Paulo Avelino co-produces his latest film starrer

Screen heartthrob Paulo Avelino not only stars in his latest movie, he is also the co-producer of the project. In “Ngayon Kaya,” one of the eight entries of the 2020 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (which is on hold at the moment because of the Covid-19 problem gripping the country and the whole world), Paulo plays the role of Harold — a shy college student from the province who develops a close bond and a secret love for his friend AM, a rich city girl who is passionate about her dreams played by Janine Gutierrez.

Because of their contrasting personalities – Harold is disillusioned and AM is idealistic – and complications in their personal lives, the two never get past the “more than friends but less than lovers” stage and eventually separate. Now reunited after five years, AM and Harold spend fleeting hours wandering around their old haunts and wondering about their old selves, making Harold’s next-day flight the biggest “what if” of their lives.

Paulo’s own production outfit WASD Films is co-executive producer of the movie with T-Rex Entertainment. “Ngayon Kaya” is directed by Prime Cruz and written by Jen Chuaunsu, the tandem that also brought to the screen films such as “Sleepless,” “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” and “Isa Pa with Feelings.”

He was motivated to accept the movie because the theme is very close to his heart. “The role is very unique. It’s my first time playing a guy who is hoping for love,” he says of his character. “What Harold went through is something very similar to something I experienced in the past.”

The actor-producer is also credited for thinking of the movie’s title. He shares how his suggestion ended up being picked. “Nasa set kami n’on at nag-iisip kami ng title,” he relates. “Naisip ko lang bilang miyembro ng cast at isa sa mga nagtratrabaho sa pelikula, paano kung ‘Ngayon Kaya’? And dami kasing pwedeng ipahiwatig sa dalawang salitang ‘yun. At lahat ng mga ibig sabihin makikita mo sa storya ng pelikula. Ang tagal kong nilaban ang title. Yung suggestion ko rin ang final choice.”

Paulo hopes that viewers will appreciate and ponder on the message of “Ngayon Kaya” and is excited to share this latest endeavor with his fans and followers. He says, “Aside from the movie being beautifully shot and lovingly written, it is very relatable. I’m sure everyone has a lot of ‘what ifs’ in their lives.”

“Ngayon Kaya” also stars Alwyn Uytingco, John James Uy, Donna Cariaga, Shara Dizon and Ms. Rio Locsin. For updates, follow the social media accounts of T-Rex Entertainment on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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LPG company South Pacific Inc. and sister company, retailer Regasco, have assured consumers of steady supply and continued benefits for its workers amid the Covid-triggered quarantine.

In a statement, SPI management said, “We assure customers of the unimpeded supply and delivery of our products. We have adequate stocks to address potential increased demand because of our storage facility which is the largest in the land for this purpose.”

To address emergency situations, SPI said that it has set up a 24-hour incident response team to address critical situations that may arise during the time of enhanced community quarantine.

In compliance with directives of the World Health Organization and relevant government agencies, SPI and Regasco have assured the safety of its personnel in terminals through constant temperature checks before entering facilities.

Social or physical distancing as per World Health Organization standards is being strictly enforced in company premises and terminals.

Salaries of workers who are affected by modified work schedules and those who need to be physically present while on duty continue despite disrupted work arrangements. The companies have also released half of the 13th month pay to aid its workers through the financial crunch. All truck cabins of its customers have been thoroughly disinfected.