Amid buzz surrounding a photo of Piolo Pascual with Filipino-Chinese model Kim Rivera, his son Iñigo Pascual is choosing understanding over speculation.
Speaking at the Star Magic Spotlight media conference, Iñigo addressed the now-viral image of his father being cozy with Rivera, which ignited online curiosity and fan theories.
“Tao rin naman ang tatay ko, eh,” Iñigo remarked. “I feel like he deserves to express himself.”
The 27-year-old actor and singer admitted he hasn’t actually seen the photo yet, but made it clear he stands by his father regardless.
This calm response is consistent with Iñigo’s long-held views about being in the shadow of the iconic “Papa P.” In previous interviews, Iñigo has said it’s not a burden to be Piolo’s son, but a source of pride.
“Para sa akin, it’s an honor to be compared to my dad,” he shared. “To be even compared to Papa P, isang karangalan ‘yun.”
He even jokes about it with friends.
“Sa mga kaibigan ko, ipinagmamalaki ko pa si Papa — na parang, ito ‘yung tatay ko. Can you believe it? This is my dad. He looks like my older brother.”
Despite his growing success in the U.S., including his role in the Hollywood series ‘Monarch’, Iñigo made it clear that the Philippines remains home.
“This is home to me,” he said. “No matter what projects I get to do in another country, this will still be my home.”
Recently, Iñigo has been earning praise for his performance in ‘Fatherland’, a film directed by Joel Lamangan where he plays a Filipino-American reconnecting with his roots — a role that mirrors his own life.
Through it all, the young actor still turns to his dad for guidance, especially when tackling emotional scenes.
“I always ask Papa. I ask him what I should be thinking — should I use my personal pain or should I be the character? And my dad says, ‘Whatever works for you.’”
As for Piolo and Kim Rivera? Neither party has issued a statement yet — but if there’s one thing certain, it’s that Iñigo has his father’s back.
