Screen heartthrob Paulo Avelino not only stars in his latest movie, he is also the co-producer of the project.
In “Ngayon Kaya,” one of the eight entries of the 2020 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (2020 Summer MMFF), Paulo plays the role of Harold — a shy college student from the province who develops a close bond and a secret love for his friend AM, a rich city girl who is passionate about her dreams played by Janine Gutierrez. Because of their contrasting personalities—Harold is disillusioned and AM is idealistic—and complications in their personal lives, the two never get past the “more than friends but less than lovers” stage and eventually separate. Now reunited after five years, AM and Harold spend fleeting hours wandering around their old haunts and wondering about their old selves, making Harold’s next-day flight the biggest “what if” of their lives.
Paulo’s own production outfit WASD Films is co-executive producer of the movie with T-Rex Entertainment. “Ngayon Kaya” is directed by Prime Cruz and written by Jen Chuaunsu, the tandem that also brought to the screen films such as “Sleepless,” “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” and “Isa Pa with Feelings.”
Paulo was motivated to accept the movie because the theme is very close to his heart. “The role is very unique. It’s my first time playing a guy who is hoping for love,” he says of his character. “What Harold went through is something very similar to something I experienced in the past,” he reveals.
The actor-producer is also credited for thinking of the movie’s title. He shares how his suggestion ended up being picked. “Nasa set kami n’on at nag-iisip kami ng title,” he relates. “Naisip ko lang bilang miyembro ng cast at isa sa mga nagtratrabaho sa pelikula, paano kung ‘Ngayon Kaya’? And dami kasing pwedeng ipahiwatig sa dalawang salitang ‘yun. At lahat ng mga ibig sabihin makikita mo sa storya ng pelikula. Ang tagal kong nilaban ang title. Yung suggestion ko rin ang final choice.”
Paulo hopes that viewers will appreciate and ponder on the message of “Ngayon Kaya” and is excited to share this latest endeavor with his fans and followers. He says, “Aside from the movie being beautifully shot and lovingly written, it is very relatable. I’m sure everyone has a lot of ‘what ifs’ in their lives.”
“Ngayon Kaya” also stars Alwyn Uytingco, John James Uy, Donna Cariaga, Shara Dizon and Ms. Rio Locsin. For updates, follow the social media accounts of T-Rex Entertainment on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
