Paolo Ballesteros

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

(1982-11-29) November 29, 1982 (age 41)
Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Other namesPao, Pochoy, P4
Occupation(s)Actor, TV host, Model, Comedian, Product Endorser
Years active2001–present
Children1
RelativesEula Valdez (aunt)[1]
Fernando Amorsolo (great-grandfather)[2]
Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo (grandaunt)
Pablo Amorsolo (great-granduncle)

Career

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In 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

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Ballesteros 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

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Ballesteros 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] Whang-od, having been known for grabbing male visitors' private parts, among her longtime traditions, touched "Eat Bulaga" host Ballesteros in 2019.[15]

Filmography

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Television

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YearTitleRoleNetwork
2001Ikaw Lang ang MamahalinPaulGMA Network
2001–presentEat Bulaga!Himself (co-host)GMA Network / TV5, CNN Philippines
2002–03Kahit KailanPJGMA Network
2005–06Daddy Di Do DuPaolo
2005Love to LoveEric
2006Amando / Mandy
2007–08Zaido: Pulis PangkalawakanIda
2008DyesebelBukanding
2009 SRO Cinemaserye Presents: "Rowena Joy"RJ
Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking TadyangAlfie
2010The Last PrinceDiwani Anexi
ClaudineCarlo
Midnight DJVenusTV5
Face to FaceHimself
2011I Heart You, Pare!VodkaGMA Network
Kung Aagawin Mo ang LangitAloha
2013KidlatWalter / WarlaTV5
The Ryzza Mae ShowHimself (guest)GMA Network
Vampire ang Daddy KoAndres Bonifacio
2014Karugtong Ng Puso: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialReynaldo / Baldo
MarianHimself (co-host)
2015Biro Ng Kapalaran: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialObet
Sabado BadooHimself (cameo)
2016Kaputol ng Buhay: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialLola Tidora
2018PamanaPaulito Nunal
2020Bawal Na Game ShowHimself (host)TV5
2021Fill in the BankHimself (guest player)
PopinoyHimself (host)
2022–23Drag Race PhilippinesWOW Presents Plus, Discovery+, HBO Go
2024Selda ng Kahapon: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialRudy

Film

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YearTitleRoleFilm Producer
2002Pakisabi Na Lang... Mahal Ko SiyaMartinRegal Films
2003Anghel sa LupaAriel
2004Enteng Kabisote: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The LegendFantastikmanOctoArts Films and M-Zet Productions
2006Metlogs (Metrosexual Jologs)Rodelio "Rodel" DapuloGrupong Sinehan Production
Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes on and on and onPaoOctoArts Films and M-Zet Productions
2007XenoaZeusXion Films, Visual Camp, and Multimedia Arts
2008Xenoa 2: Clash of the Bloods
2009Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa KiyemeWaiter (cameo)Spring Films, MJM Productions, Solar Films, and Star Cinema
2010PendongPaulinoOxin Films
2011Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!AntonStar Cinema, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, and OctoArts Films
Enteng Ng Ina MoGay LoverStar Cinema, M-Zet Productions, OctoArts Films, and APT Entertainment
2012D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?!TweetyAPT Entertainment and M-Zet Productions
2013My Little BossingsAlatOctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, and Kris Aquino Productions, GMA Pictures
2014So It's YouL.A.Regal Films and GMA Pictures
My Big Bossing's AdventureAlatM-Zet Films, APT Entertainment, OctoArts, GMA Pictures
2015My Bebe LoveRaymondM-Zet Films, APT Entertainment, OctoArts Films, GMA Films, Meda Productions
2016Lumayo Ka Nga Sa AkinSeñorito Bogz Lee GinintuanViva Films, Heaven's Best Entertainment
Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend?BenjViva Films
Die BeautifulTrishaHong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum, APT Entertainment, TheIdeaFirst Company, October Train Films
Enteng Kabisote 10 and the AbangersLola TidoraOctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions, GMA Pictures
2017Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs. ZombiesAPT Entertainment, M-Zet TV Productions, GMA Pictures
Barbi D' Wonder BekiBilly Bayagan / BekiOctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions, T-Rex Entertainment, GMA Pictures
2018Amnesia Love[16]Viva Films
My 2 MommiesManuRegal Films
2019The Panti SistersGabriel PantiBlack Sheep, Idea First Company, Quantum Films ALV Productions

Radio

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YearTitleRoleStation
2023Wanted sa RadyoHimself (guest)92.3 Radyo5 TRUE FM

Awards

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Awards
YearAward Giving BodyWork/NomineeAwardResult
200216th PMPC Star Awards for TelevisionDaddy Di Do DuBest New Male TV PersonalityWon
2015Eastwood City Walk of FameHimselfWalk of Fame Star Inductee[17]Inducted
2016USTv Students' Choice AwardsEat Bulaga!: Kalyeserye (with Jose & Wally)Special Recognition for Social Media Phenomenon[18]Won
47th GMMSF Box Office Entertainment AwardsHimself with Jose & WallyBert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award[19]Won
Platinum Stallion Media AwardsEat Bulaga!: KalyeseryeTrinitian Awardee for Values-Oriented TV Character[20]Won
29th Tokyo International Film FestivalDie BeautifulBest Actor[21]Won
21st International Film Festival of KeralaSpecial Jury Award for Outstanding Performance[22]Won
42nd Metro Manila Film FestivalBest Actor[23][24]Won
2017Film Development Council of the PhilippinesFilm Ambassador Award[25]Won
Gawad A.N.A.KHimselfAng Natatanging Anak Kabanatuan[26]Won
15th Gawad Tanglaw AwardsDie BeautifulBest Actor[27]Won
Guild of Educators, Mentors and StudentsBest Actor[26]Won
Gawad Bedista AwardsActor of the Year for Film[28]Won
9th Ani ng Dangal AwardsAni ng Dangal Awardee[29]Won
48th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment AwardsGlobal Achievement by a Filipino Artist (Tokyo Best Actor)[30]Won
1st Eddys Awards (Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards for Movies)Best Actor[31]Won
40th Gawad Urian AwardsGawad Urian for Best Actor[32]Won
20183rd Illumine Innovation Awards for TelevisionHimselfMost Innovative TV Personality[33]Won
5th Paragala Central Luzon Media AwardsDie BeautifulBest Actor[34]Won

References

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  1. ^ "LOOK: Throwback photo of young Paolo Ballesteros with aunt Eula Valdez".
  2. ^ "Paolo and Eula's Amorsolo connection". January 23, 2017.
  3. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros suspended from Eat Bulaga for six months?". Philippine Entertainment Portal. March 17, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  4. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros back on 'Eat Bulaga'". Manila Bulletin. September 5, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  5. ^ Tomada, Nathalie. "Paolo Ballesteros on Philippines drag community: 'We are world-class'". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  6. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros: 12 wild makeup transformation moments". Rappler. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  7. ^ "Tyra praises Paolo Ballesteros' makeup transformation". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  8. ^ "LOOK: Vic Sotto, first male celebrity makeup transformation ni Paolo Ballesteros". GMA News. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  9. ^ "Team Die Beautiful at Tokyo International Film Festival 2016". Archived from the original on December 17, 2021 – via www.youtube.com.
  10. ^ "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.
  11. ^ "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.
  12. ^ Ligunas, Mary Louise (December 31, 2016). "Ex-girlfriend on Paolo Ballesteros: Best actor, best daddy, best friend". GMA News. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  13. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros officially comes out: "I'm a lady!"". showbizchika.net. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  14. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros proudly admits "I'm a lady"". pep.ph. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  15. ^ Alcantara, Carissa (March 12, 2024). "Apo Whang-Od touches Piolo Pascual's private part". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ "Kalyeserye stars, Kapuso personalities get stars in PHL Walk of Fame". GMA News. GMA Network. December 1, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  18. ^ "Ilang programa ng GMA Network, pinarangalan sa 12th USTV Students' Choice Awards". GMA News. GMA Network. April 22, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ "GMA Network Inc wins big at the Platinum Stallion Awards". GMA Network. January 27, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  21. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in Tokyo International Film Festival". GMA News. GMA Network. November 3, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  22. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros wins another int'l award for 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  23. ^ "MMFF 2016 winners revealed: Paolo Ballesteros, Irma Adlawan named Best Actor and Best Actress". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 29, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  24. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2016 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. December 29, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  25. ^ "FDCP honors film ambassadors". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  26. ^ a b "Paolo nakatanggap ng 4 bagong award para sa 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Bandera. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  27. ^ "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.
  28. ^ "Dabarkad Paolo Ballesteros, bedridden matapos mahilo". GMA Network. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  29. ^ "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.
  30. ^ Aquino, Anne Charmaine (April 23, 2017). "Kapuso program and stars, wagi sa 48th Box Office Entertainment Awards". GMA Network, Inc. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  31. ^ Policarpio, Allan (July 12, 2017). "Vilma, Paolo top entertainment editors' choices". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  32. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Gawad Urian Awards 2017". Rappler. July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  33. ^ "Ilang Kapuso personalities at programs, wagi sa 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for TV". GMA News. January 9, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  34. ^ "Mga Kapuso, wagi sa 5th Holy Angel University Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards". GMA News. March 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
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