Piolo Pascual: I’m happy being with Shaina

“I don’t want to preempt [love],” said actor Piolo Pascual of the reason he refused to discuss the real score between him and fellow Kapamilya artist Shaina Magdayao.

Piolo claimed Shaina was the girl “closest” to him at the moment. However, he added, “We have both decided to keep quiet about what’s really happening. Sa amin na lang muna ’yon.” Shaina split up with John Lloyd Cruz in October 2011; Piolo and KC Concepcion ended their relationship a month later. “Shaina and I click,” Piolo shared with reporters during a media gathering for his latest film,  “Starting Over Again,” which premieres Feb. 12. “I’m happy when I’m with her. We have something special right now. We’ve been friends for many years. If there’s any girl I’m closest to right now, it’s Shaina.”

Finding time

Piolo said their relationship “grew deeper” when they worked on Erik Matti’s action-thriller “On the Job,” released in 2013. “That was when we really had the chance to go out. We also got to spend a lot of time together when we went to Dubai recently for ‘ASAP,’” he said, adding that another project with Shaina was in the offing. “She’s young, but already very professional. She can still accomplish a lot of things as an artist; that’s why I don’t want to rush her.”

For a reason

The 37-year-old also admitted that he was “attracted” to his “Starting Over Again” leading lady Toni Gonzaga when she transferred from GMA 7 to ABS-CBN in 2005, but did not act on it. “It was because Toni was just new in the business and making a name for herself. Juggling time for family, work and a romantic relationship would have been very difficult for her.”

Piolo Pascual

Piolo added, “I’ve always admired Toni. As to whether I regretted not pursuing her, I don’t dwell on it anymore. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I guess this issue has resurfaced because we have a movie coming up. We all know that, for many years now, she’s been with Paul (Soriano, film director).”

After starring in OTJ, which tackled serious subjects like crime and corruption, Piolo said it was refreshing to do another romantic-comedy. He explained, “I didn’t think I could do another rom-com, but I fell in love with the script [of ‘Starting Over’] the first time I read it. The story is not superficial; in fact, it’s very realistic. That’s what immediately attracted me to it.”

Irresistible factor

He added, “That Olivia Lamasan is directing it made it irresistible. I have so much respect for her as a director.” Piolo first worked with Lamasan in the romantic drama “Milan” in 2004. 

“How this film will fare in the box office is no longer important to me. Making it was an experience I will never forget.”

“Starting Over Again,” with a script written by Carmi Raymundo, also features Iza Calzado, Joross Gamboa, Edgar Allan Guzman, Cai Cortez, Bryan Santos and Beauty Gonzales.

Why Piolo Pascual won't settle down yet

MANILA -- Piolo Pascual brought up a "promise" he made to his son, Iñigo, in explaining why he has opted not to settle down yet at 36.

 

The actor, dubbed the country's "Ultimate Heartthrob," said he intends to devote his attention to his only child with his former non-showbiz partner until he comes of age.

 

"Of course. Gusto ko po sana bago ako mag-40," Pascual said an interview on "Showbiz Inside Report" aired Saturday, when asked whether he still hopes to start a new family.

"[Although] I'm at an age na pwede na, not a lot of people know na I promised my son, when he's 18, that's the only time na magko-concentrate ako sa magiging future ko with a family," he said.

 

Piolo Pascual (right) and son Iñigo gamely pose for this photo taken by the actor's long-time assistant Hatima "Moi Bien" Marcampo and posted on her Instagram page

Iñigo, who is based in California with his mother, is turning 16 on September 14. "So I'm giving myself four years [to settle down]," Pascual said. "I'm 36. I'm not getting any younger."

 

Asked how he feels about being a single dad, Pascual said, "Okay naman. Minsan hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na mayroon akong anak na 16 anyos."

"Kasi feeling ko, parang binata pa naman ako. Pero may anak na ako. Pero ang sarap ng pakiramdam," he added.

 

Pascual has said that while Iñigo is based in the United States, he maintains constant communication with him and makes frequent visits there. In an interview in February, the actor said he also remains civil with Iñigo's mother, who updates him on their son's education.

 

Now that Iñigo has expressed interest in joining showbiz -- Pascual would only allow him to go full-time once he turns 18 -- the actor said he tries "to set an example."

 

"You have to make things right for him. Para, at least, you know na 'yung susundan niyang yapak is hindi siya maliligaw," said Pascual, who is approaching his 20th year in showbiz.

Pascual is currently doing promotions for his latest film, the crime-thriller "OTJ," which premieres on August 28. He is also filming a Star Cinema movie with actress Toni Gonzaga and director Olivia Lamasan.

Piolo out, Sam in as 'Kimmy Dora' leading man

MANILA -- Piolo Pascual will no longer be joining the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) as a lead actor, with Sam Milby replacing him to act opposite Eugene Domingo in the third entry to the "Kimmy Dora" film franchise.

The 36-year-old Pascual opted to pass up his role in the Chris Martinez-directed prequel to the comedy series, citing his packed schedule leading up to the annual film festival in December.

 

The Kapamilya star will nonetheless remain as one of the project's producers under Spring Films, which is also behind the last two "Kimmy Dora" installments.

Talent manager Erickson Raymundo, Pascual's co-producer, explained that constraints in schedule, considering the actor's ongoing commitments, forced him to "beg off" from the project.

 

"He can't do the movie anymore because of his schedule kasi may ginagawa rin siyang mga pelikula ngayon. So meron kaming mga kailangang habulin schedule at hindi na siya nagma-match, so nag-decide naman kami to allow him not to do it na rin," Raymundo told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday.

 

 

 

Pascual, who is currently engaged in promotions for the internationally acclaimed film "On the Job," is also busy filming his first big-screen project with actress Toni Gonzaga.

Raymundo likewise clarified that Spring Films, which is co-producing the "Kimmy Dora" prequel with ABS-CBN's Star Cinema, was not penalized by the MMFF committee for the change in casting.

 

He explained that while they sought to make adjustments in Pascual's schedule "up to the last minute," the film outfit was still able to formally submit the changes ahead of the festival organizer's deadline.

 

'Pressured' Sam

Milby, meantime, admitted he feels "pressured" to be tapped as replacement for Pascual in the film. The 29-year-old actor's part in the project will mark his first starring role in an entry to the MMFF.

 

Speaking with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday, the "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala" star nonetheless expressed confidence in the film's success, citing the box-office performance of the first two entries in the series.

 

"Syempre excited ako at kinakabahan. Exciting at medyo nakakatakot din. May kaba, but of course this is a... syempre 'yung success ng first two, nakakatulong talaga 'yun.

 

"I mean, 'Kimmy Dora' is already established and people really loved it, accepted it. Ako rin, I'm a fan, so I think that will also help a lot for this third sequel," Milby said.

He added that his participation in the project fits right into his schedule, citing the nearing conclusion of his primetime series co-starring Judy Ann Santos.

Milby said he also anticipates a seamless working relationship with Martinez, who will also direct him in a Viva Films production.

 

Shake-up

The recast in the "Kimmy Dora" prequel is the latest shake-up among the entries participating in the 39th MMFF.

Since the eight competing films were unveiled in June, several entries have undergone changes, including the Kris Aquino-produced bet "Torky and My Little Bossing."

Co-produced by OctoArts, MZET and APT, the fantasy-comedy film originally had Joyce Bernal attached as director.

 

As per MMFF rules, a participating director can only helm one competing project.

Bernal, who was also identified as the director of the Robin Padilla-starrer "10,000 Hours," also one of the eight entries, eventually picked the action-thriller to take up.

The production team behind "Torky" has yet to announce the director replacing Bernal in the project.

 

Similar to the case of "Kimmy Dora," the biopic "San Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir" also had a change in casting after lead actor JM de Guzman was pulled out by his father citing "health reasons."

 

Young actor Rocco Nacino has since been tapped to replace de Guzman, who is said to still be recovering.

Showbiz veteran Gabby Concepcion was likewise originally attached to co-star in the Wenn Deramas comedy film "Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy."

He was earlier announced to portray lead star Vice Ganda's father, but comedian-host Joey Marquez was eventually introduced to take on the role during a recent story conference for the Viva Films and Star Cinema co-production.

 

The film entry starring Bong Revilla, "My Super Kap," on the other hand, was pulled out from the festival in July, citing the conflicting schedules of leading ladies Toni Gonzaga and Ai Ai delas Alas.

 

While Laguna Governor ER Ejercito expressed hopes that his film submission, "Boy Golden," would be tapped as a replacement entry, the MMFF has yet to announce the film that will compete in lieu of "My Super Kap."

Piolo Pascual gears up for busy year

MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Piolo Pascual is expecting a busy year with several projects already lined up for him in 2013, including a new series and a movie.

Pascual is set to return to primetime TV via "Apoy Sa Dagat" with actress Angelica Panganiban as his leading lady.

Aside from the series, Pascual is also set to release a new album and a movie "On The Job" with Gerald Anderson and Rayver Cruz.

"Ang 'Apoy Sa Dagat' is going to come out a few weeks from now. We'd been working on it since mid-year last year," the actor said in an interview on "Umagang Kay Ganda" on Tuesday.

"I'm happy. Marami tayong sinimulan last year, ngayon lahat 'yon ipapalabas. I'm excited because we are starting the year right," Pascual added.

Not sick

In the interview, Pascual also assured his fans who are getting worried about his obvious weight loss.
The actor explained he is now into swimming and cycling on top of his regular workouts.

"Sa pinaggagagawa ko sa buhay ko sa pagtakbo-takbo ko, sa training ko nagsi-swimming ako nagba-bike ako. Eh naa-adik ako sa bike lately, tapos nagwo-workout pa ako," he said.

He added: "Tapos eating right at sleeping right, pati ang pagtulog nakakapayat yan, tamang oras sa pagtulog, so wala akong sakit."

KC on French suitor: ‘Ito ‘yung masasabi kong tunay’

MANILA, Philippines – Actress-host KC Concepcion was all praises about her French suitor French suitor Pierre Emmanuel Plassart.

In an interview with “The Buzz” that aired on Sunday, Concepcion even hinted that God gave Plassart to her.

“Ang sabi po kasi nila, when you want to ask God for something, you pray about it and you be specific and you believe with all your heart as if binigay na Niya ‘yon sa iyo,” the young actress told host Boy Abunda.

The eldest daughter of actress Sharon Cuneta recalled that she “intensely” prayed for seven days straight last December or January, months after her controversial breakup with actor Piolo Pascual, which she also revealed on “The Buzz.”

“I really wrote down in Post-it notes ang lahat ng gusto ko sa isang lalaki,” she told Abunda.
She would then post these notes on her headboard until she had seven or eight Post-its pasted top of bed.

“Binigay talaga ni God sa akin lahat ng pinost ko …until the very last detail,” she said.

When asked to talk about Plassart, Concepcion said: “Pierre is a very kind person na -- ito ‘yung, Tito Boy, marami tayong nakikilalang mga lalaking inaral ang pagiging gentleman and that’s a great thing.

Pero ito talaga, Tito Boy, simula nung baby talaga hanggang lumaki, hanggang ngayon na na-meet ko na siya, ito ‘yung masasabi kong tunay… it’s the real thing talaga. He’s a true gentleman.”

“My heart is at peace knowing that merong mga mabubuting lalaki talaga,” she added.
Asked of Plassart’s best quality, Concepcion said: “He’s not giving up.”

Abunda also asked Concepcion to introduce Plassart to him.

“Pag nakapag-decide na ako Tito Boy na ito na talaga,” Concepcion promised.

“Honestly ‘yung pagiging single …mas creative ako ‘pag wala akong ibang iniisip. I want to still explore kung ano ang mangyayari pa hanggang independent girl pa ang mode ko ngayon,” she explained on why she is not rushing to get into another relationship.

Piolo wants team-up with Shaina in new film

MANILA, Philippines – Piolo Pascual is "crossing his fingers" that he will be paired with Shaina Magdayao for his newest action flick.

In the upcoming Erik Matti film "OTJ (On the Job)", Pascual portrays a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent, whose job puts him at odds with his wife.

According to the Kapamilya actor in an interview with entertainment news site Push.com.ph, Magdayao is "our choice for the role [of my wife]."

"[She will portray my wife] only if she accepts the role. We’re crossing our fingers," Pascual said.
In October, the dramatic actor and Magdayao were romantically linked when photos of a supposed "date" in Singapore surfaced online. The two have since denied being in a romantic relationship, but the actress' sister, Vina Morales, chose to keep mum on the issue when asked on the Star Magic talents' state of relationship.

Detailing the plot of "OTJ", which will also feature Gerald Anderson as a "hitman," Pascual said, "'Yung father ni Shaina, played by Michael de Mesa, he's going to be the one na ka-conflict ko."

"With Gerald, siya 'yung ita-try ko hulihin. Madaming sanga 'yung story but it's not going to focus on us. It’s going to focus on the theme of the story," Pascual added.

According to Pascual, "OTJ" has been two years in the making. Now that it's "finally a go," the hunk actor said he is preparing for the physical demands of topbilling an action flick.

"IIt’s knowing the character really well. 'Yung physical requirements, so mostly internal. Like what Gerald said, we’ve known about the project for two years now. I am happy that he’s on board... So we’re all excited," Pascual said.

Why KC confessed Piolo breakup on TV

MANILA, Philippines – Not a few were left wondering why actress-host KC Concepcion had gone on national television to publicly confess her break-up with her then-boyfriend Piolo Pascual. But for the Megastar's daughter, it was a matter of "honoring the pain."

"I couldn't [get back to normal] at the time and I wanted to let go all of it -- all of the pretense," Concepcion told lifestyle magazine Mega in its September 2012 issue.

"I wanted to stick to what's real and that's, at that time, all I knew. Any girl or any person would probably do the same in a situation like that," she added.

In November 2011, the Kapamilya actress sat down for a one-on-one interview with "The Buzz" host Boy Abunda, which was later aired amid rumors of her separation from Pascual.

The two officially became a couple in October 2010.
"It was to do a reality check for me. Before that, it was like my brain went haywire -- like everything I knew to be true, suddenly I wasn't sure of," Concepcion said, referring to her one-year relationship with the actor.

In her controversial interview confirming the breakup, the actress-host preferred to keep vague the reason behind their split. "May mga hinahanap ako na napaka-basic lang na hanapin ng isang babae sa isang boyfriend, sa isang lalaki. Ayaw ko na siguro pumunta sa details kasi parang ayaw kong siraan siya," she said at the time.

Now almost a year since, Concepcion said she is intent on moving forward.
"For me, it was not real anymore. But after that confession, now it's finally over, it's all in the past," said Concepcion, who has admitted being wooed by a French man named Pierre Emmanuel Plassart.
According to the Kapamilya actress, only having just moved on from her breakup with Pascual, she has communicated to Plassart her preference to take "things one step at a time."

"He (Plassart) knows that I want to pick up the pieces," she said in an earlier interview. "Nandoon kasi ako sa time in my life kung saan I need to pick up the pieces. Ang daming nag-iba simula nung last year so I'm taking things one step at a time."