Piolo Pascual is not out to compete with Star Cinema Author: Napoleon Quintos Piolo Pascual is broadening his horizons with Manila, an independent movie he starred in and co-produced. At the press conference for the film, Piolo explained that the reason he agreed to try out producing films is to have a better understanding of the industry. " Meron pa akong ipo-produce, album ko naman, ha ha ha! Gusto ko rin kasing maging mas hands-on sa mga ginagawa ko so if there's any opportunity for me to be a part of the production team I will grab it. Hindi naman sa nababato na ako sa trabaho but gusto ko lang i-explore ' yung iba pang bagay na pwede ko pang matutunan para naman lumawak 'yung kaalaman ko sa industriya at ma-boost pa 'yung confidence ko as an artist." While busy promoting for the theatrical release of Manila, Piolo is also overseeing the shoot of another film he is producing, Kimmydora: Kambal sa Kiyeme starring Eugene Domingo and Dingdong Dantes. As he is slowly beginning to produce more movies, Piolo clarified that he has no plans of competing with Star Cinema, ABS-CBN's film production outfit which is distributing Manila. " Sabi nga nila, 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you.' Masaya na ako sa ginagawa ko ngayon. I'm an employee of ABS-CBN and kung hindi dahil sa kanila wala ako sa kung nasaan ako ngayon. Wala akong balak na kalabanin sila or kahit anong network. Hindi ko kayang gawin 'yun." Piolo said that he was thankful to Manila directors Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix Jr. for offering the project to him during his hectic taping days of teleserye Lobo. "It was exhausting but also a good experience because I was seen every night on TV doing the same character so Manila gave me the chance to do something different. In between takes ng Manila kami nina direk nag-uusap ng business side of the project." The actor added that he is very much open to other opportunities wherein he could learn more things and enhance his craft. "I'm very spontaneous. For as long as the project will help me grow, feed my artistry, macha-challenge [ ako], I'll go for it. I'm not closing my doors on anything for as long as I learn something. Saan man ako dalhin, wala akong limits." Piolo also revealed that he has been talking with Star Cinema about the project he wants to do with his friends on ASAP '09. "Gusto ko talaga maka-trabaho si Vhong Navarro. Sa dressing room sa ASAP napag-uusapan namin to do something offbeat. Naisip naming isama sina John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford, John Prats, puro lalaki. Mala-Ocean's Eleven ang tema. Ambitious dahil sa conflicting schedules naming lahat pero pini-pitch din namin sa Star Cinema. Sana magawan ng magandang script at maayos 'yung mga schedules namin." Source: ABS-CBN Interactive | 
