Filipino talent in showbiz is one that people shouldn’t look down on. In some instances, local celebrities break the global barrier and become part of international projects that propel them to the center of the limelight.
During times like this, Filipino fans offer their support to these celebrities as they represent the local showbiz industry on a global scale. Recently, Iñigo Pascual landed a lead role in Fox’s American musical drama television Monarch, where he works with a star-studded cast, including Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel, Trace Adkins, Beth Ditto, Joshua Sasse, and Meagan Holder.
In the first episode, Iñigo did more than just showcase his acting skills. He also belted out tunes to prove that he has what it takes to become a part of Hollywood’s entertainment industry.
“Lahat parang dream come true. I never thought I’d come to this point to be able to do a project like this,” Iñigo said. He also shared that his family supported his milestone and how surreal it felt watching the show’s first episode with them.
However, not everyone shared in wishing Iñigo well. He shared that he heard people tell him that he won’t make it as an artist in the Philippines or he won’t be as good as his dad, Piolo Pascual.
“A lot of negative comments affected me throughout my life, but to be able to do something like this just feels good to be doing it not just for myself, but to be doing it for my family, for my dad, for my parents,” he said.
Iñigo added that through it all, he’s just proud to represent the Philippines. Still, he felt nervous working with a different cast. He recalled that during his callback for the auditions, he was a little tense when he saw the participants of the Zoom meeting were not Filipino.
Unlike when conversing with his fellow Filipinos, Iñigo felt like he doesn’t have the legroom to make a mistake.
“When I first moved to Atlanta, I was scared for myself. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya ko ba ‘to? Kaya ko ba yung hinahanap ko, yung gagawin ko?’ Syempre sa Pilipinas, andoon yung suporta ng mga kasama ko, my management, and everyone, my dad,” he said.
Coming into the project, Iñigo added, he felt like starting from ground zero. Yet fear wasn’t the only emotion that gripped him. Eventually, he saw this fresh start as an opportunity to make a name for himself and show what else he could do as an artist.
Like the monarch butterfly, Iñigo found the opportunity of a lifetime to break free from his cocoon and spread his wings.
No longer will he be known only as the son of Piolo, but now for the steps he took to further his career and champion Filipino talent on a global platform.
Monarch features 11 episodes of country royalty, fame, and glamor built on secrets, lies, and deceit. It can be streamed exclusively on iWantTFC. New episodes drop every Thursday at 9:00 a.m.