Paolo counts his blessings & more

Sometimes, you need someone to refocus on something you have neglected for a long time. Now that  2007 Bb. Pilipinas second runner-up Abigail Cruz has come into his life, Paolo Bediones is again turning his  attention on his spiritual life. Thanks to her, his faith is stronger, his outlook more positive.

Paolo’s relationship with Abby started  three months ago. But it’s only now that their relationship attracted  media attention, since Paolo doesn’t talk about his private life.

“I got into several relationships before without getting media attention because I don’t brag about it,” Paolo says during the presscon for Whammy! Push Your Luck. “It’s not that I’m proud of them (the ladies).  They were  mostly nonshowbiz. It’s just that as a gentleman, you don’t talk about your affairs.  You keep it between you and the one you’re with,” he adds.

Paolo relates how he didn’t hear Mass for a decade. Until Abby came along and convinced him to  renew his faith and set aside time for his spiritual growth.

Since then, life for Paolo started to make a turn for the better. He was almost on the brink of depression when his game show with Miriam Quiambao on GMA 7, Extra Challenge, folded up. He bid S-Files goodbye soon after, and couldn’t cope with the demanding shooting sked of Pinoy Meets World. Although he lost a handful of hosting assignments several months back, he now carries on his shoulders a bagful of work and endorsements. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) recently introduced Paolo as its endorser for its latest line of sore throat products like the Astring-O-sol Specialist Sore Throat Relief Range.

“I was about to give up then, yet all the blessings started to pour when I renewed my faith. I’m very happy and all of these things I owe to the Lord,” Paolo relates.

Aside from the Sunday night game show Tok! Tok! Tok! Isang Milyon Pasok he hosts with the Sexbomb Girls, Paolo will start pushing his luck as game show host with GMA 7’s Whammy! Push Your Luck! with Rufa Mae Quinto. It will air starting today before 24 Oras.

The show is a franchise from Fremantle Media, the same production company that brought us US shows like The Price is Right and Family Feud. It is the faster-paced version of US show Press Your Luck but with the same game mechanics that will be followed and played by three players vying for cash prizes and fabulous giveaways. Televiewers may also join the game through texting. It is open to all Smart, Talk and Text, Globe, TM and Sun subscribers.

And with the ascendancy of game shows on local TV, Paolo admits the pressure of ratings gets hotter and exciting. Through this, each show will focus on how to make it more interesting and only the viewers can say which one is worth watching.

Now pitted against game show host Edu Manzano, Paolo is not afraid of competing with the veteran host.