Two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist for taekwondo Pauline Lopez is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming action-packed film "BuyBust 2" alongside Anne Curtis-Smith.

Will Pauline be Anne's opponent or ally in the movie directed by Erik Matti? Pauline smiled in response to the question and mentioned that she couldn't discuss the film's details now.

During a recent roundtable interview in Quezon City, Pauline recalled the first meeting with Anne.

"Growing up, I watched her a lot. She's a role model and an empowered woman. I was starstruck at first. But when I got to talk to her, she was very down to earth," Pauline said.

Shooting for the film hasn't started yet, but Pauline attended several workshops. She was informed that a fight director would be present during the shoot to assist with action scenes.

Pauline is extremely grateful to her family for supporting her upcoming career in showbiz. 

"They are very supportive. But my dad was reluctant because sa sports world talaga kami. I grew up in a household na whatever you do, they require excellence. So I was able to instill those values," she said.

Shero Taekwondo

While waiting for the cameras to roll, Pauline is also busy with her own martial arts school called "Shero Taekwondo" which was launched last year.

"In May, we started very small, with 10 students. I was teaching them by myself. I like small classes to get to know my students well. We started to grow, and now we're hitting about 50 students. We've broken into three classes: beginners, immediate, and advanced. This year, we're starting a competition class.

"Taekwondo is not all about kicking and punching. It's more than sports. It's all about the values that are instilled. It's all about confidence, modesty, perseverance, and etiquette. So that's what we bring inside the studio, inside and out. It's how we carry ourselves. We're also martial artists. So I'm blessed that this is the sports that I put in. In any sport, you learn about these things.

"In the BGC area, most of my students don't speak Tagalog. That's another market. It's not that they are shy, but it's something about clicking with one another, how I can better share what I know, and how they can be receptive," Pauline said.

Pay it forward

Pauline has identified two highly skilled scholars in her school who aspire to become taekwondo artists. These students are driven, passionate, and dedicated to their craft. With their hard work and commitment, they have the potential to achieve great success in the world of martial arts. It's inspiring to see young people pursuing their dreams and striving to be the best they can be. 

"I also have two scholars right now. Once, they emailed me and said they couldn't pay for the rate. It's like they were applying for a scholarship program. So, I saw their training videos and medals. So I agreed. Why not? They are from Tondo. And I said your tuition is free if you can be here and take the time out. 

"But only for two students because they want to try the program out. This is something I grew up with. I never paid for my classes in the States because I was a scholar. It's very expensive in the US. With that background, I want to give back. I want to give others a chance," Pauline said.

With her business manager, Dondon Monteverde, Pauline put up Shero (defined as a woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities), her advocacy, and her own martial arts school to empower aspiring Taekwondo athletes.

Classes are in a module-based program, with 16 sessions for students who want to learn the sport at her gym in BGC, Taguig City. The classes are face-to-face, online, hybrid (or a mix of both face-to-face and online). Shero also offers private sessions. In January 2024 alone, over 600 registered for Pauline’s taekwondo class.

Pauline also goes to different parts of the country to do sparring seminars like Bacolod, which has over 200 participants. In January 2024 alone, over 600 registered for the MAPATA taekwondo competition, which Pauline will manage.

This award-winning athlete is also behind the  Mapata Taekwondo Competition Championship, which will take place at Amoranto Stadium, Roces Avenue, Quezon City, on Jan. 28.

Taekwondo champion

Born in Los Angeles, California on Aug. 17, Pauline has emerged as a victorious taekwondo athlete, conquering the domestic and international arenas. 

Her skills and dedication have propelled her to the forefront of the sport, making her a true inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.

In recent years, Pauline scored gold medals in the Asian Youth Games (2013), Pan American Open USA (2014), Southeast Asian Games (2015), Asian Taekwondo Championships (2016); and Southeast Asian Games (2019).

In 2010, Pauline moved back and forth to the Philippines to represent the country in competitions. In 2016, she decided to make an official move to the Philippines upon learning that the country gives scholarships to taekwondo athletes. "So, I was recruited by Ateneo, and I was able to compete for them, represent the country, and have an education."

Unexpected opportunities often lead to the most rewarding experiences in life. For Pauline, starting a taekwondo school was not originally part of her plan, but it has become a passion that has brought immense fulfillment. 

"Coaching alone, I thought it was a headache, you need patience and understanding. I did not see that before. But now, it's bringing this passion to pass on to what I know and how to do that. It's a learning process, just like with anything. The move here was for sports to compete and bring honor to the country. And bring medals to the country," she said.

Classes are offered every Saturday and Sunday. Shero also offers private sessions. She also goes to different parts of the country to do sparring seminars like Bacolod, which has over 200 participants. In January 2024 alone, over 600 registered for the MAPATA taekwondo competition, which Pauline will be managing.

The acting part came around 2019 when her manager asked her if she was open to acting. And then they put her in workshops which she always wanted to do. 

"Parang it's a challenge. Something new. I love it because it's different. My course in Ateneo is psychology, which is about studying people and their thoughts. The workshop was like therapy because I learned a lot about myself. So I want to pursue this as well," Pauline said.

Her father's passion

Her father, who had been on the national taekwondo team, introduced her to the sport, but a serious accident left him unable to continue.

"He was supposed to fight Asian Games pero natamaan siya sa mukha and his career ended. He vowed he would never put his kids in sports. When we moved back to the States, taekwondo found its way to my father. He was teaching again. It's his passion; you just can't run away. So I was very persistent. He put me in, along with my sister. He saw my potential, and I kept winning tournaments." 

So when Pauline reached 13, her father was convinced she could do taekwondo. Then, she competed abroad. Since then, taekwondo has become her sports.

Her elder sister and younger brother were also into the same sports. "They come naturally with the sports. Hindi sila nagte-training pero nananalo sila. But I really have to work hard because I wasn't as natural."

Throughout the years, Pauline has left an indelible mark on young sports enthusiasts who have been inspired by her passion and dedication. 

Her unwavering commitment to the sport has made a lasting impression on countless young minds, instilling in them a love for the game that will last a lifetime.

Could Pauline be the new action queen the Philippine cinema has been hoping for? With her incredible skills and talent, she could be the answer to the industry's long-standing prayer.