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"To be able to decide whether I would stay with GMA-7 or to go to TV5, ang daming sleepless nights. Hindi ako makapaniwala na nandoon ako sa sitwasyon na 'yon na I had the opportunity to decide."

Paolo related that before coming up with a final decision, he had to endure two weeks of negotiations between GMA-7 and TV5.

He said "I had the best of both worlds, you see. TV5, they were offering something new; GMA-7, they were offering a fresh contract again. Nandoon talaga lahat ng mga elements of a situation wherein mahihirapan ka talaga."

Paolo was also thinking about his future plans for his career. He recalled, "After the second season ng Survivor Philippines, nararamadaman ko na na parang, 'Saan ako pupunta? Ano na ang gagawin ko?"

"Next year, puro franchise ang mao-offer sa akin, will I be hoping and praying na sa akin mapunta? Kasi, 'yong career ko hybrid, e. Wala namang ganung career talaga, di ba? It's either actor ka or singer ka or host ka or newscaster ka. Ako 'yong pahalu-halo, 'tapos ang format ko sa News and Public Affairs was Survivor, Extra Challenge, Tok Tok Tok, hindi siya talaga pang-News and Public Affairs."

So, what was the offer of TV5 that he couldn't resist?

Paolo, who signed a three-year contract with TV5, said, "Ultimately, what made me decided was that the offer of TV5 included a position in management. 'Yon ang gusto natin talaga—ang maging instrumento sa pagbabago ng industriya natin, mayroon tayong ide-develop na mga talent, mayroon din tayong mga shows na iko-conceptualize din. 'Yon talaga ang nagpa-decide sa akin."

He added, "After the [Survivor Philippines: Palau] finale, nag-iisip na talaga ako, 'What's gonna happen to me what do I wanna do?' Then, TV5 came with a very fresh offer nga, 'yon nga, a management position and opportunity to do things I've never done in my life."

Images courtesy of F&H