Ryle Santiago: No jealousy among Hashtags members

Ryle Santiago

Ryle Santiago insisted that there’s no jealousy among the members of the all-male dance group Hashtags.

“We travel together all the time and go through similar experiences,” Ryle said of his fellow Hashtags members. “We have grown close; we’re like brothers. And so we’re just happy for each other’s careers. If I could watch all their respective solo projects or attend their premieres, I would.”

Career-wise, this year has been a good one so far for Ryle. He has two regular shows; he’s snagging endorsements; and he’s set to make his big screen debut via the musical film “Bakwit Boys” by Jason Paul Laxamana, which is set for release later this year.

“And I’m determined to work hard so I could earn enough money to secure my future,” Ryle told the Inquirer after his contract signing as the newest endorser of the clothing brand BNY.

Learning never stops

Ryle admitted that juggling work and school can be a struggle. But despite the challenge, the show biz newbie has never considered putting his studies on hold.

“I’m the type of person who doesn’t want to stop learning; there’s always something new to discover,” said 19-year-old Ryle. “It’s hard to face the world without an education.”

Luckily, the actor and the people at the Meridian International College—where he is taking up Bachelor of Arts in Film—have agreed on putting together a more flexible schedule. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, he appears on the variety show “It’s Showtime” or shoots the afternoon soap “Asintado.” Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he attends classes.

Ryle, who’s into video blogging, said he doesn’t want to just act. “Someday, I would love to be involved in all aspects of filmmaking or television production,” he related. —ALLAN POLICARPIO