At 49 years old, Piolo Pascual remains a singular force in Philippine entertainment, defying the typical shelf life of a leading man.
Currently gracing the cover of Esquire Philippines and fresh off the success of his 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Manila’s Finest, the actor-producer recently reflected on his enduring “Ultimate Heartthrob” status and his shifting perspective on fame.
During an event at the Summit Media office in Mandaluyong City, Pascual spoke candidly about the labels that have defined his multi-decade career.
While he remains the country’s premier leading man, he admitted that he is ready to let some titles fade as he approaches his fifties.
“One thing I’m realizing now is I know this is not going to last long because it’s been so long already (laughs). During an interview, I was okay with being called ‘Papa P’, but to be called ‘Ultimate Heartthrob’ at 50 or 55, I think it’s kind of stretching it,” Pascual remarked.
The actor noted that he is leaning into a more mature identity, preferring the familiar “Papa P” over the looming “Tito P,” while acknowledging that the “Heartthrob” mantle isn’t something he intends to cling to forever.
“So I’m transitioning, I would say, into I guess being called ‘Papa P’ instead of ‘Tito P’. The ‘Ultimate Heartthrob’ can go away, I don’t mind. I’m happy about that. I know for a fact that it’s not going to be like that forever. So I’m just appreciating it,” he explained.
Despite his humility regarding his looks and status, Pascual’s drive remains as potent as ever. He expressed deep gratitude for his recent high-profile features, viewing them not as a peak, but as a motivation to continue evolving.
“I’m 50, man. And to be given this kind of cover, I’m like, wow, salamat. But I’d never stop there. I’m still going to carry on, I’m still going to move on and not just dwell on this but to prove myself again, time and again. Not just rest on my laurels. I’ll stretch it as much as I can, if I can,” he added.
Pascual attributes his deep-rooted connection with his fan base—many of whom have grown into parenthood alongside him—to the values he learned at home. He believes his visible respect for his mother and his four sisters resonates strongly with his audience.
Interestingly, the actor revealed that his current career renaissance almost didn’t happen. A decade ago, he reached a crossroads where he felt he had exhausted his potential in the industry.
“When I was turning 40, I remember I thought I already hit the glass ceiling. Ergo, I was contemplating on quitting. Not retiring, but you know, diversifying in terms of career,” he admitted.
However, the industry continued to pull him back with fresh opportunities that reignited his drive.
“But things happened differently. I realized there’s still so much things to do in showbiz. And now, after 10 years, I still have offers, I still get endorsements and I still get projects that made me become more challenged and passionate about what I do. So looking ahead, I’m just really excited for what else I can do. The cover, the billboard last January, and all the things that are coming in the next few months,” he shared.
As he looks toward the future, Pascual remains committed to the unpredictable nature of the arts, eager to find roles and projects that push him beyond his comfort zone.
“Of course there are some things that are planned. But you know, there are things that can still surprise you and that can still make you feel as if I haven’t done this, this is something different. So I’m looking forward to those things that can make me grow further as an artist, as a person. I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I just want to keep on growing and exploring and challenging myself,” he concluded.