Filipino actor, comedian and host (born 1982)
In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Macapagal and the surname or paternal family name is Ballesteros.
Paolo Ballesteros | |
|---|---|
Ballesteros in 2012 | |
| Born | Paolo Elito M. Ballesteros IV (1982-11-29) November 29, 1982 (age 42) Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines |
| Other names | Mama Pao, Pochoy, P4 |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, TV host, model, comedian, product endorser, drag queen |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Eula Valdez (aunt)[1] Fernando Amorsolo (great-grandfather)[2] Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo (grandaunt) Pablo Amorsolo (great-granduncle) |
Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV (born November 29, 1982) is a Filipino actor, comedian and drag queen. He has appeared in films and several TV shows, he is one of the co-hosts of longtime noontime show Eat Bulaga! since 2001, and he is the host of Drag Race Philippines and Drag Race Philippines All Stars.
In March of 2016, Ballesteros was reportedly suspended from Eat Bulaga! for six months because of several rants which he posted on his Facebook account; in the post, he discussed his personal grievances with the live-show setup, organization, filming process, and catering services.[3] During his six-month suspension period, Ballesteros took roles in Die Beautiful and Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend?, and he returned to Eat Bulaga! on September 5, 2016.[4] He received a nomination as best actor for his role in Die Beautiful at the 29th Annual Tokyo International Film Festival.
In 2022, he was chosen to be the host of Drag Race Philippines with recurring judges Jiggly Caliente and Kaladkaren Davila.[5]
Ballesteros is known for his various impersonation of female and male artists, and he has earned international acclaim for his makeup skills.[6] He has posted pictures of his numerous makeup transformations through his Instagram account, transforming himself into Hollywood celebrities,[7] as well as local artists.[8]
For the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival, he impersonated two female celebrities, the first being Angelina Jolie (calling himself Angelina Magdangal, a play on Filipina actress Jolina Magdangal) during the red carpet and opening ceremony, in an Emerald Modern Filipiniana Fishtail black velvet terno gown, with typical squared sleeves, black opera gloves and black high heels.[9] On the awards night and following press conference, he emulated Julia Roberts, wearing a gold sequin dress with white high heels and white opera gloves.[10]
Ballesteros is related to Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, who is his great-grandfather, and fellow celebrity Eula Valdez, who is his aunt.[11]
He was romantically involved with Katrina Nevada, with whom he has a daughter, Keira Claire.[12]
In August 2019, during a press conference for the film The Panti Sisters, Ballesteros came out as gay after years of speculation on his gender identity.[13][14]
| Year | Title | Role | Film Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Pakisabi Na Lang... Mahal Ko Siya | Martin | Regal Films |
| 2003 | Anghel sa Lupa | Ariel | |
| 2004 | Enteng Kabisote: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend | Fantastikman | OctoArts Films and M-Zet Productions |
| 2006 | Metlogs (Metrosexual Jologs) | Rodelio "Rodel" Dapulo | Grupong Sinehan Production |
| Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes on and on and on | Pao | OctoArts Films and M-Zet Productions | |
| 2007 | Xenoa | Zeus | Xion Films, Visual Camp, and Multimedia Arts |
| 2008 | Xenoa 2: Clash of the Bloods | ||
| 2009 | Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme | Waiter (cameo) | Spring Films, MJM Productions, Solar Films, and Star Cinema |
| 2010 | Pendong | Paulino | Oxin Films |
| 2011 | Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! | Anton | Star Cinema, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, and OctoArts Films |
| Enteng Ng Ina Mo | Gay Lover | Star Cinema, M-Zet Productions, OctoArts Films, and APT Entertainment | |
| 2012 | D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?! | Tweety | APT Entertainment and M-Zet Productions |
| 2013 | My Little Bossings | Alat | OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, and Kris Aquino Productions, GMA Pictures |
| 2014 | So It's You | L.A. | Regal Films and GMA Pictures |
| My Big Bossing's Adventure | Alat | M-Zet Films, APT Entertainment, OctoArts, GMA Pictures | |
| 2015 | My Bebe Love | Raymond | M-Zet Films, APT Entertainment, OctoArts Films, GMA Films, Meda Productions |
| 2016 | Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin | Señorito Bogz Lee Ginintuan | Viva Films, Heaven's Best Entertainment |
| Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend? | Benj | Viva Films | |
| Die Beautiful | Trisha | Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum, APT Entertainment, TheIdeaFirst Company, October Train Films | |
| Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers | Lola Tidora | OctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions, GMA Pictures | |
| 2017 | Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs. Zombies | APT Entertainment, M-Zet TV Productions, GMA Pictures | |
| Barbi D' Wonder Beki | Billy Bayagan / Beki | OctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions, T-Rex Entertainment, GMA Pictures | |
| 2018 | Amnesia Love[15] | Viva Films | |
| My 2 Mommies | Manu | Regal Films | |
| 2019 | The Panti Sisters | Gabriel Panti | Black Sheep, Idea First Company, Quantum Films ALV Productions |