Piolo Pascual is happy to take on a role closest to his heart, that of a father. (Photo by Xavier Solis)
IT IS every actor’s desire to try something different and new—and not to be boxed in one role.
For multi-awarded actor Piolo Pascual, it’s both a challenge and a breath of fresh air to offer something that is away from his usual leading man
persona. For the first time, he’s portraying the role of a father on the big screen.
“As an actor, it is always a responsibility to do something that you have not done before, so when the director pitched the project to me, I said yes,” said the 40-year-old actor during the movie’s press conference held at Cebu Parklane International Hotel last Friday.
With his new movie “Northern Lights: A Journey To Love,” which he co-produced, he will finally take on a role that is closest to his heart, that of a father connecting with his son.
Directed by Dondon Santos, the heartwarming movie veers away from the often tackled journey of a mother and gives viewers a father’s perspective as he sees his son for the first time in years. It will also tell the story of how he eventually learns to forgive himself and find true love.
“It looks into the point of view of a father. The whole story isn’t romantic comedy. The movies I’ve done, they always focus on the journey of a couple or a girl, as far as I’m concerned. This is going to be my first time to tackle this kind of role,” said Piolo.
Piolo said the scene of the first meeting of his character, Charlie Sr. and his son was one of his most memorable parts of the film.
“When I was doing the scene, I couldn’t explain what I was feeling. It’s something that you will only know when you are there. And seeing my son for the first time, iba ‘yung pakiramdam. It’s not something that you are prepared for and you can never prepare for it,” he said.
“I guess that was the same feeling the first time I saw my son,” he shared as he looked back on the same real-life encounter he had with his 19-year-old son Iñigo.
He shared that his love for his craft and the respect for what he does, has pushed him to co-produce the film with Regal Entertainment and Star Cinema.
“At least there is that certain sense of ownership. I have so much love for my craft and respect for what I do, so just wanted to be more involved in the process so I can learn as well, as a producer,” he said.
He added that the film is an original story written by Onay Sales, inspired by the true story of a relative of director Dondon.
“It’s all a matter of facing your fears, and all your issues in life to experience love one more time. And the movie is really timely now because a lot of parents go away, they don’t get to choose a life with their kids, and kids even have to deal with broken family,” said Piolo.
Titled “Northern Lights,” after the hemisphere’s phenomenon Aurora Borealis, the movie is set in Alaska. It also features young actress Yen Santos, who is starring in her first film, and child actor Raikko Mateo.
“Northern Lights: A Journey To Love” will open in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, March 29.