The view from the top

MANILA, Philippines - Paulo Avelino has travelled light years since his humble beginning as a Starstruck contestant. From a steady stream of opportunities to flex his acting chops, a self-titled debut album, to becoming that sexy, self-assured beast that girl and beki alike lust after. Globe Tattoo's latest endorser is certainly eager to keep doing more with indie Bicolano film, Debosyon and The Bride and the Lover, with Regal Films coming this year.

Paulo granted Supreme an exclusive view from the top (a roof deck along Edsa, to be exact), and filled us in on how he tackles his various roles, how he manages to have it all while staying connected, and what new territory he feels he has yet to conquer.

What’s a typical day like for Paulo Avelino?

Teleserye tapings or film shootings start early in the morning and wrap up late at night. During free days, I work out or do rock climbing in Atimonan, Quezon.

You act, you’ve sung, and you make girls swoon on the side. What haven’t you done that you’d like to try?

I really want to focus on acting because there are so many roles I haven’t yet tried.

Are there any sacrifices you make with everything you have going on?

I spend long hours taping soap operas and shooting movies. I give up a lot of personal time, sometimes even sleep time. But it’s all worth it because I enjoy what I do. I love what I do, kaya ang trabaho, gumagaan, parang naglalaro lang ako.

What is the soundtrack to your life like?

Hip-hop and R&B, because I’d like to be a chill, relaxed kind of guy. But I can be intense and loud, too, kapag kinakailangan.

What’s one role that you’d really like to take on?

Tony Leung’s role in In the Mood for Love. 

Name one person whom you think rules his or her world and why?

Sixto Rodriguez, an American folk singer from the Seventies whose music didn’t sell in the United States. Several years later, his albums travelled all the way to South Africa. His songs became anthems of the anti-apartheid movement. I saw the Oscar award- winning documentary (Searching for Sugar Man) and got inspired.  He is living proof that if you create something good, the audience will come, sometimes from the most unexpected places.

Are there any roles that you’d honestly still be hesitant to play right now?

None.  

Do you really think it’s possible to have it all?

No. I think it’s important to accept that you can’t have it all.  You need to prioritize and focus on what matters most.

As an actor, how do you nail roles that are completely unfamiliar to you?

I read the script. I get inspiration from movies and TV series. I listen and follow the director.

What is your personal mantra?

Reinvent yourself. Never stop evolving.

What inspires you the most?

Movies.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

From fellow rock climbers, “You fall many times before you reach the summit.”

What is something that people don’t know about Paulo Avelino?

That I can cook really great spicy spaghetti bolognese.

If you were to describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Determined.

“Ten years from now I will....”

Be an actor with a very long and interesting filmography.

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