Paolo Gumabao’s big leap: why he’s studying acting in the US after ‘Spring in Prague’

The actor’s first leading man role, cross-cultural romance, and his bold plans to study acting in the US.

Paolo Gumabao is heading to the United States soon. But not for a red carpet, not for auditions, and definitely not for a grand Hollywood declaration. 

This trip is about going back to basics. “May narinig kasi akong may mga acting schools doon. ’Yon talaga ang goal ko,” Paolo told radar Entertainment. “The plan is to apply for a student visa and enroll in an acting school.”

Paolo Gumabao’s move to the US

It’s a practical step from an actor who has spent years navigating the industry. For Gumabao, the US isn’t about instant validation or chasing headlines, but simply a place to study, gain new perspectives, and strengthen his craft. 

“Different knowledge naman,” he explained. “Lahat ng mga binabasa nating books about acting and filmmaking, mostly they come from the US. I guess gusto ko lang matuto from the best.”

Asked what acting technique he uses now, Gumabao doesn’t box himself into one method. “Halo-halo kasi,” he said, drawing from both Morris and Chubbuck workshops. “Mix and match na lang. Whatever works in a particular project.”

Directing isn’t on the table just yet. “Ngayon, ang bread and butter ko ay acting. I want to focus more on that first.” Even Hollywood talk is met with restraint. “Di ko pa naiisip ’yon. I just want to learn first. I just want to be a student.”

From sexy roles to “Spring in Prague”

After “Spring in Prague,” is he done with sexy roles? Paolo keeps his options open. “Never close doors,” he said. “I will always try to choose and pick the right projects na makakatulong sa akin.”

As the film prepares for its theatrical run on Feb. 4, his hope is simple. “Sana mahalin ng tao, suportahan,” he declared. “Minahal namin ‘di lang sa production side pero pati kaming mga cast. We gave our hearts. Sana ma-appreciate ng tao.”

His co-star, Czech-based actress Sara Sandeva, continues to help with promotions despite being busy with projects in Prague. Gumabao hopes the film eventually screens there, too. “Makabalik nga doon,” he added. “I miss the weather.”

For Gumabao, “Spring in Prague” marks his first time as a leading man in a film. “Alam naman ng tao na ang mga ginawa ko before is very different from what I did here,” he said. “As a whole, the experience was memorable,” especially the shoot itself. “Negative 10 degrees,” he laughed. “Ang sarap! Walang pawis. Fresh ka buong araw.”

The making of a “Fairy Tale”: Filming in the Czech Republic

Director Lester Dimaranan admitted pulling off a spring-set story in winter wasn’t easy. Some scenes were shot locally in Tagaytay to help sell the illusion. “Kawawa ang dalawang artista,” he recalled. “Sobrang lamig, kailangan nilang maghubad for a spring look. Pag cut, suot agad ng jacket.” He laughed, admitting he was already irritable from the cold. “Pero si Pao relaxed lang.”

Producer Ferdinand Topacio of Borracho Films said filming in Prague went smoothly. “Wala akong naging problem with the Czech film council,” he said, citing permits for airport shoots and Niño Jesús de Praga. The tax rebate was released in just eight days. “Sana ganon din sa atin,” he added. 

Topacio also noted the film’s layered symbolism: winter as oppression, summer as freedom, and spring as liberation. “It’s not just a romantic comedy. It’s a fairy tale full of symbolism—oppression and freedom, renewal and rebirth.”

The film has already screened in Prague, with positive feedback from the Czech Embassy, and international festival runs are next, Topacio reported. “We hope to do this not just for ourselves,” Topacio said, “but for the Filipino film industry.”

“Spring in Prague,” written by Eric Ramos, also features Marco Gomez, Elena Kozlova, Ynah Zimmerman, and Keahnna Reyes.

 

 

The plan is to apply for a student visa and enroll in an acting school… Lahat ng mga binabasa nating books about acting and filmmaking, mostly they come from the US. I guess gusto ko lang matuto from the best.

Paolo Gumabao

 

 

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