Export any Filipino talent to any part of the world and they surely shine.
Take the case of Russell Siayngco, a Filipino actor who started in the local entertainment industry in the 1990s as part of the late director Rusty Sangalang pool of talents.
If you are familiar with names such as Julio Diaz, Lito Gruet, Raffy Romillo, Teddy Marquez, they were the quadruple cast of a GMA Network afternoon youth-oriented drama titled "Kats" in the 1080s with the late Sangalang at the helm.
No, Russell wasn't part of the show but later, he would be discovered by Rusty to make up one of his stars in the stable of talents with Marlon Manze.
Russell was able to do several movies and television programs.
Eventually, Siayngco, rooted in Tacloban City, left the country to migrate to New Zealand but still carried with him the dream and passion to become a popular actor.
"I really wanted to make it in show business. I really wanted to be an actor," revealed Russell in an online interview recently.
In NZ, Russell never left a stone unturned to realize his pursuit of acting.
While holding on to day jobs, he took chances in filmmaking as an actor.
Initially, he passed an audition to star in a big screen historical period drama about World War II that tackled the war lives of American military General Douglas MacArthur and Japanese Emperor Hirohito.
The film "Emperor" was a Hollywood production that starred Tommy Lee Jones.
"I played a Japanese soldier and it was quite an experience," happily said Russell.
He was able to clinch the role through an agent Down Under.
"My agent brought me to an audition and I passed it," he added.
Then he was chosen to play an important part in a Philippine-New Zealand co-production represented by Reality Entertainment MM Studios and the Philippine Embassy in NZ.
The movie is billed "Runaway" which featured stage, television and film actor Audie Gemora, beauty MJ Lastimosa and a host of other Filipino and foreign actors directed by Katski Flores ("Still Life," "A Beautiful Affair," "Precious Hearts Romances," "Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin," among others).
"I was informed that the film is being bought by a foreign production," disclosed Russell.
In April, Siayngco's new film "Hold On" will be shown in Auckland.
"Hold On" stars, aside from Russell, Rene Molina who also directed the film.
"It's a family drama," quipped Siayngco.
According to him, Filipino-Kiwi joint film ventures are flourishing in New Zealand.
"Acting is a dream come true for me," assured Russell.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews