A stark contrast to his kontrabida character in the Kapamilya primetime series Huwag Kang Mangamba, Paolo Gumabao is a believer of Divine timing in real life. He recently got an answered prayer by being a bonafide Star Magic artist.

Paolo went on to talk about his character, Maximo, in Huwag Kang Mangamba. Cast as a kontrabida, Paolo’s Maximo is the cousin of Deborah played by veteran actress Eula Valdes.

“Sobrang loyal niya kay Deborah. Nando’n siya para suportahan lagi si Deborah sa lahat ng kailangan niyang gawin. Medyo masama si Maximo but I don’t see him as a bad guy. Lumaki lang siya sa isang napaka-harsh na environment kaya siya naging ganun,” he said of his character.

Paolo even resonates with his character in terms of being misunderstood. “Ako, medyo I give off the wrong vibes sometimes. Feeling ko naja-judge ako minsan kaya gets ko si Maximo.” They are also similar with being loyal to the family.

So, as message to Maximo, he said, “Naiintidihan kita Maximo. Alam kong you’re in the dark place right now pero huwag mong kalimutan na nandiyan lang si Bro para sa’yo.”

The newcomer said there’s pressure acting as Eula’s right-hand man, and at the same time motivation to give his best. “You can always turn pressure around. You can use it to your advantage.” That’s why he makes sure to arrive on the set equipped with proper acting tools.

Paolo said it’s impossible not to learn from an environment surrounded by a lot of great actors and actresses like Nonie Buencamino, Sylvia Sanchez, Mylene Dizon, and Dominic Ochoa. He even learns just by watching them, “’Pag pinapanood ko sila sa mga eksena, ‘Ah okay, binali niya ‘yun!’ Iba ‘yung pagkabasa ko sa script sa pagkabali sa eksena. So, constant learning siya.”

He’s grateful and blessed to be part of the show, for the veteran stars are generous to newcomers like him. “They love to share what they know about the craft. Ako din, I love to ask all the time.” He quoted Nonie’s advice, “Be spontaneous. The things that you do in the scene, don’t plan it. Going to the scene as your character and whatever you feel is the right thing to do for Maximo, then, do it.”

Catch more of Paolo in Huwag Kang Mangamba, weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.