Piolo Pascual, at 47, isn’t just looking youthful and fit—he feels reinvigorated. The actor, known as the country’s top heartthrob, recently shared how a pivotal moment during the pandemic reignited his zest for acting and life. Speaking at a press event for his series Pamilya Sagrado, Pascual revealed that the lockdowns led him to take risks with roles, such as playing a serial killer in Mallari and Padre Pedro Pelaez in GomBurZa, as well as exploring new ventures like musical theater with Ibarra.
Reflecting on a time when he considered quitting the industry before turning 40, Pascual said a personal revelation changed his perspective. “I was humbled by the Lord, realizing there were still many projects I could do… I wanted to quit while I was on top, but I realized I had more to give.”
His renewed enthusiasm led him to dive into diverse roles, and his performances have garnered critical acclaim. Pascual doesn’t choose projects with awards in mind, but his work has earned him recognition, including an Aliw Award for Ibarra.
Beyond Pamilya Sagrado, where he plays Rafael Sagrado, Pascual shared his excitement about continuing his career with even more dynamic roles. “I’ll never stop creating content… I want new concepts and ideas that we can champion.”
Reflecting on Real Life Fiction, a film exploring mental health during the pandemic, Pascual noted how it mirrored his own struggles. “I didn’t want to stay idle during the pandemic… I didn’t want to deal with those [disturbing] thoughts.”
Pascual’s journey of self-awareness also extends to dealing with personal challenges. “I tend to be my own ‘contravida’ sometimes,” he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding others by placing himself in their shoes.