Nicolas Torre III Goes Viral After Comparing Himself to Piolo Pascual
NICOLAS TORRE III – What started as a formal speech at the MMFF awards night turned humorous when an MMDA executive made a playful remark about Piolo Pascual’s good looks.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III drew laughter and applause after making a lighthearted remark comparing his looks to those of “Ultimate Heartthrob” Piolo Pascual during the Gabi ng Parangal of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Speaking at the awards night held on Saturday, December 27, Torre jokingly admitted that Pascual had a slight edge over him in terms of appearance, while highlighting his deep appreciation for the film Manila’s Finest, which starred the acclaimed actor. Torre, a former police officer, said the movie resonated strongly with him because of its portrayal of the struggles and realities faced by law enforcers.
“Bilang dating pulis, malapit sa puso ko ang ‘Manila’s Finest,’” Torre said in his speech. He then added humor to the moment by acknowledging Pascual’s undeniable charisma: “Lamang man ng mga ilang paligo si Kuya Piolo, hindi man ako kasing-tikas nila at ng iba pang mga bida, pero katulad nila, ramdam ko ang mga pagsubok at challenges na kanilang hinarap.”
Torre went on to express his gratitude to the filmmakers and cast for giving life to a story that honors the police force. “Maraming salamat sa pagbigay-buhay sa istorya ng pulis,” he added, drawing warm reactions from the audience.
Manila’s Finest is set in the 1970s during the height of the First Quarter Storm, a period marked by political unrest and social upheaval. The film centers on a group of police officers who become entangled in a murder investigation involving rebellious youth in a chaotic part of the city. Through its narrative, the movie explores themes of duty, moral conflict, and the personal sacrifices made by those tasked with maintaining peace and order during turbulent times.
The film’s strong storytelling and technical excellence were recognized at the MMFF awards night. Manila’s Finest clinched the Third Best Picture award and received several other honors, including Best Cinematography, the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Best Original Theme Song, Best Production Design, Best Musical Score, Best Sound, and Best Float.
Torre’s candid and humorous remarks added a memorable moment to the evening, while also underscoring the film’s impact and its meaningful tribute to the lives and struggles of Filipino police officers.
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