Paolo Contis feels honored to play John Arcilla’s son in ‘FuchSia Libre’

Working on his latest big screen assignment, the comedy “Fuchsia Libre,” took quite a while for actor Paolo Contis, since he still had to wrap up the Netflix drama, “A Journey,” where he reunited with his “Tabing Ilog” co-stars Patrick Garcia and Kaye Abad.

Directed by RC Delos Reyes, “A Journey” turned out to be a hit on the streaming platform even in other countries. Paolo is keeping the faith that “Fuchsia Libre” will likewise be a successful cinematic release. It is now showing.

“After ‘A Journey,’ I had to lose weight for my role in ‘Fuchsia Libre,’” Paolo shared. “When I did lose weight, some fans were accusing me of turning into an addict. That’s not true. I am not an addict.”

“Everything we do, we want it to really entertain people. So, I hope, all those who will watch ‘Fuchsia Libre,’ will just enjoy the film,” he added.

Paolo is certainly proud of his latest big screen project, where he got the chance to work with international award-winning actor, John Arcilla, in “Fuchsia Libre.”

They play father and son who get estranged after the former (John as Danilo) discovers his son (Paolo as Keon) is gay. Keon puts up a gym and later on joins an underground wrestling match to save his gym. He becomes the crowd favorite as the masked Fuchsia Libre. Director RC again worked at the helm.

“I’m very happy with this film because it was my first time to work with Sir John (Arcilla) in a full-length project,” Paolo said. “He was very professional and very giving. Masaya. Bitin lang.”

Paolo trained with the Wrestling Federation of the Philippines for his action scenes in “Fuchsia Libre,” which he completed late last year.

Also in the cast are comedian Jon Santos, Jett Pangan, Khalil Ramos, Gian Magdangal, Bernadette Allyson, Milo Elmido Jr., Jamil Eljhay Gonzalez and Randy Villarama, with the special participation of Monsour del Rosario.

Meanwhile, when it comes to his personal life, especially his relationship with actress Yen Santos, Paolo remains tight-lipped. In January 2023, the two stars admitted they were in a relationship after months of constant speculations.

Recently, however, Paolo and Yen are neither admitting or confirming if they are still together. Paolo unfollowed a lot of artist-friends and even writer-friends on Instagram, but maintained his follow status with Yen.

He did not delete any of their photos together. The actress did the opposite. He simply dodged questions about the two of them and repeatedly said, “No comment.”

“As I always say, masyado na kayong madaming alam sa buhay ko,” Paolo said. “So, I’d like to keep my personal life personal.”

With his “Eat Bulaga” stint now over, Paolo insisted his respect for veteran hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon is still very much intact. More so with Bossing Vic, whom he worked with in a number of comedy films in the past.

It will be remembered that when he was a child actor, Paolo worked with Vic in a number of films that the former instantly remembers to this date.

They first co-starred as siblings in Tony Y. Reyes’ “Ang Kuya Kong Siga” (1993). The following year, Paolo played the son of Vic in direk Tony’s “Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling.”

In 2008, Paolo worked with Vic anew in director Uro de la Cruz’s horror-comedy spoof, “Scaregivers.”

“I worked with Bossing a number of times in the past,” Paolo said. “I hope, the outside issues with work will not affect our relationship and will be settled. I believe Bossing is very professional. He knows that we are all only working.”