StarStruck survivors are showbiz sweethearts in the making

To become an actress has been a dream long nursed by Kris Bernal since childhood. And joining "StarStruck: The Next Level," the latest edition of GMA 7’s pioneering artista search, is a stepping stone for her to reach that ultimate dream. The 17-year-old petite charmer, who is also a first-year Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia, is ecstatic to be part of StarStruck’s elite shortlist of finalists otherwise known as "Surviving Six."

In a presscon recently at Krua Thai Restaurant, SM City Cebu, she told The FREEMAN that she never thought she could come this far, and is in fact amazed at how much she has changed since joining. "Noon, hindi niyo ako mapapakanta, mapapasayaw, mapapasalita…pero ngayon, sobrang laking tulong ng search sa pag-build up ng aking confidence," she shared.

It was her mother who encouraged this former teen magazine cover girl to audition for the search. "My mom encouraged me, but it’s also my choice. Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to be a star," said Kris.

If given the chance, she would pursue acting projects in the drama department, "Drama po ang gusto kung pasukin, at gusto ko rin pong magka-soap."

This early, Kris is also becoming a fodder for tabloid gossip after co-survivor Mart Escudero revealed that he is interested in Kris, who is being paired with Aljur Abrenica. Before this revelation, Mart already told this writer that he liked the lady very much but he doesn’t want it to be published.

But through a text message from Kris to The FREEMAN last Tuesday, she said that she will still choose Aljur because according to her, "Eversince, we worked na po as a love team. Comfortable na po ako sa kanya."

But she also revealed that she also likes Mart but doubts if the latter’s feelings for her are genuine.

Nevertheless, Kris voted for Mart for the "Ultimate Hunk" title. And as for the "Ultimate Love Team"… "Of course, kami po ni Aljur," she said. Both Aljur and her are hoping that people would support their love team.

Meanwhile, Jewel Mische has not yet recovered after her love team partner Paulo Avelino was not included in the Top Six.

"Na-shocked ako, ini-expect ko na siya ang kasunod after natawag yong pangalan ko. Sana siya na lang ang nakapasok," shared the part-German and part-American Bulakeña.

Jewel added, "Hanggang ngayon po, umiiyak pa rin ako pag pinag-uusapan ang tungkol diyan. I was really expecting na ako ang matatanggal. Pero sweet victory pa rin po yon para sa akin."

Jewel admitted that she hadn’t entertained a career in showbiz. Her pre-StarStruck life revolved her studies. When she joined the search, she was in it for the fun and experience. However, as things progressed and with the pressure growing by the day, she felt that she might as well put up a good fight to be able to win the competition.

Given the chance, the articulate beauty hopes she could land hosting or VJ-ing duties after StarStruck. Jewel, at the age 16 (she was accelerated while in elementary), is already a second year music student at the University of the Philippines.

She defined the competition as "everybody’s ballgame," but when asked for her choices of winners, she went for Mart or Aljur for the "Ultimate Hunk," picked Prince and Rich for the "Ultimate Loveteam" and aside from her, chosen Kris for the "Ultimate Sweetheart."