In a heartfelt and laughter-filled episode of Kapamilya Chat last November 10, “Meet, Greet, and Bye” stars Joshua Garcia and Piolo Pascual sat down for a candid conversation about their movie, their personal journeys, and the values that keep them grounded—on and off screen.
As part of the segment’s game portion called “The Full Experience,” the two actors took turns drawing categories from a fishbowl, each one leading to questions related to their movie.
On Career: Respect and staying humble
Joshua drew first, picking the “career" category. When asked, “If you could talk to a young Piolo who was just starting out [as an actor], what would you say?” Joshua teased, “Sigurado ka na ba?” which drew laughter from both stars.
Behind the joke was sincere advice. Joshua said he would give guidance on “pakikisama.”
“Yun yung number one na dapat hindi mo nakakalimutan, ‘yung makisama ka hindi lang sa mga katrabaho mo pati ‘yung sa mga staff, crew, kasi sila talaga ‘yung may masasabi sa’yo eh." He emphasized the importance of respect, especially toward veterans and seniors in the industry.
He also shared how Piolo, even on set, would give countless pieces of advice to younger actors like him.
Piolo, in turn, reflected on the secret to longevity in show business. He agreed with Joshua and added self-love to his answer. “Yourself. You are your own investment, you are your own product. So it's important for you to make sure that you always present yourself in the best way possible. Never stop being a student, never stop learning. Being humble is so important. Because when you're full of yourself, the world is gonna go against you. If you're humble, the world's gonna love you.”
Family as their lifelines
Piolo picked the “family” category, with the question “How do you stay connected with your family despite your very busy schedule?”
He answered, “They are my lifeline. They're the ones that keep me grounded. I make sure to spend time with my mom, with my siblings, my son, even through text, group chat, I never alienate myself. Whenever I travel, whenever I go out, I always invite them. I always make sure that I have an open line so that I can communicate with them.”
His Christmas wish for his family was simple but full of love: “Just to have a peaceful celebration. Walang magkasakit, lahat okay. Lahat [ay] happy and to always have a generous heart.”
Joshua, on the other hand, admitted it’s harder for him to keep in touch with his family, but he cherishes reunions during birthdays and holidays. His wish echoed Piolo’s, “Gusto ko lang okay lahat, walang magkakasakit para kumpleto pa rin kami sa Pasko.”
Piolo and Joshua on faith and staying grounded
On the topic of faith, Piolo shared how it keeps him centered, “Faith is the key to success. If we're grounded by our faith, then nothing can go wrong—even if it turns bad. Importante ang faith, kung wala kang faith, magiging narcissist ka. So it's important na grounded tayo sa faith at meron tayong pinaniniwalaan at meron tayong anchor sa buhay. Kung wala ‘yon, madaling maligaw.”
He didn't shy away from admitting moments of doubt and emphasized the importance of trusting God's will. “Even if you question Him, even if you have certain issues in life, or certain wants na hindi mo nakukuha, magtiwala ka lang that the Lord knows and wants what's best for you.”
Joshua, who grew up with a priest uncle, agreed. “Bata pa lang ako, kasama ko na siya sa lahat ng ginagawa ko. Sa lahat ng ginagawa ko hanggang ngayon, kasama ko siya at palagi akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng natatanggap ko rin.” He believes in having someone to guide you and staying true to your beliefs.
What makes Piolo and Joshua kilig?
When asked what sparks kilig in their lives these days, Joshua shared that it’s the sense of fulfillment after completing a project, especially when it’s about to be released. “Kapag natapos mo nang gawin tapos ipapalabas na lang, parang ang sarap din sa pakiramdam,” he said.
Piolo added a deeper insight. For him, kilig comes from waking up each day with purpose. “It's being able to wake up to a new day every day knowing that you can do something better, that you can be productive, and that you can be a blessing—a conduit of God's blessing to another person,” he shared.
What family teaches us according to Piolo and Joshua
The two were then asked, “What’s one lesson from your parents that you now pass on to others?” Piolo reminded, “Your family is your lifeline. ‘Wag mong kakalimutan ‘yung pamilya mo because no matter if it's good or bad, they'll be there for you, they'll be there to correct you, they'll be there to support you, and they'll be there to guide you. The most important thing that they can give is love.”
Joshua reflected on learning through experiences rather than advice. One thing his priest uncle told him was, “Para magkaroon ka, kailangan mong magtiis.”
Reflections from “Meet, Greet & Bye”
Without giving away spoilers, both actors shared what their characters learned from their on-screen mom. Piolo said, “Love is unconditional. You have to have a forgiving heart, and you have to have a humble heart to ask for forgiveness. She would always tell us to love each other, be there for each other, and share the love with each other. That's when you feel most complete—when you're with your family.”
Joshua agreed, highlighting the importance of family and healing.
What we can reflect on from their answers is that “Meet, Greet & Bye” is a reflection of the values Joshua and Piolo live by: connection, humility, and love for family.
Don’t miss Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, JK Labajo, and Maricel Soriano in “Meet, Greet & Bye”—now showing in cinemas nationwide.