Piolo Pascual is stepping out of his comfort zone as he takes on his most vile role to date in his highly-anticipated TV comeback for “Pamilya Sagrado,” the biggest family drama of 2024 that also stars Kyle Echarri and Grae Fernandez.

In the upcoming series, Piolo will play Rafael Sagrado, a sly, corrupt politician and a father basking in the glory of his family’s power and greed. 

During the grand media conference held at Gateway Cinema 11 in Araneta City on June 8, Piolo shared why he agreed to the project.

"If I turned it down, it’d be my biggest regret in my life after what happened to Tito Deo. But ta­king on this character, ‘yun nga sinasabi ko rin ang responsibilidad ng isang artista to do something na sa tingin nila hindi pa napanood ng tao," Piolo said.

(If I turned it down, it'd be my biggest regret after what happened to Tito Deo. But taking on this character, that's what I'm saying is the responsibility of an artist to do something that they think people have never seen)

Piolo had doubts about the character when it was pitched to him since this was the first time he would be playing a political role, but it all went away when Sir Deo said he could play the role.

"Nung sinabi sa amin, baka maging presidente ka ng Pilipinas dito. Sabi ko, ‘Tito Deo, ako presidente ang bata-bata ko.’ Sabi niya, ‘why not?’ Sabi ko, ‘okay, if you believe, if you think, I can do it.’ So that’s when I realized, sabi ko, ‘let’s see, it’s quite challenging, so why not do it?," Piolo added.

(When I was told I could be a president in this series. I said, 'Tito Deo, I'm too young to be a president.' Then he [Deo] said, 'Why not?' Then, I told him [Deo], okay, if you believe, if you think, I can do it.' So that's when I realized, I told myself, 'Let's see, it's quite challenging, so why not do it?)

It was learned that the series was Deo's last project, as head of Dreamscape Entertainment, who passed away on Feb. 3.

In describing his character as Rafael, Piolo said that his role was not good from the beginning and brought out the darkest side of him throughout the series.

"Well, of course, he starts badly. But over time, he goes through certain situations where he will face his demons and decide whether to be right or wrong. And I brought him to the darkest side," Piolo said.

(Well, of course, he starts badly. But over time, he goes through certain situations where he will face his demons and decide whether to be right or wrong. And I brought him to the darkest side)

Thoughts on hazing

Since the series will be highlighting a sensitive topic such as hazing, Piolo, along with his co-actors Grae Fernande and Kyle Echarri, shared their thoughts on joining a fraternity.

"If it's for the common good, I'll do it, depending on what you have to do, pero I don't believe in hazing. There are other ways, so dun ako. But if it's for a good cause, I'll do it," Piolo said.

As per Kyle, he doesn't see himself joining a fraternity.

"Ako po personally, hindi ko po nakikita sarili ko na pumasok po sa fraternity, pero dahil po napasukan po namin yung mundo na yun dito sa show, nagbukas po talaga yung mata ko sa mundo nila," Kyle said.

(I don't plan on joining the fraternity, but being part of that world in the show gave me insight into their group dynamics)

“Pamilya Sagrado” is a gripping tale about the value of brotherhood and loyalty to one’s family. The story navigates the complex world of fraternities and hazing and what it means to go against one’s morals to protect one’s reputation. 

Directed by Lawrence Fajardo, Andoy Ranay, and Rico Navarro, “Pamilya Sagrado” boasts of a powerhouse cast of industry veterans Shaina Magdayao, Mylene Dizon, Rosanna Roces, Aiko Melendez, Tirso Cruz III, John Arcilla, and Joel Torre.

The cast also includes Daniela Stranger, Jeremiah Lisbo, Alyanna Angeles, Micaela Santos, River Joseph, Emilio Daez, Sean Tristan, Austin Cabatana, Luis Vera Perez, Dustine Mayores, Miggs Cuaderno, Valentino Jaafar, Isaiah de la Cruz, Beaver Magtalas, and Renshi de Guzman.

"Pamilya Sagrado" will premiere on June 17 at 8:45 p.,m,. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, and TFC. It will also stream 48 hours before its TV broadcast on iWantTFC.