JUST A THOUGHT: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams
* * *
FINDING HIS NORTHERN LIGHTS: Amid talks that he and actress Shaina Magdayao are ‘’in really good terms,’’ Piolo Pascual held back in either admitting or denying their romantic relationship when the subject turned to finding one’s northern light, metaphor for the light of love.
The scene was at the media launch of the actor’s new film, Northern Lights (Journey to Love), wherein Piolo explained how the theme of the film connected to the phenomenon known as the northern lights, scientifically called aurora borealis.
Northern Lights talks about a father’s efforts to reach out to a long-lost son. It is the light of love that he has been longing for all along.
Produced by Piolo’s own company, Spring Films, in cooperation with Regal Films and Star Cinema, half the film was shot in New Zealand.
“We worked with a crew composed of Australians and New Zealanders, who were all very professional,’’ Piolo said.
* * *
LOVEMAKING IN COLD WEATHER: TV director Dondon Santos, who debuts as a filmmaker by way of this film, said they followed strict work hours, according to local labor laws.
‘In freezing temperature,’ added Piolo.
One of their most difficult scenes, according to the actor, was a love scene (with debuting film actress Yen Santos) in an open field in very cold weather. Televiewers remember Yen as the talented actress on teleseryes All of Me and Pure Love.
She impressed Piolo through her performances on the two shows that he immediately thought of casting her in this film.
* * *
FINDING A CONNECTION: The film reminds of the same father-son relationship between Will Smith and real-life son Jaden Smith in the Hollywood film, Pursuit of Happyness. Santos explained that he found inspiration in the real life story between Piolo and his 19-year old son Inigo, who for a time were separated from each other.
Piolo said he immediately found a connection with the project the moment it was pitched to him. ‘I have never done a role like this before.’’
He also thanked ‘’Mother’’ Lily Monteverde and Roselle Monteverde for partnering with him in the film’s production. Northern Lights, opening March 19, also stars Maricar Reyes, Raikko Mateo, Tirso Cruz III. (NESTOR CUARTERO)