Ruby Ruiz | Image: Instagram/@rubyruizzz
Following her Hollywood debut with the series “Expats,” veteran Filipina actress Ruby Ruiz is set to grace the big screen next through the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “The Kingdom,” and upcoming Hollywood movie, “First Light.”
In a quick chat with INQUIRER.net during the recent opening night of the 27th French Film Festival, Ruiz shared that they have wrapped filming for “First Light,” and it’s slated for a release next year.
“It’s going to be launched next year. I’ve already done my VTR. We’re done filming, and I think they are already done with the editing. It was an incredible experience,” she said.
“First Light” is Filipino-Australian James J. Robinson’s directorial debut and will mark Ruiz’s first major screen role. It will follow the story of an elderly nun who is forced to confront the mired ethics of an institution she has dedicated her life to following the death of a young construction worker. The film also features Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez, and Soliman Cruz.
Despite her excitement for her next Hollywood film, the multi-award-winning actress said that her experience with “Expats,” alongside decorated actress Nicole Kidman, is still unmatchable.
“Pero para sakin still ‘yung pinaka-ano ako [memorable] is the ‘Expats,’ not just because it’s with Nicole Kidman. Of course, that’s a big factor. It’s not everyday that you get to work with an A-list Hollywood actress, who’s very good. Also because ‘Expats’ is run by women. A woman director, Lulu Wang, the cinematographer, the producers. When we were doing it, it’s dominated by women. I was just fortunate to be part of it,” the actress said.
Raving about Vic Sotto
Meanwhile, Ruiz is also looking forward to being part of this year’s MMFF, where she shared that she will participate in all the festival activities, including the parade, as she is very happy with her character.
“Talking about The Kingdom, first of all, I’m so grateful that I’m part of it. It’s a really good project. It’s relevant. It’s a fictional but madaming analogy, from the history to the present. I love my role as a punong babaylan, a very strong woman, which dates back even pre-Spanish. We come from very strong leaders,” she stated.
The 63-year-old actress also shared her experience working with Vic Sotto, who is one of the lead stars of “The Kingdom,” alongside Piolo Pascual.
“I love to work with him again. He’s such a great actor. First time ko siya maka-trabaho at dito hindi siya comedian (it’s my first time working with him, and here, he’s not a comedian). I have more respect for him now, especially as an actor. Because hindi siya (he’s not) mediocre or anything. He’s really a good actor, and I mean it,” she expressed.
“Aside from being a good actor, ang bait niya (he’s kind). Mabait siya sa lahat (He’s kind with everybody). Lalo na sakin (especially to me). Hindi naman ako showbiz na showbiz (I’m not a showbiz person). I’m not a famous actor, but he treats me with so much respect, and I love that; that’s why I wanted to work with him again, either in comedy or drama, anything,” added the actress.