Piolo to produce film by Victor Villanueva

CEBU, Philippines — The future is looking bright for Philippine Cinema: More and more filmmakers are coming out of their shells, storytellers faring out into the open, drawing boards in their heads, and pure intentions in their hearts.

What’s interesting is more and more producers and film studios are eyeing the potential of unconventional material. The sleeper hits they churn out are encouraging other creatives to step forward.

So quickly, after the success of “Kita Kita,” which was co-produced by Piolo Pascual through Spring Films, the actor is back on the big screen alongside Toni Gonzaga in the movie “Last Night.” Directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal and produced by Spring Films, N² Productions and Star Cinema, the dark romantic comedy is written by actress Bela Padilla.

Piolo plays Mark, a sullen man who faces his problems in isolation. Toni portrays Carmina, who for someone who wants to die, is bright and cheery unlike Mark. The two meet at the Jones bridge in Manila, both characters hanging by a thread—Mark emotionally, and Carmina rather literally. They recover their wits and decide to team up to look for the perfect way to die together.

The execution in “Last Night” is an example of irony in film—the characters and their situations are rather light-hearted, but as Bela had put it, “there is a cloud above their heads.”

“We’re not championing suicide,” Piolo immediately clarifies during an interview Friday at Tin Gow restaurant of  Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. “It’s a story about hope, love, and being grateful for what we have.”

Piolo, who also graced the opening of City Mall Cinema in Consolacion which is run by ABS-CBN’s Cine Screen, shares that since “Last Night” opened Wednesday in cinemas nationwide, they have been receiving messages from viewers telling them about similar experiences and of the film reminding them how they overcame the lowest points in their lives.

Piolo, a Christian, says suicide is “sinful” and will never be an option for him. He emphasizes that “Last Night” is not a story about suicide per se, but a tale that wants to give hope and inspire people to love again.

“People tend to isolate themselves when faced with problems. We should encourage them to put it out there, and talk to somebody, anybody,” says Piolo when told to dish out advice to someone contemplating on taking their lives. “We are a community and we should want to help. We don’t want to turn a blind eye.”

Since Piolo does not identify with the philosophy behind suicide, he interviewed people who do, have been or are still suicidal to help him attack his role.

Both Toni and Piolo immediately agreed to star on “Last Night” when Bela sent them the script. Bela, who wanted credibility first before formally dabbling into screenplay writing, took a course under Ricky Lee and is grateful to have had the opportunity to bring “Last Night” to life.

“I believe in a story. There is a redemptive value to the movie that makes it worth producing. I love giving the audience stories that inspire or cheer them up,” says Piolo on why he decided to produce a film with a subject he didn’t identify with, adding that if you aren’t broad and open-minded enough, then you wouldn’t get to come up with movies that matter.

Piolo commended Bela’s writing, saying that the actress, who began writing “Last Night” while working in “Ang Probinsyano,” was very creative and is chockfull of ideas.

“Last Night” is Toni’s first film since giving birth to her son Seve in 2016. Far from her “I love you Piolo” days, this is the second time she’s done a film with Piolo, having starred together in “Starting Over Again” in 2014.

The two reunite in “Last Night” as better versions of themselves. “The whole time, I was inspired, amazed, and impressed with Toni because she really committed to her character. We’re much more comfortable with each other. With a topic that’s really mature, we’re coming from a place where we can play our roles better. On the first day, she already set the tone,” Piolo quips.

If you’re hoping to sell the heartthrob a script, Piolo says that for him, it all boils down to a good story.

"As long as it strikes something in me, a story that I’m emotional about whether it makes me sad or happy – that’s what makes it worthwhile. What’s important is the message,” Piolo says.

In the coming months, fans can look forward to a brand new soap opera from Piolo, a film by Lav Diaz coming out in February, and another film he’s co-producing that’s to be directed by “Patay Na Si Hesus” filmmaker Victor Villanueva. Piolo is also planning on a series with UP students to create more opportunities for more storytellers.