Piolo Pascual in scenes from “Pamilya Sagrado.” Images: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications
Piolo Pascual has been known for being the good guy in film and television. But what caught his eye about the “villainous” Rafael Sagrado, his character in the drama “Pamilya Sagrado,” is his internal battle between good and evil.
The political drama marks Pascual’s teleserye comeback after “Flower of Evil.” In “Pamilya Sagrado,” he portrays the role of Rafael Sagrado, a corrupt governor expected to continue his family’s political dynasty.
“Playing a corrupt politician is something I haven’t done before. It’s like walking on eggshells because ayaw mong masabihan na may pinapatamaan ka (you don’t want to be told that you’re making a jab toward someone). Because at the end of the day, it’s fictional,” he said at a press conference for the series.
Touching on his portrayal, the actor said he wants to be careful in bringing his character to life while making sure it’s a fateful reflection of society.
“We’re trying to be careful but at the same time, we want to mirror society as if it’s happening nowadays. At the end of the day, I’m just an artist. I’m just a talent who wants to personify a character,” he said.
On being the ‘bad guy’
Pascual then touched on his friendship with the late Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal in the media conference, saying the drama was one of the latter’s final projects before his death in February 2024.
“If I turned it down, it would be my biggest regret in my life after what happened with Tito Deo,” he said of the drama. “Taking on this character is a responsibility to do something na hindi pa napanood ng mga tao (that viewers haven’t seen before).”
The actor also hoped his portrayal of Rafael wouldn’t be about being the “bad guy,” but it would open the possibility for “redemption.”
“[Rafael’s story] is about redemption… Over time, makikita mo ang pagbabago niya bilang tao (you will see him changing as a person) as a politician and a father. It’s quite challenging so why not do it?” he said.
“I brought him to the darkest time so he would fall deeper. I really want to make him as human as possible,” he added.
Other lead characters include Grae Fernandez, who stars as Pascual’s onscreen son, and Kyle Echarri.
Also part of the cast are Tirso Cruz III, John Arcilla, Joel Torre, Mylene Dizon, Rosanna Roces, Shaina Magdayao, Aiko Melendez, Daniella Stranner, and Jeremiah Lisbo.