Person Biography:
Roberto A. Suarez, also known as "Bobby", was born into a poor family and grew up in the Manila Boy's Town. Despite his humble beginnings, he was able to pursue his education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Far Eastern University while working as a janitor-messenger for Arthur Rank Film Distribution, Inc.
Suarez's determination and resourcefulness led to his promotion to various capacities within the company, eventually becoming the Assistant Sales Manager in 1963. Two years later, he joined Fortune Films as the Sales and Marketing Director, where he worked under the guidance of respected movie producer Gen. Mariano Peralta.
In 1968, Suarez ventured to Hong Kong to establish Intercontinental Film Distributors (HK) Ltd., where he showcased his innovative spirit and vision for the Asian film industry. He produced several Chinese version movies, dubbed them in English, and marketed them globally.
Suarez's close relationships with industry luminaries, including Sr. Don Antonio Isasi, Digby Davidson, Herb Fletcher, and Bobby Meyers, allowed him to hone his marketing expertise and learn the intricacies of movie production.
Returning to the Philippines in 1977, Suarez established Bobby A. Suarez Film (Basfilm) Production, Inc., where he produced and directed over two dozen movies, selling the rights to companies worldwide, including the notoriously difficult North American theatrical market.
Suarez has also written the story and screenplay for more than a dozen of his produced and directed films, earning him membership in various film industry organizations, including the Writers' Guild of the Philippines, Directors' Guild of the Philippines, and Writers' Guild of America (West).
Throughout his career, Suarez has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the Philippine film industry, including the prestigious European award for Asian movie producer and director, the Gregorio Valdez Memorial Award, and the Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award.
In addition to his film production and distribution companies, Suarez has also ventured into movie importation and established 21st Century Entertainment, Inc. and Platinum Multimedia Entertainment, Inc. Today, he serves as President of Basfilm Production, Inc., 21st Century Entertainment, Inc., and Platinum Multimedia Entertainment, Inc.
