ANDRE Paras admitted he is torn between moving to San Beda and staying with University of the Philippines, but insisted that he is still studying at the state-run university.
The son of PBA legend Benjie Paras said in an interview with sports reporters he is still with UP taking up Film, in the wake of reports that he had already moved to San Beda to play for the Red Lions in the NCAA.
“It’s undecided. But I’m studying in UP,” said the 18-year-old Paras on Thursday night after the Master Gameface Challenge launch where he is one of the players competing in the June 21 exhibition game at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The younger Paras suited up for the Maroons last year but only saw action in eight games with the winless squad. Incidentally, his father led UP to its first UAAP title since the early years of the collegiate league in 1986.
Andre has since ventured into show business and recently starred in the teen flick ‘Diary ng Panget.’
While Andre will continue to pursue careers in basketball and showbiz, he said his studies remain his top priority as he hopes to become a film director or cinematographer someday.
“Both pa rin. Ngayon, I have so much time because it’s summer. But for me, it’s studies first, no matter what. I need my diploma. In the long run, showbiz and basketball, at a certain age lang ‘yun. Pero ‘yung diploma, it will take you anywhere.
“I know people say I’m lazy. I’m a lazy person but I’m doing my best. For me, basketball is something that I’m used to while in showbiz and studies, it’s something that I really want to learn,” said Andre.
Andre said he is overwhelmed by the response of fans to his first movie.
“It was my first movie. I’ve learned from everything. We did it for the fans,” he said. “It was a lot of fun and we didn’t expect anything. We were just happy. It was my first blockbuster movie. Hindi pa nagsi-sink-in.”
Despite a flourishing acting and hosting career, making it to the PBA just like his father, remains his dream.
“That’s really my dream. I want to improve on my skills so I ask advice from my dad and from other players,” said Paras.
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