Piolo is on a roll

MANILA, Philippines — “I really wanted to do something original, na makakanta ko (which I can sing) and I can (call) my own.”

That was Piolo Pascual speaking of his possible recording venture in a media call for his recent Megapro Plus and Megasound Karaoke System endorsement. “With my last albums — Decades I, II, III — it seems that I have sung almost all the covers from different eras,” he added. “I’m really looking for songs that are more apt (suitable) for my age.” If and when the opportune time comes, Piolo will make sure that his next album will not “fall prey” in what one may call “just for the sake of recording.” The actor-TV host would love to make it “more significant, more singable” and wishes that more people appreciate it.

Asked if he sees it as a concept album, Piolo replied, “Not necessarily... It’s more on Filipino love songs, which is my genre, ballad naman... (It will be an) all-original (album).”

Since recording-singing is part of his identity as an artist, Piolo is the top-of-mind choice as the latest celebrity endorser of Megapro Plus, along with Wacky Kiray of I Can See Your Voice. Piolo will serve as the voice of the  product line of MP Megapro Plus Marketing Corporation, founded by Kim Sung Bok and business partners Jacinto and Andy Co. Soon-to-be-launched products under its name are Junior Piolo and Wacky; MP Concorde and MS Colosseum Wireless Karaoke Mic; Exodus Smart Player; and the digital song list app.

In spite of his small-screen visibility these days, Piolo is very much in touch with the singer in him. The coming months will see him grace shows for Filipino communities abroad (Winnipeg and Edmonton, Canada with Wacky Kiray, and the two shows in the US with Pokwang).

Before that happens, Piolo will be busy wrapping up the production of Since I Found You, opposite Arci Muñoz. “I’m just really happy. It’s fun, of course, nakakatuwa kasi kahit papaano nakapag-soap pa rin tayo kahit napakahirap gawin... Tap out na ako sa soap. There are so many things I want to do... let’s give it (the soap) to the young stars. Bata pa naman (ako) kaya gusto ko pang gumawa ng ibang bagay.”

The Since I Found You team is “hand-to-mouth” and everything is for airing, shared Piolo. After that, he has the free rein to jump into the movie on the Marawi siege (with Robin Padilla as co-star and Joyce Bernal, director), and other creative projects with directors Lav Diaz (Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis and Ang Panahon ng Halimaw) and Raya Martin and with Star Cinema. At the rate his career is going, one can say that Piolo is on a roll.

Will Piolo find a window for love? He said he might, especially that his soap is down to its last few weeks of taping. Let’s just have a quick look at Piolo’s presence on TV.  He is seen in Since I Found You on weeknights and Home Sweetie Home and ASAP, weekends. The only date or me-time he can give himself is when he does his other passions like biking or attending a bike race for Iron Man in Cebu. Piolo also looks forward to some quality time with family. 

Meanwhile, son Iñigo has a thriving career and a blossoming personal life.
“He is a grown-up. Kung ano ang gusto niya, panindigan niya,” said Piolo on Iñigo and Maris Racal’s special friendship. “Hindi naman ako (ang) makikisama, siya… Basta happy sila.”

Piolo finds Maris kind and “she’s very respectful and very sincere. Hindi mo mapag-iisipan na baka hindi totoo ang pinapakita niya. She is very candid.” 

Does he have plans of getting into politics? “No, thank you. I’m busy,” answered Piolo, who also considers show business a platform to help others and raise their concerns. Through his celebrity status, he — in his own small ways — can make significant contributions.

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