PAOLO  PARAISO'S  PERCEPTION OF  SHOWBIZ:  'BADUY' (CHEAP)

MANILA, March 23, 2006 (BULLETIN) He’s been making a mark as movie and TV actor, but did you know that Paolo Paraiso’s initial perception of show business was that it’s cheap and "baduy?" Yes, the model-turned-actor admitted this during a luncheon press conference recently at Mezza in Morato. This is why when he accompanied his fellow model and friend Robbie Mananquil to ABS-CBN and was offered to audition and join a workshop at ABS–CBN’s Talent Center upon the invitation of Johnny Manahan no less, Paolo declined.

It’s understandable if he felt this way because he was a fashion model and studying at the University of Asia and the Pacific (where he finished Information Technology). Paolo’s mom, Marian Dominguez who was formerly a Karilagan model, is the sister of Yolanda Dominguez, who was Bb. Pilipinas title-holder. It was no wonder, Paolo was first drawn to modelling. He said he has modelled for most of the country’s top designers like Inno Sotto and Barge Ramos, to name just two.

A year after his first visit to ABS–CBN, Paolo was convinced to attend a workshop, also at the kapamilya network, and he got a whole new concept and overview of show business.

"I was intrigued and then I really got excited. It’s a new and exciting world pala," Paolo said. He signed up with the network’s artist center for a year. He was with the likes of Kempee de Leon and Paolo Contis in "Klaymeyts," and then in "Tabing Ilog," he got to work with Mylene Dizon who would later become his girlfriend and mother of his soon to be one-year (on March 30) old son. (After ABSCBN, Paolo is now managed by Arnold Vegafria, and so far, he has appeared in GMA shows like "Etheria," "Love to Love" and in the Piolo Pascual/Judy Ann Santos movie "Don’t Give Up on Us" which he played a short but markadong role.)

Going back to his son, Thomas Miguel (named after a foreigner they met in Boracay "na mataas at kenkoy and Mylene said kung magkakaanak kami ni lalaki, we’ll name him Thomas. Paolo said he brought new meaning and joy to his and Mylene’s life.

"Masarap maging father. When we were in the States (Thomas was born there), nasubukan kong magpalit ng diapers niya and all. Now, he has his yaya who takes care of him especially when Mylene and I are at work, or out for a date." The first real date they had for years, Paolo recalled, was last Valentine’s Day when they had breakfast (yes, breakfast!) at Mandarin Oriental Manila. "Mylene and I have simple joys," Paolo said. "To drive up to Tagaytay and eat at Sonia’s Garden, yong mga biglaang lakad...we enjoy it."

Fatherhood made him a more responsible person, Paolo said. He used to be a beach bum, he said, but now "sa bahay na lang hangga’t maari. I don’t drink that much anymore with my buddies, I’m not easily enticed to go out anymore." If he changed a lot, it’s not only because of their baby, but also because of himself, he said.

"My lifestyle is not the same like before," he added. "I’m more health-conscious. But I don’t diet. I eat anything I want. I’m just addicted to the gym, I work out four times a week. I play basketball and indulge in other sports, I do weights. And I read this book on everything about evercise by Arnold Schwarzenegger."

No wonder Paolo has a sexy physique which he will put to good use tomorrow, March 24, at Metrobank Femme Visa’’"REDvolution" to be held at the NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio Global City.

"REDvolution," being presented in celebration of the International Women’s Month, is not like the usual celebration of woman power through marches, rallies, conferences and awards. This time, women will simply be treated to a night of fun and party where they can be themselves for a night.

Organized by VGCOM, it will feature an all-male fashion show with celebrities like Paolo and Luis Alandy on the runway along with 27 other professional models clad in sexy yet tastefully designed outfits by the country’s top designers like Avel Bacudio (for Boardwalk), Gerry Katigbak, Dong Omaga Diaz, Richard Papa, Barge Ramos, Gener Gozum, Boying Eustaquio and Anthony Nocum.

As a tribute to the hardworking woman, Metrobank Femme Visa will look for the "Woman of the Night" through its Metrobank "Femme Fatale" search, giving away a grand prize in the form of its Femme Visa Vredit Card with a host of other prizes from Pipovitan Ira, Flower Express, Nestea Lite, Scholl Foot Care products, and gift packs from Nesvita, among others.

Band performances by R%B group Dimsum, an audio-visual presentation of testimonials by the Women on Top, modern jazz dance exhibition by the UP Filipiniana Dance Group, Lipovitan Ira dare game, bodyshots, and ledge dance will form part of the program. An all-night party to the club beats of DJ Toy Armada follows right after.

The event, to be hosted by MTV VJs Marc Abaya and Maike Evans, is copresented by Studio 23 and Yehey.com. It is supported by Pepsi Max, Midori, Amarula Cream, Summit Media Publishing, Lipovitan Ira (official energy drink), Nestea, School Party Feet, Flowers Express and The Podium (official mall).

* * *

Gretchen Malalad, fourth evictee from Kuya’s house

Last week (Wednesday,) Gretchen Malalad was voted out of Pinoy Big Brother’s house after garnering 13.4% of the total number of text votes. It is recalled that Gretchen volunteered to take the place of best pal Aleck Bovick for eviction last week on what would have been a switch in roles between bests friends.

But the challenge didn’t push through, and Aleck became the third evictee. Gretchen however had to pay the price for this move. (And now that she’s out, she also has to face the intrigues that resulted in what was perceived to be an unusual closeness between her and Aleck Bovick inside Kuya’s house. Aleck has in the past been linked to another woman, DJ Alvaro but she has denied it saying DJ was just the producer of her album.)

"I don’t regret anything," Gretchen who’s also known as Gege, said of her eviction. "I am also happy that I made the sacrifice of posing as a ballerina for close to 24 hours. It was for a good cause." After this, Gretchen received five TV sets which she said she’d give to the Philippine Air Force soldiers for their use in their barracks.

Gretchen holds the rank as Airwoman lst Class. She went AWOL when she joined Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition and so she’ll be discharged from the PAF. "But it’s an honorable discharge and I can still go back to the service," she said. "I can’t talk about the details though. What I can say is that the PAF doesn’t stop anybody from exploring other opportunities."

Gretchen also lost her monthly stipend from the Philippine Sports Commission when she, a three-time Southeast Asian gold medalist for karatedo, became a housemate.

* * *

Powerhouse guests in Mark’s major concert

No less than the country’s best performers support Mark Bautista in his first major-concert entitled "Pop Heartthrob" on March 24 at the Aliw Theater.

Pop Queen Sarah Geronimo and Juris Fernandez of MYMP lead the line-up powerhouse guests together with Mr. Ogie Alcasid and Ms. Rufa Mae Quinto. Also joining the show in a special production number are new talents of Viva Artists Agency and "Search For The Star In A Million (Season Two)" finalist Jay Perillo, Jimmy Marquez and Vino Bello.

Mark's also looking forward to the special participation of one of his idols in the local music industry. He’s a "Kapamilya," too, and a regular host in ABS-CBN’s Sunday musical variety how. "I’m so thankful na pumayag siya to perform with me sa first major solo concert ko," says Mark of his surprise guest.

A fitting celebration for his third anniversary in showbiz, Mark explains – "In the show, I’ll be doing the songs I really want to do. I’ll be taking the audience back to the time when I was still singing in a band and performing in lounges. Ito yung mga songs na kinakanta ko dati. I think this is good, because it will give people an opportunity to see how my music has grown, and how it has evolved since then."

Directed by GB Sampedro with Marc Lopez as musical director and Noel Ferrer as scriptwriter, "Pop Heartthrob" is a production of Viva Concerts and presented by Jollibee and Talk N’ Text with the support of Randy Ortiz, Avel Bacudio, Toni and Guy, Bagaberde and the following media partners – Philippine Star, YES FM, Love Radio, DZRH, I-FM, Energy FM and WRR.

* * *

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 23, go to Margarita A. Fores, Charo Jalandoni, Flor Liam, Tita Basa, Manny Cinco, comedienne Tiya Pusit, Marivic A. Gancayco, Marivic Alvarado, Alex Ongoco, Alex Wong, Sandra Jean P. Melicor, Lily Bruno Lagasca, Vicenta Bonnin, Dely Lin, Mrs. Monica Casta and Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna...