After reaping awards here and abroad for his critically acclaimed film “Die Beautiful” in 2016, Paolo Ballesteros’ career shifted to high gear. In fact, he went from being an “Eat Bulaga” mainstay to lead actor in one movie after another.

In 2017, he shared top billing in the comedy film “Trip to Ubusan” with Bulaga co-hosts Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, and simultaneously inherited the iconic Barbi franchise from veteran comedian Joey de Leon in “Barbi D’ Wonder Beki.” These two movies opened only a week apart just as Balles­teros turned 35 in November.