Paulo Avelino

MANILA, Philippines--A “battle” between Regal babies Paulo Avelino and Aljur Abrenica looms ahead now that the former has gone sexy, too.

“Siguro kung mangyayari ‘yon, siguro [magiging] very excited rin [ako] kasi ngayon pa lang ako lumalabas talaga na lumalaban hindi lang sa buhay kundi sa career,” Paulo said in an interview on “Unang Hirit,” March 3.

While Aljur displays his bare torso on TV’s “Machete,” Paulo is set to reveal more skin in his first sexy film, the remake of “Temptation Island.” The film which co-stars Marian Rivera, Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff and Abrenica himself, is Paulo’s first project under Regal Films since signing up with the company on March 2.

Paulo’s possible onscreen rivalry with Aljur will be relegated onscreen since the two are friends in real life.

“Ever since ‘StarStruck’ naman, magkaibigan kami ni Aljur and pinag-uusapan na rin namin ‘yung mga nangyayari sa buhay namin, hindi lang sa personal na buhay kundi pati sa career. So siguro ngayon masasabi ko na rin sa kanya na dire-diretso nang umaangat ang career ko,” he related.

Apparently excited over “Temptation Island,” Paulo said he’s game to do daring scenes.

“Sa ngayon I don’t mind kasi I wanted to start this year na being sexy and being different [sa] image than ‘yung mga ginagawa ko dati na pa-tweetums, pa-cute. Now it’s a different year, a different me,” he said.

His girlfriend and fellow “StarStruck” contestant LJ Reyes supports Paulo’s move to go sexy.

“Siyempre proud naman ako for him. Happy ako para sa kanya,” she said on “Unang Hirit” Thursday in a separate interview.

LJ has opted to take on more mature, challenging roles under her new manager, Perry Lansigan. And even with her forthcoming return to acting, LJ assured that taking care of her son by Paulo, Ethan Akio, will remain her top priority. “Siyempre ‘yung responsibilities mo kasi, iba na rin, ‘yung priorities mo iba na rin… Iba kasi talaga ‘yung responsibility of being a mother,” she said.