Paolo Contis on training as a wrestler, ‘unfollowing’ on social media

Paolo Contis as Oliver/Keon in “Fuchsia Libre”—MAVX PRODUCTIONS/ YOUTUBE

I hope that issues outside work will not affect our relationship,” said actor-TV host Paolo Contis in response to show biz scribes seeking his reaction to a comment earlier made about him by Vic Sotto.

“I hope to work with him soon, too. That’s really one of my dreams as an artist,” said Paolo, who once hosted a noontime show that rivaled “Eat Bulaga,” which Vic cohosts with Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon. In a previous interview, Vic said he hoped to still collaborate with the younger comedian.

READ: Hounded by breakup rumors, Paolo Contis says men have harder time with love

“I’m glad Bossing (Vic’s nickname) said that because we did several movie projects when I was younger, like ‘Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling’ and ‘Ang Kuya Kong Siga.’ We’ve worked together many times before, and I believe Bossing is professional that way. He understands that we all make decisions based on our need for work,” Paolo told reporters on Monday, shortly before the special screening of his latest film, RC delos Reyes’ “Fuchsia Libre,” at SM Fairview in Quezon City.

Tight-lipped

Asked about his rumored breakup with actress Yen Santos, Paolo was tight-lipped. She recently deleted all photos with Paolo on her Instagram account and “unfollowed” everyone including the actor.

Paolo, on the other hand, also unfollowed people on Instagram, but not Yen. He also did not delete any of their photos together. “I used to follow you, and you, and you, but not anymore. This doesn’t mean we’ve all broken up,” said Paolo, gesturing to reporters who tried to ask him about the issue.

“No comment. As I’ve always said, you already know so much about my life. Now, I just want to keep my personal life private,” the actor declared.In “Fuchsia Libre,” Paolo plays a gay wrestler seeking love and acceptance from his father (John Arcilla). To effectively portray his role, Paolo had to learn basic wrestling and train with mixed martial artist Erwin Tagle. Producer Mavx Productions coordinated with the Wrestling Federation of the Philippines and made sure some of its members were present during filming, Paolo said. “It’s my first time to do action while playing a gay role. It’s fun and very entertaining. It took a while before we finished this because I had to finish shooting the movie ‘A Journey’ first, then I still had to lose weight for this role,” he explained.

Paolo said it was also his first time to work on a big-screen project with John, whom he described as “a very professional and giving actor.”

Meanwhile, John considers Paolo a versatile actor, and even likened the latter to National Artist for Film Nora Aunor. “Paolo does a Nora Aunor in this movie! He was subdued in some of the scenes, but funny in most,” said John, referring to the acting trademark of the well-loved Filipino icon. “He is one of those actors who can effectively mix comedy and drama. There are actors who are good only at comedy and others who are only good at drama. Paolo can be serious and dramatic, but can also surprise you with his humor. That was awesome for me to witness. That’s one thing that the audience will get to see.”

Teaching the audienceJohn explains his role as Paolo’s father. “The world of the LGBTQIA+ is strange to him, especially since he is a uniformed man. It’s hard for him to understand them,” he began. “This is what the film hopes to teach its audience: that your gender preference has nothing to do with the physical sports that you choose to take on. You can be gay and still be a champion in all the fields that men excel in.”

Khalil Ramos plays ring master and leader of the wrestling circle that Paolo’s character hopes to penetrate. “I enjoyed playing my character here. He is super kulit and reminds me of what I was like back in high school,” said Khalil, who attended the premiere night with girlfriend, actress Gabbi Garcia. “I would send her clips of what I was doing with the character during the shoot and she would laugh at them. It’s something out of the box. I enjoyed doing it. Yes, there were challenges while creating it, but I was able to get past them quickly,” said Khalil.

In “Fuchsia Libre,” a dedicated police officer’s world shatters when his son’s sexuality strains their bond, leading to a violent confrontation and his dismissal from the force. Their paths collide again in an underground fighting tournament run by a dangerous mob boss, forcing them to fight side-by-side for their lives, mending their fractured relationship in the process. The film has been screening in cinemas nationwide since May 15.