Heartthrob Piolo Pascual reportedly would have played villain to his arch rival Dingdong Dantes in the movie “Kimmy Dora” if he was not dissuaded by his manager.

In a meeting with Star Cinema recently, Piolo is said to have told the film outfit’s boss Malou Santos about his plan to play screen baddie to the Kapuso star.

However, Johnny Manahan, Piolo's manager, reportedly discouraged him from doing so. Manahan is said to have cited Piolo’s status as one of Star Magic's premium artists as reason.

The role eventually went to hunk actor Zanjoe Marudo.

“Kimmy Dora,” though under Piolo Pascual’s Spring Film Production, will be distributed by Star Cinema.  

In a press conference for indie film “Manila,” Piolo shared that Dingdong was also offered to be an investor in “Kimmy Dora.” Piolo said Dingdong was interested at first, and even contributed ideas to the forthcoming Eugene Domingo starrer until he [Dingdong] decided to just concentrate on acting in the film.

As a producer, Piolo is thankful that his first project, “Manila,” has received overwhelmingly good response. The film premiered in the recently concluded 62nd Cannes Film Festival, was picked as the opening film in the 2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, and has been invited to the Moscow International Film Festival.

The budding producer’s dream project is one akin to “Ocean's Eleven.”

If it materializes, Piolo said he will offer roles to Vhong Navarro, John Lloyd Cruz, and Luis Manzano.