“I WANT my son to soar on his own,” says the 37-year-old Kapamilya star
Actor Piolo Pascual, at age 37, is ready to quit acting. “I’d like to to do other things. I was burned out at one point. I wanted to spend my time with my son, take vacations, but couldn’t because I was tied up at work,” explained the star of ABS-CBN’s newest series, “Hawak Kamay.”
Piolo started his career in 1994 via the youth-oriented show “That’s Entertainment.” In 1996, he left Manila to live with his family in the United States but returned a year later to pursue acting once again.
His screen partnership with Judy Ann Santos became a hit in the early 2000s, with all their four films earning millions at the box office. In 2002, Piolo took on the role of Jules in “Dekada ’70,” which earned him eight Best Supporting Actor awards.
In 2009, he produced and starred in “Manila,” which premiered at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival in France. He returned to Cannes in 2013, this time in the cast of “On the Job.”
Piolo has been saving up for his future since he started working. “I’m aware that no one can stay on top [forever]. I’ve long prepared myself for that. I want to enjoy life while I still can, physically,” he told reporters during the launch of the “Brighter Life” campaign for Sun Life Financial, of which he and son Iñigo are endorsers.
The actor said he hoped to venture into other businesses “or join triathlon events.” He added: “Though show biz is my passion, I’m not afraid to leave it. It has eaten up too much of my time already. I recently renewed my contract with ABS-CBN. I don’t mind being a Kapamilya for two more years as long as I have one day off in a week.”
So deprived
Doesn’t he want to grow old in the biz like his idol, Eddie Garcia? “I wanted that when I was younger. Now I have other goals. I’ve saved enough for a lifetime. I didn’t like having no time for my family or for myself—no time even to go out on dates. I felt so deprived,” he stressed.
When his 16-year-old son expressed interest in joining the business, Piolo said, he felt confused and indecisive. “He was 13 or 14 when he gave me a personalized Father’s Day card. He asked if he could try out show biz, for just a year. My thinking then was, if he experienced what it’s like to make his own money, he might not want to stop. I wanted him to finish high school first.”
PIOLO Pascual (left) hopes that son Iñigo will not be an overnight sensation, so that he will appreciate the hard work
Piolo didn’t allow Iñigo to work until the endorsement for Sun Life Financial came along. “This was too hard to pass off. Even for Iñigo’s first movie, ‘Relax, It’s Just Pag-ibig,’ my condition was for him to do the movie but not promotional interviews or press conferences. I didn’t want him to be asked questions that he might not be prepared to answer. He’s still a minor. I was just being a protective father.”
You’re starting to sound like a stage father already.
Once he turns 18, I will leave him to decide for himself. The more you control your kids, the more they become rebellious. You can do only so much. I don’t think I will be a career stage father. I want him to soar on his own.
Is it true that Iñigo is joining a boy band in the United States?
I can’t elaborate on that until it’s final. The group is still auditioning more boys. I didn’t agree initially, but then it was pointed out to me that it’s for an international gig. The boys will get free lessons on voice, acting and dancing. The parents won’t have to pay for anything. I said I’d pull him out if it got in the way of his education.
How did you describe show business to Iñigo?
He comes with me to work sometimes. He knows about the long hours. Once, I asked him, “Gusto mo pa rin ba?” I also oriented him on press interviews and comments on social media sites that were oftentimes unbearable.
I got to read his interview with Esquire (magazine), which will be published soon. I remember saying the same things in my interviews 20 years ago: “I want to act. I want to perform.” I remember being shy and insecure, but wanting to share my talent with the world. I was aware of the importance of being popular, how it would affect my chances of landing bigger and better roles. Hindi ko pinasok sa ulo ko ang pagsikat. Now I can say whatever I’ve achieved is all because of hard work and discipline. That’s what I always tell my son. Also, I want him to still keep his life private, even when he ends up being popular.
Your climb to the top was difficult. Would you allow Iñigo to experience the same thing?
That’s what I hope for him. Sana ’di siya overnight sensation lang. I hope he goes through the process so he can appreciate his work. I kept him away from show biz because I wanted to save him from having to deal with bashers. With the advent of social media, there’s no controlling them anymore.
I will not deny him the opportunity to be his own person. I want him to discover for himself what he really wants; although I don’t think I’m ready to work with him in a project. I really hope he finishes school first. I want him to be smart, to be able to talk with substance. I want him to have a [back-up plan]. If he wants to go to college, I will support him even more. I’ll be the happiest father in the world.
“Hawak Kamay,” also features Iza Calzado, Nikki Gil, Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Andrea Brillantes and Yesha Camile. It premieres tomorrow, Monday.
Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph.