Piolo Pascual and Mentorque Productions continue to reap success for ‘Mallari’
Piolo Pascual, Philippine entertainment’s ultimate heartthrob, further cemented his reputation as a leading man by securing the Best Actor award for his role in “Mallari” at the recent Box Office Entertainment Awards, presented by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation (GMMSF), Inc.
“Mallari,” an official entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival and the first Filipino film distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, delves into the chilling psychological landscape of Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, the Philippines’ only documented serial killer from the 19th century. Piolo Pascual masterfully portrayed three central characters in this meticulously crafted blend of historical fact and psychological horror.
This marks Piolo’s second Best Actor recognition, following his victory at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival in January 2024, held in the heart of Hollywood, USA. Pascual, accompanied by Mentorque producer Bryan Dy, executive producer Rona Banaag, Clever Minds co-owner and supervising producer Omar Sortijas, director Derick Cabrido, along with hi Mallaris co-stars Janella Salvador and Ron Angeles, personally accepted the prestigious award.
The film’s influence reached beyond the Philippines, becoming an official selection at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival, a visionary initiative of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority/MMFF Acting Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes. The overwhelming success and acclaim of “Mallari” have paved the way for numerous collaborations, much to the delight of the burgeoning producer.
Mentorque Productions, in partnership with Project 8 Projects, is poised to make an impact at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival in August. The recently completed filming of “Kono Basho” in Japan was proudly announced by Mentorque’s President and CEO on his Facebook account, featuring an image of two women in black kimonos.
Recent interactions of Bryan with ANGKAS President George Royeca and directors Dolly Dulu and Ivan Andrew Payawal suggest a potential collaboration with ANGKAS on an upcoming project. Additionally, a post featuring Bryan alongside TEN17P producer-director Paul Soriano, his wife Toni Gonzaga-Soriano, and the couple Mikee Morada and Alex Gonzaga-Morada, owners of TinCan Productions, hint at further exciting partnerships.
Amidst these developments, the Mentorque producer remains focused on his entry for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, the fantasy-drama “Biringan.” Bryan’s excitement is heightened by the 14 out of 18 nominations received by “Mallari” at the upcoming FAMAS Awards night on May 26th at the Manila Hotel.
The nominations include Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Child Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Theme Song, and Best Musical Score.
Prior to this, “Mallari” secured Best Supporting Actor, Best Musical Score, Best Visual Effects, and Third Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Gabi ng Parangal. Months have passed, but the efforts invested in this ambitious film project continue to bear fruit.
Mark June 21st on your calendars, as “Mallari” makes its eagerly awaited debut on Netflix.
