Ultimate Hearthrob Piolo Pascual is currently in Canada for the Father and Son Canada Tour with son Inigo. Before his departure, he invited his fans to watch the final two weeks of the Kapamilya series "Pamilya Sagrado," which will conclude on Nov. 15.

"The series is very explosive. May mga revelations and maraming scenes na nakaka-touch at nakakaiyak. I was watching some episodes and I was sobbing. Umiiyak ako sa sarili kong eksena kasi ganun siya kabigat at ka-intense. Kailangan talaga maganda ang ending so I'm sure magugustuhan nila yung ending," said Piolo during press conference at ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City on Nov. 5.

In his recent projects, Piolo Pascual has notably challenged himself by taking on villain roles not just once, but twice in succession. 

This intriguing shift in his acting choices showcases his versatility as an actor and his willingness to explore darker, more complex characters. 

Each role allows him to delve into the psychology of a villain, offering audiences a fresh perspective on his talent and expanding his repertoire in the entertainment industry.

In Mallari, Piolo played the character of a serial killer. The movie won acting awards for Piolo at the Metro Manila Film Festival, Manila International Film Festival, and FAMAS. 

In "Pamilya Sagrado," Piolo said his role as President Rafael was one of the darkest characters he’s ever portrayed. The actor said he is not concerned about portraying villains, as it allows him to develop as an actor.

"Now that I have a chance to do diverse roles, mas lalo akong nagkaroon ng fire. Mas lalo akong naging excited because I also get to challenge myself to do better. Give better.

"Playing a villain gave me a different perspective on portraying roles because you get to visit the dark side of a character but never do it in real life.

"I am a good person and a happy person, but I don't like being a bad guy or doing bad things. So when I portray a role such as this, I bring it to the dark side. It's the same thing with Mallari.

"But I enjoy giving life to a character and being somebody else. It's just work. I don't bring it home. It's just a character," Piolo said.

Piolo mentioned that he hasn't encountered any negative comments regarding his role as a villain.

"Praise God! Pero wala naman. Kung meron man hindi ko na pagtutuunan ng pansin because I am paid to do work.

"It's not about the image or the character but what you give in terms of what you can provide or are asked to do. 

"I'm at the point in my career where I don't have to worry about that anymore because I've done so many roles and characters as a responsibility to take on characters that I haven't done for me to grow for my audience to be entertained and grow with me as well.

"If I worry myself about the characters that I play that would affect people, I would limit myself. So, I just keep on exploring and discovering," Piolo also said.

Piolo considers "Pamilya Sagrado" as a “milestone” in his career.

“I’ve never been this invested in a show. It’s nice to get to play a character na masasabi kong not just challenging, but a milestone for my career as well. I’m so happy seeing their [Kyle Echarri and Grae Fernandez] growth. They owned it,” Piolo shared during the series’ mediacon and thanksgiving event held on Sept. 1.

Piolo also couldn’t help but gush about how proud he is of the success of the family drama series and he also praised his co-actors for their dedication to their highly emotional roles. 

Kyle and Grae are also thankful to be dubbed by viewers as two of ABS-CBN’s rising leading men and dramatic actors because of their exceptional performance in the show. 

“Nakakaka-pressure but I’m so honored to be called one of the “next in line.” Madaming magagaling na artista sa ABS-CBN kaya para sabihin na isa ako doon, talagang nagpapasalamat ako,” shared Kyle.

Grae, meanwhile, said that he always tries his best to give life to any story, “I’ve always been concerned with work and the story. I’m just an actor to serve the story of the writer and the story for the audience na may ibibigay tayo na message and entertainment.”

Piolo praised fellow actor Coco Martin, who directed some of the action scenes for "Pamilya Sagrado."

Coco exemplifies professionalism in their collaboration, Piolo added.

Piolo hopes to work with Coco soon. When asked about Coco's talent fee for being the guest director, Piolo laughed and responded: "Kailangan pa ba ni Coco ng talent fee?"

Plans for 2025

Piolo, 47, also revealed his career plans for next year.

"I'm releasing an album after working on it for several years. It's an all-original album. Then I will have a Valentine's show and then another project.

"Baka makagawa uli ako ng movie and another show. I will have a US tour again. Ang dami medyo dire-direcho.

"Bakasyon na naman ako ng January for three weeks and then I will go back to LA. I'll be back in February. I enjoy working," added Piolo, who will celebrate his birthday on Jan. 12.