Piolo respects decision to field 'Transit' as PH’s entry to Oscars

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His  action-suspense film “On The Job” may not have  been chosen as the Philippines’ entry to Oscars’ Foreign Language category, but Piolo Pascual respects the decision of the Film Academy of the Philippines,  the body  that selected “Transit,” the official entry.

Piolo, who plays an NBI agent in “OTJ,” already feels honored that his film  was shortlisted as  possible entry to the Oscars.  “OTJ” director Erik Matti was reportedly hurt  that his film lost its bid to the Oscars. 

“Whatever happened is their decision. Respetuhin natin,” Piolo told reporters at the Star Magic Games on Sunday, September 29.

'OTJ' remake courtesy of Tom Cruise?

“OTJ,” which started showing in the US on September 27, got the attention of  foreign producers. Tom Cruise’s camp is reportedly interested in doing a remake of the movie. But Piolo said nothing is final yet.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon kasi kailangan pang matapos. But there’s an interested producer in the States, iyon na nga ang buzz. I think a couple of years after, some will make a remake of it. Iyon lang ang sinabi sa amin na an interested buyer or producer wants to do a remake of it.”

Piolo also shared that “OTJ,” which was originally R-16, has been re-edited to  R-13 to cater younger audiences.

“We’re excited kasi they had a re-edit for R-13 so it’s going to be re-released for the younger audiences. Para mapanuod rin ng high school students.”

Piolo’s follow-up project after “OTJ” is new movie with Toni Gonzaga.

“Nakakatuwa to be working with her again. Ibang-ibang Toni Gonzaga ang makikita niyo dito. How you see her from the past, makikita mo talaga growth niya as an actress.”

Asked if he courted Toni, Piolo replied,  “Yes. When she was starting out. Hindi natuloy kasi busy siya, busy ako. At that time, iba rin naman priorities niya. Lumabas lang kami, siguro once or twice, that’s it.”
Piolo Pascual at the Star Magic Games 2013 (NPPA Images)
Piolo competed in the badminton section of this year’s Star Magic games held at the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong. .

“It’s a tradition so we try to do everything, like the ball, charity events. Of course, we also need to do something lighter with what we usually do kasi sa trabaho, you have to dress up, be glamorous and be your best. Dito sa star Magic Games, it’s about being sport and also camaraderie. More than winning, it’s about playing and bonding with everyone,” Piolo said.