Piolo Pascual as AMA envoy: Education is a ‘must’

Hadn’t Piolo Pascual answered the call of the klieg lights at an early age, guess what he would have been today…

“A physical therapist,” admitted Piolo when he was introduced recently as an ambassador for AMA University Online Education. “But I wasn’t able to finish college because I opted to join showbiz.”

Stressing the importance of education, Piolo added that he has been reminding his son Iñigo to avoid being sidetracked by showbiz and make sure that he tucked up a college degree. Same advice to his nieces and nephews.

“Education is a must. That’s your best tool in achieving your goal in life. You are never too old to continue learning. As you grew old, you realize that there are many more things that you have to learn.” 

Piolo joined showbiz in 1996. Since then, he has been kept busy initially as an actor until he ventured into producing under Spring Films (with director Joyce Bernal, et al, as co-producer).

”And now I realize that it’s never too late to resume my studies. I want to take up a short course that will fit my schedule, maybe real estate or interior designing. Courses offered by AMA’s Online Education are perfect because the schedule is flexible. No pressure. You can take your time doing your lessons.”

The AMA University Online Education is the first full online education program in the Philippines, the company’s move in line with the cultural shift to the digital age. The courses are open to anybody anywhere in the world.

“I look at it as an answered prayer,” continued Piolo. “I’ve been actually praying for something like this. I like the program because it puts importance on educating the youth. It’s a competitive world that we live in today and, as I’ve said, education is the most effective way of surviving in it. With my endorsement, I hope to inspire people.”

Anytime now, Piolo will fly to Florence, Italy, with Joyce to take up an eight-week Film Producing course at a satellite campus of New York Film Academy (NYFA). Asked if he intended to direct a movie (he attended a scriptwriting classes under Ricky Lee), Piolo said no. “I don’t find it appealing. I’d rather be in front and not behind the camera, acting rather than calling the shots.”

Yes, movies but not teleserye which Piolo has done so many times that, he said, “I don’t enjoy doing it anymore.”

Having done critically-acclaimed films with Erik Matti (OTJ) and Lav Diaz (Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis and Ang Panahon ng Halimaw), with a new one with Brillante Mendoza “in the horizon,” isn’t Piolo taking a break from doing serious films? Why not a reteam-up romcom with Judy Ann Santos?

“Hmmm,” smiled Piolo, “keep our fingers crossed.”

Filipino artists shine in Asia’s Got Talent

The Filipino artists competing in Asia’s Got Talent (AGT). Back row, from left: Philip of Shadow Ace, Yobhel Cortez and John Bret Hart Sornit of Junior Good Vibes, and Jervin Minor of Power Duo (with partner Ajha Portales, seated rightmost); and front row, HK Sisters Hannah Korin Castillo and Harrah Kay Castillo, and Eleana Gabunada

Two Filipino bets, Junior Good Vibes and Shadow Ace, have received the Judges’ Pick to perform in the grand finals of Asia’s Got Talent (AGT) on April 4 at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, together with Siti Saniyah (Indonesia) and MANIAC FAMILY (Taiwan). Six more contestants who will join them stand a chance to pocket US$100,000.

Three of the five hopefuls are from the Philippines — Eleana Gabunada, HK Sisters and Power Duo.

• Junior Good Vibes is a hip-hop/street dance crew composed of 16 males ages 17 to 25, formed four years ago with original 23 members. Two of them, Yobhel Cortez and John Bret Hart Sornit, attended the recent pocket interview.

• Shadow Ace is a family of three that entertains using light and mini props to create shadows that tell stories. Not having money to have electricity supply to their home, the family developed an art of shadow in the dark.

• Eleana Gabunada, 10, is a powerhouse singer who is judge David Foster’s Golden Buzzer in this AGT season. Her repertoire consists of Broadway, pop, rock and classical. She has participated in a number of local competitions.

• HK Sisters is composed of Hannah Korin Castillo and Harrah Kay Castillo who sing opera. If they win, they hope to lure their OFW dad to come home for good.

• Power Duo Jervin Minor and Ajha Portales are acrobatic dancers who are sweethearts. The real-life chemistry contributes to the magic that they create onstage.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)