Enticing moviegoers to watch his film “Northern Lights: A Journey to Love” in 2017, Piolo Pascual graced Tonight with Boy Abunda and revealed about how he related to his character’s struggles as a father.

Piolo first talked about his German descent, asked to share the story behind his social media post of a photo of him and his father. In the caption, he wrote about his childhood wish to look mestizo like his full-blooded German dad.

“My father had blonde hair, green eyes, and no one in my family got it. Lumalaki kami, sabi ko, ‘Sayang mas maganda sana kung mestizo ka.’ Para maiba lang.” It doesn’t mean he’s not happy about his features, “Not naman to say na hindi magaganda at pogi ang Asian pero it’s just that I just wanted to look like my dad. I’m still my father’s son.”

He went on to describe his father’s strict parenting style. “Bawal ang maingay sa mesa ‘pag kumakain, Nagdadasal kami every day. Bawal madumi sa bahay, laging maayos. So, lumalaki kami para kaming may martial law sa bahay.”

His father taught him the values of respect and faith, which he now passes on to his son Inigo Pascual. He calls his father a hero, giving him credit for the man he has become, more so his talent in acting.

Piolo’s father worked as casting director for international movies that were filmed in the Philippines and had acting experiences as well. Piolo knows that his dad would’ve been so happy to see him take on the same passion.

He went on to talk about “Northern Lights: A Journey to Love,” which revolved around a Filipino immigrant, Charlie (Piolo), whose life took a total turn when he got reunited with his estranged son (Raikko Mateo).

The actor said he resonates with Charlie’s journey as a father. They share a lot of similarities especially being a father to their estranged sons. “Same thing with Inigo, parang paano ba maging tatay? Kasi feeling ko binata pa rin ako. ‘Pag nakikita ko anak ko, parang, ‘tatay na pala ako?’”

He continued, “There were many times, many scenes in the movie na parang nangyari sa akin sa totoong buhay. Parang hindi mo lam kung paano ka lulugar sa harap ng anak mo.”