Wikipedia

Paolo Ballesteros

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 has been one of the co-hosts of the longtime noontime show Eat Bulaga! since 2001, and he is the host of Drag Race Philippines and Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale.

Paolo Ballesteros
Ballesteros in 2024
Born
Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV

(1982-11-29) November 29, 1982 (age 43)
Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
OccupationsActor, TV host, model, comedian, product endorser, drag queen
Years active2001–present
Children1
RelativesEula Valdez (aunt)[1]
Fernando Amorsolo (great-grandfather)[2]
Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo (grandaunt)
Pablo Amorsolo (great-granduncle)

Early life

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Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV was born on November 29, 1982, in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.[3][1][4]

Career

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In March of 2016, Ballesteros was reportedly suspended from Eat Bulaga! for six months because of several rants that 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.[5] 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.[6] He received an award 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.[7]

Impersonation and makeup transformation

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Ballesteros is known for his various impersonations of female and male artists, and he has earned international acclaim for his makeup skills.[8] He has posted pictures of his numerous makeup transformations through his Instagram account, transforming himself into Hollywood celebrities,[9] as well as local artists.[10]

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.[11] 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.[12]

Personal life

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Ballesteros is related to Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, who is his great-grandfather, and fellow celebrity Eula Valdez, who is his aunt.[13]

He was romantically involved with Katrina Nevada, with whom he has a daughter, Keira Claire.[14]

In August 2019, Ballesteros confirmed that he is a gay man after years of speculation on his sexuality.[15] Ballesteros, who has been known for his makeup transformation inspired from women celebrities, also remarked that he is a "lady," although he clarifies he does not present as feminine outside his profession.[16][17]

Filmography

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Film

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YearTitleRole
2002Pakisabi Na Lang... Mahal Ko SiyaMartin
2003Anghel sa LupaAriel
2004Enteng Kabisote: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The LegendFantastikman
2006Metlogs (Metrosexual Jologs)Rodelio "Rodel" Dapulo
Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes on and on and onPao
2007XenoaZeus
2008Xenoa 2: Clash of the Bloods
2009Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa KiyemeWaiter (cameo)
2010PendongPaulino
2011Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!Anton
Enteng Ng Ina MoGay Lover
2012D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?!Tweety
2013My Little BossingsAlat
2014So It's YouL.A.
2015My Bebe LoveDirek Raymond "Rich"
2016Lumayo Ka Nga Sa AkinSeñorito Boglee Ginintuan
Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend?Benj
Die BeautifulTrisha Echevarria / Patrick Villar
Enteng Kabisote 10 and the AbangersLola Tidora
2017Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs. Zombies
Barbi D' Wonder BekiBilly Bayagan / Barbi D' Wonder Beki
2018Amnesia Love[18]Kimmer
My 2 MommiesManuel "Manu" Castillo
Jack Em Popoy: The PuliscrediblesRobin "Binoy" Halimuyac
2019 Born BeautifulTrisha Echevarria
The Panti SistersGabriel Panti

Television

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YearTitleRole
2001Ikaw Lang ang MamahalinPaul
2001–presentEat Bulaga!Himself (co-host)
2002–03Kahit KailanPJ
2005–06Daddy Di Do DuPaolo
2005Love to LoveEric
2006Amando / Mandy
2007–08Zaido: Pulis PangkalawakanIda
2008DyesebelBukanding
2009 SRO Cinemaserye Presents: "Rowena Joy"RJ
Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking TadyangAlfie
2010The Last PrinceDiwani Anexi
ClaudineCarlo
Midnight DJVenus
Face to FaceHimself
2011I Heart You, Pare!Vodka
Kung Aagawin Mo ang LangitAloha
2013KidlatWalter / Warla
The Ryzza Mae ShowHimself (guest)
Vampire ang Daddy KoAndres Bonifacio
2014Karugtong Ng Puso: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialReynaldo / Baldo
MarianHimself (co-host)
2015Biro Ng Kapalaran: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialObet
Sabado BadooHimself (cameo)
2016Kaputol ng Buhay: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialLola Tidora
2018PamanaPaulito Nunal
2020Bawal na Game ShowHimself (host)
2021Fill in the BankHimself (guest player)
PopinoyHimself (host)
2022–24Drag Race Philippines
2024 Selda ng Kahapon: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama SpecialRuby
2025 Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian RoyaleHimself (host)

Radio

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YearTitleRole
2023Wanted sa RadyoHimself (guest)

Awards

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Awards
YearAward giving bodyWork/NomineeAwardResult
200216th PMPC Star Awards for TelevisionDaddy Di Do DuBest New Male TV PersonalityWon
2015Eastwood City Walk of FameHimselfWalk of Fame Star Inductee[19]Inducted
2016USTv Students' Choice AwardsEat Bulaga!: Kalyeserye (with Jose & Wally)Special Recognition for Social Media Phenomenon[20]Won
47th GMMSF Box Office Entertainment AwardsHimself with Jose & WallyBert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award[21]Won
Platinum Stallion Media AwardsEat Bulaga!: KalyeseryeTrinitian Awardee for Values-Oriented TV Character[22]Won
29th Tokyo International Film FestivalDie BeautifulBest Actor[23]Won
21st International Film Festival of Kerala Special Jury Award for Outstanding Performance[24]Won
42nd Metro Manila Film FestivalBest Actor[25][26]Won
2017Film Development Council of the PhilippinesFilm Ambassador Award[27]Won
Gawad A.N.A.KHimselfAng Natatanging Anak Kabanatuan[28]Won
15th Gawad Tanglaw AwardsDie BeautifulBest Actor[29]Won
Guild of Educators, Mentors and StudentsBest Actor[28]Won
Gawad Bedista AwardsActor of the Year for Film[30]Won
9th Ani ng Dangal AwardsAni ng Dangal Awardee[31]Won
48th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment AwardsGlobal Achievement by a Filipino Artist (Tokyo Best Actor)[32] Won
1st Eddys Awards (Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards for Movies) Best Actor[33] Won
40th Gawad Urian Awards Gawad Urian for Best Actor[34] Won
2018 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for Television Himself Most Innovative TV Personality[35] Won
5th Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards Die Beautiful Best Actor[36] Won

References

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  1. 1 2 "LOOK: Throwback photo of young Paolo Ballesteros with aunt Eula Valdez". Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Paolo and Eula's Amorsolo connection". January 23, 2017. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  3. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros to host Drag Race Philippines". BusinessWorld Online. July 16, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  4. ↑ Pasajol, Anne (November 30, 2023). "WATCH: Paolo Ballesteros, daughter Keira spend their birthday on 'E.A.T.'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros suspended from Eat Bulaga for six months?". Philippine Entertainment Portal. March 17, 2016. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros back on 'Eat Bulaga'". Manila Bulletin. September 5, 2016. Archived from the original on September 9, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  7. ↑ Tomada, Nathalie. "Paolo Ballesteros on Philippines drag community: 'We are world-class'". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros: 12 wild makeup transformation moments". Rappler. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Tyra praises Paolo Ballesteros' makeup transformation". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  10. ↑ "LOOK: Vic Sotto, first male celebrity makeup transformation ni Paolo Ballesteros". GMA News. Archived from the original on July 22, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Team Die Beautiful at Tokyo International Film Festival 2016". Archived from the original on December 17, 2021 – via www.youtube.com.
  12. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival Closing Ceremony". Archived from the original on October 28, 2020 – via www.youtube.com.
  13. ↑ "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: From Makeup Transformation to International Best Actor". youtube.com. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. November 14, 2016. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  14. ↑ Ligunas, Mary Louise (December 31, 2016). "Ex-girlfriend on Paolo Ballesteros: Best actor, best daddy, best friend". GMA News. Archived from the original on April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  15. ↑ "'Hindi pa ba?' Paolo Ballesteros answers whether he is 'confirmed' to be gay". ABS-CBN News. August 21, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros officially comes out: "I'm a lady!"". showbizchika.net. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  17. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros proudly admits "I'm a lady"". pep.ph. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  18. ↑ Abanilla, Clarizel (September 1, 2017). "Paolo Ballesteros, Yam Concepcion star in new movie 'Amnesia Love'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Event occurs at 12:11 PM. Archived from the original on February 2, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Kalyeserye stars, Kapuso personalities get stars in PHL Walk of Fame". GMA News. GMA Network. December 1, 2015. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Ilang programa ng GMA Network, pinarangalan sa 12th USTV Students' Choice Awards". GMA News. GMA Network. April 22, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  21. ↑ Calderon, Nora (February 21, 2016). "John Lloyd, Bea, Vice, Coco, Vic, Ai-Ai lead winners at the Box Office Entertainment Awards". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on February 23, 2016. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  22. ↑ "GMA Network Inc wins big at the Platinum Stallion Awards". GMA Network. January 27, 2016. Archived from the original on July 6, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros wins Best Actor in Tokyo International Film Festival". GMA News. GMA Network. November 3, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Paolo Ballesteros wins another int'l award for 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 19, 2016. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  25. ↑ "MMFF 2016 winners revealed: Paolo Ballesteros, Irma Adlawan named Best Actor and Best Actress". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 29, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  26. ↑ "FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2016 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. December 29, 2016. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  27. ↑ "FDCP honors film ambassadors". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  28. 1 2 "Paolo nakatanggap ng 4 bagong award para sa 'Die Beautiful'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Bandera. Archived from the original on February 28, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Charo Santos, Jaclyn Jose, Paolo Ballesteros at Allen Dizon, big winners at the 15thGawad Tanglaw". push.abs-cbn.com. ABS-CBN Corporation. Archived from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  30. ↑ "Dabarkad Paolo Ballesteros, bedridden matapos mahilo". GMA Network. Archived from the original on February 28, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  31. ↑ "Jaclyn Jose, Paolo Ballesteros, Barbie Forteza, and Therese Malvar to be honored at the 9th Ani ng Dangal Awards". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  32. ↑ Aquino, Anne Charmaine (April 23, 2017). "Kapuso program and stars, wagi sa 48th Box Office Entertainment Awards". GMA Network, Inc. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  33. ↑ Policarpio, Allan (July 12, 2017). "Vilma, Paolo top entertainment editors' choices". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  34. ↑ "FULL LIST: Winners, Gawad Urian Awards 2017". Rappler. July 20, 2017. Archived from the original on October 15, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  35. ↑ "Ilang Kapuso personalities at programs, wagi sa 3rd Illumine Innovation Awards for TV". GMA News. January 9, 2018. Archived from the original on March 9, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Mga Kapuso, wagi sa 5th Holy Angel University Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards". GMA News. March 12, 2018. Archived from the original on March 13, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
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