Forever Papa Piolo

PIOLO Pascual says he wants his son to learn from his experiences. RODEL ROTONI

Hunky heartthrobs are a dime a dozen in local show biz.

But there could only be one Papa P. That’s Piolo Pascual, the model all aspiring glamour boys seek to emulate.

Papa P is more than just eye candy, though.

In ABS-CBN’s “Hawak Kamay” (weeknights after “TV Patrol”), he steps out of his comfort zone and sheds his matinee idol image.

The  success of  Piolo’s recent movie with Toni Gonzaga, “Starting Over Again,”  was some sort of a rebirth for him.

After all, the best way to mark a new chapter in his career is to tackle a role that’s  so “un-Papa P”?

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Piolo:

What  has fatherhood taught  you?

It has taught me to become more responsible, to have direction and a sense of purpose in life. I want to be a good example to my son Iñigo, so he can be a better version of me.

What advice have you given your son about show business?

I told him not to join show biz. It’s a cruel world, but it’s in his blood.

I told my son to make sure to separate the professional from the personal and to give his best in whatever he does.

What made you accept the series  “Hawak Kamay”?

It’s inevitable for me to do something that’s more grown-up.

I wanted to do something different. It was an offer that was hard to pass up because I wanted to work with today’s child superstars.

Tell us  about the uniqueness of your character.

This is the most unique character I’ve ever done because of the plot, the story, the  journey. As the story unfolds, the characters grow with you and the viewers learn with you, too.

What is the fulfillment of working with children?

Working with kids is very challenging. They’re raw and it’s  important to be sensitive around them.

You respond based on what they give you and you learn from them. Playing with them between takes keeps me young.

How do you handle the pressure of being  Papa P?

I don’t want to feel pressured by the Papa P tag. I just keep it real.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sleep, sweets, movies and occasional vacations.

What is your pet peeve?

Tardiness. I hate people who talk a lot … and people who are fake.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Staying in this business. I wouldn’t be here if I were not crazy.

When you reflect on your struggling days, what stands out in your memory?

Commuting. Auditioning and not getting the part. It has taught me a lot about humility and discipline.

How do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I’d be close to 50  by then. But I’d still be joining Ironman races. I’d be farming a lot. I’d be a family man. I hope I own my time by then.

If you could trade places with a world-famous person for a day, who would it be?

Chris Martin. I love the way he writes songs.

What’s the hardest part about being Piolo?

Lack of sleep. Sometimes people put a lot of pressure on me  … I get tempted to quit. But the challenges are nothing compared to the blessings. I try to stay positive and look at the brighter side of life.

Personal

Damo guid na salamat to my forever sis Shecky Mae Dalumpines for a wonderful reunion in Cebu.

Happy birth anniversary to Jane  Javier.