When he started his showbiz career in Ang TV, a defunct youth-oriented sitcom in ABS-CBN, viewers saw that Paolo Contis had the ability to make them laugh. People saw more of his comedic talent in the defunct sitcom Oki Doki Doc.
As Paolo gained more screen exposure, the audience saw a promising actor who can play different roles in television dramas and movies. But no one expected him to host a show of his own, like other actors in the industry.
GMA Network gave Paolo this opportunity through its new program called Bilib Ka Ba Nights.In this programming block, the young actor would be hosting the Tuesday program called World Records. This marks Paolo's first hosting job.
In the press conference for the new Bilib Ka Ba Nights programs held yesterday, August 12, at Mandarin Oriental Suites in Gateway Mall, Quezon City, Paolo said that he realized that hosting is not an easy job.
"It's very different," he began. "Kasi nga, maiintindihan ko kung bibigyan ako ng sitcom, e, kasali ako sa isang sitcom. Pero biglang host, sabi ko, ‘Bakit ako pinagho-host?' 'Tapos, kahit medyo nakakatawa 'yong pagkaka-host, iba pa rin talaga siya."
He also added, "Ang sabi naman sa akin, madali lang, [pero] hindi, mahirap sa hosting pero napagod ako noong first taping day ko. Ibang-iba siya. Iba ang makipag-usap sa camera na alam mo dapat ang sinasabi mo, trying to entertain your audience. So, sana naman magawa ko siya nang mabuti."
The 24-year-old actor further explained the difference between proram hosting and acting in television shows and movies. "Iba, nakakapagod. Tawa ka nang tawa, ano ka, pasigaw. Iba 'yong hosting, 'no? 'Tapos isa pa sa mga pinu-project ko dun is kapag may mga nangyayari, gusto ko may ibang adlib talaga na para sa akin, comment ko talaga 'yon. Marami, marami akong pinaggagagawa na nakakapagod."
Nevertheless, Paolo is very grateful that his mother network gave him the opportunity.
"Happy ako dahil sa akin ipinagkatiwala ng GMA-7 ang show na 'yon, di ba?" he said. "Sana hindi ko naman sila ma-disappoint. I'm doing my best. I'm doing my best para ma-entertain ko 'yong mga tao sa pagho-host."
ON GAY AND SEXY ROLES. Aside from hosting, Paolo is also flexible in portraying different characters in TV shows. Recently, he played the role of a closet gay in love with another guy (Mark Herras) in an episode of Dear Friend.
Paolo is happy hearing good feedback for his portrayal in Dear Friend. "Habang pinapalabas 'yon, tuwang-tuwa silang lahat," said Paolo.
He said that he suggested making the story of their episode in Dear Friend lighter. "When I got the script, serious ang drama. Sabi ko kay Direk Mac [Alejandre], ‘Direk Mac, gawin natin iba. Gawin nating parang, ano, Love to Love.' Up to some extent, kikiligin ka. Kahit papaano may kikiligin ka, di ba? Para iba naman, kasi lahat ng gay role ko, puro screaming fag, loud. Ito, hindi, lalaki na in love sa isa't isa."
With him portraying the role well, isn't he worried about being offered gay roles more often?
"Well, doon naman 'yong iniingatan ko," replied Paolo. "Normally, I do mga bading [roles] mga once or twice a year lang kapag TV, di ba? Ayaw ko rin namang mangyari 'yon."
Then, he said in jest, "Pero sa susunod na magbading ako, hindi ko na lang gagalingan, di ba? Ang pangit naman noon, di ba?"
How about sexy roles?
Paolo answered, "It depends on what kind of offer I will get, what kind of projects. I will not be sexy for the sake of just being sexy. I will not do that. Kasi, kung kailangan at sinabi na mag-topless, ginagawa ko naman. Basta okay, okay sa akin.
"Basta hindi lang maging pangit sa reputation ko, hindi lang maging pangit sa career ko. Ayaw kong magmukha na ginagawa ko na lang 'yon para mapag-usapan, ayaw ko ng ganun. Basta kailangan, gagawin ko."
ON SETTLING DOWN. Paolo said that with all the projects that he gets, his girlfriend Isabel Oli is always there to give support. So, when do they plan to settle down?
He replied, joking, "Matagal pa 'yon. Lalo na mas maganda na ang katawan ko ngayon, o, baka may iba pang dumating!"
Turning serious, Paolo said that this won't happen anytime soon. "I just take it day by day. I'm 24 and happy naman kami sa kung ano'ng meron kami ngayon. Pero siyempre, you have to be stable in all aspects—spiritually, financially, everything."
Paolo prays for a happy ending with Isabel. "Sana siya, I'm praying for that. Sana siya na talaga."