Possibly the most popular teen actor—or actor, period—in the biz right now, Daniel Padilla has starred in top-rating television series and blockbuster movies and has released platinum-selling music records and top-billed hit concerts.
But can Daniel lure his multitude of fans into watching a historical biopic in the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), where fantasy, comedy and horror productions usually emerge as box-office royalty?
The young star’s uncle Robin and father Rommel, who’s coproducing—with Philippians Productions—the festival entry, “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo,” are hopeful that the inclusion of Daniel in the cast as a narrator will help them tap young moviegoers.
DANIEL Padilla
It seemed in this interview, however, that the 19-year-old wouldn’t take any such pressure.
“Our goal is not to make money—that would be a bonus. We weren’t thinking about how much we’d make while filming; we were very focused on creating something inspiring, something that would impart wisdom,” he said in his nonchalant drawl, when the Inquirer asked if he thought he could pull off what is apparently expected of him.
“We want to shake viewers’ minds,” Daniel—in a green crew neck, sunglasses on—quickly added, before passing the microphone to his father, who jested, “Coaching time, eh?”
Inevitable
When the conversation (inevitably) veered toward a recent controversy involving him, screen partner Kathryn Bernardo and “Bonifacio” costar Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Daniel sighed, chuckled and said: “I knew you were going there!”
A few months ago, an audio recording—which reportedly had the actor expressing enthusiasm over an exchange of text messages with a girl, whom netizens assumed was Jasmine—circulated online. This sent the most zealous and vicious of KathNiel love team fans into ranting and bashing sprees in social media.
What happened, Daniel admitted, disappointed him, especially because his family was likewise dragged into the fray. “This is why I don’t like social media,” he pointed out. “It was sad that all these young people were talking like they knew the whole story.”
Getting messy
“’Yung iba nagmamarunong at masyadong maraming alam,” Daniel said, adding that he doesn’t usually get affected by the negative things said about him online. “They’re good—this time they got to me. We’re here to make people happy, but it seems that things are just getting messier. They like making a big deal out of little things.”
Would Daniel like to appeal to those who continue to insult Jasmine and fight with her fans? “I’ve tried many times, but some of them wouldn’t stop,” he replied. “I hope we can all just enjoy the film. Kung ayaw nila, eh ’di huwag.”
There have been reports that Daniel and Kathryn are already in a relationship. Teased by writers that it was Rommel himself who confirmed the news, Daniel turned to his father and cracked, “Did you? It’s not the right time!”
Seemingly trying to dodge the question, Daniel stressed that only he can confirm the real score. “’Di pa nga puwede. Let’s wait. Time is… money,” he said, laughing.
(apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph)