Piolo Pascual shares fatherhood lessons from ‘Pamilya Sagrado’

MANILA, Philippines — Essaying the role of President Rafael in the ABS-CBN’s family drama “Pamilya Sagrado” has posed some challenges for Piolo Pascual but he nevertheless gleaned some valuable lessons from his character and the series.

“(It was a challenge) playing the president, playing the father of these two kids (Grae Fernandez as Justin and Kyle Echarri as Moises). And playing alongside the greats (actors), Tirso Cruz III, John Arcilla, and of course, watching them, Shaina (Magdayao), Aiko (Melendez), they brought so much passion in their work. Ang sarap ‘pag kasama ka dun,” he said at a presscon. “So yun lang yung nakaka-challenge every time to come to the set and you have to prepare for scenes.”

He added that he was able to learn a lot from the show and was also able to apply it to real life. “Being a father, being a person, being a human being, (and) being a son. I guess dedication to the craft, and being willing to learn and be told what to do. I guess, the attitude is important.”

He further cited the younger actors that he was able to collaborate with in the series and shared how they got close while filming.

“It’s very refreshing,” he offered. “’Cause you know growing up, you look up to the senior actors and now you’re working with the younger ones.”

He was amazed by their commitment and their professionalism, he mentioned. “Because it’s difficult to work with some na malaki ulo or may attitude. And I must (say) with these two, wala akong naramdaman na ganung ere.”

Piolo plays the role of President Rafael in the politically charged primetime series.

“They’re always willing to learn, to grow and just to commit, so masaya. It was a good set to be in kasi nag-enjoy kami lahat sa process,” he continued.

Piolo and the other members of the cast have also developed a special bond among them. He recalled having a small get together with “Pamilya Sagrado” friends, like visiting Mylene Dizon in Sta. Rosa and holding a reunion gathering with Kyle, Shaina, Joel Torre, among others.

“We are that close. This is the show na talaga tapos na yung show, we are still friends. We have a group chat and we see each other constantly. Ma-mi-miss mo katrabaho. You will miss your work kasi iba talaga yung binibigay nila. I’ve known Mylene for so long and we became close (through the show).”

“Pamilya Sagrado” is now down to its last few episodes. The finale of the series will air on Nov. 15 at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, and TFC.

The latest episodes can be enjoyed on-demand for up to 21 days after they are first streamed on Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube. The series also streams 48 hours before its TV broadcast on iWantTFC. The show is also available to viewers in and out of the Philippines on iWantTFC, while viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.

The viewers can watch out for “very explosive revelations and a lot of touching and moving scenes,” Piolo teased. He even sobbed while watching the remaining episodes.

“I cried at my own scenes,” he shared. “Because it’s that heavy, intense yung mga nangyayaring revelations. And of course, when you found (out that) he’s my son (Moises) and then he confronted (me) and then I’m estranged with my real son. Of course, they’re both my sons.”

“It’s tough, you’re on the run, you’re a fugitive, and then you have to deal with these things and it was a difficult journey. So, it needs to have a great ending. And asahan ng mga tao na mapapasaya naman sila sa ending because even my mom would tell me, ‘Son, ang bigat bigat naman ng show mo.’”