Paulo no longer uneasy with ‘personal questions’

MANILA, Philippines - It appears that Paulo Avelino has come to terms with the inevitability of being asked personal questions in his line of work. At a recent media encounter, the Kapamilya actor had opened up about his personal life with relative ease as compared to the past, reporters observed.

On the subject of his three-year-old son Aki, Paulo said that if he had his way, he wants him not to be exposed to showbiz.

“As much as possible, for me, I just want my son to live a normal life as a boy — that people will know him, will look at him because he’s Aki, and not because of his parents,” the Honesto actor said of his son with actress LJ Reyes.

Asked to come clean with his relationship with the mom of his child, a more forthright Paulo (who used to be touchy with such questions) said, “We’ve parted ways, but we’re still united as parents to our child.”

Although fatherhood initially came unplanned for the actor, he now credits it for adding depth to his acting. He also stressed it never crossed his mind to deny he has a child for fear such admission might have repercussions on his career.

“I never denied my child. You can’t deny your blood… I was raised in a family that has a fear of God. Maayos naman ang pamilya ko. I can’t afford to deny my child. My kid has never been a hindrance to my career, in fact, (fatherhood) gave depth to my acting.”

Asked what are their favorite bonding moments, he shared, “His favorite (activity) is going to the arcade and playhouses, where there are kids, balls, slides and if it’s a relaxed day, I try to educate him through cartoons, Disney movies, anime…”

He also said, “It’s a great feeling that he’s now talking, that he can express what he wants. He’s now three years old. It’s just amazing how time flies so fast.”

Asked on what good traits he particularly wants to be instilled in his son, he said, “One is honesty, he actually watches Honesto. Hopefully, fear of someone higher than him, fear of the Lord, respect for people, and how to treat people fairly.”

Paulo was also queried about his closeness to KC Concepcion, who is presently in the States to study. “We’re still communicating… We can’t really call it a…,” he trailed, with a reporter supplying the word “relationship” for him. He repeated what he said in previous interviews that he’s trying to win her over and that he’s dating her. “Sometimes, you just want to inspire someone. She’s been inspiring me also, giving me advice and all,” he added.

What does he like about KC? “Kristina (KC’s real name), aside from (the fact that) she’s really smart and pretty, what I like best about her is that we can talk about anything. (We can start talking about something stupid), then the conversation will just (naturally progress) and evolve into something rational.”

When reporters took note of how he was no longer evasive and stingy with his answers, Paulo explained that he struggled with queries about his private life because he wanted things to be focused on his work. “I just want to act. (I used to think) why do people have to know about my personal life? But now, I’ve realized it’s part of being an actor, especially when you’re seen on TV, viewers want to know who you are, want to know something about your life.”

Paulo, nevertheless, stressed that he’s been honest. “I think I’m honest, that’s one of the important traits my parents passed on to me.”

He said “honesty” in all forms is the most lasting lesson of his primetime series. “Being honest not just when it comes to money… but also being honest with how you feel.”

According to the media release, in tonight’s finale episode of the child-friendly series, “Honesto (played by Raikko Mateo) discovers that Diego (Paulo) is his real father and Hugo Layer (Joel Torre) becomes menacingly evil and greedy. How will Diego keep the peace within their family? Will Honesto be able to convince Hugo to change and live an honest life?” 

After Honesto, which is ending tonight after a four-month top-rating run, Paulo is set to star in Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon with the likes of Bea Alonzo, Iza Calzado, Susan Roces, etc., also from Dreamscape Entertainment Television, which is also behind the new primetime series Ikaw Lamang and the upcoming teleserye Dyesebel.

Dreamscape promotions head Biboy Arboleda said, “As much as we wanted to extend Honesto, we have to make room since we still have a lot of teleseryes that we need to launch.”