The country’s ultimate heartthrob, Piolo Pascual, strengthened his status as a first-rate leading man once again, winning the Film Actor of the Year trophy for his performance in the suspense thriller, Mallari, at the recent Box Office Entertainment Awards.

The awards were presented by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation (GMMSF), Inc.

An official entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Mallari is a chilling cinematic journey into the depths of Fr. Juan Severino Mallari’s psyche, the Philippines’ sole documented serial killer from the 19th century.

The meticulously crafted and the first-ever Filipino film to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, intertwines historical accuracy with psychological horror. Three major characters were brought to life by Piolo.

Mallari 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.

Piolo, accompanied by Mentorque producer John Bryan Diamante aka Bryan Dy, executive producer Rona Banaag, Clever Minds co-owner and supervising producer Omar Sortijas, director Derick Cabrido, along with his Mallari’s co-stars Janella Salvador and Ron Angeles, personally accepted the prestigious award.

The film’s impact extended far beyond domestic borders, becoming an official part of the inaugural Manila International Film Festival, a visionary project launched by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority/MMFF acting chairman lawyer Romando S. Artes.

Mallari’s overwhelming success and positive reception have opened doors for numerous collaborations, much to the delight of the budding producer.

Mentorque Productions, in partnership with Project 8 Projects, owned by directors Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone, is set to make waves at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival this 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 dressed in black kimonos.

A Mentorque Productions and Project 8 Projects collaboration, Kono Basho will see two world collide in Filipino film set in Japan.

Starring Gabby Padilla and Arisa Nakano (emojis Philippine and Japan’s flag). At the helm is visual artist Jaime Pacena in his directorial debut. Kono Basho is an entry to this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival.

Recent sightings of Bryan with Angkas president George Royeca and directors Dolly Dulu and Ivan Andrew Payawal, suggest a potential collaboration with Angkas in 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, hints at further exciting partnerships.

Amid these developments, the Mentorque producer is laser-focused on his entry for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, the fantasy-drama Biringan.

Bryan’s joy is further amplified by the 14 out of 18 nominations garnered by Mallari at the upcoming FAMAS Awards night on May 26, 7 p.m. at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel.

The nominations include Best Actor (Piolo Pascual), Best Picture (Mentorque Productions/Clever Minds), Best Director (Derick Cabrido), Best Screenplay (Enrico C. Santos), Best Cinematography (Pao Orendain), Best Child Actor (Kian Co), Best Supporting Actress (Gloria Diaz), Best Supporting Actor (JC Santos).

Mallari was also cited for Best Editing (Noah Tonga), Best Sound (Immanuel Verona and Nerikka Salim), Best Production Design (Marielle Hizon), Best Visual Effects (Gaspar Mangarin), Best Theme Song (Pag-ibig na Sumpa by JK Labajo) and Best Musical Score (Von De Guzman).

Mallari previously bagged 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 and efforts to put up such a huge film project are still reaping success.

Mark June 21 in your calendars, as Mallari makes its highly anticipated debut on Netflix.