After a decade in showbiz, Paulo Angeles could proudly say that he worked with some of the brightest stars in the Philippine entertainment industry, including Joey Marquez, John Lloyd Cruz, Maricel Soriano, Vina Morales, Rita Avila, and other known celebrities.
“Swerte ako na nakasama ko sila. Kahit si Miss Maricel Soriano naging ka-close ko rin. Masaya ako na naging ganon ‘yung career ko,” the actor said during a media junket.
He added that most of the people he worked with were veterans in the field, adding to his experience. When he looks them in the eye during shooting, he sees how they transform into their characters. Although Paulo maintains a professional stance, he couldn’t help but feel conscious about his performance.
During his first scene with Maricel, he felt nervous about working with such a critically-acclaimed star.
“‘Pag tinignan ka niya sa mata, parang, ‘Wow! Anong nangyayari?’ Nakakalimutan ko linya ko,” the actor said.
Yet even though Paulo tried almost everything in the industry, he still has a dream project he would like to see realized: starring in a sitcom similar to the popular 90s series Palabhasa Lalake and working with actors he idolizes.
He sees throwback snippets of the show on Facebook and finds it entertaining. In watching, he had a clear vision of how he would be suitable to act in a similar situation.
“Nanunuod kasi ako ng Bubble Gang. Siyempre, sila Sir Paolo Contis, lahat ng nandoon. Natatawa ako sa mga joke nila. At saka, siyempre, sila Joey Marquez, ulit,” Paulo told Manila Standard Entertainment.
Paulo isn’t the only one who sees himself playing a role in a sitcom like Palibhasa Lalake. He shared that he receives compliments from others, saying how much he looks like John Estrada, a core character in the original 90s series.
It doesn’t seem far off, though, as Paulo shares that he can sometimes imitate how John delivers the punchline in the sitcom.
Nonetheless, Paulo’s career is eventful. He recently starred with Aga Muhlach in the television sports drama series broadcast by TV5 Suntok sa Buwan.
“Sa buong career ko, sa ten years, para sa akin, ito ‘yung pinaka-memorable na ginawa ko. Ang saya lang ng set. Sa sobrang bait ng lahat, mas gaganahan ka mag-trabaho, mas kumportable ka mag-trabaho,” he said.
Paulo also found working with Aga enjoyable because they often shared fun moments. He even noticed how the environment changed and has become lighter whenever Aga is around.
There were times, the actor recalled, that small glances between him and the veteran actor would send them into a fit of giggles despite having the camera focused on them. Still, Aga would also provide them tips on their career or how to present themselves in a scene, allowing his colleagues to enjoy the experience of working with him while learning from him.
Only time will tell if Paulo is ready to achieve his dream of starring in a sitcom like Palibhasa Lalake. But with a steady career highlighted by the experience of working with other stars and creating a connection with them, he just might.
