It is no surprise that many producers are still eager to bank on Piolo Pascual.
He is still quite the hunk at 46.
But if you are among those eager to simply cast him as a dreamy-eyed romantic lead, think again.
Piolo is now picky with roles.
He said, “I think for the last two decades that has been the challenge for me: To get out of that image, how people know and perceive me.”
So what role or character is he looking to portray nowadays?
“Nothing specific really,” Piolo answered. “I just want something different from the usual, something that many wouldn’t expect from me.”
He found this in “Mallari.”
“This project is it,” Piolo maintained. “Reading the script and finding out about the character I’m going to play got me excited.”
“And it is actually something scary. I’ve never ever done this type of thing.”
A horror outing inspired by true events, “Mallari” has Piolo playing the role of a priest.
But not just any priest.
Mallari is considered the first Filipino serial killer.
“This is the kind of role that you want as an actor,” Piolo added. “Something that presents a huge challenge. Realizing the magnitude of the character made me think: ‘Can I pull this off?’ I know it is going to be really hard for me. Physically exhausting, emotionally draining.”
That he is actually playing three roles in a story that spans decades adds to the challenge.
“But I’m up for it and I’m happy to be given this privilege.”
At the helm of “Mallari” is award-winning director Derick Cabrido, from a script by Enrico Santos.
The film is produced by John Bryan Diamante, Mentorque Productions.
