Evolving Ronnie

Last  February 23, 2010,  during the fifth Spain-Philippines Forum held in Barcelona, one of the invited Filipino panelists was respected Filipino actor Ronnie Lazaro. Together with four other Filipino speakers, he shared his thoughts on the state of the Philippine film industry and the possible cooperation between the Philippines and Spain as far as strengthening and increasing cultural exchanges through filmmaking   is concerned.

In his speech, Ronnie enumerated  ways on how to effectively and efficiently strengthen the ties between the two countries:  develop an  exchange program involving Filipino and Spanish film students, in-house filmmakers from both countries, invite and organize workshops and exchanges among actors  and  film collaborations that would highlight historical and cultural ties between the Philippines and Spain. This is achievable with the support of the Spanish government through Instituto Cervantes in Manila which has been active in promoting the Spanish culture among Filipinos.

Mr. Ronnie Lazaro with our correspondent Nathaniel Sisma Villaluna during the 5th Tribuna España-Filipinas

After the forum, Ronnie Lazaro sat with Ang Bagong Filipino for a short interview.

ABF: They say that the Philippine film industry is dying, do you think there is still a way of saving it?
RL:    It is evolving at this time.

ABF: Educating the  Filipino filmgoers is one of the ways that may save the industry, do you think are we there yet? Where are we right now in this aspect?

RL:  Mahabahabang panliligaw ang kailangang gawin especially the producers sa ating manunuod. Matagal-tagal din kasi natin silang niloloko.

ABF:  If your life were made into a film, what would the title be?

RL:   I have never thought of this. Hahaha.. Okay, now I have a title: The Making of Ronnie Lazaro.

ABF:   Who or   what is your greatest inspiration?

RL:   Being a human being.

ABF:  How do you see yourself 10 years from now?

RL:  Earning millions from all the investments I did with my career.

ABF: What is your most favorite film (s) of all time?

RL:  Since time is still moving, I will tell you when it stops.

ABF:  And your most favorite film(s) that you were involved in?

RL: Oro, Plata, Mata, Heremias, Yanggay and Anino.

ABF:  Three things that you can’t live without?

RL:  My wife, my son and my work.

ABF: How would you describe “Ronnie Lazaro”?

RL:  EVOLVING.

Evolving, definitely he is. Ronnie Lazaro is one of the Philippines most dependable, prolific and critically acclaimed actors of his generation. His important works include  Oro, Plata, Mata,  Ataul for Rent, Utang ni Tatay,  Ebolusyon ng isang Pamilyang Pilipino, among others.    He has also been part of several soap operas.  He won an  Urian Award best actor for the movie “Yanggaw” in 2009.  He is currently working on his new film “Baryo”. Photo and text by Nathaniel Sisma Villaluna