Piolo Pascual is happy to graduate from "pa-pogi" roles, with no less
than a crime-thriller participating in the prestigious Cannes
International Film Festival marking his latest portrayal.
"Masaya ako, kasi it's something that I've always wanted to do,
something out of the box, something na hindi mo ini-expect, parang hindi
pa-pogi, para maiba naman," Pascual told ABS-CBN News shortly before he
left for France early Tuesday morning.
Pascual is attending Cannes this year as the lead star of a the Erik Matti-directed action flick "On The Job."
The Star Cinema production will hold its world premiere at the film
festival, as one of the selections of the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, or
the Directors' Fortnight, a section at Cannes held independently by the
French Directors Guild.
"On The Job" shows Pascual as a National Bureau of Investigation
agent hunting down a hitman on the run portrayed by actor Gerald
Anderson.
The Kapamilya actors are joined in the film by Shaina Magdayao, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez and Angel Aquino.
"We're so excited because it's bringing honor to the country. It's
not just about making a film, but also representing your country to a
big festival," Pascual said on Tuesday.
Pascual is thrilled to headline the project, which he sees as a departure from his usual heartthrob roles on the small screen.
"Lahat naman ng ginagawa natin we try to be different, para sa lahat ng role natin may ibang nakikita ang mga tao," he said.
He added: "Itong pelikula, sobrang off-beat, the audience will be
surprised, especially the Filipino audience, kasi hindi siya love story,
e."
"Talagang maganda 'yung pelikula. When I saw it, sabi ko, 'Wow, anglaking pribelehiyo para sa akin to be part of this film.' Talagang trinabaho ko 'to for so many years, para magawa ko rin, para makasama," he said.
"Kaya gusto natin humingi ng dasal, kasi lalahok tayo sa kumpetisyon, na may mauwing award, para karangalan sa bansa natin. Even walang mauwi, it's a blessing already to represent the country, to be part of a big festival," he said.
