Andre's newfound passion

MANILA, Philippines - Andre Paras, popularly known as Chad in the hit movie adaptation Diary ng Panget, unfortunately had to beg off from joining the same cast (James Reid, Nadine Lustre and Yassi Pressman) in a movie titled Talk Back and You’re Dead due to conflict of schedules. “Nakaka-miss din sila pero I’m still doing a soap po kasi.”

Andre, who plays Bradley Castillo, Barbie Forteza’s other love interest on GMA 7’s Afternoon Prime soap The Half Sisters airing weekdays after Eat, Bulaga!, finds acting his newfound passion.

“I’m happy na nasimulan ko sa movie and na-notice naman, kaya siguro GMA gave me this project kaagad kasi it fits me daw... they needed an athlete, yung matangkad and mestizo. So, I took the opportunity kasi sabi nga ni daddy (Benjie Paras) this (kind) of project comes once lang so I have to grab it right away. I’m just really happy and I’ll do my best so that more projects will come,” Andre told The STAR during a press set visit for The Half Sisters.

According to Andre, who has a five-year management contract with Viva Artists Agency, working with the Half Sisters cast is a breeze. Initially though, he felt intimidated by Barbie, Thea Tolentino and Derrick Monasterio.

“When I got to know them more, I found out magkaka-edad lang pala kami. We easily get along and we’re really having fun. Sometimes, we play in our tent and even if it’s late at night, we’re still alive and awake. Kaya ganun na kami ka-close ngayon.”

Andre, who has been aspiring to become a director or cinematographer, instantly fell in love with acting. He said, “When Viva gave me the role in Diary ng Panget, I accepted it not because I wanted the money or fame. All I wanted was to learn something because at that time, I wanted to be an aspiring director sana or anything when it comes to movies, cinematographer, or (someone working) behind the camera. But when I got the role, I really enjoyed it. Actually, people know me more by my character Chad but that’s okay. I’d rather have them call me with that name because it means I left something with them at masaya sila. Also, people call me Bradley. I have noticed that they know me with those names more than my real name, and I don’t mind at all. I just want to act and I enjoy making people happy,” Andre shared.

“Dad would always say, ‘Whatever happens, ikaw ang bahala kasi it’s your character. No one can tell you what to do. So diskarte mo na yan. It’s your originality in a way. Enjoy what you’re doing and always follow your acting director or your coach (in school).’ That’s all, he’s not really bothering me na parang he’s like a stage father,” said Andre of the acting tips he gets from his dad who is more known for being a comedian.

Asked if he’s willing to give comedy a try, Andre replied, “It’s in my blood naman, so okey lang.”

The 6’4”-tall hardcourt hottie, who is a freshman at the San Beda College where he’s taking up Marketing, also noted that he isn’t going to be ready for mature or sexy roles anytime soon. “I’m still 18, bata pa ako. I’m more okay with roles na pang-kilig for teens, like teen movies or rom-coms like Diary ng Panget. I’ll be happier to do that and it’s important that I can make people happy.”

For him, acting and playing basketball are his top priorities right now. He trains for basketball every morning before going to school (Tuesdays and Thursdays) or to tapings (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). “I love acting and playing basketball. They are important to me and I’m not ready to give up any of both, especially that I can still balance them.”

When asked about his biological mom, Jackie Forster, Andre said, “Sorry, no comment. (I think) it’s always between us na lang. That’s all I can say.”