Pamilya Sagrado’s Piolo Pascual, Tirso Cruz III, Kyle Echarri and Grae Fernandez take their leading man status to the next level
What does it take to be a leading man? In its literal sense, having one’s name top bill the credits of a film or series defines it. While that does good to one’s career, especially when the actor proves so through his skill, it is not the be all and end all to cement his effect. Think of the ideal leading man status as a suit—structured yet resilient, comfortable yet professionally apt. Tailored to be timeless, in other words. It is a fact that Tirso Cruz III has understood, Piolo Pascual is living, and Kyle Echarri and Grae Fernandez are learning as they play their roles in Pamilya Sagrado.
If the gentleman title were a piece of clothing, it would be a suit—evolving its codes through time, and yet with that charm of timelessness. As the ever-reliable armor of a leading man in every sartorial battle, the four figures leading the newest ABS-CBN series don the piece in ways that reflect their journey as the country’s leading men of their generation.
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Printed Polish
Patterned and printed suits add more character to what others consider as a staple piece in one’s wardrobe. When one has lived his life playing multiple roles, it is no surprise that this style fits him like a glove. For Veteran actor Tirso Cruz III, layering his printed suit over some graphic inner wear maintains his decades-long head turner status.
With more than 50 years of entertainment experience under his belt, Cruz has carried the leading man title for so long. Starting out in the industry as a singing matinee idol, he found his footing in acting. And in the limelight, the five-time Gawad Urian actor has stayed.
Before the likes of the love teams today, the 70s saw the rise of Pip (Tirso himself) and Guy (National Artist for Acting Nora Aunor). Eventually, Tirso went on solo flight as his roles evolved from a leading man to a father figure—in fiction and reality. Today, he plays Jaime Sagrado, the patriarch of the esteemed family in the series.
Dapper Ruggedness
The truth is, the rugged feel never loses its appeal even in the suit department. Suits are the new leather jackets of a glam rock style, especially when you’re on the go and on the run like Piolo Pascual. Bring this edgy look of yours to your daily affairs and appointments without sticking like a sore thumb by opting for a loose and breathable top under an oversized piece. Finish it off with that layered neck bling to front that off-duty-but-still-cool persona, one that the actor easily slays.
This ruggedness is comparable to Pascual’s journey as an actor. Known today as one of the finest men in Philippine showbiz, Piolo has a story on passion and persistence. Going back and forth to dabbling in theater and variety show throughout the years, he honed his skills in singing and acting through those fields. In time, “Papa P” of ASAP’s The Hunks was born. But before his stable life as an actor, he exposed himself in odd jobs as an ER representative and even as a security guard in the US.
Let not his chiseled visage or toned physique fool you. Pamilya Sagrado‘s Rafael is not just looking his part—he has always been working for it no matter how difficult his journey is.
Modern Tailoring
Maintaining the form of the shoulders and the boxiness of the sleeves, the contemporary iteration of the suit is relaxed yet structured. Taking on the trend of basic minimalism, Grae wears the outerwear an all-black ensemble with a side stitch embellishment. Cool, quiet, and composed, the actor gives truth to the statement, “You are what you wear.”
If we’re talking about succession, Grae Fernandez takes it literally with his bloodline. But if he did use this to his advantage, he wouldn’t have been climbing the ladder of the industry with his own limbs. With Rudy and Mark Anthony Fernandez as his grandfather and father, respectively, the leading men gene can be claimed as hereditary. But that is not the ultimate case for Pamilya Sagrado‘s Justin.
From his child actor and Gimme 5 boy group days, he slowly but surely took on roles in the industry—all because of his maturing skill and not merely because of the Fernandez in his name. During the pandemic, he quietly left showbiz momentarily to further hone his craft in New York. Now that he is back, Grae is ready to claim his place that he is rightfully earning. Who ever said that Gen Zs do not know the concept of grit? This modern leading man proves otherwise.
Graceful Edge
While the suit was originally made for the gents, it wouldn’t be as timeless as it is without the touch of flowy, feminine codes. From silk and satin lapel elements to draped innerwear, these fluid forms are perfect for modern men like Kyle Echarri. Never one to intimidate himself by the dichotomy of what’s male and female in fashion, the Pamilya Sagrado actor plays around with his personal style with pride, confidence, and flair. At the end of the day, what is fashion if not a fluid and creative expression of oneself?
Beginning his mark in show business as a musical artist, Kyle Echarri’s voice was his first gateway to the industry. In a way, one cannot be a successful singer—or at least skilled one—without authenticity and honesty. That’s Echarri’s edge as a young man who is in touch with his emotions. From his heartfelt covers as a contestant in The Voice Kids, he eventually recorded songs of his own. Eventually, he channeled his feelings into acting. Using his personal experience of loss, love, and life in his craft, he is the face of the contemporary leading men who bares their feelings as a sign of their passion for who they love and what they do.
The Succession
The suit is an heirloom of sorts, just as how the leading man status can be passed on from one generation to another. As Tirso, Piolo, Grae, and Kyle prove, the succession does not happen overnight. There is a journey behind each actor and his craft, and they are worth wearing on their suits’ sleeves.
Read the stories of our Pamilya Sagrado leading men in the upcoming days.
Photographed by RAYMOND CAUILAN. Creative direction by ANDREW ENCAPAS and CHLARINE GIANAN. Multimedia Artist TROY NONATO. Styled by TON LAO, assisted by EL CALMANTE, BERNA ARENAS, CHESKA DUMATOL, and SOS LOPEZ (Piolo); GEE JOCSON, assisted by JASON MAGO and ANGELO VASALLO (Tirso); AARON MANGSAT, assisted by CARVEY SAMONTE (Kyle), and DAVID MILAN (Grae). Grooming by DEXTER GONZALGO (Grae and Kyle), MYCKE ARCANO (Kyle), and DONNABEL MAGBOJOS (Piolo and Tirso). Written by CHLARINE GIANAN. Photography Assistant SEAN GERVACIO. Editorial Assistant JOANA FERNANDO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Special thanks to DREAMSCAPE ENTERTAINMENT and STAR MAGIC
