# Paulo Avelino

Michael Paulo Lingbanan Avelino (born May 13, 1988) is a Filipino actor, singer, model, and film producer. He has starred in multiple hit television series such as Walang Hanggan (2012), Bridges of Love (2015), and The General's Daughter (2019). In films, one of his best known works is his portrayal of Gregorio del Pilar in the Philippine war epic Heneral Luna (2015), which he reprised in a title role for its sequel, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018). Avelino's other prominent films include Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay (2013), I'm Drunk, I Love You (2017), and Fan Girl (2020).

## Early life

Michael Paulo Lingbanan Avelino was born on May 13, 1988, in Baguio, Philippines. He is the son of Roberto Puigcerver Avelino, an influential Spanish-Filipino from Calbayog, Western Samar, and Jennilyn Lingbanan. He is a grandson of Baltazar Avelino, former governor of Samar, and a great-grandson of former Senate President Jose Avelino. He has three siblings, Honey, Gabriel, and Angela. He is the second oldest of his siblings.

## Career
### 2006–10: Early career

Avelino began his career after appearing on the GMA Network reality talent show StarStruck in 2006. After being eliminated from the show, he signed an exclusive contract with GMA and played various supporting roles for the network. He appeared in the Black Jewel in the Palace episode of Magic Kamison in 2007 and had minor roles in two series, Sine Novela and Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan. The StarStruck 4 cast were then given a show titled Boys Nxt Door, an award-winning youth-oriented situation comedy, in which Avelino played Peter. This series premiered in 2007 and ran for 31 episodes.
In 2008, he appeared in a supporting role in Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita, a remake of the 1989 movie of the same title redeveloped by Don Michael Perez and produced by GMA Network. He had roles in an afternoon series, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, and in a primetime series, Luna Mystika. He also made his debut on film, in Desperadas 2, a Metro Manila Film Festival entry from Regal Films.
In 2009, Avelino started a regular stint on GMA's variety show SOP Rules and landed major roles in two series starring Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica, fellow Starstruck 4 alumni: Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? and All My Life. He was also cast as Robert in a GMA Films-VIVA Films project, Patient X and as Pepe in a Filipino action fantasy film, Ang Panday. In 2010, he appeared in a supporting role in a primetime series Ilumina, and replaced JC de Vera for a lead role in the fantasy series Panday Kids. His last performance for GMA Network was a lead role in the afternoon fantasy-drama Alakdana, with Louise delos Reyes and Alden Richards.

### 2011–12: ABS-CBN, first starring roles

In mid-2011, Avelino transferred to ABS-CBN, known as the Kapamilya network. He told ABS-CBN News that he wanted to get out of his comfort zone and, at the same time, reinvent himself as an actor. His first project as a Kapamilya actor was in a lead role alongside Lovi Poe on Regal Films' Aswang. He also participated in Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, an entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. He appeared for the first time in an ABS-CBN show through a guest role in 100 Days to Heaven, where he took the role of a rich executive named Teddy Ledesma, alongside veteran actor Phillip Salvador. He also appeared in Wansapanataym, Maalaala Mo Kaya and Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig.
Avelino played the role of a bisexual in the 2011 Cinemalaya film Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa alongside Rocco Nacino, winning Best Actor at the Gawad Urian Awards, his first award. He characterized the script of the film as "really different", offering the potential for an interesting role. In 2012, Avelino played Nathan Montenegro in the hit primetime series Walang Hanggan, alongside Coco Martin and Julia Montes. He commented in an interview that he learned a lot from watching Martin act. He co-starred in the "Lost Command" episode of the horror trilogy Shake, Rattle & Roll 14 produced by Regal Films, an entry in the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival.
In parallel with his acting career, Avelino began to work on musical projects, beginning with a single, a cover of Restless Heart's "When She Cries". His first album, Paulo Avelino, was released by Universal Records on October 1, 2012. It comprises six covers of OPM classic hits, plus instrumental versions of each track. Avelino released a music video for his second single, a cover of Alamid's "Your Love".

### 2013–2023

2013: Avelino's drama series roles included the pre-primetime series Kahit Konting Pagtingin, with Angeline Quinto and Sam Milby; two Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes: "Notbook" and "Mask"; and the family drama series Honesto, where he reunited with his Walang Hanggan co-stars Melissa Ricks and Noni Buencamino.
His film roles included two independent films for Cinemalaya: Debosyon, directed by Alvin Yapan, and Sana Dati, directed by Jerrold Tarog. He starred with Lovi Poe and Jennylyn Mercado in a highly charged erotic-drama romantic comedy film directed by Joel Lamangan, The Bride and the Lover. He also appeared on a romantic-comedy film directed by Chris Martinez titled Status: It's Complicated, with Jake Cuenca, Solenn Heussaff, Maja Salvador, and veteran comedian Eugene Domingo. The movie is a remake of the 1979 classic comedy film Salawahan, directed by Ishmael Bernal.
In the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival, Avelino appeared in two entries: a lead role on Star Cinema's horror film Pagpag and a cameo in Kimmy Dora: The Quantum of Kiyeme.
2014: Avelino starred as part of the main cast of Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon, with Bea Alonzo and Albert Martinez. He also starred in Give Love on Christmas, it is a Philippine daytime drama anthology series produced by Dreamscape Entertainment Television with KC Concepcion.
2015: Avelino starred in the soap opera Bridges of Love, with Jericho Rosales and Maja Salvador, and was cast as Simon Evangelista in On the Wings of Love, with James Reid and Nadine Lustre. He also top billed two movies Heneral Luna (lit. 'General Luna') a 2015 Filipino historical biopic film and Resureksyon (lit. 'Resurrection') is a 2015 Filipino horror drama film directed by Alfonso Torre III.
In 2016, He starred in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (lit. FPJ's The Provincial Man; abbreviated as FPJAP and internationally known as Brothers) a 2015 Philippine action drama television series under ABS-CBN Entertainment as one of the guest Antagoinist. He also top bill the Movie The Unmarried Wife, a 2016 Filipino romance drama film starring Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, and himself.
2017: Avelino starred with ABS-CBN newcomer Ritz Azul in the television series The Promise of Forever. He also starred in two movies, I'm Drunk, I Love You, a 2017 Filipino romantic comedy independent film directed by JP Habac, and written by Habac and Giancarlo Abrahan with Maja Salvador and Ang Larawan, internationally released as The Portrait(Japanese: ある肖像画, Hepburn: Aru Shōzō-ga), a 2017 Philippine musical film directed by Loy Arcenas.
2018: Avelino starred in an afternoon series, Asintado as Gael Ojeda and in the primetime soap opera The General's Daughter as Franco Segismundo. He also top billed the two movies, Kasal a 2018 Filipino romance drama film starring Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay and Paulo Avelino. The film was directed by Ruel S. Bayani and produced by Star Cinema and Goyo: The Boy General (Filipino: Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral), or simply Goyo, is a 2018 Philippine epic war drama film.
2020: Avelino starred in Walang Hanggang Paalam (International title: Irreplaceable / transl. Never Ending Goodbye) is a 2020 Philippine romance drama television series broadcast by Kapamilya Channel. Directed by Emmanuel Q. Palo and Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, it stars Paulo Avelino, Zanjoe Marudo, Arci Muñoz, Angelica Panganiban and JC Santos. And a Movie Fan Girl a 2020 Philippine coming of age film starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino. It is written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone.
2021: Avelino starred with ABS-CBN newcomer Janine Gutierrez in the primetime soap opera series, Marry Me, Marry You as Andrei.
2022: Avelino starred in Marry Me Marry you Season 2 as Andrei, Flower of Evil, a Philippine drama television series loosely based on the 2020 South Korean drama series of the same title. And a Movie with ABS-CBN newcomer Janine Gutierrez, Ngayon Kaya.
In the present, he is filming his new teleserye with Kim Chiu and Maricel Soriano titled Linlang, to be seen and watched on the first half of 2023.

#### 2024 - present: Career as Freelance Actor

Avelino's exclusive contract with ABS-CBN and Star Magic expired in September 2024. As of that year, there were no definitive reports on whether Avelino would renew his contract with ABS-CBN. As of 2025, Avelino is self-managed and working as a freelance actor while negotiating with the Kapamilya Network. According to media outlets, despite not having an existing contract with ABS-CBN, Avelino remains a Kapamilya and is set to work on a movie project with Kim Chiu under Star Cinema in 2025.

## Personal life

Paulo has a son with LJ Reyes.
In May 2018, Avelino began a relationship with Jodie Tarasek, a Filipino-Australian model. They broke up in 2022.
On March 15, 2024, Avelino revealed he suffered a dislocated right shoulder due to weightlifting. “My aura or look comes with the role I am doing. Here in 'Secretary Kim,' I am dapper,” he explained.

## Filmography
### Television / Digital series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Network |
| 2006 | StarStruck (season 4) | Himself | Segment: "The Next Level" | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Magic Kamison#Story Four: Black Jewel in the Palace | Poy | Episode: "Black Jewel In The Palace" | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Sine Novela: Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso | Archie | | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Boys Nxt Door | Peter | | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan | Cervano's buddy #1 | | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Sine Novela: My Only Love | Alvin | | GMA Network |
| 2008 | Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita | Brenan Salcedo | | GMA Network |
| 2008 | Sine Novela: Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan | Kiko | | GMA Network |
| 2008–2009 | Luna Mystika | Johnny | | GMA Network |
| 2009 | Sine Novela: Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? | Kiko Claro | | GMA Network |
| 2009 | All My Life | Perry | | GMA Network |
| 2009 | StarStruck V | Himself | | GMA Network |
| 2009 | SOP Rules | Himself / Performer | | GMA Network |
| 2009 | Dear Friend | Heime | Episode: "Three Bachelors" | GMA Network |
| 2009 | Dear Friend | Luigi | Episode: "Almost A Love Story" | GMA Network |
| 2010 | Sine Novela: Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? | Cito Valera | | GMA Network |
| 2010 | Carlo J. Caparas' Panday Kids | Aureus / Alfred | | GMA Network |
| 2010 | Ilumina | Antonio Martinez | | GMA Network |
| 2010–2011 | Jillian: Namamasko Po | James | | GMA Network |
| 2011 | Alakdana | Billy Romero | | GMA Network |
| 2011 | 100 Days to Heaven | Teddy Ledesma | | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Wansapanataym | Cocoy | Episode: "Cocoy Shokoy" | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Romy | Episode: "Liham" | ABS-CBN |
| 2011–2012 | Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig | Andrew "Andoy" Jimenez | | ABS-CBN |
| 2012 | Walang Hanggan | Nathaniel "Nathan" Montenegro | | ABS-CBN |
| 2012–present | ASAP | Himself / Co-host / Performer | | ABS-CBN |
| 2013 | Kahit Konting Pagtingin | Lance Ledesma | | ABS-CBN |
| 2013 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Apaw | Episode: "Notbook" | ABS-CBN |
| 2013 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Stuart | Episode: "Mask" | ABS-CBN |
| 2013–2014 | Honesto | Diego Layer | | ABS-CBN |
| 2014 | Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon | Patrick Salvador | | ABS-CBN |
| 2015 | Give Love on Christmas | Christian Cabrera | Episode: "The Exchange Gift" | ABS-CBN |
| 2015 | Bridges of Love | Carlos Antonio / Manuel "JR" Nakpil, Jr. | | ABS-CBN |
| 2015–2016 | On the Wings of Love | Simon Evangelista | | ABS-CBN |
| 2016 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Eric / Erwin Maniego | | ABS-CBN |
| 2016–2017 | Wansapanataym | Santino "Santi" Cruz | Episode: "Santi Cruz Is Coming To Town" | ABS-CBN |
| 2017 | The Promise of Forever | Lorenzo Espinosa | | ABS-CBN |
| 2018 | Asintado | Gael Ojeda | | ABS-CBN |
| 2019 | The General's Daughter | Franco Segismundo | | ABS-CBN |
| 2020–2021 | Walang Hanggang Paalam | Emmanuel "Emman" Salvador | | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / TV5 |
| 2021–2022 | Marry Me, Marry You | Andrei Legaspi | | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / TV5 |
| 2022 | Flower of Evil | Jacob Del Rosario | | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / TV5 |
| 2023–2024 | Linlang | Victor "Bangis" Lualhati | | Amazon Prime Video / Kapamilya Channel |
| 2024 | What's Wrong with Secretary Kim | Brandon Manansala "BMC" Castillo | | Viu |
| 2024–2025 | It's Showtime | Himself / Guest / Performer | | Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / ALLTV / GMA Network / GTV |

### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2008 | Desperadas 2 | Dr. Anton | |
| 2009 | Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie | Cameo Appearance | |
| 2009 | Patient X | Robert | |
| 2009 | Ang Panday | Pepe | |
| 2011 | Aswang | Daniel | |
| 2011 | Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow | Vincent | |
| 2011 | Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa | Marlon | |
| 2012 | Shake, Rattle and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion | Corp. Lamberto Upao | Segment: "Lost Command" |
| 2013 | The Bride and the Lover | Philip Albino | |
| 2013 | Debosyon | Manuel | |
| 2013 | Sana Dati | Dennis Cesario | |
| 2013 | Status: It's Complicated | Jerry | |
| 2013 | Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay | Roman | |
| 2013 | Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel | Cameo Role | |
| 2015 | Heneral Luna | Gregorio del Pilar | |
| 2015 | Resureksyon | Javier | |
| 2016 | The Unmarried Wife | Bryan | |
| 2017 | I'm Drunk, I Love You | Dionysus "Dio" Brillo | |
| 2017 | Ang Larawan | Tony Javier | |
| 2018 | Kasal | Philip Cordero | |
| 2018 | Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral | Gregorio Del Pilar | |
| 2020 | Fan Girl | Himself | |
| 2022 | Ngayon Kaya | Harold | |
| 2024 | Elevator | Jared | |
| 2025 | My Love Will Make You Disappear | Jolo | |

## Discography
### Music videos

| Year | Title | Performer | Director |
| 2012 | Your Love | Paulo Avelino | Universal Records Phil |
| 2016 | Love me Kill me | Maja Salvador | Ivory Music & Video Inc |
| 2017 | Lloydy | Paulo Avelino | Ivory Music & Video Inc |
| 2018 | Susi | Ben&Ben | Jerrold Tarog |
| 2021 | Hindi Ko Kaya | Zack Tabudlo | Antoinette Jadaone |

### Single music

| Title | Album details |
| Paulo Avelino (EP) | Genres: OPM, Pop Released date: October 1, 2012 Label: Universal Records Formats: CD, music download PARI Certification: Gold |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award Giving Body | Category | Work | Result(s) |
| 2012 | 35th Gawad Urian Awards | Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) | Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa | Won |
| 2012 | ENPRESS Golden Screen Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) | Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa | Nominated |
| 2012 | 14th Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktor (Best Supporting Actor) | Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa | Won |
| 2012 | ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice Awards | Pop Kapamilya TV Character | Nathan Montenegro (Walang Hanggan) | Nominated |
| 2013 | 10th Golden Screen Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor | Walang Hanggan | Won |
| 2013 | Anak TV Seal Awards | Most Admired Male Personality In Philippine TV | Honesto | Won |
| 2014 | Star Magic Ball 2014 | Best Dressed | Himself | Won |
| 2014 | ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice Awards | Pop Kapamilya TV Character | Patrick Salvador (Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon) | Nominated |
| 2015 | 6th ENPRESS Golden Screen TV Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama Program | Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon | Nominated |
| 2015 | 1st GIC Innovative Awards for TV | Most Innovative TV Actor 2015 | Bridges of Love | Won |
| 2015 | 29th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Drama Actor | Bridges of Love | Nominated |
| 2015 | Philippines Edition Networks 4th Readers Choice Movie 2015 | Best Supporting Movie Actor | Heneral Luna | Won |
| 2016 | 14th Gawad Tanglaw Award for TV | Best Actor | Bridges of Love | Won |
| 2017 | 19th Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktor (Best Supporting Actor) | The Unmarried Wife | Won |
| 2017 | 65th FAMAS Awards | Best Supporting Actor | The Unmarried Wife | Nominated |
| 2018 | Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students Awards (G.E.M.S.) | Best Supporting Actor | Ang Larawan | Won |
| 2018 | RAWR Awards 2018 - LionhearTV | Outstanding Actor of the Year | Asintado & Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral | Won |
| 2019 | Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students Awards (G.E.M.S.) | Best Actor | Kasal | Nominated |
| 2019 | 20th Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPASADOng Aktor (Best Actor) | Kasal | Won |
| 2020 | 3rd Laguna Excellence Awards | Best Drama Actor | The General's Daughter | Won |
| 2020 | 51st Box Office Entertainment Awards | Best Acting Ensemble in a Drama Series | The General's Daughter | Won |
| 2020 | 46th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Actor | Fan Girl | Won |
| 2021 | The Entertainment Editors' Choice | Best Actor | Fan Girl | Won |
| 2021 | 21st Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPASADOng Aktor sa Pelikula (Best Actor) | Fan Girl | Won |
| 2021 | 21st Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPASADOng Aktor sa Telebisyon (Best Actor) | Walang Hanggang Paalam | Won |
| 2021 | The Platinum Stallion Media Awards 2021 | Best Drama Actor | Marry Me, Marry You | Won |
| 2022 | The 14th Gawad Lasallianeta | Most Outstanding Performance By An Actor (Filipino Film) | Fan Girl | Won |
| 2022 | The 3rd Annual TAG Awards Chicago | Best Supporting Actor | Flower of Evil | Nominated |
| 2022 | PHTV Fan Awards 2022 | Best Supporting Actor | Flower of Evil | Nominated |
| 2022 | PHTV Fan Awards 2022 | Loveteam of the Year (PauNine) | Ngayon Kaya | Nominated |
| 2023 | 72nd FAMAS Awards | Best Actor (Filipino Film) | Ngayon Kaya | Nominated |
| 2024 | Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards | Best TV Actor (Best Performances for 2023) | ABS-CBN | Won |
| 2024 | Seoul International Drama Awards 2024 | Outstanding Asian Star | Linlang | Won |
| 2024 | Anak TV Net Makabata Stars of 2024 | Net Makabata Star 2024 | Himself | Won |