Kapamilya actor Paulo Avelino says entrepreneurship is nothing new for him, revealing that he has ventured into several businesses over the years—experiencing both successes and failures—long before opening his latest family entertainment venture.
Avelino recently entered the indoor playground business with the launch of PlaySpace, a 1,000-square-meter family entertainment center at Ayala Malls Vermosa in Imus, Cavite.
In an exclusive interview with LionhearTV, the actor dismissed the notion that his rumored girlfriend and frequent leading lady Kim Chiu inspired him to venture into business, saying he has long been involved in various entrepreneurial pursuits.
“Not a lot of people know but I’ve ventured into so many businesses in the past. May mga successful, maraming lugi, pero I’ve learned a lot in terms of business.”
He said one of the biggest lessons he has learned is the importance of careful planning.
Although both he and Chiu have business interests, Avelino noted that they have different management styles.
“We have our own outlook on how to manage and handle businesses. Kim is very hands on. She does everything, from… like everything.”
“Ako naman, I just choose roles that I know I can do.”
When asked whether he sees himself going into business with Chiu someday, Avelino said the possibility is certainly there.
“Yes, I’m sure there’ll be something that comes up or there’ll be another opportunity where we get to venture into a business someday.”
However, he joked that he would prefer something relatively simple.
“‘Yung magaan lang sana, kasi alam n’yo naman, ‘di ba, ang hirap ‘pag nagbi-business together dahil ang daming mga kailangan. Ang daming diskusyon lagi.”
“Pero hopefully, we’ll find something or hopefully, something will come up in the future.”
PlaySpace officially opened on July 18 following a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Avelino and his business partners Adam Vinluan, John Gonzales, and Bugsy Lising.
According to Avelino, the idea for the business originated from Vinluan during one of their online gaming sessions about two years ago.
“It’s actually the brainchild of Adam. About two years ago, we were just playing games and talking on Discord when he suddenly brought it up. I said yes, and from there we started working on it.”
Designed for children and families, PlaySpace features slides, obstacle courses, a ball pit, interactive play stations, dress-up areas, cooking and baking activities, and a 150-square-meter event space for birthday parties and family gatherings.
The founders said they hope the venue encourages children to spend less time on gadgets and enjoy more active, imaginative play.
“Nowadays, kids are becoming addicted to gadgets. It’s nice to have a safe space where they can freely be themselves, run around, and actually not be on their phones.”
Avelino also shared that the group hopes to expand PlaySpace to more locations in the future while exploring new concepts and themed attractions.
Aside from his business ventures, the actor teased that several acting projects are currently in development.
“Hindi ko alam kung pwedeng sabihin ‘to eh. Pero may mga dine-develop. Medyo marami. Hindi ko lang alam kung ano mati-tripan.”
