Andre Paras’ biggest frustration in life

Andre Paras

Andre Paras is courteous and good-natured, even when talking about issues that make him uncomfortable and guarded—like his much-speculated relationship with his estranged mom, Jackie Forster.

He says he sees why people are curious about that tabloid-fodder aspect of his life, but that doesn’t mean they can make him talk lengthily about it.

“Since I don’t discuss it openly, I don’t see why they expect me to explain something that doesn’t concern them,” he points out. “So, I just tell them that maybe in time, [things will work out]. But if that ever happens, why should I broadcast it to the whole world? But, I understand why it interests them. The public just loves speculating about other people’s lives, you know what I mean?”

Andre took part in different Araw ng Dabaw activities last weekend, along with the other actors of GMA 7’s new TV series “The Cure” (Jennylyn Mercado, Tom Rodriguez), “The Stepdaughters” (Megan Young, Mikael Daez and Katrina Halili), and his castmates in “Sherlock Jr.” (Ruru Madrid, Gabbi Garcia, Kate Valdez).

During the meet-and-greet show in Abreeza Mall in Davao City last Saturday, Andre dazzled the audience with his kwela antics when he performed a rap-and-sing number, and gamely took selfies with the swooning and screaming girls in the audience.

While he’s often seen portraying kooky, “accessible” characters onscreen, Andre says that that hasn’t always been the case. “Early on, especially in my basketball career, I had to consistently wear my ‘game face’ on so people would take me seriously. But I have since learned to be more ‘accessible,’ open and relaxed—and not to worry too much about the public’s expectations of me,” he enthuses.

“I always get asked to pick between playing basketball and pursuing acting,” he says. “But, I don’t feel any pressure to choose just yet—because, at 22, I’m still focusing on my growth as a person. Perhaps when I reach 25 or 30, I’ll have to make a choice and find my final calling.”

These days, 22-year-old Andre is even willing to talk about his pet peeves (disrespectful fans), the downside of being too tall (he’s 6’4”), the type of girls he finds attractive, and what he misses about his younger brother, talented cager Kobe Paras, who’s in the United States pursing his own hoop dreams.

“Between the two of us, Kobe is much better at basketball—no contest,” he discloses. Aside from Kobe, Andre looks up to his dad, Benjie, and San Miguel Alab Pilipinas guard Bobby Ray Parks Jr. in basketball.

Andre says he doesn’t like not having Kobe around. “We’re very close. I miss his pagiging makulit and rowdy. Now, I don’t have someone to shout at and say, ‘Stop it…!’ But, I enjoy being a kuya. I have always taken care of him and I still do—until now, I pay for some of his stuff. Every time I visit him in the States, parati s’yang gutom, so he takes advantage of my presence (laughs).”

Would Andre encourage Kobe to try out acting? He replies, “I have a strong feeling he’ll do better as a ramp and fashion model. I can see Kobe walking on runways more than acting in front of the camera. He has a model’s body and frame, and he’s taller than me—he’s 6’6”.”

But, height isn’t always an advantage, Andre says: “I find that women aren’t really intimidated by my height. It’s me who gets scared, kasi feeling ko, if I were to approach someone, she probably wouldn’t talk to me [because of it].

“Sometimes, it’s also a disadvantage at work, kasi cameramen have to work around it—they have to change the setup or blocking of a scene so they could see me in the frame. In ‘Dear Uge,’ (costar) Kate Valdez and I were seated the whole time because they didn’t want the height disparity to be distracting (laughs).”

In terms of the girls he finds appealing, height isn’t a requirement. He explains, “It would be ideal if the girl were sporty or athletic like me, because that’ll give me the proper motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle, work out, go to the gym and eat healthy. Age doesn’t matter to me.

“I also hope she prioritizes school and is the type who would want to have her own career. I also wish she would allow me to support her. I want to be in a relationship where we can do what we love and pursue endeavors we’re passionate about. That way, hindi kami nasasakal sa isa’t isa. And we’ll feel we’re equal.”

When asked about his biggest frustration in life, Andre has a quick answer: “I have yet to get a diploma. I’m taking online courses now, but I wish I was able to finish school in a university. I want to feel how it is to be a normal student—make friends the conventional way and hang out with them, fall in love, get my heart broken, etc.

“I had a hard time when I was in UP (University of the Philippines) because I was so busy focusing on basketball [and acting on the side]. I understand that’s how life works, and I’m thankful for the blessings that came my way. But, not everything about life is money, fame or a high-profile job.

“If there’s one thing I could change about myself, I wish I could go back in time. I’d work harder and get better grades. I hope promising actors who want to get ahead in the acting profession realize that quitting school is always a bad idea—and an unwise option.”