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Filipino Celebrity: Piolo Pascual
Piolo Pascual (born Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual on January 12, 1977 in Manila, Philippines) is a Filipino actor and model. His dad, Philip Herzig a man of German and Filipino descent worked for several movie companies and he played an integral part in Piolo's dream to join showbusiness.
His father died when Piolo was only sixteen years old, he became closer to his mother Amelia in his teenage years. Later, a 17 year old Piolo joined the ranks of teen stars in the now defunct teen variety show THAT's ENTERTAINMENT helmed by master manager German Moreno.
Nothing was happening to him in showbusiness, so he decided to pack his bags and leave with his mom for the United States. He left his studies in University of Sto. Thomas to be with his mom and work in the Emergency Rooms in California.
But the acting bug was still getting to him. Getting an offer from ABS CBN (Philippine's largest network) and the talent center called Star Circle (now known as Star Magic) to join a series called "Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako" (When You Need Me), Piolo thought he would give it a try, telling his mother he will return to the US after three years.
There a star was born. Playing the menacing playboy villain---Raffy in the soap... he became an instant celebrity. Everyone was intrigued with this guy with a clean cut look and a mysterious persona. Later, he got his breakthrough role in "Lagarista" directed by Mel Chonglo which got him international acclaim in Toronto and New York.
He was paired up with popular young star, Judy Ann Santos in "Kahit Isang Saglit" (Just One Moment) and suddenly he was a phenomenon. They later did soaps like Esperanza and Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka which were all hits. He also did movies with her. "Bakit di Totohanin" and "Til There Was You".
In 2001, Piolo Pascual was the ultimate hearthrob. Something he never expected. He got his first huge endorsement when he starred in the huge Sprite campaign. The premise? When schoolgirl played by then unknown, comedienne Toni Gonzaga could not help but scream "I LOVE YOU,PIOLO!!!!" at the mere sight of him. And so it was, girls could not help but melt at the sight of Piolo.
In 2002, he got his biggest break as an actor as he starred with Star for all Seasons Ms. Vilma Santos in Dekada 70 a film about the Marcos regime in the Philippines, he played a rebel there and he won every award in the country for his portrayal of Jules. When he won the grandslam, people knew he was not just another pretty face but he was an actor who deserved respect and acclaim in his craft.
By 2003, he kept surprising people even more. He decided to release a record, some found it laughable that Piolo decided to try out a singing career. Some even placed bets on how his concert in the Big Dome, Araneta Collesium would be a huge flop. Alas, Piolo proved his critics wrong again as his album reached platinum and he had a sold out concert.
By 2004, he got critical acclaim once more and a box office hit, MILAN as he co-stars with actress, Claudine Barretto. He also played a modern day Robin Hood named Oslec in TV Series Mangarap Ka.