Friday, July 04, 2008 Paolo thanks colleagues for refusing Banal role By Jill Beltran
Star Awards Movie Actor of the Year Paolo Contis felt sorry for the first two actors who declined the lead role in Comguild Productions “Banal”.
“This is my first acting award. Thank you PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club). And thank you also to those who begged off the role because I got it. You would have stood here,” Paolo said in his acceptance speech.
The role was originally offered to Jericho Rosales then to Dennis Trillo. Both turned it down.
“I am so grateful for this recognition. I did no expect that I will win because many awards were bagged by ‘One More Chance’,” he said.
Paolo said now he can consider himself truly an actor. “I consider this a great achievement in my life. I will strive harder. I need to work better,” he said.
When asked if he expected to win, he said, “I was hoping. When they texted me that I was nominated, I came here.”
Paolo first appeared as a child actor in ABS-CBN 2’s show “Ang TV”.
In 2002, he moved to GMA-7 for his comic guest appearance in “Bubble Gang”. He also appeared in some GMA-7’s primetime series “La Vendetta,” "Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita," and "Mga Mata ni Anghelita".