Kapamilya star Piolo Pascual expressed his hope that his latest action film, The Ride, co-starring Kyle Echarri, will bring awareness to viewers about the current social issues.
During the film’s advanced screening, Piolo shared that he wanted to convey a message about taking responsibility for the choices we make in life to achieve better outcomes.
“While I was watching it, of course I've seen the film many times na when we're doing post-production, but seeing it for the first time on a big screen, and realizing the impact it might have on our audience, you have to be responsible. And I guess that's really what I was just thinking about the whole time I was watching it,” Piolo said.
“I hope we were able to send a message across, because it's really important nowadays, when it's very timely with what'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 added.
Piolo emphasized his desire to create a project that is not only entertaining but also a meaningful one that encourages viewers to reflect on important societal issues.
“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.
He also shared why it took years for The Ride to be released.
“This was during the pandemic pa and at that time we wanted a theatrical release. It’s hard because you know kailangan mo muna balansehin or kailangan mo munang i-test kung ano ba ang kalagayan ng industriya natin sa film industry ngayon and we didn’t wanna risk it because hindi naman siya typical romantic comedy. It’s not your mainstream kind of film. So it’s gonna be risky so we had to wait,” Piolo revealed.
As both the lead actor and producer (under Spring Films), Piolo stressed the importance of waiting for the right time to release the film in local cinemas.
“Gagapangin mo talaga and then you wait for your right time. And I believe na lahat naman ng bagay ay may tamang panahon na mailabas. It’s not about kailangan mo yung palabas. Polished mo muna, we went through a lot. So many post production stuff talaga na kailangan kasi kailangan to last second to the last peek kailangan alam mo yung binibigay mo,” he expressed.
In the film, Piolo plays Barry, a father estranged from his son Leo (played by Kyle Echarri), who is involved in illegal activities. The story follows their unexpected journey trying to escape danger while unfolding their painful past.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Here’s how 'The Ride' taught Kyle Echarri his purpose as an actor
Piolo expressed: “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.”
The Ride, directed by Thop Nazareno and produced by Spring Films, Cornerstone Studios, and MQuest Ventures is set to be released exclusively in SM Cinemas starting September 24.