On his way to primetime

MANILA, Philippines - Paulo Avelino is tapped to inherit the sword of warrior Aureus, so to speak, on GMA 7’s Panday Kids now that JC de Vera is a TV5 talent. The good-looking young actor takes a breather from his acting chores in Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? and takes the challenge of playing a swashbuckling role.

“I feel happy and blessed,” says Paulo of his latest assignment. “There have been blessings and shows coming my way. Patience (to wait for the right projects) is indeed a virtue. Somewhere along the way, I have also tried to improve myself.”

Paulo is never wanting in the acting department. Proof is a string of interesting characters he has played in Dear Friend: The Three Bachelors, All My Life, Patient X, Ang Panday and Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? The dramatic turn in his career, Paulo says, is something “that just happened.” It’s never planned. The network has generously given Paulo the right opportunities to explore his knack for acting.

“I’m replacing JC,” shares Paulo. “My character is another person but the same character (with JC). I just finished two shooting days.”

To find out what Paulo means, let’s just wait in the coming days to see how JC’s Aureus will transform into Paulo’s new character. What Paulo can assure everyone is Panday Kids will give the back story explaining how his character and Aureus got close and why he has become the chosen one. Paulo will be Panday Kids’ new leader.

Although we have seen Paulo in light romance and tearjerker, working in a fantaserye like Panday Kids is not new to him. His first was Luna Mystika also starring Heart Evangelista.

“It is exciting and challenging,” says Paulo of his new assignment. “I’ll be doing martial arts. I have fight scenes and stunts.”

Paulo studies Wushu to make him look like a real warrior on TV. His training will teach Paulo how to hold a sword and execute the right moves for cinematic purposes.

The model-turned-actor is also preparing for his future. As early as now, Paulo tries to come up with a business plan. It has to be unique and original. He’ll put to good use his one-year experience as entrepreneurial management student at the St. Louis University in Baguio. Resuming his studies is far from happening because of his hectic schedule.

Aside from acting, Paulo looks forward to hosting a show ala MTV where he can clown around and be himself. He likes to read e-mails and snail mails from viewers and presents play lists. Paulo has shown this side of him in S.O.P. Rules, Startalk and StarStruck ShoutOut! He likes the hosting style of Ryan Agoncillo and Paolo Bediones.

With this new development in his career, the Dramarama Sa Hapon talent Paulo is on his way to primetime.