Krystal Reyes is always at her best when she does those heart-wrenching scenes televiewers see weeknights as she plays the title role on GMA 7’s Mga Mata ni Anghelita.
“Acting is really a passion even before I got into showbiz. That is why I do my best in every project I’m in,” Krystal says.
Krystal has become so effective on the dramaserye as a blind girl miraculously given eyesight by the Blessed Virgin Mary to cure the sick and help save the town of Sta. Maria from the forces of evil, that some televiewers can’t help but think the story is true.
The 11-year-old lass fondly remembers how an old lady approached her after a day-long taping in Pampanga. She asked Krystal to lay her hand on her eyes for fast healing after an operation.
“I told her that I cannot really cure sickness and it’s all acting,” Krystal relates, “but she insisted, so I just obliged, because it may really help speed up her recovery.”
This only proves that Krystal’s acting on Mga Mata ni Anghelita is more convincing compared to her performances on Bakekang and Princess Charming. The girl can cry as fast as a candle melts. But sometimes, her eyes need some rest from those tear-jerking scenes.
“I guess my eyes sometimes get tired and I become dehydrated. I just need a glass of water before shooting another scene that requires me to cry,” Krystal says.
Yet she assures everyone that she never tires acting and appreciates the comfort showbiz brings. Krystal relates how life has become more comfortable since she started in showbiz. She proudly shares that part of her earnings is in the bank while some were used to buy a Nissan Vannette and renovate their house in Bulacan.
Except for these, Krystal can’t think of any changes that have happened in her life. Her dad still works as hotel bellboy while her mom goes with Krystal during tapings. The girl still tries to be a normal Grade Five pupil of Grace Christian Academy, taking tutorial lessons to catch up on the lessons she missed in school.
“I’m happy whenever I’m in school because I get to mingle and play with children my age,” Krystal says.
Does she miss Charming, who was once her playmate during tapings?
“Charming is one of my first few friends on GMA but we don’t get to see each other anymore. We just communicate through text,” Krystal says.
Krystal insists Charming will always be her friend even if the latter has already moved to the other station. She is not sure if they will meet again. But Krystal is sure Mga Mata ni Anghelita has brought a lot of great and memorable things for her to reminisce when the dramaserye wraps up on Oct. 5.
Krystal feels proud as she relates the kindness, fun times and words of encouragement she got from co-stars saying, “I will miss them all and the food kuya Marvin (Agustin) always brings on the set.”
She fondly recalls how Paolo Contis and Isabel Oli made her 11th birthday extra special as they gave Krystal a themed party she had always longed for.
Acting pointers from Celia Rodriguez are worth remembering, too. These will serve as Krystal’s valuable tools in helping her last long in the business.
And although Krystal initially felt awkward in Tonton Gutierrez’s presence, she found out, as days passed, that there’s nothing to be afraid of as the drama actor gets along with all those involved in the dramaserye.
So after the dramaserye which once became a ’70s hit on radio and in film, is there another project for her?
“I don’t know yet, but I’m open to all types of roles,” Krystal replies.