This could be a very meaningful Christmas for Piolo Pascual, one of the country’s most eligible bachelors of this generation. Recently, I was invited to the launch of his SunPIOLOgy 2010, a calendar that features his breathtaking photographs which he randomly captured during his trips in different parts of the world. The big catch here is that the proceeds of the calendars will go to his very own Hebreo Foundation, which he founded along with his siblings to help poor children go to school. The foundation partnered with Sun Life Financial Philippines to come up with this limited-edition calendars that are now available in all Fully Booked! outlets.
During my casual chat with Piolo, I discovered many things about him that amazed me. I never realized that aside from acting, hosting and singing, he developed this rare talent of visual poetry though his photography. I was also impressed on how he’s been so close to his family especially to his mom, and of course, his son Iñigo. As Christmas draws near, I asked the hunk actor of his own countdown for the season for this week’s unique High 5 list.
1. One ultimate Christmas wish
Piolo has been so blessed with a lot of things in life. Being one of the most bankable actors today (which can be converted to millions of pesos) and a successful film producer, I couldn’t think of any other material things that he would want to ask for Christmas. I was right. All he asks is for a simple Christmas dinner with his entire family. He is off to the US this week to spend an early Christmas with Iñigo. After which, he will come back home to spend it with his siblings. “Last year was my unforgettable Christmas because I spent it with my son and other loved ones in the US. This year, I hope to do it again but I have to be back here on Christmas Day with the rest of the family,” he says.
2. Two special people to spend Christmas with
Without a blink of an eye, Piolo replied with conviction: “My son and my mommy Amy.” He believes that spending it with these two most important persons in his life would make Christmas far more memorable and enjoyable, especially if this is the only time of the year when he gets his long break. Unlike most of us who spend our long vacation many times in a year, celebrities have abnormal vacation schedules. For Piolo, a seven-day break would already be long enough to savor it. “Christmas is a time to relax. I’m always looking forward to it,” he smiles.
3. Three best places to spend Christmas
Different countries have their own way of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. When I asked Piolo of the three places where he wants to spend Christmas, it took him quite a while to ponder on. His first country of choice is the United States since his son lives there now. “My son studies in the US and I’m always excited to visit him there,” he says. Fresh from his hit teleserye Lovers in Paris, Piolo’s second choice is Europe. As seen in his SunPIOLOgy calendar, most of the photos were taken in European cities such as Paris, Normandy and Zurich. I was convinced how he really loves the panoramic sights of Europe. Lastly, he believes that no other countries can ever match the Christmas celebration in the Philippines. “Iba pa rin ang Christmas dito sa Pilipinas. Walang katulad.” Well said, Piolo.
4. Four Christmas gifts he first bought
Many people have opted to buy gifts even before the malls got crowded for holiday shoppers. Good for them because they avoid the Christmas rush and cramming that I consider so uncomfortable. Piolo himself has done that by buying gifts every time he travels abroad. In fact, the first four gifts that he has already bought are the portable DVDs for his barkada, a digital camera for a close friend, an iPod headset for another friend, and a bag (he refused to name the brand) for a very special girl friend. When I asked him if it’s for a showbiz friend, he only looked at me, smiled and teasingly replied, “Secret!” Well Piolo, I knew it!
5. Five dishes in the Noche Buena table
It has been a tradition to fill up the dining table with food during the Noche Buena feast, the most anticipated dinner of the year for the whole family. This year, Piolo will spend it with his siblings: Chiqui, Paulette, Pam, Choi and Patricia. The Pascual family’s Noche Buena table will be filled up with fruits, fruit salad, pasta, cakes, and his favorite gelatin, which one of his sisters prepare every year. I’m happy to know that they like sweets as much as I do. I know there are more than just the sugary treats in their Noche Buena table but I guess Piolo got stuck to his favorites when I asked him for just five!
SunPIOLOgy Benefit Exhibit is ongoing until Dec. 18 at the Art Hall of the Enterprise Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Online bidding for his photographs is also ongoing at www.sunpiology.com until Jan. 12, 2010 (Piolo Pascual’s birthday). For your comments and views, you may e-mail me at high5.harold@gmail.com.
by: Manila Standard Today
Leave a Reply