Paola Maltese

About Paola Maltese

Paola María Elena Maltese Mongelós (born January 10, 1984, in Asunción) is a Paraguayan actress, television presenter, radio host, and entrepreneur. She is widely regarded as one of Paraguay’s most versatile and established media figures, bridging acting in television and film with long-running hosting roles.
​Early Life & Education
​Italian Heritage: Raised in Asunción, she attended the Scuola Italiana Dante Alighieri.
​Early Passion for Performing: From a young age, she showed a strong interest in the arts, training in acting and vocal performance before making her professional media debut in her late teens.
​Acting Career
​Maltese built a distinct acting portfolio across local television, theater, and cinema:
​Television Fiction: She made her major acting breakthrough co-starring as María B. González in the popular series González vs. Bonetti (2005). She later starred in the acclaimed daily fiction series La Chuchi (2006).
​Feature Films: In cinema, she featured in the indie drama Universo Servilleta (2010) and has contributed to various Paraguayan film projects.
​Stage & Theater: She has performed in major stage productions, including local adaptations of musical theater classics like Cinderella (La Cenicienta), Beauty and the Beast (La Bella y la Bestia), and the comedy Sorpresas.
​Television Hosting & Radio
​Alongside her acting roles, Maltese developed a parallel career as a prime-time television host and radio personality:
​Morning & Entertainment Shows: She spent years co-hosting major morning magazine and lifestyle shows, including La Mañana de Cada Día on SNT and formats across RPC/Trece and Telefuturo.
​MasterChef Paraguay: In 2018, she was chosen as the primary host of MasterChef Paraguay (Telefuturo), anchoring multiple successful seasons of the hit culinary franchise.
​Radio Broadcasting: She has led programs across major FM stations, including Radio Latina, Radio Venus, and Montecarlo FM.
​Personal Life & Entrepreneurship
​Maltese is married to businessman Tjeerd Twijnstra, with whom she has three daughters. Beyond her broadcasting career, she manages independent business ventures in production, fashion, and lifestyle branding.