Check Out Riel Geli’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Riel Geli

Hi Riel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It’s an interesting prompt when you’re asked to briefly recount your story. Where do you start? Which parts do you leave out? Every story has a beginning, middle, and end yet my story hasn’t ended yet but here’s what you should know so far:

I’m from the Philippines. I was born and raised in Manila. I never really considered a career in the arts because I never grew up that mentality. I always enjoyed the arts but just considered it as hobby. I graduated with a degree in a BS Communication Technology Management with a minor in English Literature. It was only after I finished my undergrad studies that I decided to pursue acting so I’m basically doing a whole 180 degree shift in terms of career. I wouldn’t say though I was never into performing. Before I began acting, I was a dancer for most of my life. I would say for 8 years, I was an active dancer and performer. I was part of various dance troupes that led me to my passion for performing which ignited my desire to pursue theatre and film. Then I came to America in 2021 to pursue a career in acting on stage and on film.

That’s for the bio, here’s an insight into me:

I love movies, shows, and especially anime. It has been a big part me since my childhood. I love sports. I enjoy the competitiveness sports brings out of me. I love the ocean. I’ve grew up always visiting and swimming in the ocean since I could remember. I love movies. I’m a hopeless romantic who loves romcoms and romance movies. I love games. I could get lost playing a game I’m really into for hours. I’m a very curious person. I’m that person in the friend group who will ask the hard questions because for me, there is nothing wrong with asking questions. I love new experiences but enjoy a day in my apartment for some me time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I chose to pursue a career in acting. I strive to be the best actor I can be and it has only led me to a rough roads. To this day, it’s still a rough path to traverse. The moment I chose to pursue the arts it has been nothing but struggles. One problem after another and writing this, I don’t think I’ve reflected enough how much hardship I’ve gone through: leaving the security of an office job, moving to a foreign country without the comfort of having my friends and family around, and especially the culture shock and having to adapt to the ways of America. The problems never end.
But all those problems fail in comparison to the feeling of regret. I had gotten the opportunity to pursue my dreams and it would have been easy to say no to it, but what kind of life would that have been if I said no? In this pursuit of a career and education in acting, I have never felt more fulfilled, happy, and excited. I truly 100% believe I was meant to be an actor, a performer, a storyteller. Even if this road has been full of struggles, I have never felt so alived.
Another thing to add to the list of problems: I have a lot to learn about acting and performing, and a lot to do but I am more than glad to do it because I freakin love doing it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love performing. I love drama, especially romance, and I believe there’s always some form of catharsis for me whenever I do those roles or even just perform scenes for fun. I believe everyone experiences love and it’s very much relatable. I’m recently been leaning into comedy as well and the skills needed to be funny. Being funny is hard especially because it’s a lot more subjective. It is another form of catharsis as well. I love learning about these characters and just humanizing them.

The work I’m most proud of is a music video I did for a band back in the Philippines. It’s called Intertwine by Over October. It’s on YouTube and you should definitely check it out. It’s the one I’m most proud of because, even though it’s not a big production, it’s a production where acting and dancing ~intertwined~ and I love that it did. I also got a chance to work with one of the people I love in this world, and one of my closest friends, Iya Villaneuva. She is an amazing singer, actor, and performer. The fact that it’s also a love song is bonus in and of itself. I’m just really happy how that all came together.

It’s hard to tell what sets me apart only because there’s so many actors nowadays who are each unique in their own right. Here’s some skills I posses and it’s up to you whether or not that sets me apart:
I’m a trained hiphop and street dance dancer. I’ve also choreographed for various teams and performances. I’m a certified scuba and free diver. I’ve been diving since I could around the age of 11. I’ve been swimming since I’ve been a toddler. I also box in my spare time. I have a very high sense of body awareness because of my training and hobbies.
If those skills set me apart, then that’s your answer. If not, well I think you just have to meet me to get to know me a little bit more personally then.

How do you think about happiness?
I love spending time with my loved ones. Whenever we go out and go on an adventure, or even stay in and just hang out that makes me happy. I love spending time and working on myself too. Whether that be playing games or working out or even just learning a new skill. That, too, makes me happy. But I think I’m at my happiest, when I find the balance between the external and internal. I think whenever I spend too much time one one thing, I find myself feeling spent.

So what makes me happy? Well, a lot of things makes me happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rielgeli.com
• Instagram: @rielgeli
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13786398/

Image Credits
Michael Perfecto

Cathryn Farnsworth

Intertwine by Over October Music Video