Paolo Gumabao is proving his worth as the next bankable actor, busy but able to deliver magnificent performances in the big projects he’s booked with, one of which is “Mars Ravelo’s Darna. “

“Mars Ravelo’s Darna“ is his dream teleserye and was amazing how it came unexpectedly. He said JRB Creative Production pitched the role of Noah Ballesteros and he accepted it right away. He was surprised, and of course grateful, to be given an important character in the series.

His superhero-fanatic younger self is sure proud of his new milestone as an actor. “I used to watch Darna when I was a kid. You know, all the Mars Ravelo superhero series before, pinapanood ko ‘yan. So, being part of this right now is just overwhelming. I just feel very blessed. I’m excited to keep doing my best,” he said in an episode of Kapamilya Chat Live In The Studio.

The Star Magic artist is thrilled for Kapamilyas to finally watch what they had in store for them. Paolo’s character was introduced in the pilot week. But there’s more to discover about Noah Ballesteros, the son of corrupt politician Mayor Zaldy Ballesteros played by Simon Ibarra.

On the surface, Noah is your typical arrogant son, “maangas” as Paolo put it. Behind the façade, though is a story that will resonate to the viewers. “Hindi lahat ng tao ay masama porke’t mukha siyang maangas. Malalaman natin dito kung bakit naging gano’n si Noah. Malalaman natin kung bakit grabe ‘yung galit at hinanakit niya sa mundo.” He smiled, “At makikita natin kung sino ang magbabago no’n.”

Paolo feels blessed to not only be part of a legacy on Philippine TV but to also be surrounded by brilliant co-actors. He praises Janella Salvador, portraying Valentina/Regina, for the powerful and ebullient energy she carries on the set. He enjoys sharing scenes with her and is inspired by her smart versatility.

“Janella is very playful with her role because Regina being Valentina, and her knowing she’s Valentina, meron siyang mga inner monologues. Ang sarap niyang sabayan kasi laging may twist, eh. Kung paano mo nabasa sa script, it looks plain, but it’s astonishing to watch kung paano buhayin ni Janella ‘yung Regina at Valentina characters. So, super great experience ‘pag scenes with Janella.”

Jane De Leon, portraying Narda/Darna, is likewise very giving. Blessed with expressive eyes, she is able to transcend her emotions to her co-actor. Paolo recalled, “I remember we had this one scene na kailangan ko umiyak sa kanya. I just looked into her eyes tapos at that moment, naramdaman niya ‘yung ginagawa ko. Nagtitigan kami tapos nagbibigay siya ng energy, nagbibigay ako ng emosyon din. No speaking, eye contact lang.”

He added, “She’s the perfect leading lady for Darna because she’s a leader. She’s very giving which is important dahil siya si Darna. Nararamdaman ko rin na she’s there to support and collaborate with everyone.”

In the series, Paolo is Joshua Garcia’s rival. Behind the scenes, he’s a fan of his body of work. “Masarap din kaeksena si Joshua. I look up to him. Napapanood ko ‘yung mga pelikula niya… I love watching great actors just do their work. I really look up to him.” He doesn’t miss a chance to watch Joshua’s highlight dramatic scenes on the internet. And now he’s finally acting with him, Paolo enjoys every bit of it, “When I got the chance to finally work with Joshua, he’s very playful din. He sometimes goes off-script tapos sasabayan mo na lang. ‘Yun ang mga pinakamasarap na kaeksena, ‘yung mga nagiging spontaneous sila and it just gives you natural reaction.”

Paolo’s character is heavily invested in his pain, a great portion of which is caused by his unpleasant relationship with his father. Paolo and Simon therefore have to work as a team to depict their father-son nuances. They started by getting to know each other pre-shoot. He said director Avel Sunpongco invited them for a casual chat about their roles.

“So no’ng dumating na ‘yung taping day, since napag-usapan na namin, everything just went smoothly. Si Tito Simon, napakagaling na kontrabida. Lalo na him being my dad in Darna, nakakatakot siyang eksena kasi may batuhan. ‘Yung relationship nilang mag-ama, grabe talaga ‘yung pangmamaliit ni Mayor Zaldy kay Noah,” he hinted at intense falling-out scenes between their characters.

From there, he talked about the show celebrating the hero in each of us. Before its premiere, Mars Ravelo’s Darna launched the “Ikaw, Ako, Tayong Lahat si Darna” campaign with a mural artwork depicting Darna in her costume alongside everyday Filipinos such as a policeman, teacher, jeepney driver, and more.

Paolo interprets the theme as an encouragement to help our fellow Filipinos even in the most ordinary ways, as the series’ catchphrase goes, “Ang pinakamalaking kasalanan ay ‘yung may kakayahan kang tumulong pero hindi mo ginawa."

He further mused, “Lahat tayo may kakayahan tayong maging bayani para sa kapwa natin. Hindi kailangang may bato tayo… Hindi natin kayang maging si Darna talaga na lumilipad pero meron pa rin tayong sariling paraan natin lagi. Darating at darating ‘yung pagkakataon na pwede kang tumulong sa mga tao.”

Asked who he considers our modern-day “Darna,” he mentioned our front liners sacrificing their safety amid the pandemic. He also acknowledged the heroism of our house helpers because he’s a proud ‘laking-yaya’, “Lumaki ako sa yaya ko na mahal na mahal ko. A lot of my personality or traits right now came from her, kung paano niya ako turuan dati as a kid.”

“Kahit sino pwede maging Darna sa buhay ng ibang tao. It’s the little things,” he said.

The recent episode of “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” has finally shown Narda’s transformation as the new Darna, launching the entrance of new characters and villains. Will Paolo’s Noah Ballesteros be one of her enemies?

Don’t miss an episode of “Mars Ravelo’s Darna,” weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z and iWantTFC.