Even though Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino worked together on the drama series “Linlang,” the two actors admitted that they only became really close while doing the romantic comedy, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?”

This was why, Paulo said, he was surprised that people were already “shipping” them since last year when the series was first streamed on Viu. “I couldn’t imagine people shipping us because that series is really dark and gritty,” Paulo declared. “And our characters there did nothing but fight. We kept screaming at each other,” added Kim.

“The very few ‘sweet’ scenes we did for that show were only for flashbacks. We fought like cat and dog the whole time. Since ‘Linlang,’ people have been pushing for the team up and I guess it worked because we now have another series on Viu,” Paulo pointed out.

Kim said they realized they had chemistry only when ‘Linlang’ was released. “While doing ‘Secretary Kim,’ I got to know her more. So far, with how I see Kim on set, mabait naman pala siyang tao,” quipped Paulo.

“I learned that Pau is actually funny. I guess if he’s anything like me, we’d explode on the set,” said Kim. “Also, if we’re both quiet, then our set would be so boring. Sometimes, it’s like he has a world of his own. He becomes so quiet. We’re opposites. Paulo, do your ears hurt all the time?”

“Not really, I got used to it eventually,” answered Paulo, laughing. “My latest discovery is that Kim is very gracious.”

“He is actually talking about himself. You’d be surprised with the gifts he gives the staff,” Kim interjected. “How come I’ve not received any gift from you? Seriously, he gives gifts that people deserve.”
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A good show

When Inquirer Entertainment asked them to talk about their relationship at work, Kim said, “We have a similar work ethic. We both want a good show. We are able to easily read each other’s minds. We already have an unspoken agreement that, when it’s his scene, I allow him to take charge. He does the same for me. When it comes to our kissing scenes, I told him, ‘OK, this is you. Pau, take the lead!’”

“I’m very sensitive when we’re on the set. I want everyone to feel comfortable,” Paulo pointed out. “When it comes to our dynamics, I just make sure we both know our lines. When minor adjustments on the set are needed, Kim and I discuss them. I do things with her approval, so it’s always a mutual thing.”

A right-hand man

“What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” is about a secretary, Kimberly Liwanag, and her narcissistic boss, Brandon Manansala Castillo, who fall in love while uncovering a traumatic past that causes them to question whether their feelings are real or the result of shared trauma.

Comparing himself to his character, Paulo said he once imagined himself being part of the corporate world “but still part of the creative field—like in marketing or in a department that doesn’t deal with a lot of paperwork.”

Kim said she used to dream of working in a bank. “I wanted to be a bank manager when I was younger. I imagined myself counting a lot of money, even though it’s not mine. I want to be in a setup where work is timed. No one can force me to work when the time is up,” she said.

Becoming a CEO someday wasn’t in her plans then, said Kim. “These days, it’s not too hard to become CEO anymore. You can be your own company’s CEO, but probably not as big as BMC in ‘What’s Wrong.’ It’s tough to be him because there’s so much pressure,” she explained.

Paulo agreed and said: “I don’t want to be CEO. I just want to be somebody in the background. I won’t be able to do the stuff I want to do if I work in a company, full time. This is what I really love, the entertainment industry. If ever, I will just hire a CEO to manage my company.”

However, Paulo thinks having a secretary is important. “With all the things going on in the company, and all the things you have to think about, you really have to have a right-hand man or someone who will remind you of your schedules and the things you neglected,” he pointed out. “I think it’s very important to have a secretary, although I don’t have one. When it comes to my schedule, it’s the management that handles it. I just manage my own kalokohan.”

As for Kim, she is very thankful to her big sister Lakam. “She is both my right and left hands. I don’t know how I would’ve survived if not for my Ate. The love and care as a sister is also there. She would tell me, ‘I got this. Just focus on what you’re supposed to do in front of the camera.’ She handles even my personal businesses. When it comes to my work life, I also have my RM (road manager) from Star Magic.”