CinemaBravo

Piolo Pascual is set to return to the big screen — and make a milestone in his career — via the period horror film ‘Mallari.‘ A milestone indeed for the heartthrob as he portrays the role of a serial killer in his first-ever horror film. Not to mention, he is playing three characters from three different time periods, making it all the more challenging for the multi-talented, versatile actor.

Mentorque formally launched the project through a media conference that was attended by Piolo Pascual, director Derick Cabrido, and producer John Bryan Diamante.

Watch our Facebook live coverage of the event here: https://facebook.com/cinemabravo/videos/809080557326997/

Piolo initially said no to play ‘Mallari’

The idea of starring in his first-ever horror film is interesting enough for Piolo but he had initial qualms when the project was offered to him.

He admitted that the energy it would take to pull off the role was his biggest consideration.

“This is gonna be something so special for me,” Piolo said at the media conference. “It’s not just a horror film; it’s also something historical… I’m just really honored to be portraying three roles in the span of three timelines…

“We’ve been seeing a lot of docus from different streaming platforms. We wanted to do a local take on a serial killer’s case—the first document serial killer [in the Philippines], who was Mallari. So I think that actually piqued my interest to say yes to this project…”

Check out these snaps from the contract signing:

What got his attention is the true-to-life accounts of a Filipino priest who was a serial killer.

“One thing that actually ignited my interest was when this was pitched to me, I didn’t know anything about Mallari, I actually had to Google him on the same day, because initially I said no… When I asked my to do three roles… it will gonna be too hard, and physically exhausting, and it’s a horror film. That same day, when I got the pitch, the same night I was in a location, I Googled him and that piqued my interest…”

Inspired by true events, Mallari tells the horrific story of Fr. Severino Mallari, a 19th century priest during the Spanish occupation and his descent into madness. The film recounts Father Mallari’s life and work as a parish priest in Pampanga, where he reportedly murdered 57 people to aid his ailing mother. The film is a period horror piece spanning three timelines: the Spanish occupation, the post-war period, and the present time, with Pascual taking on a different character in each.

About the production

Joining the powerhouse team is a fellow newcomer in the genre — producer John Bryan Diamante along with his Mentorque team, which is a first-timer in doing a solo production (without any co-production company along its name on the billing). Before this, he busied himself with the controversial Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 entry ‘My Father, Myself,’ which starred Jake Cuenca, Dimples Romana, Tiffany Grey, and Sean De Guzman.

Also part of the production is Joaquin Enrico Santos, who serves as the writer and creative producer of this project. Santo is a creative force behind blockbusters such as the more recent An Inconvenient Love, as well as critically acclaimed films such as The Trial.

Cabrido, on the other hand, is not new to the genre. He boasts an indie filmography with darker themes, including the gritty Children’s Show and the supernatural horror Tuos starring National Artist Nora Aunor featured in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. More recently, he directed the Netflix Originals movie U-Turn starring Kim Chiu, JM de Guzman, and Tony Labrusca, and Clarita starring Jodi Sta. Maria, for which he won Best Director in the Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal and the Mirabile Dictu Film Festival in the Vatican City.

Mallari is expected to have international and local theatrical screening. It is produced under Mentorque Productions and Cleverminds Inc.