MANILA, Philippines?Last December, Paolo Bediones celebrated his 10th anniversary in show biz with a thanksgiving party for friends from the press. ?Their criticism gave me room to improve my craft,? he shared. He admitted that the industry had been good to him.

Rough times

Paolo admitted that there had been rough times, but he managed to survive them. There was a time that he thought the GMA-7 management had forgotten him, because he wasn?t given any assignment. Another disappointment was when he got involved in a business venture that put him in a bad light. Lesson learned? He realized the importance of studying any business proposal that came his way. He also learned not to be too trusting.

He said he looked forward to a challenge-filled 2009. His plans include conducting a seminar for aspiring hosts, as well as writing and publishing a ?Hosting 101? manual. He also would like to explore acting more.

At thirtysomething, he hopes to share his blessings and mentor more people who have the drive for excellence and the right attitude for media work.

Paolo is focused on more meaningful projects, setting aside plans of settling down and raising a family. He explained: ?I have a wonderful relationship with my loving girlfriend, but we?re not in a hurry to get hitched. Besides, I?m not financially stable yet!?