Expectant dad Paul Soriano gets real

PAUL Soriano and wife Toni Gonzaga

Filmmaker Paul Soriano is obviously excited about becoming a first-time parent with wife Toni Gonzaga.

“I’m very much looking forward to fatherhood,” Soriano told the Inquirer. “I’ve always wanted to have a child, and I am so thrilled for my little boy, who’s arriving soon.”

Toni is currently on her third trimester this month, he related. “Toni has been the best—she’s given so much importance to the little one and is doing everything she can to make sure he comes out healthy and strong. I’m proud of her,” he said.

Another baby

Another much-anticipated baby in Paul’s life is his latest film, the action-thriller “Dukot,” currently in cinemas.

Like his previous films, “Thelma” and “Kid Kulafu,” “Dukot” is inspired by real-life events. But unlike those two films, the action in “Dukot” doesn’t revolve around the sporting world, but concerns a true-to-life kidnapping case.

Paul explained: “Most of my films are based on true stories, because I get stoked by the truth and thrive in tales that are real and honest. Capturing the truth on camera is very challenging. This motivates me more when I create the narrative.”

PAUL Soriano (left) directs Enrique Gil on the set of “Dukot”

For “Dukot,” the quest for the truth literally started close to home. Paul recalled that he first heard of this case over seven years ago. “A neighbor was abducted, but he was miraculously rescued five days later.”

The director interviewed the kidnap victim and his relatives three years ago. He endeavored to depict the family’s ordeal as accurately as possible. “But I promised that I would never reveal their identities because the case is still classified, and some of the kidnappers are still at large.”

Paul’s aim is to create awareness and spark discussion on the effects of crime on an ordinary family. “Only high-profile cases are highlighted these days,” he pointed out. “We must give importance to criminal cases and work hard to ensure the safety of every Filipino.”

The film’s theme turned out to be timely, in light of President Duterte’s campaign against crime and scalawags among men in uniform. “It’s quite relevant since the new administration is quite firm and decisive in attaining peace and order in our society,” he noted.

He admitted that collaborating with seasoned actor Christopher de Leon, who plays a kidnapper in the movie, was a “dream come true.” “On the set, I kept telling myself: ‘One of the best actors in Philippine cinema has agreed to tell my story!’ It was a humbling experience working with him. I learned a lot.”

Directing screen heartthrob Enrique Gil, who portrays the abductee, was similarly fulfilling.

Paul recounted that Enrique first auditioned for a part in “Thelma” five years ago. “At the time, he wasn’t as fluent in Filipino as he is now. I’m glad that I finally got to work with him. Enrique was my first and only choice.”

He is thankful that the young actor’s handlers in ABS-CBN made this partnership possible. “It’s in the network’s best interest to permit its actors to explore their craft. Enrique has always been itching to do something different.”

The biggest hurdle was working around Enrique’s hectic taping schedule for the nightly soap, “Dolce Amore.” “One time, Enrique went straight to our set upon his arrival from Italy [where some scenes of “Dolce Amore” were shot]. He was amazingly committed to the film.”

Enrique went the extra mile for the role, Paul volunteered. “No matter how tired he was, he gave his all. Off-camera, he stayed in character. He kept his hands tied up even when the cameras weren’t rolling. He stayed on the set, even though it wasn’t necessary. He wanted to observe and absorb everything.”

CHRISTOPHER de Leon, PAUL Soriano and Enrique Gil