December 26, 2024 | 12:00am
In the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) official entry “The Kingdom,” Piolo Pascual essays the role of an outcast farmer who is shunned by society but becomes an unlikely hero in the kingdom’s quest for change.
He stars along with Vic Sotto who plays Lakan Makisig, a ruler wrestling with his own legacy while his kingdom faces upheaval. The family action-drama is directed by Mike Tuviera and produced by MQuest Ventures Inc, M-ZET TV Productions, and APT Entertainment Inc.
In an earlier interview with select press, Piolo disclosed that although he didn’t feel like an “outcast” when he was just starting out in showbiz, he did feel insecure because he “wasn’t favored.”
“I mean you could say that (outcast) back in ‘96. When I was launched in Star Circle Batch 3, I didn’t necessarily feel like an outcast but I felt that it wasn’t yet my time. I was insecure. I know I wasn’t favored because mas nabigyan ng break yung iba,” he recalled.
But he was persistent. He went to the United States to further hone his craft, underwent acting workshops and did weight training.
“So when I came back, ABS-(CBN) signed me up, mas iba na yung pakiramdam because, you know, I have a home. Since then, since ’98, I’ve never looked back. ‘Di ko na naramdaman na outcast ako because laging may project eh,” he said.
“Tapos alam mong laging nandiyan yung, back then talent center pa with Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) and Tita Mariole (Alberto) na talagang who stood as my parents so I felt really guided by them.”
The perennial leading man has been gracing the Philippine cinema and TV screens for more than 20 years. He considered his acting projects, “Dekada ‘70,” “Lagarista,” as among his career highlights.
“And then, I guess, my love team with Juday (Judy Ann Santos) because that made me become mainstream,” he continued.
The actor as Sulayman ‘Sulo’ Tagum, who is also a son of a disgraced Kalasag or Royal Guard.
“And (also) signing with ABS-CBN because I was able to do more work and grow as an artist, as an actor, as a performer. And being able to not just act but sing as well.”
Piolo and Juday first collaborated in the teleserye “Esperanza.” More projects came in later, including, “Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka,” “Bakit ‘Di Totohanin,” “Till There Was You” and “Don’t Give Up on Us,” to name a few.
“And another milestone I would stay is ‘Starting Over Again,’ (which was) 10 years ago. (That was the time) when I thought I was gonna quit showbiz because I was already contemplating on retiring or shifting to another job, going back to the States. But when ‘Starting Over Again’ happened, I had to shift gears again and just stay and yeah, and then ‘Mallari.’
If he didn’t pursue acting as a profession, Piolo would have been in the real estate business. “I’ve been doing real estate here and in the States. I don’t think I’ll leave showbiz totally because this is really my passion. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to act. I’ve always wanted to do something different (like) role play. So I guess I was being stupid and dumb when I thought of retiring or (being) just tired and burned out.”
Piolo and Judy Ann Santos first collaborated in the series, ‘Esperanza.’ More projects came in later, including ‘Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka,’ ‘Bakit ‘Di Totohanin,’ ‘Till There Was You’ and ‘Don’t Give Up on Us.’ Juday, like the actor, also has an MMFF entry this year, ‘Espantaho.’
With his prolific acting career and more blessings still pouring in, Piolo is “humbled by all the things that come my way.”
“Being able to last this long in this business and still stay active is such a blessing. But it entails a lot of hard work and humility also. (And) I guess commitment. You know, I’ve been committed to my job ever since I started so it always comes first. So I try to give it my best kasi yun nga, it’s (showbiz industry) been good to me,” he reflected, adding that he maintained his humility through his faith.
“I guess the way I was raised and also the mere fact, the mere thought that all these things come from above, He can always take it away from us… All these things that come my way or have been given my way, I’m grateful for it. But at the same time, hindi naman yun yung pinanghahawakan kong material eh. I’m just happy because I got to enjoy the blessings of the Lord and being able to share it,” he said.
“The Kingdom” also stars Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Sid Lucero, Ruby Ruiz, Iza Calzado, among others. It is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
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