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Piolo Pascual (right) with Vic Sotto during the media conference of “The Kingdom.” Image: Courtesy of MQuest Ventures

For Piolo Pascual, working with Vic Sotto for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry “The Kingdom” was a dream come true, since he never imagined that he would have a chance to join forces with the veteran actor-comedian.

In “The Kingdom,” Pascual stars as Sulayman “Sulo” Tagum, a “tinatwa” (or outcast) who is the son of a royal guard. With no tattoos — as it dictates one’s social standing in Kalayaan — and his father’s past wrongdoings, he is cast aside with no proper livelihood.

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This leads him to harbor a deep resentment for the Lakan Makisig Nandula (Sotto), ruler of the Kingdom of Kalayaan. His resentment then leads him to meet the latter’s youngest daughter Dayang Lualhati Nandula (Sue Ramirez), which makes him come to terms with his father’s past.

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Piolo Pascual in a scene from “The Kingdom.” Image: Courtesy of APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions

“It’s overwhelming. I was really kilig actually during the first [time] I met Bossing. Because it was fun to be able to work together coming from different stations. So now that, you know, it’s like a dream come true for me,” he told select reporters during a set visit for the film.

“Sharing the screen with him is something I will always be proud of, forever cherish. Never in my wildest dreams na magkakaroon ako ng chance to work with him. And now, you know, parang ako nananaginip pa rin,” Pascual continued.

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(Sharing the screen with him is something I will always be proud of, and forever cherish. Never in my wildest dreams, I would have the chance to work with him. And now, it’s like I’m still dreaming.)

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Despite this, Pascual and Sotto needed to maintain distance at some point, since both of their characters are at odds with each other. In a previous interview, Sotto shared that he intentionally didn’t bond with his castmates on set to maintain the ruler-like stature of a Lakan.

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“[My character] has a big issue with him,” Pascual said of this conscious movie. “I’m using that hostility, you know, for a scene. So, wala talagang conversation. I mean, it’s a heavy drama. So, mahirap to break away from your character (So, there was no conversation. I mean, it’s a heavy drama. So it’s hard to break away from your character).”

READ: Why Vic Sotto rarely bonded with the cast of MMFF 2024 entry ‘The Kingdom’

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To prepare for his role, Pascual shared that a lot of work was done. “Whenever I’m on set, fully made up talaga ako (I’m fully made up),” he said, sharing that he had to give off the aura of a farmer who was banished by society.

“So, a lot of work. A lot of prosthetics. It’s a straight-out drama with action. I had to do some training. Bossing had to do some training,” he said. At the time of the interview, Pascual and Sotto were about to film their battle scene the following day, which dictated the fates of their respective characters.

“When can you see Vic Sotto doing an action drama like that? Maganda. More than the physical, more than the action. It’s the emotions that come with it. It’s deeply rooted. From my dad to him. Without giving away too much, malaki ang conflict ng characters namin,” he said.

(When can you see Vic Sotto doing an action drama like that? It’s nice. More than the physical, more than the action. It’s the emotions that come with it. It’s deeply rooted. From my dad to him. Without giving away too much, our characters have a huge conflict.)

Not a ‘conscious’ decision

Years before “The Kingdom” was brought to life, Pascual and filmmaker Michael Tuviera had always been discussing a certain project they wanted to do together, referring to the MMFF entry which was initially a concept by Tuviera.

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“I was coming out of hiatus after five years when he pitched to me the project. Right away, I said yes. I mean, how can you say no to a beautiful story? And then with Vic Sotto pa and this beautiful past,” Pascual said. “And I’ve always wanted to work with direk Mike. As much as he is a good friend, I believe in him as a director.”

Touching on the variety of characters he portrayed through the years, Pascual said the opportunity to “jump from one role to another” is a blessing, as these have been offered to him.

Piolo Pascual as Sulayman “Sulo” Tagum for “The Kingdom.” Image: Courtesy of APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions

“It’s not something I begged or chose myself. These are just, I guess, roles that landed on my lap. And for me, it’s a blessing,” he said. “It’s not a conscious decision. I’m just happy that the roles that come my way are these roles that really challenge me.”

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“I guess, coming from doing a lot of rom-coms growing up. You know, growing in this business. It’s a welcome departure, especially after coming out of a love team. And being able to do roles that can fit my age. I’m just happy because there are more roles that I can take on now than before,” he continued.

Also part of “The Kingdom” are Sue Ramirez, Cristine Reyes, Sid Luceropinaswin88, Ruby Ruiz, Nico Antonio, Zion Cruz, Art Acuña, and Cedrick Juan.

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