The Pamilya Sagrado actor explores complex roles with grounded introspection, exhibiting his penchant for characters that are far from simple
When you’re an established actor with a strong following, it can be a surprise when you continue to seek out roles that push you to your limits. For Piolo Pascual, this drive to tackle complex characters is not just a choice, but a necessity, keeping his craft fresh and his performances captivating. How else would you reel in a new generation obsessed with true crime? By diving headfirst into roles that are as twisted and tangled as a detective’s case file, the actor shows he’s more than ready to keep us all on the edge of our seats.
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Drawn to Complexity
When asked what draws him to these multifaceted roles, Piolo’s response is as thoughtful as his performances. “The fact that you’re able to think out of the box and come up with complex characters every time you take on a role is a privilege,” he explains. “It’s something I consciously take on because I want to challenge myself and think differently for each character.”
Preparing for such projects such Pamilya Sagrado, a gripping tale on the value of brotherhood and loyalty to one’s family, requires more than just reading lines. Piolo describes his process with a touch of humility and a truckload of dedication, meticulously dusting for fingerprints in a room full of red herrings. “I don’t get ahead of myself,” he says.
“I read the script, do a pass, and study it as I go along. I learn from what the writer writes, what the director tells me, and sometimes from an acting coach. My goal is to grow into the character, not rush to define him.”
– Piolo Pascual
No Method Acting at Home
Despite being deep into complex roles, Piolo Pascual is a master at clocking out, unlike the rest of us. He descends into twisted characters by day and leaves them behind closed cases at night. “At the end of the day, you leave it at work. You do a 9-to-5, or a 14-hour day, and you leave it on the set. I don’t take any characters home,” he states firmly. “You need that detachment to have your own time.”
The actor understands the importance of connecting with his fans through his characters. “Fans are vital for your survival in this business,” he acknowledges. “It’s crucial that audiences relate to your characters and identify with what you’re doing. You don’t want them to alienate themselves from you.” For Piolo, it’s about maintaining that reality check, like ensuring you don’t bring a crime scene home in your suitcase, afraid of evoking unsolicited investigations from your neighbors.
The Thrill of the Complex
The actor reveals the most satisfying aspect of portraying complex characters that go above the surface. “Aside from the pain? It’s thinking out of the box, not knowing where you can take the character, and playing with emotions you don’t usually deal with,” he says with a smile. “I love delving into these emotions.”
Each role contributes to Piolo’s growth, both professionally and personally. “I pick up bits and pieces from the characters that I can learn from and take with me,” he reflects. As for future roles, he has clear aspirations. “I want to do a biopic, portray characters that are messed up in their heads, and take on roles I haven’t done before. There’s still so much to explore.”
Playing characters that would make any crime analyst scratch their head, Piolo Pascual’s passion for the complex and convoluted keeps his audience hooked. As an actor drawn to tackling every emotion in the psyche, he always seeks out the next perplexing puzzle to solve. With each role, he not only entertains but also drags us into the depths of human experience, making sure we enjoy the wild ride right alongside him.
Photographed by RAYMOND CAUILAN. Creative direction by ANDREW ENCAPAS and CHLARINE GIANAN. 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) and DONNABEL MAGBOJOS (Piolo and Tirso). Written by SEAN CASTELO III. Photography Assistant SEAN GERVACIO. Editorial Assistant JOANA FERNANDO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Special thanks to DREAMSCAPE ENTERTAINMENT and STAR MAGIC
