Why Piolo prefers working nonstop: I’m a sucker for good stories

Scene from “Real Life Fiction” —PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEN17P

I just don’t want to be idle,” said actor Piolo Pascual, who is promoting the big-screen project, “Real Life Fiction,” even while he is still in the process of finishing his thriller-drama TV series “Pamilya Sagrado.”

“I find it hard to say no to the offers that have been coming my way like when I said I wasn’t going to do soaps anymore and then Tito Deo (Endrinal, business unit head of Dreamscape Entertainment) pitched ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ to me. If I didn’t agree to do it, then I would have to carry that regret for the rest of my life,” said Piolo. Edrinal passed away in February 2024, shortly after greenlighting the series that also features Kyle Echarri and Grae Fernandez.

“I don’t want to pass up on projects that I feel have potential. I’m a sucker for good stories. Work for me is just a matter of planning and scheduling. My movies are being released one after another because I haven’t stopped working, even during the pandemic lockdowns,” the actor pointed out.

Piolo still has one more film that’s targeted for release before Christmas, titled “The Ride,” also with Kyle. “We’re almost done with postproduction work. We want to release it because Kyle is growing up. We might not recognize him in the film anymore. Hopefully, it gets picked up by a streamer. We’re still trying to negotiate with some of them. Our Spring Films currently wants to focus on streaming for now, because it’s safer. With a theatrical release, you’re still at the mercy of the box office. Once you get to sell a film to a streamer, you will get your money back and you’ll be able to produce more movies,” he said.

Abyss of an actor’s mind

His latest movie, “Real Life Stories,” started screening in SM cinemas on Aug. 28. It is written and directed by Paul Soriano and also stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith. The film, with all the dialogue spoken in English, dives into the abyss of an actor’s mind as he loses bits of his sense of self after years of being one of the most celebrated personalities.

Piolo plays Paco, an actor with an illustrious career who decides to write, direct and act in a film that will inevitably bring him closer to his own demise, before revealing that his truth may be far from what he has become. Paula (Jasmine) is Paco’s on- and offscreen muse, blurring the lines between what’s real and what’s not. The movie sheds light on the psyche and limits to which actors push themselves and the people around them to find brilliance in madness.

“We shot this during the pandemic. When Paul pitched it to me, we were at a point in our lives where we were unsure about what would become of all of humanity. It made it easier for me to relate to my character, Paco, just by looking at Paul. I don’t want to give away too much. I also don’t want to say that he wrote this film as a homage to his 40-year-old self—only Paul can confirm that, but for me, this is a reflection of a person’s character, of the issues that he wants to face head-on,” said Piolo when asked to explain his character the way he understood it.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith (left) and Piolo Pascual during a talkback after a special media screening of “Real Life Fiction” —PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEN17P

Relatable

Meanwhile, Jasmine said it was easy to relate to Paula. “With her, it’s almost so simple that she comes as the actress playing the roles in Paco’s films, but at the same time, she also has her own personal problems. She has these conversations on the phone where you’re not really sure who she’s talking to or texting with. It gives you glimpses into that,” said Jasmine.

“My understanding of Paula is that she’s a very open person when it comes to exploring the industry. She wants to be a part of something that’s not just going to be a professional project, but at the same time, supporting Paco. For me, it was easy to understand because I’m that kind of actress—I want to try new things, to explore new roles.

“It was clear to me that Paula and I have almost similar personalities. All the lines that she lets go in the film, when it comes to addressing her problems with Paco, are also some things that I apply in my own situation as an actor,” she explained.

‘Work was a breeze’

Working on “Real Life Fiction” was a breeze, said Piolo. “Since we shot this during the lockdowns, an entire hotel became our movie set. We weren’t allowed to leave. It’s good that we were able to really focus on our characters. We were a small team, but everyone was excited to work, even in the midst of the pandemic,” he added.

Jasmine agreed with Piolo and said: “There was nothing about the filming that was difficult. If anything, it was just getting used to the fact that this was our new normal in terms of shooting. Everything was indoors. We weren’t complaining—it was a beautiful hotel. Actually, this press conference is definitely the most difficult part because we get asked questions and we want to make sure to deliver the right answers.”

“Real Life Fiction” is produced by TEN17P, Viva Films, Spring Films, and distributed by Black Cap Pictures.