Paolo Bediones back after long hiatus
Ako talaga ang may kasalanan ng lahat. But people still love me and more importantly, I’m still alive. Habang buhay ka pa, there are so many things you can do.
Three years after his video controversy, Paolo Bediones is ready to face the public again and fulfill his dream of producing a show.
The issue led to the “demise” of his career as he was scrutinized by many. He was not visible onscreen for a year until his contract with TV5 expired in January 2016.
“Parang sumuko ako. I gave up and said ‘Tama siguro ’yung mga tao na sabi laos na ako.’ I reached the point na ayaw ko lumabas ng bahay. It was more of ‘Anong gagawin ko? Walang kumukuha sa akin,’” Paolo said at the launch of his show “Good Vibes With Paolo” on Cignal TV.
While he understood the point of view of the network and accepted the consequences of his past actions, Paolo fell into depression for a year after a video that shows his intimacy with a girl went viral.
“I let go, I allowed what I was hearing around me put me down,” he said.
“Nawala lang ’yung despression when I decided to just get up and pursue this (show).”
Paolo chose to face it head on instead of playing the victim card.
“Biktima ako pero ang puno’t dulo, ako eh. Fault ko iyon, carelessness ko. Pwedeng biktima ako na lumabas, pero had I not done it in the first place – had I not it fixed the laptop, had I not trusted the people – hindi lalabas.”
He learned everything the hard way and he is still thankful to those who continuously love and support him. Paolo shared he received advice from his loved ones, people from the church, and even from some celebrities who has had similar experiences. “Ako talaga ang may kasalanan ng lahat. But people still love me and more importantly, I’m still alive. Habang buhay ka pa, there are so many things you can do,” he said.
Coming out of the dark
To start again, Paolo took a Masters in Entrepreneurship in Asian Institute of Management, where he will graduate in March. He also opened his restaurant and produced his own show.
“The question (to myself) is ‘Paano ka babangon?’ Kung maghihitay lang ako ng offer from the three big networks, baka pumuti lang ang buhok ko. So, I decided na I’ll produce my own content. Kung may mag-pick up, good. Kung wala, eh ’di slow burn. Good thing Cignal TV picked it,” he said. Paolo shared “Good Vibes With Paolo” is for young people, the millennials. The show features bands and OPM music, which is very close to his heart. “After going through the controversy, nothing matters na eh. Failure will just be failure. You learn from it and you can rise from it. Wala na akong gustong patunayan sa puntong ito. Siguro I love myself and say na ito ang pangarap ko, ito ang ipu-pursue,” he said. “Mabigat sa bulsa, pero para matupad ang pangarap ko, I’m glad I’m at this stage in my life na pwede akong magsugal at nakikita ko naman na babalik (’yung pinuhunan ko).”
Mr. Mentor
A popular TV host for several years before, Paolo doesn’t mind that there are many new, younger TV hosts now. In fact, he sometimes conducts hosting workshops in his restaurant.
“I’m at this stage where I want to share what I know, I want to teach or be a mentor. Hindi ako natatakot sa (mga) bago (na hosts) kasi there will always be a new one. Ako, I want to establish myself as reliable na kahit anong ibato mo sa akin, kaya ko. Do you see me holding a script (when I host)? No,” he said.
Asked if he is in a relationship now, he said, “I’m loving myself and pursuing my dreams. Ang hirap na kapag may ganoon kang controversy at wala akong control sa makakausap na tao, so baka the next day ay ayaw ka ng kitain ng tao. I don’t wanna go through that.”
Being a victim of cyberbullying, Paolo is open to being a counsellor and inspire others to stand up again.
“It’s not something you would wish on your enemy kasi napaka-harsh. Surround yourself with people who love you and people who matter. Learn the concept of garbage in, garbage out. Kapag alam mo constructive criticism,
pakinggan mo baka you will learn for the better,” he tipped.
Aside from “Good Vibes With Paolo,” Cignal TV, under its entertainment brand Cignal Entertainment, is proud to present on July 22, its first miniseries, the crime drama titled “Tukhang.”
Others in the line-up are shows of different genres such as “Tabi Po,” “Advocasine” and “Born Beautiful,” which is the prequel of the movie “Die Beautiful.” (With report from Jojo P. Panaligan)