The film -- his first in a lead role -- is an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. It features him doing nine makeup transformations, something which he has become known for over the past year.
Among all his projects, Ballesteros admitted “Die Beautiful” is really close to his heart.
“Very personal sa akin ito kasi this is my first title role and 'yung story, talagang parang sinukat sa akin 'yung film. Although lahat naman ng mga projects ko, binibigay ko yung 100% ko, gusto ko every time I make a project, I make sure na iba 'yung makikita nila na Paolo. This one, with makeup transformation pa, so talagang very personal sa akin kaya pinagbutihan ko talaga,” he explained.
His performance in “Die Beautiful” has already been recognized in international film festivals but Ballesteros stressed that winning an award is not his main motivation.
“Kung sakaling magkaroon ng award, I am thankful. But I am not doing it for the award kundi dahil maganda yung storya,” he said.
Asked how else he prepared for his role, Ballesteros said: “'Yung character ko kasi merong mga series of flashbacks, may college, may pabakla pa lang. May level ng pagkabakla, iba 'yung acting. Direk is always there naman to guide me. Teamwork talaga.”
For his part, “Die Beautiful” director Jun Robles Lana admitted that they prefer to make a splash in the box office than to receive awards.
“Sa takilya na tayo kasi medyo marami na tayong awards,” Lana said. “Particularly sa movie na ito, gusto namin maka-reach out kami sa pinakamaraming audience na possible. Yung story is very Filipino. We made it primarily for the Filipino audience.”
“Die Beautiful,” along with the other seven MMFF entries, will open in cinemas stating December 25.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
