WAGING best actor ang TV host-comedian na si Paolo Ballesteros sa katatapos lang na 29th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Nanalo si Paolo para sa pelikulang “Die Beautiful” kung saan gumaganap siyang transgender woman, sa direksyon ni Jun Robles Lana.
Bago pa masungkit ni Paolo ang best actor award, naging crowd favorite na si Paolo sa nasabing filmfest dahil sa pagrampa niya sa red carpet as Angelina Jolie.
Narito ang ilang bahagi ng speech ni Paolo na ipinost sa Facebook page ng Film Development Council of the Philippines sa pamumuno ni Chairperson Liza Dino.
“I thought today was just going to be a red-carpet day which is why I wore a dress.
“First, I would like to thank the Tokyo International Film Festival and the members of the jury for embracing our film….I thought I was up for Best Actress,” natawang pahayag ni Paolo.
Dugtong pa niya, “To the organizers, to the programmers, to the volunteers, you hve been very helpful and gracious to us during our stay here in Japan.
“To the man behind the film, Direk Jun, thank you very much for entrusting to me Trisha’s character.
“To our producer Sir Perci, our staff, and the whole production, thank you very much for your professionalism and the gift of new friendship.
“To Ms. Liza Dino-Seguerra, thank you for your support. To my family, my daughter Keira, my cats and my dogs, this is all for you.”
“To my manager, to all my Dabarkads, and to my fans in Manila and all around the world…Best Actor. Especially to all of you who came and watched our film, I will never forget you. Thank you very much.”