Paulo Avelino: ‘Single and complicated’

MANILA, Philippines – After several months of shunning the issue, Paulo Avelino finally admitted that he is no longer in a relationship with LJ Reyes.

“Single and complicated,” Paulo said when asked about the status of his love life during the press conference of ABS-CBN’s upcoming primetime show “Honesto” on Thursday, October 24.

Asked to elaborate, the Kapamilya star said: “Complicated because, as you all know, I have a son.”

Paulo has a son with LJ, three-year-old Ethan Akio.

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He said their breakup was a mutual decision.

The 25-year-old does not want to elaborate when he and LJ split. “Ayoko na rin magbigyay ng specific date, pero medyo [matagal na],” he said.

Paulo said he makes time for his son. “Kapag wala akong ginagawa, I try as much as possible to spend it with him,” the “Honesto” actor said.

The "Honesto" star is known for being aloof and evasive when it comes to talking to the press about his personal life. "I’ve been aloof answering questions. Hindi naman ako nagsisinungaling, pero I’m a very private person," Paulo explained. "I just want my personal life away from the public, as much as possible.

Time heals

The actor was also recently rumored to have attempted suicide, an issue denied by his manager Leo Dominguez via a statement sent to the entertainment press.

Paulo himself reiterated that the rumor is not true.

“First of all, I’m here. And nung pumutok yung balita, I was working,” he said.

The Kapamilya actor added, “Nagulat din ako. Nagising na lang ako, may tumatawag sa akin. (Sabi ko), ‘Andito lang ako, natutulog’.”

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“I won’t be affected by something that’s not true.”

He was also rumored to have suffered from a depressive episode, but Paulo said he wouldn’t call what he expressed as depression.

“Siguro, normal naman yun sa tao na nalulungkot, sumasaya,” Paulo said.

He further explained, “I wouldn’t call it depression. Pero, I would call something na normal na pinagdadaanan ng isang tao.”

“Sabi nga nila, time heals. So oras lang talaga. Oras to think about things.”

Paulo will be part of “Honesto” as Diego, the father of the title character played by new child star Raikko Mateo.

“Honesto” is in the vein of ABS-CBN’s previous successful child star-lead shows, such as “May Bukas Pa” and “100 Days to Heaven.” Here, Honesto grew up having an allergy that causes his nose to swell when he tells a lie.

“I’m very excited for my role here. It’s something new for me,” Paulo said, who previously played the antagonist in the primetime drama “Walang Hanggan. “I’m excited to hear the feedback of the people sa gagawin namin.”

"Honesto" premieres Monday, October 28 after "TV Patrol" on ABS-CBN.