For Ruben Maria Soriquez, however, the journey has been about constantly reinventing himself, actor, filmmaker, musician, and now, once again, an internationally recognized performer.
The Filipino-Italian actor is celebrating another major achievement after winning the Award of Excellence in Acting at the 22nd Accolade Global Competition in the United States for his performance in the sci-fi horror film "The Mariana's Web," a project he also co-wrote.
In the film, Soriquez portrays Fosco, a reclusive farmer whose quiet existence is turned upside down when a mysterious woman unexpectedly enters his life.
While grateful for the recognition, Soriquez knows just how difficult it is for independent films to break through on the international stage.
"It takes a lot to gain entry," he said. "At the very least, you need to know some people willing to back your work. If not, you need lots of money."
The latest award is far from his first taste of international acclaim.
Soriquez is currently busy filming "A Secret In Prague," where he reunites with former "Dolce Amore" co-star Enrique Gil, who also serves as producer of the project.
"It's so nice to work with Enrique again," he shared. "Our work is light and easy, very chill."
Many still remember Soriquez best as Papa Roberto Marchesa, the warm and playful adoptive father of Liza Soberano's character in "Dolce Amore." The role endeared him to Filipino audiences and cemented his place in local showbiz.
But long before becoming a familiar face on Philippine television, Soriquez had already built a steady career overseas, appearing in international productions alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names. Among them was "The Last Resort," where he starred with Daisy Ridley and Sam Neill. In 2019, he also appeared in "General Commander" with Steven Seagal.
Despite his success in front of the camera, Soriquez admits he misses directing.
"I love acting, but it has been some time since I sat on the director's chair," he said. "I want to do some directing again. I hope it happens pretty soon."
There have been discussions about future directing projects, but nothing has been finalized. One challenge is his unique lifestyle, frequently traveling between the Philippines and Italy, where his family remains based.
"I would want them to be here, but my children are already in school and the transition would be very difficult for us," he explained.
Beyond acting and filmmaking, Soriquez continues to nurture another lifelong passion: music.
"I actually started as a musician before transitioning to acting and filmmaking," he said.
Whether he's acting, directing, producing, or making music, Soriquez proves that creative reinvention has become his trademark. And with another international trophy now on his shelf, it appears his story is far from reaching its final act.