Piolo Pascual and his son, Iñigo Pascual, recently opened up about a viral video showing an intimate moment between them, which sparked online reactions.

The video, posted by their makeup artist, featured the two sharing a kiss and an affectionate embrace, leading to mixed responses from the public. While some people found the gesture sweet and endearing, others were quick to criticize it, calling it “awkward” or inappropriate.

The incident prompted Piolo, 40, to reflect on the nature of public perception and the harsh criticism he and his son have faced throughout the years.

He shared his thoughts during an episode of Magandang Buhay on ABS-CBN, aired on March 22. This wasn’t the first time that their close father-son relationship became a subject of scrutiny.

Back in 2016, a similar issue arose when Piolo posted a photo on Instagram showing him and Iñigo embracing each other while lying down. This image also drew negative comments from some netizens, who criticized the closeness between the two.

Piolo recounted the events leading to the viral video, explaining how it started with a simple photo taken during a trip abroad. He revealed that his personal assistant, Moi Marcampo, had shared the photo online, which sparked the controversy.

Instead of letting the criticism affect them, Piolo and Iñigo decided to repost the image on their social media pages to take control of the narrative and to respond to the bashers directly.

Reflecting on the situation, Piolo expressed his frustration at people who pass judgment on their relationship.

He admitted that it was tempting to react angrily to the negative comments, but he reminded himself that as long as they were doing things with pure intentions and based on love and respect, they shouldn’t worry about the opinions of others.

Piolo emphasized that he and Iñigo’s bond is built on trust and positivity, which they chose to flaunt proudly.

The father of one also shared how he’s learned to rise above the judgment and criticism. He said, “If you know what is right, if you know what is positive, you know what is right in the eyes of God, hindi ka mag-iisip ng malisya kung nasa tamang pag-iisip ka. So, nasa tao ‘yun,” referring to how people’s perceptions often reflect their own biases or insecurities.

He added that he couldn’t understand why people felt the need to criticize their relationship, especially when it was nothing more than a genuine display of love between father and son.

Piolo made it clear that his relationship with Iñigo is a blessing, and he won’t let the negativity of others tarnish that. He added that the special moments they share are something he cherishes deeply, and as long as they have the time to be together, he will continue to celebrate it.

“Anak ko ‘to, how dare you tell me what I should do and what I shouldn’t do?” he boldly declared.

On the other hand, Iñigo, 19, expressed his amusement at the reactions of those who criticized them. For him, the whole situation was laughable. He said that he didn’t understand why something as natural as showing affection between a father and son had to be turned into a controversy.

He pointed out that the bond he shares with his dad is special, and if others don’t experience the same kind of closeness with their parents, it isn’t their problem.

“I just laugh about it,” Iñigo said, reflecting on how he has come to terms with the negative reactions. “What’s the point of making a story out of something that shouldn’t be a story?” he added, making it clear that he didn’t understand the reason behind the criticism. “Why does it even have to be a thing? He’s my dad. If they don’t treat their dad the same way, that’s not my problem.”

The dynamic between Piolo and Iñigo exemplifies a father-son relationship grounded in love, trust, and respect. Despite the occasional controversy surrounding their public displays of affection, both Piolo and Iñigo remain steadfast in their belief that their bond is something to be celebrated, not scrutinized.

They continue to prioritize their connection above all else, choosing to rise above the negativity and focus on the love they share.

In a world where family relationships are often subject to public opinion, Piolo and Iñigo’s decision to stand by each other, no matter the judgment, is a testament to their unwavering support for one another. It’s clear that for them, family comes first, and no amount of online criticism can change that.

As they continue to navigate the complexities of being public figures, Piolo and Iñigo remain focused on what truly matters—their relationship as father and son.

Despite the challenges they may face, they have shown that they are resilient and confident in their ability to handle whatever life throws at them, all while keeping their bond strong and unbreakable.