Paulo: I want to keep my private life private

MANILA, Philippines - Paulo Avelino understands that in his line of work, it is unrealistic to entirely keep his private life out of the public eye. But his not being vocal about his personal life is not because he’s denying things, but because “I just want to treasure my private life.”

“Kumbaga alam naman na po ng buong Pilipinas ang mga nangyayari sa akin. (The people) know about it,” the 24-year-old actor further explained in an interview with The STAR and other media during a visit to the set of his upcoming big-screen project, the sexy dramedy The Bride & The Lover with Lovi Poe and Jennylyn Mercado under Regal Entertainment. â€œI think it’s time that I keep quiet also… Yon na lang din po sana yung gusto kong i-keep sa sarili ko.”

But it doesn’t mean he will always be shooting down personal questions. â€œI’m OK being asked. But there are questions that are like… too personal. And those are the things I want to keep to myself.”

Paulo would also like to correct the impression if not clarify rumors that he’s a snob and has allowed his fame to go to his head, especially after the success of Walang Hanggan, his first soap when he transferred to ABS-CBN.

“I try to be as humble as possible,” Paulo said. “I don’t want to be tagged as a swellhead. I don’t want that image to be attached to me because I personally think that I’m not the kind of person.”

Then turning to the press interviewing him, Paulo requested that they remind him should they think that it’s happening. “Kaya siguro kayo ang makakapagsabi dahil kayo naman po ang nakakakita, and sana kayo rin ang mag-remind sa akin kapag sumusobra na.”

During the set visit, Paulo also took the opportunity to apologize for the “insensitive joke” he made during the recent Golden Screen Awards night, wherein he was recognized for his performance in Walang Hanggan. The “insensitive joke” had quarters saying that ENPRESS should take the award back. He approached entertainment journalist Jun Nardo, president of the Entertainment Press Society (ENPRESS) — the group that organizes the annual Golden Screen Awards — and showed that he was profusely apologetic.   

Paulo said that he has gleaned a lesson from that controversial episode. â€œLesson learned is to be more sensitive with the things that I say and the actions that I do... And maybe to stop cracking jokes.”

He added, “I never realized na ganoon ang impact ng joke ko. I feel bad because it was never my intention. It was a mistake on my part. I said an insensitive joke and I’m very sorry for it.”

Even with his share of intrigues, Paulo said that he’ll never regard it as a hindrance to pursuing his acting dreams. “Tuloy pa rin. It’s the job that I love. This is where I’m happy — when I’m acting. I’m willing to accept (criticism). If I need to say sorry, I’ll say sorry. I don’t want that feeling that somebody is angry at me. It makes me feel restless.”

Meanwhile, Paulo revealed his plans for the upcoming Holy Week break. He hopes to find time to recharge and reflect albeit briefly and amidst a working schedule that has been relentless. (After The Bride & The Lover, he’s doing an indie movie also with Lovi. Apart from his afternoon teleserye Kahit Konting Pagtingin, he’s going to appear in Sarah Geronimo’s forthcoming drama anthology.)

Paulo said, “This Holy Week, I think it’s the time to meditate with God and with the family. Every Holy Week, we go to Baguio, my hometown. I (just) want to reflect on myself, what’s happening now, what my status is now, what I really want, how people perceive me.”