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From comics to basketball courts: Carlo Aquino shares after-school throwback stories

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

Carlo Aquino isn’t slowing down---after tugging hearts as Matmat in the Philippine remake of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/its-okay-to-not-be-okay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">It’s Okay to Not Be Okay</a>,” he’s now suiting up for his Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 movie “Bar Boys: After School,” the sequel to the 2017 indie film “Bar Boys.”Last December 17, Carlo swung by Kapamilya Chat, where he not only talked about the film but also shared throwback stories from his student years during the “After School Habit” challenge. It was a trip down memory lane as Carlo answered after-school questions and shared his old habits.The first question threw Carlo back to exam days. Asked what he did after a grueling exam, Carlo shared a nostalgic story: since he lived right across the school, he’d immediately ride his BMX, earning a few battle scars along the way. The next prompt had Carlo reminiscing about his favorite tambayan before dismissal---none other than the basketball court. He joked, “Kapag walang gagawin, magba-basketball. So pag-uwi ko, dark na ‘yung white polo ko,” proving just how active he was in sports during his student days.When asked about his exam-review strategies, Carlo admitted he wouldn’t force himself to study if he wasn’t in the mood. “Pero wala akong magagawa kasi tutulong si mommy [sa pagre-review],” he laughed, recalling how his mom always stepped in to guide him.Unlike most students who stayed out after Friday dismissal, Carlo preferred heading straight home---thanks to living right across the school. His idea of winding down after a long day at school was buying funny comics. And when it came to doing school works after class, he’d get it done right away so he wouldn’t have to think about it later.Carlo also admitted that the only reason he’d ever be late to class was simple---he didn’t wake up on time. And, lastly, when asked if he’d ever been summoned to the principal’s office, he proudly shared that he never had to, proof that he was a good student back then.Starting out as a commercial model at age 7, Carlo already had a glimpse of the industry, but he never thought he’d reach this level of fame. He expressed his gratitude, “Kaya sobrang thankful ko sa industry, kay God sa lahat ng blessings, sa universe na nandito pa rin ako, at ginagawa ko ‘yung gusto ko at mahal ko.”Expect to see more of Carlo Aquino in the MMFF 2025 movie “Bar Boys: After School,” now showing in cinemas.

Carlo Aquino's after-school confessions take us on a trip down memory lane.