Paolo Ballesteros

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Macapagal and the surname or paternal family name is Ballesteros.
Paolo Ballesteros
Ballesteros in 2012
Born
Paolo Elito M. Ballesteros IV

(1982-11-29) November 29, 1982 (age 42)
Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Other namesMama Pao, Pochoy, P4
Occupation(s)Actor, TV host, Model, Comedian, Product Endorser, Drag Queen
Years active2001–present
Children1
RelativesEula Valdez (aunt)[1]
Fernando Amorsolo (great-grandfather)[2]
Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo (grandaunt)
Pablo Amorsolo (great-granduncle)

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.

Eat Bulaga! Sugod Bahay, Mga Kapatid!

Career

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

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

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]

Filmography

Television

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

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

Year Title Role Station
2023 Wanted sa Radyo Himself (guest) 92.3 Radyo5 TRUE FM

Awards

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

  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. ^ 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.
  16. ^ "Kalyeserye stars, Kapuso personalities get stars in PHL Walk of Fame". GMA News. GMA Network. December 1, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  17. ^ "Ilang programa ng GMA Network, pinarangalan sa 12th USTV Students' Choice Awards". GMA News. GMA Network. April 22, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  18. ^ 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.
  19. ^ "GMA Network Inc wins big at the Platinum Stallion Awards". GMA Network. January 27, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  20. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in Tokyo International Film Festival". GMA News. GMA Network. November 3, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  21. ^ "Paolo Ballesteros wins another int'l award for 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  22. ^ "MMFF 2016 winners revealed: Paolo Ballesteros, Irma Adlawan named Best Actor and Best Actress". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 29, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  23. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2016 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. December 29, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  24. ^ "FDCP honors film ambassadors". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  25. ^ a b "Paolo nakatanggap ng 4 bagong award para sa 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Bandera. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  26. ^ "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.
  27. ^ "Dabarkad Paolo Ballesteros, bedridden matapos mahilo". GMA Network. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  28. ^ "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.
  29. ^ Aquino, Anne Charmaine (April 23, 2017). "Kapuso program and stars, wagi sa 48th Box Office Entertainment Awards". GMA Network, Inc. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  30. ^ Policarpio, Allan (July 12, 2017). "Vilma, Paolo top entertainment editors' choices". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  31. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Gawad Urian Awards 2017". Rappler. July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  32. ^ "Ilang Kapuso personalities at programs, wagi sa 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for TV". GMA News. January 9, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  33. ^ "Mga Kapuso, wagi sa 5th Holy Angel University Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards". GMA News. March 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.