Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV (born November 29, 1982) is a Filipino actor, comedian and drag queen. He has appeared in films and several TV shows, and he is currently one of the co-hosts of longtime noontime show Eat Bulaga! from 2001 until today, and he is the host of Drag Race Philippines.
Paolo Ballesteros | |
|---|---|
 Ballesteros in 2012 | |
| Born | Paolo Elito M. Ballesteros IV November 29, 1982 Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines |
| Other names | Mama Pao, Pochoy, P4 |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, TV host, Model, Comedian, Product Endorser, Drag Queen |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Eula Valdez (aunt)[1] Fernando Amorsolo (great-grandfather)[2] Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo (grandaunt) Pablo Amorsolo (great-granduncle) |
Career
editIn March of 2016, Ballesteros was reportedly suspended from Eat Bulaga! for six months because of several rants which he posted on his Facebook account; in the post, he discussed his personal grievances with the live-show setup, organization, filming process, and catering services.[3] During his six-month suspension period, Ballesteros took roles in Die Beautiful and Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend?, and he returned to Eat Bulaga! on September 5, 2016.[4] He received a nomination as best actor for his role in Die Beautiful at the 29th Annual Tokyo International Film Festival.
In 2022, he was chosen to be the host of Drag Race Philippines with recurring judges Jiggly Caliente and Kaladkaren Davila.[5]
Impersonation and makeup transformation
editBallesteros is known for his various impersonation of female and male artists, and he has earned international acclaim for his makeup skills.[6] He has posted pictures of his numerous makeup transformations through his Instagram account, transforming himself into Hollywood celebrities,[7] as well as local artists.[8]
For the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival, he impersonated two female celebrities, the first being Angelina Jolie (calling himself Angelina Magdangal, a play on Filipina actress Jolina Magdangal) during the red carpet and opening ceremony, in an Emerald Modern Filipiniana Fishtail black velvet terno gown, with typical squared sleeves, black opera gloves and black high heels.[9] On the awards night and following press conference, he emulated Julia Roberts, wearing a gold sequin dress with white high heels and white opera gloves.[10]
Personal life
editBallesteros is related to Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, who is his great-grandfather, and fellow celebrity Eula Valdez, who is his aunt.[11]
He was romantically involved with Katrina Nevada, with whom he has a daughter, Keira Claire.[12]
In August 2019, during a press conference for the film The Panti Sisters, Ballesteros came out as gay after years of speculation on his gender identity.[13][14]
Filmography
editTelevision
edit| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin | Paul | GMA Network |
| 2001–present | Eat Bulaga! | Himself (co-host) | GMA Network / TV5, CNN Philippines / RPTV |
| 2002–03 | Kahit Kailan | PJ | GMA Network |
| 2005–06 | Daddy Di Do Du | Paolo | |
| 2005 | Love to Love | Eric | |
| 2006 | Amando / Mandy | ||
| 2007–08 | Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan | Ida | |
| 2008 | Dyesebel | Bukanding | |
| 2009 | SRO Cinemaserye Presents: "Rowena Joy" | RJ | |
| Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang | Alfie | ||
| 2010 | The Last Prince | Diwani Anexi | |
| Claudine | Carlo | ||
| Midnight DJ | Venus | TV5 | |
| Face to Face | Himself | ||
| 2011 | I Heart You, Pare! | Vodka | GMA Network |
| Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit | Aloha | ||
| 2013 | Kidlat | Walter / Warla | TV5 |
| The Ryzza Mae Show | Himself (guest) | GMA Network | |
| Vampire ang Daddy Ko | Andres Bonifacio | ||
| 2014 | Karugtong Ng Puso: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Reynaldo / Baldo | |
| Marian | Himself (co-host) | ||
| 2015 | Biro Ng Kapalaran: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Obet | |
| Sabado Badoo | Himself (cameo) | ||
| 2016 | Kaputol ng Buhay: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Lola Tidora | |
| 2018 | Pamana | Paulito Nunal | |
| 2020 | Bawal Na Game Show | Himself (host) | TV5 |
| 2021 | Fill in the Bank | Himself (guest player) | |
| Popinoy | Himself (host) | ||
| 2022–present | Drag Race Philippines | WOW Presents Plus, Discovery+, HBO Go | |
| 2024 | Selda ng Kahapon: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Rudy |
Film
edit| Year | Title | Role | Film Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Pakisabi Na Lang... Mahal Ko Siya | Martin | Regal Films |
| 2003 | Anghel sa Lupa | Ariel | |
| 2004 | Enteng Kabisote: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend | Fantastikman | OctoArts Films and M-Zet Productions |
| 2006 | Metlogs (Metrosexual Jologs) | Rodelio "Rodel" Dapulo | Grupong Sinehan Production |
| Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes on and on and on | Pao | OctoArts Films and M-Zet Productions | |
| 2007 | Xenoa | Zeus | Xion Films, Visual Camp, and Multimedia Arts |
| 2008 | Xenoa 2: Clash of the Bloods | ||
| 2009 | Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme | Waiter (cameo) | Spring Films, MJM Productions, Solar Films, and Star Cinema |
| 2010 | Pendong | Paulino | Oxin Films |
| 2011 | Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! | Anton | Star Cinema, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, and OctoArts Films |
| Enteng Ng Ina Mo | Gay Lover | Star Cinema, M-Zet Productions, OctoArts Films, and APT Entertainment | |
| 2012 | D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?! | Tweety | APT Entertainment and M-Zet Productions |
| 2013 | My Little Bossings | Alat | OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, and Kris Aquino Productions, GMA Pictures |
| 2014 | So It's You | L.A. | Regal Films and GMA Pictures |
| My Big Bossing's Adventure | Alat | M-Zet Films, APT Entertainment, OctoArts, GMA Pictures | |
| 2015 | My Bebe Love | Raymond | M-Zet Films, APT Entertainment, OctoArts Films, GMA Films, Meda Productions |
| 2016 | Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin | Señorito Bogz Lee Ginintuan | Viva Films, Heaven's Best Entertainment |
| Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend? | Benj | Viva Films | |
| Die Beautiful | Trisha | Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum, APT Entertainment, TheIdeaFirst Company, October Train Films | |
| Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers | Lola Tidora | OctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions, GMA Pictures | |
| 2017 | Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs. Zombies | APT Entertainment, M-Zet TV Productions, GMA Pictures | |
| Barbi D' Wonder Beki | Billy Bayagan / Beki | OctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions, T-Rex Entertainment, GMA Pictures | |
| 2018 | Amnesia Love[15] | Viva Films | |
| My 2 Mommies | Manu | Regal Films | |
| 2019 | The Panti Sisters | Gabriel Panti | Black Sheep, Idea First Company, Quantum Films ALV Productions |
Radio
edit| Year | Title | Role | Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Wanted sa Radyo | Himself (guest) | 92.3 Radyo5 TRUE FM |
Awards
edit| Awards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Award Giving Body | Work/Nominee | Award | Result |
| 2002 | 16th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Daddy Di Do Du | Best New Male TV Personality | Won |
| 2015 | Eastwood City Walk of Fame | Himself | Walk of Fame Star Inductee[16] | Inducted |
| 2016 | USTv Students' Choice Awards | Eat Bulaga!: Kalyeserye (with Jose & Wally) | Special Recognition for Social Media Phenomenon[17] | Won |
| 47th GMMSF Box Office Entertainment Awards | Himself with Jose & Wally | Bert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award[18] | Won | |
| Platinum Stallion Media Awards | Eat Bulaga!: Kalyeserye | Trinitian Awardee for Values-Oriented TV Character[19] | Won | |
| 29th Tokyo International Film Festival | Die Beautiful | Best Actor[20] | Won | |
| 21st International Film Festival of Kerala | Special Jury Award for Outstanding Performance[21] | Won | ||
| 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Actor[22][23] | Won | ||
| 2017 | Film Development Council of the Philippines | Film Ambassador Award[24] | Won | |
| Gawad A.N.A.K | Himself | Ang Natatanging Anak Kabanatuan[25] | Won | |
| 15th Gawad Tanglaw Awards | Die Beautiful | Best Actor[26] | Won | |
| Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students | Best Actor[25] | Won | ||
| Gawad Bedista Awards | Actor of the Year for Film[27] | Won | ||
| 9th Ani ng Dangal Awards | Ani ng Dangal Awardee[28] | Won | ||
| 48th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Global Achievement by a Filipino Artist (Tokyo Best Actor)[29] | Won | ||
| 1st Eddys Awards (Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards for Movies) | Best Actor[30] | Won | ||
| 40th Gawad Urian Awards | Gawad Urian for Best Actor[31] | Won | ||
| 2018 | 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for Television | Himself | Most Innovative TV Personality[32] | Won |
| 5th Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards | Die Beautiful | Best Actor[33] | Won | |
References
edit- ^ "LOOK: Throwback photo of young Paolo Ballesteros with aunt Eula Valdez".
- ^ "Paolo and Eula's Amorsolo connection". January 23, 2017.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros suspended from Eat Bulaga for six months?". Philippine Entertainment Portal. March 17, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros back on 'Eat Bulaga'". Manila Bulletin. September 5, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
- ^ Tomada, Nathalie. "Paolo Ballesteros on Philippines drag community: 'We are world-class'". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros: 12 wild makeup transformation moments". Rappler. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
- ^ "Tyra praises Paolo Ballesteros' makeup transformation". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
- ^ "LOOK: Vic Sotto, first male celebrity makeup transformation ni Paolo Ballesteros". GMA News. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
- ^ "Team Die Beautiful at Tokyo International Film Festival 2016". Archived from the original on December 17, 2021 – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival Closing Ceremony". Archived from the original on October 28, 2020 – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: From Makeup Transformation to International Best Actor". youtube.com. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. November 14, 2016. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
- ^ Ligunas, Mary Louise (December 31, 2016). "Ex-girlfriend on Paolo Ballesteros: Best actor, best daddy, best friend". GMA News. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros officially comes out: "I'm a lady!"". showbizchika.net. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros proudly admits "I'm a lady"". pep.ph. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
- ^ Abanilla, Clarizel (September 1, 2017). "Paolo Ballesteros, Yam Concepcion star in new movie 'Amnesia Love'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Event occurs at 12:11 PM. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
- ^ "Kalyeserye stars, Kapuso personalities get stars in PHL Walk of Fame". GMA News. GMA Network. December 1, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ "Ilang programa ng GMA Network, pinarangalan sa 12th USTV Students' Choice Awards". GMA News. GMA Network. April 22, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
- ^ Calderon, Nora (February 21, 2016). "John Lloyd, Bea, Vice, Coco, Vic, Ai-Ai lead winners at the Box Office Entertainment Awards". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
- ^ "GMA Network Inc wins big at the Platinum Stallion Awards". GMA Network. January 27, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in Tokyo International Film Festival". GMA News. GMA Network. November 3, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
- ^ "Paolo Ballesteros wins another int'l award for 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
- ^ "MMFF 2016 winners revealed: Paolo Ballesteros, Irma Adlawan named Best Actor and Best Actress". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 29, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
- ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2016 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. December 29, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
- ^ "FDCP honors film ambassadors". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
- ^ a b "Paolo nakatanggap ng 4 bagong award para sa 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Bandera. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
- ^ "Charo Santos, Jaclyn Jose, Paolo Ballesteros at Allen Dizon, big winners at the 15thGawad Tanglaw". push.abs-cbn.com. ABS-CBN Corporation. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
- ^ "Dabarkad Paolo Ballesteros, bedridden matapos mahilo". GMA Network. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
- ^ "Jaclyn Jose, Paolo Ballesteros, Barbie Forteza, and Therese Malvar to be honored at the 9th Ani ng Dangal Awards". GMA Network. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ^ Aquino, Anne Charmaine (April 23, 2017). "Kapuso program and stars, wagi sa 48th Box Office Entertainment Awards". GMA Network, Inc. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
- ^ Policarpio, Allan (July 12, 2017). "Vilma, Paolo top entertainment editors' choices". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
- ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Gawad Urian Awards 2017". Rappler. July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
- ^ "Ilang Kapuso personalities at programs, wagi sa 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for TV". GMA News. January 9, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
- ^ "Mga Kapuso, wagi sa 5th Holy Angel University Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards". GMA News. March 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
External links
edit
Media related to Paolo Ballesteros at Wikimedia Commons- Paolo Ballesteros on Twitter
- Paolo Ballesteros at IMDb
