After starring in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival horror film entry Mallari, Janella Salvador said it was an unforgettable experience getting the chance to play lead star Piolo Pascual’s modern day girlfriend in the film. This was why she did not hesitate to accept the project when it was first offered to her.
“Pero kinabahan ako ng slight kasi hindi ko lang makakatrabaho dito si Papa P, partner ko siya dito. So kinabahan ako pero I coudln’t let it pass. Because he’s Piolo, just that (laughs),” she said.
Mallari was loosely based on Father Juan Severino Mallari, a Filipino Catholic priest who was also the first documented serial killer in the Philippines.
The real life Fr. Mallari reportedly killed at least 57 people in Magalang, Pampanga.
On the set, Janella revealed that Piolo was very down-to-earth and a good co-star. In the film, the two share several kissing scenes together.
“He’s accomplished so much. Pero nung nasa set na kami, never ko naramdaman yung Piolo siya. He’s actually very generous. I could also see him really working hard for this role. Lahat kami dito parang we’re all really just trying to portray our roles na pantay pantay kami and he worked very hard for this one,” she explained.
In the film, Piolo’s character said that love can also be a curse, which Janella admitted she agrees with.
“I think puwede siya maging sumpa siguro. Kaya siya tinawag na sumpa sa film kasi, without spoiling much siguro, kapag nagmahal ka kasi, talagang gagawin mo ang lahat, kahit ano, para lang makita mong maging okay yung minamahal mo. Pero ako personally, hindi sumpa ang pagmamahal,” she said.
In real life, Janella said she does not fear anyone except her mother, Jenine Desiderio.
“Nung pinanganak ako nandun na siya, yung nanay ko (laughs). Self explanatory naman yun. Hindi ko na kailangan i-explain bakit ako natatakot sa kanya,” she added.
