TWO of local cinema’s most celebrated stars, Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual came together for “The Kingdom,” an entry in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024.
The two actors began the project as strangers before developing mutual respect for each other’s dedication, talent, and professionalism over the course of filming.
Vic, best known for his work in comedy, admitted initial hesitation when offered the role of Lakan Makisig, the aging monarch of the Kingdom of Kalayaan, in the drama.
“Medyo na shock ako. Medyo nagdalawang-isip ako kasi it’s a serious film. Sabi nga ni Direk [Mike Tuviera] it’s a non-political political film. I was asking myself kung bagay ba sa akin? And another question was, kaya ko ba to?” Sotto said.
Finally nung ok na sa akin, I asked him sino ang nasa cast. Sabi ni Direk, ‘We’re negotiating with Piolo Pascual.’ [I replied], ‘Okay, gawa na tayo.’ Sabi ko, it’s that everyday…
“We belong to different stations before, so we never had the chance to work together. And, in one film for this is one, this is one pagkakataon na hindi ko kayang palampasin at ‘yung bonding namin, Piola and I was asked before kumusta ang bonding niyo?
“Sabi ko, hindi kami nagbo-bonding kasi hindi ko kilala ang character nya,” the actor explained.
In the film, Vic and Piolo are on opposing sides of the social spectrum. Vic is royalty, while Pascual plays Sulo, an outcast farmer who becomes an unlikely hero.
Despite their characters’ limited interaction during much of the story, Sotto described watching Pascual in action as a standout experience. “I’ve always been a fan… para akong nangangarap. It was like living my dream. Totoo ‘yun. Totoo ‘yung napanood ko na sya — ang galing!”
He also praised Pascual as a “seriously good actor” and highlighted his character off-screen, adding, “Not just a good actor, is a good person in and out.”
Pascual, in turn, shared his observations of Sotto’s professionalism and commitment. “I discovered about Bossing [Vic] that… you’re not gonna last long in this business… if your heart is not in the right place… I saw the dedication sa craft, ‘yung commitment nya sa trabaho, ‘yung pagmamahal niya not just sa trabaho, pero sa buong paligid niya.”
Above all, Piolo said, he admired Vic’s kindness. “Napakabait na tao ni Bossing sobra.”
Directed by Mike Tuviera and produced by MQuest Ventures Inc., M-ZET TV Productions, and APT Entertainment Inc., “The Kingdom” reimagines the Philippines as a monarchy untouched by colonization. Set in the Kingdom of Kalayaan, the film explores the complexities of power, legacy, and family dynamics. Sotto’s Lakan Makisig grapples with maintaining tradition while navigating upheaval within the royal family. Pascual’s Sulo, initially shunned by society, becomes a figure of change.
The star-studded ensemble features Cristine Reyes and Sue Ramirez as Dayang Matimyas and Dayang Lualhati, Sid Lucero as Magat Bagwis, Ruby Ruiz as the Babaylan, and Cedrick Juan as a younger Lakan Makisig in flashbacks. Zion Cruz portrays Lakan Makisig’s grandson. Iza Calzado, Art Acuña, Giovanni Baldisseri, and Nico Antonio are also in the cast.
“The Kingdom” unreels on December 25, Christmas Day.
