Piolo Pascual revealed that Star Cinema is eyeing Shaina Magdayao to be his leading lady for his next project OTJ (On The Job) to be directed by Erik Matti. The actress wasn’t available during their recent story conference since she’s currently in Europe for vacation. The two worked together in the teleserye Noah. “Only if she accepts the role. We’re crossing our fingers. She’s our choice for the role,” he said in an interview with Push.com.ph.

Contrary to the usual love stories that Star Cinema has produced lately, OTJ will revive action films just like during the heydays of action star Cesar Montano. Piolo plays the role of an NBI agent who’s torn between family loyalty and his pursuit of justice. “I play Francis, an NBI agent. Yung conflict niya is with Shaina, his wife, and the law. Yung father ni Shaina, played by Michael de Mesa, he’s going to be the one na ka-conflict ko. With Gerald, he's a hitman from the prison. Siya yung ita-try ko hulihin, madaming sanga yung story but it’s not going to focus on us. It’s going to focus on the theme of the story.”

For his part, Piolo said that the challenge is more on his mental and emotional preparation for his character. “It’s knowing the character really well. Yung physical requirementsi, so mostly internal. Like what Gerald said, we’ve known about the project for two years now. I am happy that he’s on board. Marami na pinuntahan yung script and finally it’s a go. So we’re all excited. Hindi naman advocacy-oriented yung OTJ, but the story is very significant for our society.”

In the meantime, Piolo expressed his gratitude to his fellow Star Magic artists who will support the Sunpiology run for a cause to be on November 24, at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill. “It’s my fourth time to partner with Sun Life and second year for Star Magic concert. I am grateful for the support that I get from Star Magic and from my fellow artists from Star Magic who are also into running. At the same time, this serves as a venue for us to give back to society for Christmas. We're doing the concert for free, so all the proceeds will go to the different beneficiaries of ABS-CBN.”