Piolo is Impressed With Osang’s Professionalism In ‘Manila’

Some people believe that Piolo Pascual is the reigning King of Primetime Bida for he has proven that he’s an actor worth his salt time and again. Indeed, he continues to widen his horizons by venturing into his third indie film titled "Manila," a tribute to two of the most critically-acclaimed filmmakers in the Philippine cinema, the late Ishmael Bernal and Lino Brocka.

Inspired by "Manila By Night" and "Jaguar," the two-part movie portrays an honest depiction of the cruel realities of street-life in the slums of Manila. Far-removed from his poster boy image, the country’s ultimate heartthrob plays a role of a drug addict and then a bodyguard of a merciless city official who betrays his loyalty.

Now in its post-production stage, Piolo, who also happens to be the co-producer of this indie film, feels very happy that he was able to finish filming it just before he started "Land Down Under" by Star Cinema. Incidentally, his sense of pride extends to his co-stars in his latest artistic endeavor particularly Rosanna Roces who plays his mother in the first part of the film (where all the scenes are shot in full daylight).

Despite the controversial actress’s pasaway image, Piolo reveals that Rosanna has been nothing but professional from the moment she learned that she was going to be a part of the cast.

"May call time siya na 3 a.m. She was there on time, never kaming na-delay because of her. She even visited our set before siya mag-shoot, twice, just to have a feel of how it is to be a mother kasi first time kaming magka-trabaho. And she's so supportive, napakasarap niyang ka-trabaho, ang gaan," he says.

Apparently, their first scene together proves to be a challenging one because Rosanna has to drag Piolo from the hospital to their home while viciously hitting him in the process (perhaps somewhat reminiscent of Osang’s terrible mother-daughter relationship with Roxanne Guinoo in Sineserye Presents Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos). After taking several shots of the brutal sequence, Piolo explains that a little pain on his part was to be expected.

"Only because it had to be realistic. Yung eksena kasi madaming shots eh so she was compelled to hit me a couple of times, more than five times. Yung iba daya na kasi syempre nahihiya na din siya."

With such a promising plot, it seems that both Piolo and Rosanna are out to wow indie film enthusiasts as they are both respected artists in the entertainment industry.

"She's really very professional. Enjoy akong nakasama siya. I wish there’d be more time and other projects na magkakasama kami ng mas matagal na panahon," Piolo remarks.

Directed by Adolf Alix, Manila’s all-star cast also includes Jodi Sta. Maria, Alessandra de Rossi, Angelica Panganiban, Jon Avila, and William Martinez among others.