Piolo Pascual

Since last year, Adolf Alix Jr. has been talking with Piolo Pascual about an indie film that would pay tribute to two of the most influential directors in the Philippine movie industry: Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal. The matinee idol liked the indie film so much that he chose not only to star in Manila but also serve as a co-producer. The script is co-written by Adolf and Ramon Sarmiento.

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) interviewed Adolf regarding this twin-bill indie film that will be shot on 16mm black-and-white film before being transferred to 35mm. Titled Manila, this two-part movie is divided into a Day episode (which is loosely based on Bernal’s 1980 film Manila By Night) and a Night episode (inspired by Brocka’s 1979 film Jaguar).

Why did you choose to do Lino Brocka’s Jaguar and Ishmael Bernal’s Manila By Night?

“Raya and I feel that the themes of both films are still relevant,” explains Adolf. “Both films also speak of how cruel the city can be to people…its also about men trying to belong and reconcile with their past.”

In the Day segment, Piolo portrays the role of William, a drug addict who tries to rebuild his sense of self and reconnect with the people around him. Piolo’s character is named William in honor of William Martinez who played the lead role in Manila By Night. The Day segment also stars Jodi Sta Maria and Rosanna Roces who is tapped to play the role of Piolo’s mother.

Isn’t Piolo afraid of playing a drug addict in this segment?

Adolf says, “I think Piolo is ready to do such roles. It’s exciting for his craft. A good actor will always be ready to sink his teeth into exciting roles. With him being one of the best actors of his generation, it will be interesting [to see] how he will do it.”

How is it like working with the matinee idol?

“He is very professional. He listens and knows what he is doing.”

Will Direk Adolf modify his directorial style for this movie or will he be emulating the style of Lino Brocka? “I’ll be shooting it based on the demands of the material. I wanted a gritty feel for the film,” he says.

For the Night segment, Piolo portrays the role of Philip, who works as a bodyguard for a mayor’s son. The bodyguard believes that his boss considers him as part of the family but after a shooting incident, he realizes his real worth to his boss. As he struggles to hide, he is slowly consumed by the claws of darkness lurking the city.

Piolo’s character is named after action star Phillip Salvador who starred in Jaguar, the Brocka masterpiece that was the first Filipino film included in the main competition in the Cannes International Film Festival.

The matinee idol acts opposite Alessandra de Rossi in the Night episode, which also stars Jay Manalo, Anita Linda, and Jiro Manio.

Adolf reveals why he chose Alex for this part. “When I co-wrote Munting Tinig, I’ve seen how good Alex is as an actress . I have always wanted to work with her, now as a director and when we were casting for the role, Alessandra perfectly fits the role.”

Manila is scheduled for release within the year.

by: Jocelyn Dimaculangan of PEP.ph
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
04:41 PM

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AFTER the blockbuster success of “A Very Special Love” and “For the First Time,” Star Cinema is all set to shoot its next sure hit. Tentatively titled, “Land Down Under,” the Rory Quintos movie will star “Lobo” pair Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin.

“Land Down Under,” said Quintos, is an old concept which the producers feel will fit the stars well. Its primary hook, apart from its beautiful stars, is its setting: the cowboy world of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Piolo and Angel play lovers. “But then she goes to the northern territory of Australia where she becomes engaged to an Australian ranch owner. Piolo arrives and they continue their romance,” Direk Rory related.

After being paired in a teleserye, the director promises to show the two in a different light. “They will be more adult,” she assured.

Fans will also see the two do more action scenes, as their roles entail them to learn to ride a horse, lasso and catch cattle.

Right now they are training under Vittorio “Vic” Barba, a known fashion designer and riding instructor.

“Bibili na ata ng kabayo si PJ,” grinned Angel. “I’m enjoying it. Actuallynalaglag ako pero sakay uli. Awa ng Diyos wala namang nabaling buto.”

“Land Down Under” will bring the cast to Pasugong in Malaybalay, where they will stay for almost a month. Then they’re off to the remote Darwin in Australia. “The grocery is three hours away,” said Direk Rory. “We’ll sleep in sleeping bags.”

Dimples Romana, AJ Dee, Erich Gon-zales, Nash Aguas, John Manalo and Ricky Davao are also in the movie. Slated release is November 12, the culmination of Star Cinema’s 15th anniversary.

by Malaya Entertainment

Hindi pa man naipalalabas ang first movie together nina Regine Velasquez at Piolo Pascual na Paano Kita Iibigin ng Star Cinema at Viva Films ay nami-miss na agad ng dalawa ang bonding nila sa shooting. Kung meron daw mami-miss si Piolo kay Regine ay ang pagiging totoong tao ng Asia’s Songbird. 

“If there’s one thing a lot of people don’t see is ‘yong napakasimple niya. ‘Pag hindi na nakaharap sa kamera, o hindi na kumakanta, si Regine napakasimpleng tao. You know, ‘yong personality ino-open niya sa hindi pa niya alam. ‘Yong hindi mo dyina-judge ‘yong tao. Tsaka napaka-down to earth niya. Hindi siya nagpi-feeling superstar. Lahat ng tao trini-treat niya fairly,” papuri ni Piolo sa kanyang leading lady. 

Unlike Regine na admittedly is very, very happy with her lovelife, loveless pa rin si Piolo. 

“So far, parang hindi pa dumarating ‘yong second chance sa akin,” sabi ng matinee idol. “Wala pa. Hindi naman ako masyadong pihikan, busy lang siguro talaga ako. Wala akong time for love.” 

Natatakot ba siyang magmahal muli, lalo pa’t balitang naudlot ang panliligaw niya kay Rica Peralejo? 

“Siyempre natatakot din ako,” pag-amin ni Piolo. “Siguro mahirap din ‘yong all out ka sa pag-ibig. But you know, I’m looking forward to it. 

“Ako, roller coaster ‘yong sa estado ng puso ko ngayon because ang hirap, first of all, kumawala sa character. Secondly, ang hirap ng buhay artista dahil nga ‘pag nakasakay ka na, bigla kang aalis. Napakahirap bumitiw. Napakahirap mamuhay nang diretso, lalo na lagi kayong magkasama, lagi kayong nagkikita. 

“Pagkatapos noon, magkaiba naman kayo ng buhay. So, ang hirap, ang hirap po. So, if you ask me, malalaman ko lang siguro pagkatapos ng pelikulang ito. So for now, hindi ko ma-define,” palaisipang pahayag niya. 

Kung papipiliin si Piolo between hold on and let go pagdating sa usaping pag-ibig, pinili ng aktor ang let go. 

“Hindi ko rin alam, kung bakit, e. ‘Yon lang po ang masasabi ko. Takot lang po siguro ako. At habang tumatanda ako, lalo akong natatakot,” aniya. 

“Pero hindi naman siguro ako aabot ng 35 [years old] nang wala pa tayong partner. Siguro I’ll just be doing muna my work. But I’m really praying so hard na sana dumating tayo sa point na alam mo ‘yon, dire-diretso na and start my own family too—in God’s time.”

by: Julie Bonifacio

PIOLO PASCUAL is certainly not just a pretty face. Since he headlined “Lagarista” in 2000, he has been winning acclaim from critics and trophies from many award-giving bodies. Among his many career highlights is the coveted grand slam of the best supporting actor award for his absorbing performance in “Dekada 70.” In “Milan,” he ran away with the FAMAS best actor award.

Over the past few years, Piolo has quietly become one of the hottest-selling recording artists in the country. He has also conquered the concert stage starting with his 2004 solo debut “My Gift” and succeeded by “Heartthrobs” back-to-back concert with Sam Milby.

Piolo is seen again with Claudine Barretto in “Walang Kapalit.” He plays Noel who finds himself unwillingly falling for his stepsister Melanie. Piolo proves that underneath the image of a multi-media star lies a true actor.

On the big screen, Piolo is paired for the first time opposite Regine Velasquez in the big drama event of the year, “Paano Kita Iibigin.” The project almost took three years in the making due to numerous revisions and finalizing who will direct it. Finally, the directorial task was given to Bb. Joyce.

by Remy Umerez of People’s Journal