Paolo takes a big leap

The itch to act started manifesting itself to Paolo Bediones as far back as seven years ago. There was no denying the primary symptom: a slew of school stage plays, where Paolo lived various characters in an assortment of roles.

The itch persisted, even as Paolo, the host of S-Files and LG Quiz Show, interviewed a parade of performers he can only wish to share scenes with on the big screen. Little did Paolo know that years after he entered showbiz, he would finally fulfill that long-cherished dream.

He finally got to scratch that part of him that’s just itching to crop up. And how! Paolo’s debut movie is something any newcomer will give his right hand for.

It happens to be Viva Films’ Walang Kapalit, starring Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez, and directed by Joel Lamangan no less, with six script revisions to make everything just right.

The first-time actor felt the normal butterflies in his stomach when he came face-to-face with his co-stars.

"Sharon refused to shoot a scene with me if I didn’t change from boxer shorts to swimming trunks," recalls Paolo, chuckling.

The memory of his scene with Sharon (who became his girlfriend when her marriage to Richard hit the rocks) still burns in Paolo’s mind.

"When she saw me in that scene, she commented that my outfit made me look like I’m wearing a skirt! So production sent someone to buy me a pair of swimming trunks, and Sharon finally showed her approval," says Paolo.

The butterflies flew even faster in his fight scene with Richard Gomez.

The well-bred Paolo (BS Interdisciplanary Studies, Ateneo) had never figured in a real-life fight, ever. In fact, he says it is he who ends up at the receiving end of a clenched fist. To Richard’s credit, he took it upon himself to coach Paolo, sensing how nervous his co-star was at first.

"My respect for Richard soared," admits Paolo.

The feeling is mutual. Richard sees a lot of promise in the first-time actor.

Even the discriminating direk Joel has given Paolo the thumbs-up after they wrapped up shooting all the scenes.

"Paolo is an intelligent actor," the object of praise overheard his director comment matter-of-factly. And that, of course, is music to Paolo’s ears.

"Direk Joel has high standards. I know that when he says I passed the test, I really did," Paolo observes.

Now, he doesn’t mind if Walang Kapalit will be his first and last movie. Working with such luminaries in the business is already a feather he proudly wears on his cap.

Not that Paolo would mind doing another movie. It’s just that working with the best is big deal for a new actor like him (also making her movie debut is Miriam Quiambao, Paolo’s co-host in Extra! Extra!).

There’s just one hitch, though. Paolo’s second movie must equal, if not surpass Walang Kapalit in terms of star power and production value. And that’s a tough act to follow.

After this enriching experience in his first shot at movie acting, Paolo won’t mind waiting a while longer. He knows that in showbiz, as it is in the bigger game called life, slowly but surely is the best way to go.

Besides, with youth and promise on his side, that won’t be much of a problem.