Paolo Ballesteros
Filipino actor, comedian and host (born 1982)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV (born November 29, 1982) is a Filipino actor, comedian, and drag queen. He has appeared in films and several TV shows. He has been one of the co-hosts of the longtime noontime show Eat Bulaga! since 2001, and he is the host of Drag Race Philippines and Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale.
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November 29, 1982
- GMA Network (2001–2023)
- TV5 Network (2010, 2013, 2020-2021, 2023–present)
Paolo Ballesteros | |
|---|---|
Ballesteros in 2024 | |
| Born | Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV November 29, 1982 Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines |
| Occupations | Actor, TV host, model, comedian, product endorser, drag queen |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Television |
|
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Eula Valdez (aunt)[1] Fernando Amorsolo (great-grandfather)[2] Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo (grandaunt) Pablo Amorsolo (great-granduncle) |
Early life
Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV was born on November 29, 1982, in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.[3][1][4]
Career
In March of 2016, Ballesteros was reportedly suspended from Eat Bulaga! for six months because of several rants that he posted on his Facebook account; in the post, he discussed his personal grievances with the live-show setup, organization, filming process, and catering services.[5] During his six-month suspension period, Ballesteros took roles in Die Beautiful and Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend?, and he returned to Eat Bulaga! on September 5, 2016.[6] He received an award as best actor for his role in Die Beautiful at the 29th Annual Tokyo International Film Festival.
In 2022, he was chosen to be the host of Drag Race Philippines with recurring judges Jiggly Caliente and Kaladkaren Davila.[7]
Impersonation and makeup transformation
Ballesteros is known for his various impersonations of female and male artists, and he has earned international acclaim for his makeup skills.[8] He has posted pictures of his numerous makeup transformations through his Instagram account, transforming himself into Hollywood celebrities,[9] as well as local artists.[10]
For the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival, he impersonated two female celebrities, the first being Angelina Jolie (calling himself Angelina Magdangal, a play on Filipina actress Jolina Magdangal) during the red carpet and opening ceremony, in an Emerald Modern Filipiniana Fishtail black velvet terno gown, with typical squared sleeves, black opera gloves, and black high heels.[11] On the awards night and following press conference, he emulated Julia Roberts, wearing a gold sequin dress with white high heels and white opera gloves.[12]
Personal life
Ballesteros is related to Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, who is his great-grandfather, and fellow celebrity Eula Valdez, who is his aunt.[13]
He was romantically involved with Katrina Nevada, with whom he has a daughter, Keira Claire.[14]
In August 2019, Ballesteros confirmed that he is a gay man after years of speculation on his sexuality.[15] Ballesteros, who has been known for his makeup transformation inspired from women celebrities, also remarked that he is a "lady," although he clarifies he does not present as feminine outside his profession.[16][17]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Pakisabi Na Lang... Mahal Ko Siya | Martin |
| 2003 | Anghel sa Lupa | Ariel |
| 2004 | Enteng Kabisote: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend | Fantastikman |
| 2006 | Metlogs (Metrosexual Jologs) | Rodelio "Rodel" Dapulo |
| Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes on and on and on | Pao | |
| 2007 | Xenoa | Zeus |
| 2008 | Xenoa 2: Clash of the Bloods | |
| 2009 | Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme | Waiter (cameo) |
| 2010 | Pendong | Paulino |
| 2011 | Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! | Anton |
| Enteng Ng Ina Mo | Gay Lover | |
| 2012 | D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?! | Tweety |
| 2013 | My Little Bossings | Alat |
| 2014 | So It's You | L.A. |
| 2015 | My Bebe Love | Direk Raymond "Rich" |
| 2016 | Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin | Señorito Boglee Ginintuan |
| Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend? | Benj | |
| Die Beautiful | Trisha Echevarria / Patrick Villar | |
| Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers | Lola Tidora | |
| 2017 | Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs. Zombies | |
| Barbi D' Wonder Beki | Billy Bayagan / Barbi D' Wonder Beki | |
| 2018 | Amnesia Love[18] | Kimmer |
| My 2 Mommies | Manuel "Manu" Castillo | |
| Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles | Robin "Binoy" Halimuyac | |
| 2019 | Born Beautiful | Trisha Echevarria |
| The Panti Sisters | Gabriel Panti |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin | Paul |
| 2001–present | Eat Bulaga! | Himself (co-host) |
| 2002–03 | Kahit Kailan | PJ |
| 2005–06 | Daddy Di Do Du | Paolo |
| 2005 | Love to Love | Eric |
| 2006 | Amando / Mandy | |
| 2007–08 | Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan | Ida |
| 2008 | Dyesebel | Bukanding |
| 2009 | SRO Cinemaserye Presents: "Rowena Joy" | RJ |
| Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang | Alfie | |
| 2010 | The Last Prince | Diwani Anexi |
| Claudine | Carlo | |
| Midnight DJ | Venus | |
| Face to Face | Himself | |
| 2011 | I Heart You, Pare! | Vodka |
| Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit | Aloha | |
| 2013 | Kidlat | Walter / Warla |
| The Ryzza Mae Show | Himself (guest) | |
| Vampire ang Daddy Ko | Andres Bonifacio | |
| 2014 | Karugtong Ng Puso: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Reynaldo / Baldo |
| Marian | Himself (co-host) | |
| 2015 | Biro Ng Kapalaran: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Obet |
| Sabado Badoo | Himself (cameo) | |
| 2016 | Kaputol ng Buhay: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Lola Tidora |
| 2018 | Pamana | Paulito Nunal |
| 2020 | Bawal na Game Show | Himself (host) |
| 2021 | Fill in the Bank | Himself (guest player) |
| Popinoy | Himself (host) | |
| 2022–24 | Drag Race Philippines | |
| 2024 | Selda ng Kahapon: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Ruby |
| 2025 | Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale | Himself (host) |
Radio
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Wanted sa Radyo | Himself (guest) |
Awards
| Awards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Award giving body | Work/Nominee | Award | Result |
| 2002 | 16th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Daddy Di Do Du | Best New Male TV Personality | Won |
| 2015 | Eastwood City Walk of Fame | Himself | Walk of Fame Star Inductee[19] | Inducted |
| 2016 | USTv Students' Choice Awards | Eat Bulaga!: Kalyeserye (with Jose & Wally) | Special Recognition for Social Media Phenomenon[20] | Won |
| 47th GMMSF Box Office Entertainment Awards | Himself with Jose & Wally | Bert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award[21] | Won | |
| Platinum Stallion Media Awards | Eat Bulaga!: Kalyeserye | Trinitian Awardee for Values-Oriented TV Character[22] | Won | |
| 29th Tokyo International Film Festival | Die Beautiful | Best Actor[23] | Won | |
| 21st International Film Festival of Kerala | Special Jury Award for Outstanding Performance[24] | Won | ||
| 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Actor[25][26] | Won | ||
| 2017 | Film Development Council of the Philippines | Film Ambassador Award[27] | Won | |
| Gawad A.N.A.K | Himself | Ang Natatanging Anak Kabanatuan[28] | Won | |
| 15th Gawad Tanglaw Awards | Die Beautiful | Best Actor[29] | Won | |
| Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students | Best Actor[28] | Won | ||
| Gawad Bedista Awards | Actor of the Year for Film[30] | Won | ||
| 9th Ani ng Dangal Awards | Ani ng Dangal Awardee[31] | Won | ||
| 48th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Global Achievement by a Filipino Artist (Tokyo Best Actor)[32] | Won | ||
| 1st Eddys Awards (Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards for Movies) | Best Actor[33] | Won | ||
| 40th Gawad Urian Awards | Gawad Urian for Best Actor[34] | Won | ||
| 2018 | 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for Television | Himself | Most Innovative TV Personality[35] | Won |
| 5th Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards | Die Beautiful | Best Actor[36] | Won | |
