Paulo Avelino

Early life

Michael Paulo Lingbanan Avelino was born on May 13, 1988, in Baguio, Philippines. He is the son of Roberto Puigcerver Avelino, an influential Spanish-Filipino from Calbayog, Western Samar, and Jennilyn Lingbanan. He is a grandson of Baltazar Avelino, former governor of Samar, and a great-grandson of former Senate President Jose Avelino. He has three siblings, Honey, Gabriel, and Angela. He is the second oldest of his siblings.

Career

2006–10: Early career

Avelino began his career after appearing on the GMA Network reality talent show StarStruck in 2006. After being eliminated from the show, he signed an exclusive contract with GMA and played various supporting roles for the network. He appeared in the Black Jewel in the Palace episode of Magic Kamison in 2007 and had minor roles in two series, Sine Novela and Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan. The StarStruck 4 cast were then given a show titled Boys Nxt Door, an award-winning youth-oriented situation comedy, in which Avelino played Peter. This series premiered in 2007 and ran for 31 episodes.

In 2008, he appeared in a supporting role in Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita, a remake of the 1989 movie of the same title redeveloped by Don Michael Perez and produced by GMA Network. He had roles in an afternoon series, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, and in a primetime series, Luna Mystika. He also made his debut on film, in Desperadas 2, a Metro Manila Film Festival entry from Regal Films.

In 2009, Avelino started a regular stint on GMA's variety show SOP Rules and landed major roles in two series starring Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica, fellow Starstruck 4 alumni: Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? and All My Life. He was also cast as Robert in a GMA Films-VIVA Films project, Patient X and as Pepe in a Filipino action fantasy film, Ang Panday. In 2010, he appeared in a supporting role in a primetime series Ilumina, and replaced JC de Vera for a lead role in the fantasy series Panday Kids. His last performance for GMA Network was a lead role in the afternoon fantasy-drama Alakdana, with Louise delos Reyes and Alden Richards.

2011–12: ABS-CBN, first starring roles

In mid-2011, Avelino transferred to ABS-CBN, known as the Kapamilya network. He told ABS-CBN News that he wanted to get out of his comfort zone and, at the same time, reinvent himself as an actor. His first project as a Kapamilya actor was in a lead role alongside Lovi Poe on Regal Films' Aswang. He also participated in Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, an entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. He appeared for the first time in an ABS-CBN show through a guest role in 100 Days to Heaven, where he took the role of a rich executive named Teddy Ledesma, alongside veteran actor Phillip Salvador. He also appeared in Wansapanataym, Maalaala Mo Kaya and Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig.

Avelino played the role of a bisexual in the 2011 Cinemalaya film Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa alongside Rocco Nacino, winning Best Actor at the Gawad Urian Awards, his first award. He characterized the script of the film as "really different", offering the potential for an interesting role. In 2012, Avelino played Nathan Montenegro in the hit primetime series Walang Hanggan, alongside Coco Martin and Julia Montes. He commented in an interview that he learned a lot from watching Martin act. He co-starred in the "Lost Command" episode of the horror trilogy Shake, Rattle & Roll 14 produced by Regal Films, an entry in the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival.

In parallel with his acting career, Avelino began to work on musical projects, beginning with a single, a cover of Restless Heart's "When She Cries". His first album, Paulo Avelino, was released by Universal Records on October 1, 2012. It comprises six covers of OPM classic hits, plus instrumental versions of each track. Avelino released a music video for his second single, a cover of Alamid's "Your Love".

2013–2023

2013: Avelino's drama series roles included the pre-primetime series Kahit Konting Pagtingin, with Angeline Quinto and Sam Milby; two Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes: "Notbook" and "Mask"; and the family drama series Honesto, where he reunited with his Walang Hanggan co-stars Melissa Ricks and Noni Buencamino.

His film roles included two independent films for Cinemalaya: Debosyon, directed by Alvin Yapan, and Sana Dati, directed by Jerrold Tarog. He starred with Lovi Poe and Jennylyn Mercado in a highly charged erotic-drama romantic comedy film directed by Joel Lamangan, The Bride and the Lover. He also appeared on a romantic-comedy film directed by Chris Martinez titled Status: It's Complicated, with Jake Cuenca, Solenn Heussaff, Maja Salvador, and veteran comedian Eugene Domingo. The movie is a remake of the 1979 classic comedy film Salawahan, directed by Ishmael Bernal.

In the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival, Avelino appeared in two entries: a lead role on Star Cinema's horror film Pagpag and a cameo in Kimmy Dora: The Quantum of Kiyeme.

2014: Avelino starred as part of the main cast of Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon, with Bea Alonzo and Albert Martinez. He also starred in Give Love on Christmas, it is a Philippine daytime drama anthology series produced by Dreamscape Entertainment Television with KC Concepcion.

2015: Avelino starred in the soap opera Bridges of Love, with Jericho Rosales and Maja Salvador, and was cast as Simon Evangelista in On the Wings of Love, with James Reid and Nadine Lustre. He also top billed two movies Heneral Luna (lit. 'General Luna') a 2015 Filipino historical biopic film and Resureksyon (lit. 'Resurrection') is a 2015 Filipino horror drama film directed by Alfonso Torre III.

In 2016, He starred in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (lit. FPJ's The Provincial Man; abbreviated as FPJAP and internationally known as Brothers) a 2015 Philippine action drama television series under ABS-CBN Entertainment as one of the guest Antagoinist. He also top bill the Movie The Unmarried Wife, a 2016 Filipino romance drama film starring Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, and himself.

2017: Avelino starred with ABS-CBN newcomer Ritz Azul in the television series The Promise of Forever. He also starred in two movies, I'm Drunk, I Love You, a 2017 Filipino romantic comedy independent film directed by JP Habac, and written by Habac and Giancarlo Abrahan with Maja Salvador and Ang Larawan, internationally released as The Portrait(Japanese: ある肖像画, Hepburn: Aru Shōzō-ga), a 2017 Philippine musical film directed by Loy Arcenas.

2018: Avelino starred in an afternoon series, Asintado as Gael Ojeda and in the primetime soap opera The General's Daughter as Franco Segismundo. He also top billed the two movies, Kasal a 2018 Filipino romance drama film starring Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay and Paulo Avelino. The film was directed by Ruel S. Bayani and produced by Star Cinema and Goyo: The Boy General (Filipino: Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral), or simply Goyo, is a 2018 Philippine epic war drama film.

2020: Avelino starred in Walang Hanggang Paalam (International title: Irreplaceable / transl. Never Ending Goodbye) is a 2020 Philippine romance drama television series broadcast by Kapamilya Channel. Directed by Emmanuel Q. Palo and Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, it stars Paulo Avelino, Zanjoe Marudo, Arci Muñoz, Angelica Panganiban and JC Santos. And a Movie Fan Girl a 2020 Philippine coming of age film starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino. It is written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone.

2021: Avelino starred with ABS-CBN newcomer Janine Gutierrez in the primetime soap opera series, Marry Me, Marry You as Andrei.

2022: Avelino starred in Marry Me Marry you Season 2 as Andrei, Flower of Evil, a Philippine drama television series loosely based on the 2020 South Korean drama series of the same title. And a Movie with ABS-CBN newcomer Janine Gutierrez, Ngayon Kaya.

In the present, he is filming his new teleserye with Kim Chiu and Maricel Soriano titled Linlang, to be seen and watched on the first half of 2023.

2024–present: Career as Freelance Actor

Avelino's exclusive contract with ABS-CBN and Star Magic expired in September 2024. As of that year, there were no definitive reports on whether Avelino would renew his contract with ABS-CBN. As of 2025, Avelino is self-managed and working as a freelance actor while negotiating with the Kapamilya Network. According to media outlets, despite not having an existing contract with ABS-CBN, Avelino remains a Kapamilya and is set to work on a movie project with Kim Chiu under Star Cinema in 2025.

Other ventures

Business

Avelino founded his own film company called WASD films in 2021. WASD first movie project was, Dito at Doon starring Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos which was released on UPSTREAM.ph.

He also ventured into E-sports company. Avelino partnered with LuponWXC, a local eSports company that holds broadcasting rights to several e-Sports tournaments and promotes game streamers.

Personal life

Paulo has a son named Ethan Akio “Aki” with LJ Reyes.

In May 2018, Avelino was in a relationship with Jodie Tarasek, a Filipino-Australian model.

Health

On March 15, 2024, Avelino revealed he suffered a dislocated right shoulder due to weightlifting. “My aura or look comes with the role I am doing. Here in 'Secretary Kim,' I am dapper,” he explained.

Filmography

Film===

Television and digital series===

Discography

Music videos

Single music

Accolades

References

References

1. Guno, Niña V.. "LOOK: Paulo Avelino, GF Jodie Tarasek mark 2nd anniversary". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
2. [http://www.yousaytoo.com/paulo-avelino-biography-abs-cbn-kapamilya-star-%7C-michael-paulo-lingbana/4496822 Paulo Avelino - Kapamilya Star, Biography] {{webarchive. link. (April 9, 2013 Retrieved November 11, 2013)
3. [http://www.pep.ph/news/30662/starstruck-alumnus-paulo-avelino-transfers-to-kapamilya-network StarStruck alumnus Paulo Avelino transfers to Kapamilya network] by Elli Alipio posted on August 16, 2011.
4. Erece, Dinno. "GMA-7 acquires exclusive rights to "Shaider"". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
5. Erece, Dino. ""The Boys Next Door" premieres on May 27". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
6. "Babangon ako't dudurugin kita (2008– )". IMDb.
7. Erece, Dinno. "Friendship of Lovi Poe and Glaiza de Castro reportedly affected by their onscreen rivalry". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
8. ""Luna Mystika" airs starting Nov 17". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
9. "Luna Mystika (2008– ) Full Cast & Crew". IMDB.
10. "Dapat ka bang mahalin? (2009– )". IMDb.
11. "All My Life (2009– )". IMDb.
12. "Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica to star in a primetime soap". GMA Network.
13. "Patient X". Film Biz Asia.
14. Teodoro, J.I. "Ang Panday 2: A timely preachy movie". GMA Network.
15. "GMA's Ilumina". GMA Network.
16. Calderon, Nora. "Paulo Avelino last to know he replaced JC de Vera in Panday Kids". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
17. Paulino, Ver. (June 2, 2010). "Panday Kids: Final showdown". The Philippine Star.
18. Anarcon, James Patrick. (August 1, 2017). "15 StarStruck graduates who transferred to ABS-CBN". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
19. [http://www.pep.ph/news/30696/aljur-abrenica-surprised-by-starstruck-batchmate-paulo-avelino-s-decision-to-move-to-abs-cbn Aljur Abrenica surprised by StarStruck batchmate Paulo Avelino's decision to move to ABS-CBN] {{Webarchive. link. (November 11, 2013 Rommel Gonzales, PEP.ph.)
20. "Lovi Poe is torn between man (Paulo Avelino) and beast (Joem Bascon) in Aswang". PEP.ph.
21. (December 9, 2011). "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow' power cast". Tempo.
22. Limjap, Ria. "What We Do For Love: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow". SPOT.ph.
23. Vibas, Danny. (October 7, 2011). "'100 Days To Heaven' bumaba ang ratings dahil kay Paulo Avelino". Remate.
24. "Paulo Avelino played an executive in 100 Days to Heaven". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
25. Jarloc, Glaiza. (September 22, 2011). "New stars to grace '100 Days to Heaven'". SunStar.
26. "Maalaala mo kaya Liham (22 Oct. 2011)". IMDb.
27. [http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/gma-%E2%80%98starstruck%E2%80%99-finalist-paulo-avelino-now-with-abs-cbn.html GMA 'Starstruck' finalist Paulo Avelino now with ABS-CBN] {{Webarchive. link. (November 11, 2013 By Chuck Smith and Karen Valeza, Yahoo! Philippines.)
28. Ching, Mark Angelo. "35th Gawad Urian winners honored; Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino win top acting honors". PEP.ph.
29. Manuel, Maureen. (May 2, 2013). "Behind his 'bad boy' image, Paulo Avelino reveals a true passion for his craft". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
30. "'Walang Hanggan' finale scores all-time high rating". ABS-CBN News.
31. "Paulo Avelino: I learn from Coco Martin". ABS-CBN News.
32. Ching, Mark Angelo. "MMFF REVIEW: Shake Rattle and Roll 14". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
33. "Paulo Avelino finds horror more challenging". ABS-CBN News.
34. (October 2, 2013). "Paulo Avelino turns singer, launches CD". ABS-CBN News.
35. (March 2025). "Paulo Avelino -EP". iTunes.
36. (December 5, 2012). "Paulo Avelino releases new music video". ABS-CBN News.
37. "Angeline Quinto to be paired with Sam Milby and Paulo Avelino in her first teleserye". PEP.ph.
38. "Angel Locsin and Paolo Avelino team up for the first time on "MMK"". ABS-CBN.
39. Simeon, Francis. (October 11, 2013). "Angel Locsin at Paulo Avelino, natuloy rin ang pagsasama". PinoyParazzi.
40. Alno, Nerissa. "Paulo Avelino, Maricar Reyes, and new child star Raikko Mateo uphold honesty in Honesto". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
41. Aquino, Tricia. "Paulo Avelino-starrer 'Debosyon' reveals tempting poster". InterAksyon.
42. Dumaual, Miguel. "What's next for Paulo Avelino". ABS-CBN News.
43. "'The Bride and the Lover' hard to pin down". SunStar.
44. "Solenn works with Maja and Jake new movie". ABS-CBN News.
45. Marasigan, Zia. "'Status: It's Complicated:' A Joke Worth Repeating". Rappler.
46. Almo, Nerissa. "Paulo Avelino's camp says actor's reported suicide attempt is "fabricated"". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
47. Macahindog, Jecelyn. (September 26, 2013). "Manager denies Paulo Avelino's alleged suicide attempt". Manila Bulletin.
48. (September 28, 2024). "Kapamilya pa rin! Paulo kumpirmadong kumalas na sa management team".
49. (January 10, 2025). "Paulo Avelino posts cryptic message amid rumors of Star Cinema project".
50. (29 May 2021). "Paulo Avelino, nagtayo ng sariling film company".
51. (11 May 2021). "In partnering with rising esports firm, Paulo Avelino eyes to leave gaming legacy".
52. (11 May 2021). "LuponWXC investor Paulo Avelino believes esports will be ‘almost as big as showbiz’".
53. Cruz, Marinel. "LJ Reyes: Paulo is a good dad to our son". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
54. Ruiz, Marah. "IN PHOTOS: Meet Jodie Tarasek, Paulo Avelino's beautiful Fil-Aussie girlfriend". GMA Network.
55. (March 15, 2024). "Paulo Avelino recovering from shoulder injury". [[ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs]].
56. "Paulo, Maja to reunite for a new project soon". ABS-CBN News.
57. "Ang Larawan".
58. [[NewsWatch Plus. "KIM-PAU IS BACK! LOOK: Prime Video drops a first look on the upcoming series, 'Alibi,' starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. The two top-billed the drama series, "Linlang," also on the same streaming platform in 2023.".
59. [[NewsWatch Plus. "LOOK: Prime Video drops the trailer for the comeback series of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino titled "The Alibi," which premieres on the streaming platform beginning Nov. 7. The series stars a powerhouse cast including Sam Milby, John Arcilla, and Zsazsa Padilla.".
60. Bodegon, Kara. (September 16, 2018). "Ben&Ben unveil gorgeous 'Susi' video from Goyo soundtrack - watch".
61. (October 1, 2012}}{{dead link). "Paulo Avelino - EP". iTunes.com.
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63. (2020-10-23). "ABS-CBN shines in 51st Box Office Entertainment Awards".
64. Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M.. "FULL LIST: FAMAS 2017 winners".
65. Abad, Ysa. (2021-12-14). "FULL LIST: Winners, 2021 FAMAS Awards".
66. Ruiz, Marah. "Best Actor nominees for the 2023 FAMAS Awards".
67. "In the Name of Love and Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa lead winners of PASADO Awards".
68. "19th Gawad Pasado winners revealed; Enrique, Piolo and Allen get top acting honors".
69. "21st Gawad Pasado winners revealed; Vilma, Jaclyn, Allen enter Hall of Fame".
70. (2021-10-13). "Paulo Avelino, Jodi Sta. Maria win at 23rd Gawad Pasado".
71. Requintina, Robert. (2021-07-30). "Paulo Avelino wins back-to-back acting awards".
72. "ABS-CBN dominates 14th Gawad Tanglaw winners for TV; AlDub honored with special award".
73. "35th Gawad Urian winners honored; Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino win top acting honors". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
74. Calderon, Ricky L.. "9th Golden Screen Awards finalists".
75. Fernando, Jeff. (2021-01-08). "FAMOUS: Paulo Avelino wants young actors to be braver".
76. (2020-12-29). "Paulo Avelino dedicates best actor win to son Aki".
77. Agcaoili, Nicole. (2024-11-15). "Anak TV announces Net Makabata Awards 2024 winners".
78. Mallorca, Hannah. (2025-03-16). "Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino among 38th Star Awards for Television winners".
79. "It’s Official! Paulo Avelino comes home to the Star Magic family".
80. "Paulo Avelino, nagpasalamat sa kanyang Best Actor Award sa 4th Eddys".