Valentine’s Day came with extra kilig for fans after Paulo Avelino admitted that he was the one who sent a massive bouquet of peonies to Kim Chiu.
Earlier, Kim took to Instagram to share a photo of the flowers she received on February 14, captioning it, “Babae pala ako,” which quickly delighted netizens.
During a media interview for their upcoming projects, Kim was asked to reveal who sent the bouquet. She pointed to Paulo, who later confirmed that he indeed gave her the flowers.
Explaining her now-viral caption, Kim said: “Kasi ang daming babaeng naglalakad nung araw na yun, siyempre nadadaanan ko lang from Showtime ang daming naglalakad may hawak na flowers tong mga to super sa pagka-longhair, pag uwi ko ng bahay hala may flowers din pala ako, girl din pala ako.”
Listening to her explanation, Paulo responded with a smile: “Masaya ako na masaya ka!”
The real-life kilig unfolded as the pair promoted their series ‘The Alibi’, which will make its free TV premiere in March. The project marks KimPau’s fourth collaboration following ‘Linlang’, ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?’, and their blockbuster film ‘My Love Will Make You Disappear’.
Originally released worldwide on Prime Video, the free TV version of ‘The Alibi’ will feature additional scenes and extended subplots.
“Napakarami naming shinoot, so eto na mapapanood nyo yung mga eksenang hindi ipinakita sa Prime na cut, sa free TV nyo lang mapapanood,” Paulo shared.
In the series, Kim plays club star dancer Stella, a more mature role compared to her previous characters, while Paulo takes on the role of journalist Vincent.
“During the time we were shooting The Alibi, a lot of things are happening as well in the Philippines, na we were hungry for the truth, we were out for blood, we were out for answers, that’s one of my inspirations,” Paulo explained.
Cast members also shared their appreciation for the lead stars.
Sofia Andres, who filmed an intense three-hour scene with Kim at the Temple of Leah in Cebu, expressed her gratitude:
“Never pa kong naka-experience ever ng ganun ka down to earth, she was there supporting me. Nahihiya ako sa kanya, kasi nawala yung experience ko it humbles you talaga. Nahiya ako sa kanya, parang deserve ko ba tong role na ito. She was there.”
Meanwhile, newbie actor Robbie Jaworski lauded Paulo for guiding him through his early scenes.
“Kuya Pau got to give me a lot of wisdom and good tips. I was grateful na kasama ko si Kuya Pau sa unang eksena ko talaga dahil he got to support me, I was really nervous buti na lang ginuide ako ni Kuya Pau,” Robbie said.
Paulo reflected on his own beginnings in showbiz: “I’ve been in their shoes, when I was starting also in my career. Yung isang winiwish ko lagi is mag-guide or magkapatience sa akin yung mga ka-eksena ko. In fairness sa mga veteran actors na nakatrabaho ko meron, pero yung iba wala. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko, pag may ka-eksena akong actors especially the new ones I’ll always have the patience and give them time para hindi sila kabahan.”
Aside from ‘The Alibi’’s TV release, Kim and Paulo are set to kick off their ‘KimPau World Tour’ starting April 24 in Redwood City, California, followed by Anaheim on April 26, Edmonton on May 1, and Toronto on May 3. (with reports from Loyd Pino)
