Piolo Pascual not over romcoms yet despite ‘socially relevant’ roles

Piolo Pascual. Image: Instagram/@piolo_pascual

Piolo Pascual clarified that he is not closing his doors on doing romantic comedies, despite portraying different roles of various genres.

In an interview with reporters for a brand event, Pascual was asked if he felt that he has already “graduated” from doing future projects that involved love stories, in view of his increasing preference for “socially relevant” roles.

The actor is currently busy with the political drama “Pamilya Sagrado,” and will be starring in the upcoming film “Moro,” which will be directed by Brillante Mendoza.

“I don’t think I’ll ever graduate doing romcoms because genre natin ‘yun (it is our genre). Kinalakihan natin ‘yun (We grew up with it). No matter how old you are, you will always be a romantic. You can always do a love story,” he said in a brief interview on the sidelines of an insurance event in Pasay.

Piolo’s ‘privilege’

The actor considers his current projects as a “privilege,” saying he’s blessed to be living in a time where people are more open to talking about “socially relevant” issues.

“I guess I have the privilege of living in a time where there are a lot of issues that people want to talk about. I’m just really happy that I get to portray different roles that are socially relevant,” he said. “It’s because of the times and at my age, I get to at least diversify, to not necessarily choose, but it is what comes my way.”

Piolo Pascual (leftmost) with Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli at an insurance event. Image: Handout photo

While clarifying that his current roles were “offered” to him, Pascual said he’s happy to be living in a time where he can bring these kinds of characters to life.

“I don’t choose these roles, these roles are offered to me. I’m so happy to be living in this time and age where I get to have a glimpse of the things that have been happening now and give life to these characters,” he said.

When asked how he “stays fresh” while managing his tight schedule, Pascual said keeping busy keeps him motivated and passionate. “I just did shows in the States. The day after I left Baguio [for ‘Pamilya Sagrado’], I went straight to the US… and then I went straight to work when I got back.”

“It keeps me passionate about what I do whenever there’s a challenge,” he continued. “You don’t want to rest on your laurels so when challenges come, the more I’m excited and motivated to take them on, look the part, and prepare for it.”

Sharing lead a breather

Pascual admitted that one of the reasons why he took a hiatus from teleseryes was because of the tedious work they entail. But with Kyle Echarri and Grae Fernandez onboard “Pamilya Sagrado,” he felt that he is taking a “breather” from being the one to carry the whole show.

In the series, he will be sharing the lead with Echarri and Fernandez, which he welcomed.

(From left) Piolo Pascual, ABS-CBN COO Cory Vidanes, Kyle Echarri, and Grae Fernandez at a “Pamilya Sagrado” blog con. Image: Facebook/Dreamscape Entertainment

“It’s what I can call a breather for me. You’re not tasked to carry the whole show. It’s a burden off my shoulders because I [get to] see them grow and do their thing. I have time for myself,” he said.

“One of the reasons why I stopped doing soaps is the work and lahat ng scenes, nand’un ka. In this case, you share the lead with Grae and Kyle. I’m happy to see them grow in their craft,” he said.