Paolo Rivero is an actor who made his debut appearance on the silverscreen in the controversial film by Jose Javier Reyes entitled “Toro” (English title: Live Show). The film revolves around Rolly, the character played by Paolo, as he tries regain his dignity and to reincorporate himself in the society while turning his back against his dark past of being a performer in a “toro” show. Although the movie got wide acclaim in the international scene, it was considered as unfit for public viewing in the Philippines (although it made its way to pirated VCD kiosks all over the country).

The unfortunate “X”-ing of the film Toro, however, didn’t dampen Paolo’s spirits. He made several other films like “Naghuhumiyaw: Masahol Pa Sa Hayop” in 2000; “Venus: Diosa ng kagandahan”, “Amorseko: Damong ligaw” and “Kasibulan” in 2001; “Bahid”, “Prosti”, “Tampisaw”, “Eskandalosa”, “Hinog sa pilit” and “Buko pandan” in 2002; “Sanib” and “The Cory Quirino Kidnap: NBI Files” in 2003; “Room Service”, “Karelasyon” and “Saplot” in 2004; and “Masahista” in 2005. He also made TV appearances, one of which was a guesting in one season of Daisy Siete a couple of years back.

In 2008, Paolo is making a comeback in the bigscreen via the film “Daybreak” where he stars opposite popular indie film actor Coco Martin. In the movie, the two play gay lovers whose relationship is on the rocks. They spend the night together in a rest house in Taal, Batangas to reassess their feelings for each other and to contemplate on whether they are really hanging on to their relationship for the right reasons. The movie was directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. from a screenplay written by Charliebebs Gohetia.

“Daybreak” is set for a special screening at the UP Film Center on February 13-14, 2008 and is set for its commercial run at Robinson’s Galleria Indie Sine from February 20-26, 2008; Robinson’s Place – Ermita from February 27-March 4, 2008; and Robinson’s Bacolod from March 5-11, 2008.