Paolo Rivero hopes for ‘spED Hearts’ to open people’s eyes.

Indie film actor Paolo Rivero dedicates his latest film, “spED Hearts,” to his half-brother who has cerebral palsy.

“I want this film to open people’s eyes that those with such conditions should not be regarded pityingly but with compassion,” he told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online in Filipino, right before the movie’s premiere at Gateway Mall, Jan. 10.

According to Wikipedia, cerebral palsy is a motor condition that causes physical disability in human development, chiefly in the various areas of body movement.    

Paolo’s brother, 24, is immobile, fed intravenously and hardly goes out of the house because of his condition. Still, Paolo said that he smiles a lot which touches the hearts of those he loves.    
“It’s as if he’s telling us that if he could find joy in his situation, then we all should, too, in our own lives no matter how hard things seem. Pag kinakantahan ko nga siya ng Gary Valenciano songs, ngingiti na agad siya kasi paborito niya si Gary. Nakakatuwa,” the actor said.

He admits, though, that there are times when his brother’s situation gets to him.

“Mahirap din kasi nakikita mo na nahihirapan siya...at kapatid mo ‘yon. Para sa akin, he doesn’t deserve...he deserves to enjoy life. Pero syempre bigay sa kanya 'yon, kaya kailangan na lang na tanggapin.”

In “spED Hearts,” Paolo’s character doesn’t deal with cerebral palsy, but children with autism, a disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. 

“Boyfriend ako ni Ciara [Sotto] sa ‘spED Hearts’ at masyadong whirlwind ang naging romance namin to the point na pati 'yong pagtuturo niya sa mga batang estudyante niya na autistic, naapektuhan,” explained he.

Paolo’s latest film is a respite from the slew of gay indie films that he had done previously including “Daybreak,” ‘Bayaw,” and “Little Boy/Big Boy.” Although he doesn’t regret doing those, Paolo said that he welcomes films such as “spEd Hearts,” too.

“Doing different kinds of films gives me the chance to show off my versatility,” he quipped.

Does the 28-year-old actor and former call center employee sometimes wish he could star in mainstream movies, though?

“Kung may offer, okay lang. Kung wala, okay lang din. The good thing about doing indie films is that you get to act mostly with people from theater kaya nahahasa ka talaga.”

“spED Hearts” is directed by Felbert Go and stars Danica Sotto, Adrian Landicho and RC Pagtalunan.