Paolo Contis says he’s physically prepared for ‘very challenging’ villain role in ‘Mga Batang Riles’

Paolo Contis will play the role of a new villain in “Mga Batang Riles.”

According to Lhar Santiago’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, Paolo will give life to the character of Jackson, who is an ally of Matos (Bruce Roeland).

“It's a very challenging role. Very physical kasi sobrang action siya tapos siyempre kailangan mong sumabay kina Kokoy [De Santos], kina Miguel [Tanfelix], kay Bruce. Puro masisigla ‘yung bata eh,” Paolo said.

He added that the role came just in time for him.

“I’ve been running, lifting weights. Keeping myself healthy, ‘no? So sakto nung dumating ‘tong opportunity sa ‘Mga Batang Riles,’ I was very physically prepared,” he said.

Paolo has already shot some scenes with Bruce, and he has nothing but kind words for his fellow Sparkle star.

“Very professional na bata. He knows he has a lot to work on. He has a lot to learn at hindi siya nahihiya magtanong,” he said.

“Nung bata ako, palagi kong pinapanood si Kuya Paolo. And ngayon, kasama ko siya, hindi lang sa taping. Ngayon, partners kami rito. Partners in crime. So [I’m] very excited,” Bruce said.

Bruce added that he’s already missing his fellow Batang Riles Miguel, Kokoy, Raheel Bhyria, and Anton Vinzon.

“Kasi ‘pag magkakasama kami sa taping, iba kami ng ano eh, sila nasa main unit, ako nasa extended unit. Minsan, baliktad. So hindi kami nagkikita. Na-mi-miss ko ‘yung kakulitan sa tent,” he said.

“Mga Batang Riles” stars Miguel, Kokoy, Bruce, Raheel, and Anton. Other cast members include Diana Zubiri, Desiree Del Valle, Jay Manalo, Ynez Veneracion, Ronnie Ricketts, Roderick Paulate, Zephanie, and more.

The series follows a group of young boys who live in Sitio Liwanag, a community near a railway. It airs weekdays on GMA Prime at 8:50 p.m. after "Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan."

— Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News