Tadeo Paras: A Filipino who dreams of making Big in Fashion Photography

25-year old Filipino Tadeo Paras shares being a cinephile since his teenage years. After finishing his baccalaureate at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, he flew to the States and pursued his master’s in business in San Diego, California where he took taking his master's and was doing part-time at a hotel.

His Fascination for Films.

His fascination for Western films began in high school. It was when he continued to watch and got curious about how they were able to create high-quality movies.

"I loved how stories are told [even] in fiction.” He said.

His passion for films even grew intense when he had the opportunity to do acting back in the country. His latest appearance was with ABS-CBN's top-rating revenge drama series--Wildflower (2018) with Maja Salvador in the lead role and the drama series--Nang Ngumiti ang Langit (2019) with Sophia Reola as the lead star."  

He lists Gordon von Steiner as one of his favorite filmmakers. Von Steiner has established himself as the most sought-after talent for top fashion brands. He has collaborated with Steven Meisel on films for Prada, Miu Miu, and Coach.

Studying filmmaking in the US?

Currently, Paras is learning more about filmmaking at Santa Monica College and looking to transfer to a more known film school in the future.

He pursues filmmaking since he wants to elevate Filipino films and the same time build a better foundation for his dream of becoming a photographer, too.

Depth and diversity are things that Tadeo wants for the Philippines. "Looking at the Western or other foreign films, they have good storytelling and diverse actors.

Since he dabbled into theater back then, he believed that the discipline he acquired in the industry would be an advantage to his film studies and photography.

"Helping them build the set even if I was an actor, knowing what the actors are feeling, being in the position they were in so I can connect with them more, it helps with my direction and resourcefulness."

Pride in his works.

Paras still has a lot of potential. All of his projects helped him in his journey to become a great artist.  His previous projects include Garth Garcia’s music video, Do You Miss Me, assisting One Down, Kumu USA, and Add Hiraya Media in their productions in Los Angeles.

He also photographed the Los Angeles Fashion Week last year, all of those and more. 

As a filmmaker, he has this vision and mission to share with his fellow 'kababayans,' "I always want to include my culture in the films that I will be making.