MANILA, Philippines -- After starring in three soap operas, Paulo Avelino is taking a break from the small screen as he gears up for the release of two indie films.
Paulo Avelino as he appears in Cinemalaya 2013 entry 'Debosyon.' -- Photo courtesy of the film's official Facebook page
The 25-year-old actor said he is currently enjoying a break from the daily grind of doing a TV series, which he had been accustomed to for the past three years.
"Wala masyadong work, pero I've got two films coming out for Cinemalaya -- one is called 'Sana Dati' under Jerrold Tarog, and the other is 'Debosyon' under Alvin Yapan," Avelino told ABS-CBN News at the sidelines of the recent outdoor concert event Ginuman Fest 2013.
Both film entries to the annual Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival mark Avelino's return to the indie scene, after having won his first Best Actor trophy for his role in "Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa," also a Cinemalaya entry in 2011.
"'Sana Dati' is a story about a videographer and the bride, so parang magugulo 'yung kasal. At kung bakit, abangan niyo," the actor related.
Also starring Lovi Poe, TJ Trinidad and Benjamin Alves, the Metric Films production is billed as the third part of the "Camera Trilogy" by Tarog, who is also behind the films "Confessional" (2007) and "Mangatyanan" (2009).
"'Yung 'Debosyon' naman is about a devotee of the Birhen Peñafrancia of Bicol and a girl. Love story din. Ako ang devotee," Avelino said.
Both written and directed by Yapan, "Debosyon" also stars Mara Lopez.
Asked whether he hopes to win another Best Actor trophy for either film, Avelino said, "Actually ako naman, I've worked with these teams a couple of times, and I just want the films to be seen."
"Sana kung kaya buong Pilipinas mapanood 'yung pelikula, mas okay, para mas ma-appreciate ng mga tao. Hopefully maging nationwide at sana magustuhan ng mga Pilipino," he said.
For now, Avelino's return to indie will be shown for a limited time when Cinemalaya 2013 kicks off its 10-day run on July 26 in cinemas at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, Greenbelt 3 in Makati City, and Trinoma in Quezon City.
