Fans are already anticipating more gripping twists in the Philippine adaptation of South Korea's hit thriller "Flower of Evil" now that award-winning actor Paulo Avelino has made a surprise character reveal.
“I feel honored to do this project because it’s the first remake. I’m happy that they’re excited to see me do Jacob Del Rosario. But personally, I can’t say that I’m the perfect choice because I really had to study my role to make it work. I hope viewers really enjoy the outcome,” said Paulo.
Paulo’s casting announcement created a social media buzz, as netizens called Paulo “the perfect choice” to portray the “real Jacob Del Rosario” - a mysterious individual that is currently in a coma inside a secret room in the home of his wealthy parents.
Paulo also said that he is thrilled to portray a new character that is completely different from all of the other roles that he has portrayed throughout his career.
“I think it’s different from anything that I’ve done before. When the project was offered to me, I saw that I could add more twists to an already interesting role. It’s something new to me, that’s why I was attracted to the role,” added Paulo.
During a catch-up with Paulo at the ABS-CBN compound recently, the handsome actor talked about the latest series, rumored girlfriend Janine Gutierrez and what success really means to him.
Manila Bulletin: So tell us about your role in 'Flower of Evil?'
Paulo: "Ang role ko po rito ay tunay na Jacob Del Rosario. Alam po natin kung napanood ng iba yung previous episode na si Piolo (Pascual), unknown to everyone, meron palang comatose yung tunay na Jacob del Rosario, at dito na mag-a-unravel talaga kung ano yung tutoo at kung sino talaga yung kasabwat ni Abel sa mga ginagawa niyang karumal dumal na karahasan."
Manila Bulletin: How's your working relationships with Piolo Pascual and Lovi Poe?
Paulo: "Tapos na po naming i-shoot lahat ng dapat gawin para sa 'Flower of Evil.' Working with Piolo and Lovi is like a treat. Masaya silang katrabaho, very professional. More than anything, masaya lahat kapag kasama sila."
Manila Bulletin: Were you able to bond with Piolo and Lovi?
Paulo: "Lock-in po yung taping namin. So during our rest days, everyone eats together, kwentuhan. But most of the time, napupunta rin sa usapan on how can we improve or ayusin yung storya."
Manila Bulletin: How choosy are you when it comes to roles that you play?
Paulo: "To be honest, I have been choosy sa mga roles na ginagampanan ko. I constantly look for something new. Something out of the box, something where I can improve on. It's a never-ending journey for an actor to learn."
Manila Bulletin: You are so effective as a bad guy in the movies. How do you deal with fans who take your villain roles seriously?
Paulo: "Marami pong scenarios na ganyan. Usually our lolas. Whenever I come across one, ang sama-sama mo, tapos may konting hampas. I just explain them or joke about it. Role lang po yun. They understand. It's also a way for them to maybe joke around or start a conversation."
Manila Bulletin: Why do you think you and Janine click so well together?
Paulo: "Me and Janine really bonded well during our series 'Marry Me, Marry You' project. We were like a family there. We have a great cast and the project wasn't really that heavy. We enjoy working together.
I think one common interest is pelikula. She's a very dedicated actress. So that's one thing we can really relate - our hunger to learn."
Manila Bulletin: Does Janine consult anything with you?
Paulo: "Parang wala naman siyang kino-consult sa akin."
Manila Bulletin: You seem so comfortable with yourself these days. How did you get there?
Paulo: "May mga problema pa rin naman but nowadays, you just have to lean on the positive side dahil after the pandemic, parang nakita mo na kung ano yung mahalaga. Ang mahalaga ngayon is really making people happy and making sure your personal relalationships with everyone is leaning towards the positive side."
Manila Bulletin: What do you do to feel good?
Paulo: "I just play games. That's really one of my favorite past times. Just like that, or I watch a lot of movies."
Manila Bulletin: What can fans expect from Paulo towards the end of the year.
Paulo: "Sa ngayon 'Flower of Evil' lang talaga but I'm stil checking kung kaya pang gumawa ng isang pelikula before the year ends. Pero not sure yet. Tignan po natin."
Manila Bulletin: You have achieved a lot. So what are your other goals in life?
Paulo: "Marami pa when it comes to goals. Sabi rin sa isang interview parang yung facade ko is successful. But I continue to accomplish more and give more not just for the industry but also for our country."