Paolo Ballesteros

Early life

Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV was born on November 29, 1982 in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

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. 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. He received an award 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.

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. He has posted pictures of his numerous makeup transformations through his Instagram account, transforming himself into Hollywood celebrities, as well as local artists.

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. 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.

Personal life

Ballesteros is related to Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, who is his great-grandfather, and fellow celebrity Eula Valdez, who is his aunt.

He was romantically involved with Katrina Nevada, with whom he has a daughter, Keira Claire.

In August 2019, Ballesteros confirmed that he is a gay man after years of speculation on his sexuality. Ballesteros who has been known for his makeup transformation inspired from women celebrities, also remarked that he is a "lady" although he clarifies he does not present as feminine outside his profession.

Filmography

Film

Television

Radio

Awards

References

References

1. "LOOK: Throwback photo of young Paolo Ballesteros with aunt Eula Valdez".
2. (January 23, 2017). "Paolo and Eula's Amorsolo connection".
3. (16 July 2022). "Paolo Ballesteros to host Drag Race Philippines". BusinessWorld Online.
4. (30 November 2023). "WATCH: Paolo Ballesteros, daughter Keira spend their birthday on ‘E.A.T.’". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
5. (March 17, 2016). "Paolo Ballesteros suspended from Eat Bulaga for six months?". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
6. (September 5, 2016). "Paolo Ballesteros back on 'Eat Bulaga'". Manila Bulletin.
7. Tomada, Nathalie. "Paolo Ballesteros on Philippines drag community: 'We are world-class'".
8. "Paolo Ballesteros: 12 wild makeup transformation moments". Rappler.
9. "Tyra praises Paolo Ballesteros' makeup transformation". ABS-CBN News.
10. "LOOK: Vic Sotto, first male celebrity makeup transformation ni Paolo Ballesteros". GMA News.
11. "Team Die Beautiful at Tokyo International Film Festival 2016".
12. "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival Closing Ceremony".
13. (November 14, 2016). "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: From Makeup Transformation to International Best Actor". [[Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho]].
14. (December 31, 2016). "Ex-girlfriend on Paolo Ballesteros: Best actor, best daddy, best friend". [[GMA News]].
15. (21 August 2019). "‘Hindi pa ba?’ Paolo Ballesteros answers whether he is ‘confirmed’ to be gay". ABS-CBN News.
16. "Paolo Ballesteros officially comes out: "I'm a lady!"".
17. "Paolo Ballesteros proudly admits "I'm a lady"".
18. Abanilla, Clarizel. (September 1, 2017). "Paolo Ballesteros, Yam Concepcion star in new movie 'Amnesia Love'". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
19. (December 1, 2015). "Kalyeserye stars, Kapuso personalities get stars in PHL Walk of Fame". GMA Network.
20. (April 22, 2016). "Ilang programa ng GMA Network, pinarangalan sa 12th USTV Students' Choice Awards". GMA Network.
21. Calderon, Nora. (February 21, 2016). "John Lloyd, Bea, Vice, Coco, Vic, Ai-Ai lead winners at the Box Office Entertainment Awards". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
22. (January 27, 2016). "GMA Network Inc wins big at the Platinum Stallion Awards". GMA Network.
23. (November 3, 2016). "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in Tokyo International Film Festival". GMA Network.
24. (December 19, 2016). "Paolo Ballesteros wins another int'l award for 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
25. (December 29, 2016). "MMFF 2016 winners revealed: Paolo Ballesteros, Irma Adlawan named Best Actor and Best Actress". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
26. (December 29, 2016). "FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2016 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler.
27. "FDCP honors film ambassadors". BusinessWorld.
28. "Charo Santos, Jaclyn Jose, Paolo Ballesteros at Allen Dizon, big winners at the 15thGawad Tanglaw". [[ABS-CBN Corporation]].
29. "Dabarkad Paolo Ballesteros, bedridden matapos mahilo". GMA Network.
30. "Jaclyn Jose, Paolo Ballesteros, Barbie Forteza, and Therese Malvar to be honored at the 9th Ani ng Dangal Awards". GMA Network.
31. Aquino, Anne Charmaine. (April 23, 2017). "Kapuso program and stars, wagi sa 48th Box Office Entertainment Awards". [[GMA Network, Inc.]].
32. Policarpio, Allan. (July 12, 2017). "Vilma, Paolo top entertainment editors' choices". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
33. (July 20, 2017). "FULL LIST: Winners, Gawad Urian Awards 2017". Rappler.
34. (January 9, 2018). "Ilang Kapuso personalities at programs, wagi sa 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for TV". GMA News.
35. (March 12, 2018). "Mga Kapuso, wagi sa 5th Holy Angel University Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards". GMA News.