Kobe and Andre: Rookies of the year

MANILA, Philippines - Both smart, good looking, and star athletes, one would think it would be the perfect recipe for silent competition. But the Paras brothers give off no such vibe or tension as they joke and laugh all over each other on set. These are boys who genuinely look out for each other, even as the limelight starts to seep in.

At a time when it’s hard to come by the total package, Andre and Kobe Paras prove that athleticism, intelligence, and pleasant features still do fall into one, or two, people. Already towering at 6’3 at only 17 and 15 respectively, the brothers undoubtedly get their build and court talent from their dad Benjie Paras. Their features, on the other hand, are to be credited to their estranged mom (although considering current issues, we’re not so sure they appreciate this being pointed out).

It’s been said many times that Andre and Kobe are following in their dad’s footsteps. On top of playing for their respective basketball teams in school — Andre for the UP Fighting Maroons, and Kobe for La Salle Greenhills — and recently dunking for none other than Lebron James, they have also signed with Viva, to be co-managed by Benjie himself.  And as formidable as it is to have the genes and the lineage going for them, we at Supreme believe the boys have it in them to surpass even that. In this interview, we tap into Andre and Kobe as individuals, the kind of men they see themselves growing into, and how they intend to make their own mark.

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Andre Paras, 17

Is there any rivalry between the two of you? No rivalry because we play different positions. I play center while Kobe plays guard.

Everyone knows your dad’s a PBA star, but what drew you to basketball, personally? I play simply because it’s fun. Dad didn’t tell me to get into the sport, but when I started playing with my friends (street basketball), I realized that I enjoy it and that I am skilled in basketball. Being tall is of course an advantage, too.

What’s your take in joining showbiz? For me, showbiz is just a means to make money and save up at this early age, while I am still in school. I am able to buy the things I like (with this income) because it was never my habit to ask my parents for money. I also like making people happy whenever I do TV guestings, but I definitely won’t join the business just to become famous. 

You won’t mind being publicly subjected to intriga? Especially since you’ve been getting a good taste of it even before jumping in. Intrigues are unavoidable when you’re in the limelight. But I really prefer to not be talked about. Since I can’t avoid it, I just answer the questions as honestly as I could and hope that whoever wants to know will be satisfied with my truthful response.

Showbiz writers keep saying that you’re following in the footsteps of your dad, but how do you plan to do things differently and make your own mark? I did not intend to follow in his footsteps, it just happened. I will probably be different in the sense that our playing styles are not the same and I am more focused on becoming a filmmaker or director than just being in front of the camera.

People like to make a lot of jokes about the UP Fighting Maroons, of which you are a member. If you were to come up with a comeback, what would you say? Antay lang kayo. But to the UP fans, to the alumni, your undying support has been overwhelming. Salamat dahil manalo, matalo, nandyan pa rin kayo.

You’re currently taking up film. Interesting choice. Why’d you pick it? Just to clarify, I entered UP via the varsity program and when I got in, there were no more freshmen slots for film so I am currently housed in the College of Human Kinetics instead of the College of Mass Communications. I plan to shift to film, given the chance. That is the goal. I chose that course because I realized that I have a talent for these things. As early as my grade school years, my parents already saw that the home videos I made with my brother were creative and quite good so I decided, why not pursue making movies as a profession?

In a recent interview, you said you don’t pay attention to aggressive girls ’cause you don’t have the time. Are you aware that this is exactly the kind of attitude that lures them in? Really? I am not exactly aware of that because I am always just in UP and, thankfully, no girl has behaved that way around me in my campus.

If ever you join showbiz, what kind of roles/image would you like to project? Parang medyo bagay sa ’yo ang mga edgy, medyo bad boy types of roles.

Oh I like that — edgy, medyo bad boy. That is so different from my real-life character so that will probably be fun to portray. I want to do in front of the camera things that I don’t normally do in my everyday life. Haha.

Aside from basketball and acting, what other interests would you like to pursue? I hear you also rap. I am aware that I am not as good a rapper as those who are doing it professionally. It’s something that I coincidentally can do, more for entertainment, thus I was given the opportunity to do it on TV. Actually, it is really filmmaking that I am interested in doing in the long haul.

What’s next for Andre Paras? Not yet thinking about that now. I’d like to finish college first and then we’ll see from there. Hopefully, bigger doors and better opportunities will come my way in the next few years.

Kobe Paras, 15

Is there any rivalry between the two of you? No, we play different positions. We even used to play together (NCAA Juniors varsity), so it’s not like we compete for playing time

Everyone knows your dad’s a PBA star, but what drew you to basketball, personally? Dad didn’t force us to play basketball. It just happened when we started playing in the park with our friends when I was about nine years old and we discovered that both Andre and I can become good at this sport. 

What’s your take in joining showbiz? It’s just a means to have an income while I’m in school. It’s also nice to see happy faces and hear positive feedback whenever I come out on TV.

You won’t mind being publicly subjected to intriga? Especially since you’ve been getting a good taste of it even before jumping in. No choice, I had to get used to it early on. But as Icona Pop says, “I don’t care....” ;-)

Showbiz writers keep saying that you’re following in the footsteps of your dad, but how do you plan to do things differently and make your own mark? Not intentional, we just happen to have the same talent, although our games are very different. Dad played center, while I play guard.

Do you mind or do you like the fact that you were named after an NBA star? Haha! Actually, it’s not like I can do anything about it because Dad chose that name for me, so I just embrace it. Nothing wrong since Kobe Bryant is a really good NBA player anyway.

How’d it feel dunking in front of Lebron James? No jelly knees, jelly fingers? Jelly everything! I couldn’t sleep the night before, nerves just at the thought of meeting him. And when I got to dunk with him in front of me, it was so surreal. I had another sleepless night that evening.

Do you see yourself eventually playing basketball professionally? Yes.

What do you do when you’re not studying or on the court? I play the guitar and I cook, too.

In showbiz, what kind of roles would you like to play? Comedy, perhaps?

College is not too far away for you. Have you thought about what you’d like to take up? I’m usually in the kitchen when I know I don’t have anything scheduled for the day, so I will probably take up Culinary Arts or HRM.

What’s next for Kobe Paras? No idea. Just living it a day at a time and leaving it up to God.