Andre: Slowly but surely
Andre Paras, star of GMA 7’s Sherlock Jr.: For now, I wanna learn the bits and pieces of how to be a good actor before accepting a (lead) role.
Taking things slowly — but surely — seems to be Andre Paras’ game plan in his showbiz career. This is logical, especially if he sees himself working on TV and in the movies for the long haul.
“For now, I wanna be there for the lead, I wanna be there for someone,” said the GMAViva artist during the recent grand presscon of Sherlock Jr., which stars Ruru Madrid and premieres tonight after 24 Oras on GMA
Telebabad. “I’m there to make people happy or laugh, (you know,) give comic relief, or maybe next time, I wanna be a leading man. For now, I wanna learn the bits and pieces of how to be a good actor before accepting a role na (nasa akin) naka-tutok ang lahat ng tao.”
Playing Pido Lumabao to Ruru’s Jack/ Sherlock perfectly fits that path Andre is treading on.
“From the trailer, one notices that it is light, funny and sad,” shared Andre. “Quick description for my role. I play Pido Lumabao, a police officer (and) childhood friend of Ruru’s Jack/ Sherlock. Basically, he’ll be there for Jack. If he’s not working or is off-duty, he goofs around or hangs out with Jack/Sherlock, gives him (Jack/Sherlock) love advice.”
Andre’s Pido and Serena (the dog character in the series) will be Jack/Sherlock’s partners in solving mysteries. That explains the “Sherlock” in the title, which hints at detective storytelling, and jibes with Jack’s nature of work: Investigative reporting. Televiewers will see Andre’s serious and funny sides when Pido is sent on missions as a police officer and in light moments, respectively. “Of course, I need to give justice to my role as a police officer,” he said. “I have to make it believable that I’m (one). It is my first time to play a cop. I really like it, kasi may discipline na kailangan… I’m focusing on how (my character) will help (Jack) with all his problems in the story.” While Jack is preoccupied with shedding light on different mysteries, he starts to draw himself away from love interest Lily Pelaez (Gabbi Garcia) and the latter will find a shoulder to cry on in Pido. A potential love triangle will brew from there.
“No, I will never. I don’t want to be part of any love triangle kasi malaking problema yun,” replied Andre when asked if he could see himself in that affair. “Ayaw ko yung may third party.”
Doing showbiz — acting in Sirkus and Sherlock Jr. and co-hosting Sunday Pinasaya — is not the only thing that keeps Andre busy these days. Off-cam, Andre is an English Studies third year student at AMA Online Education and a player for its basketball team.
“I’m not having a hard time,” he said. “I’m just having a hard time sleeping and recovering. I don’t have a cut-off. Sometimes after taping, I’d sleep in the car. If there is no traffic, I’ll be home… go straight to training. It’s more of balancing (your time).” Andre is happy the way things are going in his life. He has the best of showbiz life — and student life.
“Whatever the network gives… whatever they give me is really an honor,” he said. “I never think twice with everything.” That’s why he gave his go-signal when the Pido role was offered to him. He has no qualms if his projects are mostly comedy and loves to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Benjie Paras. “My comedy (can be described as) being awkward, wala sa timing, parang kenkoy. Parating sablay,” he shared. But he is open to do dramatic roles — like getting deglamorized — in the future.
“That would be great… It’s amazing,” said Andre, who is again into “getting to learn more.” The closest to drama that he had done was that of The Half-Sisters with Barbie Forteza. “Towards the end (of the series),” Andre recalled, “when my character got sick and admitted his feelings for Diana (Barbie). That’s my only taste of drama.”
As for his studies, Andre said, “I don’t want to end up not having work in the future.” Wearing the jersey of AMA Online allows him to play in the PBA D-League, which, according to him, “that’s the next step to PBA.”
“I need my diploma as much as possible,” he added. “I know acting is not forever. With basketball, (you can only play in your) midthirties or forties... I want to have a diploma.” Prioritizing his education will give him a solid fallback when projects are few and far between.
With that, 2018 is indeed an exciting year for Andre. (Directed by Rechie del Carmen, Sherlock Jr. also stars Janine Gutierrez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Tonton Gutierrez, Roi Vinzon, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Rochelle Barrameda, Matt Evans, Kate Valdez, Alyana Asistio and Sofia Pablo.)