Arnel Pineda wants PH actor to lead his int’l biopic
His biopic to be produced by the people behind “Crazy Rich Asians” is “on.” And if he can’t play himself in the movie, Arnel Pineda would like Coco Martin to do it.
His biopic to be produced by the people behind “Crazy Rich Asians” is “on.” And if he can’t play himself in the movie, Arnel Pineda would like Coco Martin to do it.
The Pinoy singer said so in an interview a few days ago. But no matter who ends up doing it, what’s certain is that Arnel dedicates his rags-to-riches story to all “unknown Filipino musicians who are talented but aren’t able to break in or join the industry.”
Recall that Arnel was a struggling musician for many years before he snagged a recording deal. However, his biggest break came when he was discovered online by a member of interna
wants PH actor to lead his int’l biopic
tional band Journey, who then tapped him to become their lead singer, years after original frontman Steve Perry bowed out of the group.
“(The movie will be) for the people who are losing hope, who think they won’t ever succeed. I think it’s about time they feel it’s not bad to have a dream as long as you’re willing to work hard for it.”
Like father, like son
We also asked Arnel about the audition of his son Angelo on “Idol Philippines.” The boy didn’t immediately convince the judges he was worth a slot. Later, when he got the yeses, he revealed the identity of his father, much to everyone’s surprise.
In fact, Arnel, himself, didn’t know about the audition until it was over.
“He surprised me. I thought he was just in Digos trying to finish his studies. Then suddenly, he arrived in Manila saying he wants to sing. I was kind of shocked,” the singer admitted.
The father has the son’s back, but naturally.
“I hope he makes it farther. I want him to be the best he can for himself.”
Asked to assess his son’s performance during the audition, Arnel said he could put in more emotion into singing.
But in any case, the Journey frontman wants Angelo to have his own brand.
“I told him, ‘Don’t think about other people, to think about yourself, what kind of brand you want for yourself.”
Feels like home
Before the interview, Arnel led the guitar-smashing tradition at Hard Rock Café (HRC) Manila opening at S Maison, Conrad Manila. He also did a set that included Led Zeppelin and Queen hits.
Going back to HRC feels surreal for Arnel as he used to perform at HC Makati with his band 9 years ago. He shared that their slot fell on a Sunday so it was a challenge to bring people in who typically rest that day of the week.
“To be playing at Hard Rock Café Manila again brings back a lot of memories and for me, it feels like a second homecoming,” he said. “This is one of the few places where I can be myself and lose myself in my music — and people love me for it. It’s like a happy ‘full circle’ for me.”
Arnel was joined onstage at the launch by Hard Rock International’s Anibal Fernandez, Vice-President of Franchise Operations and Steve Yang, Area Vice-President of Development and Operations for Asia Pacific and The Bistro Group’s William Stelton, Chairman and CEO; and Jean Paul Manuud, President and COO.