Piolo Pascual and Kyle Echarri Team Up for Action-Packed Film The Ride

When two generations of talent collide on the big screen, expectations are bound to skyrocket. This September, fans of Filipino cinema will witness just that as seasoned actor Piolo Pascual and rising star Kyle Echarri headline the highly anticipated action-drama film The Ride. Directed by Thop Nazareno and produced by Cornerstone Studios, the film promises not just adrenaline-fueled sequences but also an emotional father-and-son story that digs deep into themes of estrangement, trust, and redemption.

The official trailer, released on August 22, immediately sparked buzz online. With Cornerstone’s striking caption — “Kung minsan ang lansangan ay hindi lang nahahati sa kaliwa at kanan kundi kahit sa pagitan ng buhay at kamatayan” (“Sometimes the streets are divided not just between left and right, but between life and death”) — fans were quick to flood social media with excitement.

A Story of Fathers, Sons, and Secrets

At the heart of The Ride is Barry, played by Piolo Pascual, a man whose complicated past catches up with him in the most unexpected way. Estranged from his son Leo, portrayed by Kyle Echarri, Barry struggles to bridge the gap left by years of absence and unspoken pain.

But reconciliation is far from simple. As Leo begins to uncover the truth about his father’s entanglement in criminal activities, the two are thrust into a dangerous world where every decision could mean life or death.

The trailer paints a vivid picture of their tense relationship, highlighting not only explosive action scenes but also intimate moments of emotional confrontation. The father-son dynamic is expected to be the film’s strongest emotional core, balancing spectacle with sincerity.

First-Time Collaboration

The collaboration between Piolo and Kyle is generating immense interest. For Piolo, long considered one of the most versatile actors in Philippine cinema, The Ride offers another chance to prove his staying power. For Kyle, best known as a singer and for his role in The Iron Heart, this marks his first full-fledged action film — a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly.

Back in a May 2023 interview on Magandang Buhay, Piolo shared:

“We filmed last year and finished a month or two ago. It’s an action film, nakakatuwa. First time namin together.”

Kyle echoed the excitement, admitting the project pushed him out of his comfort zone:

“Sobra po akong excited. First time ko po gumawa ng ganung movie, first time kong mag-action talaga. I’m excited for people to see it because it’s a very different kind of project that I don’t think you’ve even seen Piolo do before.”

Mutual Respect On Set

Despite the pressure of working with an actor of Piolo’s stature, Kyle revealed that his experience was surprisingly relaxed.

“Noong una siyempre na-pressure ako — Papa P na ’yon, sobra. Pero on set sobrang magkaibigan lang talaga, it didn’t feel like work anymore.”

Piolo, for his part, had nothing but praise for his younger co-star.

“Dito sa pelikula namin he’s a big revelation. Of course, he’s known more as a singer but also as an actor, as you’ve seen in The Iron Heart. And dito sa The Ride, iba rin ’yung ipinakita niya, iba rin ’yung character.”

This mutual admiration is expected to translate well on screen, giving audiences both tension and tenderness in equal measure.

A Director’s Touch

Director Thop Nazareno, known for his ability to weave raw emotion into compelling narratives, brings a unique perspective to the project. With The Ride, he balances the gritty action demanded of the genre with the emotional nuances of a father-and-son drama.

By blending heartfelt storytelling with high-octane scenes, Nazareno aims to elevate the film beyond standard action fare, making it a story about choices, consequences, and the possibility of forgiveness.

Social Media Buzz

Even before its release, The Ride has already become a trending topic among fans. Comments on social media ranged from all-caps enthusiasm — “OMG! ito naaaa!” — to anticipation-filled declarations like “Can’t wait, seatedddd!!”

The chemistry between Piolo and Kyle, coupled with the film’s intense atmosphere, has left fans speculating about the story’s twists. Will Leo stand by his father despite the revelations? Or will Barry’s past sins cost him his only chance at redemption?

Piolo Pascual: A Career of Iconic Roles

The excitement surrounding The Ride also serves as a reminder of Piolo Pascual’s remarkable career. Over the years, he has portrayed some of the most iconic roles in Philippine cinema. From Lino in Milan, where he played a man torn between love and sacrifice, to Marco in Starting Over Again, whose unforgettable line — “I deserved an explanation! I deserved an acceptable reason!” — remains etched in pop culture, Piolo has proven time and again his versatility.

His performances in Last Night and The Breakup Playlist further showcased his ability to embody complex emotions while maintaining his magnetic screen presence. With The Ride, Piolo now ventures into new territory, promising audiences yet another unforgettable role.

Kyle Echarri: A Star on the Rise

While Piolo brings decades of experience, Kyle Echarri represents the new wave of talent shaping Filipino entertainment. Emerging from his roots in music, Kyle has steadily built his reputation as an actor, most recently in the hit series The Iron Heart. The Ride marks a turning point in his career — an opportunity to solidify his place as a versatile performer capable of handling both action and drama.

His fresh energy and willingness to take risks are expected to resonate with younger audiences, many of whom have followed his journey since his early days in showbiz.

Exclusive Theatrical Release

In an era where streaming has dominated film distribution, The Ride will have an exclusive run in SM Cinemas nationwide starting September 24, 2025. This decision underscores the film’s ambition to deliver a larger-than-life cinematic experience that fully immerses audiences in its action sequences and emotional beats.

Why The Ride Matters

At first glance, The Ride might seem like just another action movie, but its core is deeply human. It’s about fathers and sons, about the burden of secrets, and about the choices that can either heal or destroy. By pairing one of the country’s most established actors with a rising star, the film bridges generations, offering something for longtime fans and new audiences alike.

As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: The Ride is not just a film, it’s an event. It represents a bold step in Filipino cinema — one that combines thrilling action with heartfelt storytelling.

So buckle up. When September 24 comes, viewers will be invited not just to watch a movie, but to experience a journey filled with danger, love, betrayal, and perhaps, redemption.