MANILA - It isn’t hard to fathom Piolo Pascual’s film aesthetics.

He doesn't flaunt or brag, but unconsciously, he moves people to appreciate, and in the process, he is inspired by them.

Pascual’s innate artistic traits--from acting to producing--are his strengths amidst negative controversies hounding his sexuality.

When he was still a neophyte in German Moreno’s “That’s Entertainment,” and later, a tyro in a primetime soap opera with a smorgasboard cast, he was already a stand-out in the acting and looks department.

It hasn't been difficult for him to tread the path of stardom because he is gifted.

And he is able to prove this to date.
 
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recognizes his talent by choosing to open the 5th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival with Piolo's film, “Manila,” where he is both actor and producer.

The festival opens on July 17 at 7:30 pm at the Main Theater of the CCP.  

Pascual’s long-running association with Adolf Alix, Jr., Raya Martin, and some other independent filmmakers makes “Manila” more meaningful. Its creation wasn't the result of a snap of a finger but a series of consultations with a lot of professional people.

Using both his hunch and conscious effort, Piolo pulled off “Manila” and got through the work.

The film was then sent to the screening committee of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and it easily passed the festival's standards. It got the nod of the organizers, and was unanimously admitted to the Special Screenings non-competition section of the 62nd Cannes Film Festival held a couple of months ago in France.

“Manila” was also screened at the 31st Moscow International Film Festival in Russia.

The film pays tribute to two late local film greats, Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, and their takes on the city, as reflected in their respective classics “Jaguar” and “Manila by Night."

Pascual plays dual roles in the movie.

In the first episode, Piolo tackles the role of a drug addict who doesn’t trust anyone anymore. In the second, he portrays a security guard who social climbs. In between the two chapters, prize-winning film director Lav Diaz shoots a romantic film.

“Manila” boasts of a powerhouse cast which includes Rosanna Roces, Anita Linda, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Baron Geisler, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, William Martinez, Anita Linda, Marissa Delgado, Menggie Cobarrubias, John Lapus, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick and Jon Avila.