Reflecting on his upbringing, Piolo Pascual recalls the deep-rooted respect he held for priests during his time in a Catholic society and school. They were revered as the guiding figures, with the Rector serving as a pillar of authority. Weekly Masses at school and Sunday services at the church further reinforced the influence and representation of the clergy.
Intriguingly, Piolo reveals a childhood dream that once consumed his thoughts. At the age of 18, he attended the Parish Renewal Experience (PREx) seminar, where he had a profound conversation with a priest. Filled with aspirations for a simpler life, Piolo confided, “I wanted to be a priest. I thought it would make things easier.”
However, fate had different plans. The priest advised him that to pursue the priesthood, he would need to be a college graduate or return to college to study theology. Undeterred, Piolo later embraced Christianity and sought counsel from his pastor, hoping for an alternative path as a pastor.
To his surprise, his pastor recognized the unique qualities Piolo possessed and urged him to remain in the realm of entertainment, declaring, “No, we need people like you in show business.”
Thus, Piolo’s dreams of donning the sacred vestments of priesthood or becoming a pastor faded away, and the vibrant world of acting embraced him instead.
In an intriguing twist, the A-list actor takes on the challenging role of a Catholic priest harboring a dark secret as a serial killer. Titled Mallari, this horror thriller is directed by Derick Cabrido and produced by Mentorque Productions.
After exploring Mallari, reading the script, and uncovering the authenticity behind the character he will be playing, Piolo discovered that the film is based on a real-life story. Intrigued by this revelation, he took the initiative to research Mallari further.
“I have a great fondness for supernatural horror films and enjoy watching them. These stories have been passed down through generations and are based on extensive research. It’s the enchantment of cinema that truly captivates me, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing the magic unfold during the filming process,” the 46-year-old actor alluding to his decision to do a horror film for the first time.
“This is going to be really hard for me. Physically exhausting, and emotionally draining. I’m portraying three roles but I’m up for the challenge and I’m happy to be given the privilege to be acting in this film. It’s quite an interesting story,” he carried on.
The film promises to immerse audiences in a spine-tingling journey. With hopes of securing a coveted spot in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival in December, this film is poised to captivate viewers with Piolo’s riveting portrayal of a conflicted Catholic priest-turned-serial killer.