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Piolo Pascual embraces action in ‘The Ride,’ highlights growth beyond rom-coms

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Kapamilya star Piolo Pascual is stepping into a new phase of his career as he ventures into action in his latest film <em>The Ride,</em> directed by Thop Nazareno.</p><p>During the movie’s advanced screening, Piolo shared how much he enjoyed working on the genre alongside his co-stars and the production team.</p><p>“Biruin mo iyon, nag-a-action pala ako,” Piolo said with a laugh. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1759021628203NEW THUMB - 2025-09-28T090733.270.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>For Piolo, the project marks a significant shift from the romantic comedies that defined much of his career.</p><p>“I’ve grown up doing romcom all my life siguro 20 years, more than half of my career. And then when I started in <em>Mallari </em>(horror) and then <em>Gomburza</em> (period) tapos nagkaroon ng <em>The Kingdom </em>ako na ganoon din na action and then ito na nga ang <em>The Ride</em> tapos yung ginagawa ko ngayon family drama naman sa Star Cinema <em>(Meet, Greet, &amp; Bye</em>) and then gagawin ko yung <em>Manila’s Finest</em> na period din so sabi ko nasaan na iyong rom-com (romantic comedy)?” Piolo said.</p><p>At this point in his career, Piolo feels grateful for the chance to take on diverse roles.</p><p>“Ayon nga at this point at my age, I know I’m really blessed and fortunate enough to say na I’m able to diversify in terms of the roles I can play kasi meron ng avenue, meron nang window because of this streaming right now. Mas nakakapaglaro ka na, hindi kana stuck sa romcom so I’m really happy that I’m able to choose roles and do movies na hindi necessary tell you na romcom,” he stated.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DO8R3WigYhi/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A3272700.8000000003%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="768" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Beyond personal growth, Piolo emphasized his dedication to championing Philippine cinema. </p><p>“Bilang taga-industriya, hindi ako titigil hangga’t hindi natin maibigay sa tao yung tama sa panlasa natin kasi maganda ang film industry natin. That’s what I want to champion, the Philippine cinema and for us to show what we have,” he said.</p><p>In <em>The Ride,</em> Piolo plays Barry, a father estranged from his son Leo (Kyle Echarri), who is caught in illegal activities. The story follows their dangerous escape while confronting their painful past.</p><p>With its strong social themes, Piolo hopes the film will spark reflection among viewers.</p><p>“I hope we were able to send a message across, because it&#x27;s really important nowadays, when it&#x27;s very timely with what&#x27;s happening around the world, the chaos, the violence. So ito yung parang nanood ka ng pelikula magninilay-nilay ka. Tama ba yung mga choices mo bilang tao, bilang tatay, bilang anak?” he said.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO8S8xHgY2k/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A3254124.4%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="847" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/9/24/piolo-pascual-aims-to-raise-social-awareness-through-action-film-the-ride-1338"><strong><u>READ: Piolo Pascual aims to raise social awareness through action film &#x27;The Ride&#x27;: &#x27;Sana itong pelikula manalamin sa nangyayari sa paligid natin&#x27;</u></strong></a></div><p>He added that he wanted the project to go beyond entertainment and encourage audiences to think deeply about society and their own choices.</p><p>“Napaka-sensitive ng society, not just in the Philippines, so sana itong pelikula manalamin sa nangyayari sa paligid natin. Magkaroon tayo ng awareness na may mga ginagawa tayo mga bagay na sana hindi natin nagawa or sana mas pinili natin yung mas magandang route para mas mapabuti yung outcome,” Piolo explained.</p><p><em>The Ride</em>, directed by Thop Nazareno, is now showing exclusively at SM Cinemas nationwide.</p>