MANILA, Philippines??Papa Piolo Pascual has been a film star for something like a decade now, so it?s time to sum up his thespic achievements to date. After his big bow in ?Lagarista,? we can cite his performance in ?Dekada 70? as one of his career?s high points.

Parenthetically, we should add that he?s also chalked up points as a proficient singer-but, it?s his ?Papa Piolo? ?kilig? persona that currently best defines him in the public?s purview.

All this is fine and dandy, but it?s clear that, as one of local show biz?s most established (still) young leading men, Piolo?s cumulative thespic achievements have come up short of real significance.

Why the relative lack of thespic oomph and unction? Perhaps the fave young star has been too cool and predictable for his own good. Although, he?s occasionally tried to be edgy, most of his big and small-screen portrayals have been less than surprising, and we get the nagging feeling that Piolo has frittered away too much time and too many opportunities, because he?s too pleasantly tried to live up to his by now signature ?Papa Piolo? persona.

To his credit, Piolo may have seen the handwriting on the wall, and has of late been trying to assert his creativity by making some edgy career choices beyond his cool, iconic but ultimately predictable image.

Most significantly, he?s turned producer of the indie movie, ?Manila,? playing the lead roles in its twin stories.

This is an unusually assertive move for the generally too-cool star, so we went out of our way to catch the film when it was screened as the opening feature of the 2009 Cinemalaya festival.

So, how did Piolo do in his indie outing? In the movie?s first story, he played a drug addict, so he didn?t do much ?acting,? since his character was zonked most of the time. We noted, however, that he was miscast as an addict, since he was too mild, bland and put-together for the role.

Piolo?s real acting challenge in ?Manila? came by way of its second story, inspired by Lino Brocka?s ?Jaguar.? As the bodyguard in the story, Piolo did better-but similarly fell short, because he was too cool and mild for his character.

Yes, the ?jaguar? was a country bumpkin who minded his place and kept his emotions to himself, but as the story?s protagonist, he needed to describe an emotional arc that the actor failed to adequately plot and parse.

All told, therefore, despite producer-star Piolo?s best efforts and intentions, his ?Manila? outing turned out to be a relative dud. This is most unfortunate because, at this point in his career, Piolo needs a big thespic success to affirm his talent and excitingly usher in the next decade of his stellar career.

To make up for lost time, the actor should continue with his indie involvement, but he should work with filmmakers who will work harder to yank him out of his thespic comfort zone, which has become as stultifying as a box for him.

It could well be that Piolo?s signature coolness and niceness may turn out to be his most counterproductive traits at this crucial point in his career. So, he?s got to break loose from his fans? expectations-and from himself.

?Jockeys?

Every Monday starting Aug. 10, Animal Planet telecasts ?Jockeys,? a docu-drama about horseracing. See who crosses the finish line first in the quest to win a share of more than $35 million in prize money at the Oak Tree Meet.

Radio drama awards

Luz Fernandez and Augusto Victa led an elite roster of radio personalities who were recently honored for their contributions to the development of radio drama in ceremonies held at the Star Theater as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of dzRH. Honorees included Betty Roxas, Tony Angeles, Nick de Guzman, Marichu Villegas, Eddie Legaspi and Phil Cruz.

ManoMano sale

The Safrudi Foundation?s ManoMano quality handicrafts store is holding a big anniversary sale until Aug. 22, with 50 percent off on selected items. ManoMano showcases the best handicrafts from all over the country. Call 563-7251.

?Flight of the Conchords?

The irreverent HBO musical-comedy series, ?Flight of the Conchords,? has started its second season. The series revolves around the New York adventures of transplanted New Zealanders Jermaine and Bret, who split their time between seeking venues where they can perform and awkwardly courting women.