'I cannot deal with that': Piolo Pascual reacts to 'demolition job' vs 'Mallari'

December 21, 2023 - 5:23pm

The cast of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Mallari," led by lead star Piolo Pascual (third from left).

Philstar.com / Jan Milo Severo

MANILA, Philippines — Piolo Pascual reacted to the "demolition job" allegedly targeting his Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry "Mallari."

After the world premiere of the Mentorque film, which received a standing ovation from the audience, Piolo said his piece on the issue.

"They told us before this (screening). My mind is too set. I mean if I give my very honest opinion, basking in the glory of what just happened (standing ovation), that shouldn't affect you because we're on a high," Piolo said.

"So whatever rumors or demolition job, I cannot deal with that because for now I want to enjoy this moment with my team," he added.

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A post shared by Piolo Jose Pascual (@piolo_pascual)

Recently, the entertainment press received a text message saying that MMFF jury chairman Chito Roño allegedly said that "Mallari" is not worth watching.

The director had also allegedly said that Piolo did not turn in a good performance in the film inspired by the Philippines' first recorded serial killer during the Spanish colonial period.

“Comment ng jury chairman na si Chito Rono sa movie na Mallari na, DREADFUL! ANG PANGIT NG MALLARI AT PINAKAPANGIT NA ACTING NI PIOLO during mmff juror’s screening at ibang entries," the text message read.

"Inalmahan ito ng ibang jurors. Bakit daw kasi kailangan magcomment agad ang chairman after mapanood na dapat sa deliberation nya ginawa. Ang nangyari daw he is trying to influence other jurors. Sana daw mag isa na lang sya nanood at nagjudge sabi ng isang jury!” it added.

Meanwhile, the press people who attended the premiere of "Mallari" were all praises for the film.

"GRABE! AS IN GRABE ANG MMFF 2023 ENTRY NA 'MALLARI' NI PIOLO PASCUAL UNDER MENTORQUE PRODUCTIONS! MULA SIMULA HANGGANG ENDING PASABOG!!!" Ervin Santiago, Bandera entertainment editor, posted on his Facebook account.

"NAIINTINDIHAN NA NAMIN KUNG BAKIT NAHIRAPAN NANG BONGGANG-BONGGA SI PIOLO SA MOVIE! HANGGANG NGAYON NAGPA-PALPITATE KAMI KAHIT TAPOS NA ANG PELIKULA!" he added.

"Eto, hindi na to chismis: Nag standing ovation. Super ganda ng 'Mallari!' So, sa mga nag demolition job, sorry, obvious na takot lang kayo — and it's okay. Kami din nga natakot eh. Kasi as Pinoy horror movie, 'Mallari' is a gamechanger," former Manila Bulletin entertainment editor Jojo Panaligan said.

"Mallari" is a partly true-to-life account of a parish priest in the 1800s who killed 57 people before being arrested, the murders antedating those by Jack The Ripper by over 60 years.

The film also stars JC Santos, Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson and Gloria Diaz, with the special participation of Mylene Dizon.

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