Kristine back on primetime

MANILA, Philippines – Just when you think Kristine Hermosa won’t be starring in any teleserye on primetime TV anymore, ABS-CBN’s Komiks Presents Mars Ravelo’s Nasaan Ka, Maruja? comes along and swings her back into the acting scene again.

“I’m just happy and thankful because I’m back to work,” Kristine says. “This time, todo work ulit because whenever I got to rest quite longer, my schedules become tight again when I come back.”

Proof of that is another project that teams her up anew with former beau Jericho Rosales. “Taping might overlap but it’s okay. It’s a blessing to be tied down with work again.”

What Kristine finds tough since the cameras start grinding for Nasaan Ka, Maruja? to air every Saturday night beginning May 2, is to adjust her body clock to what used to be a normal scenario on the set — staying wide awake ‘til the wee hours of the morning on taping days.

It has been six months since her regular show was aired. “Kaya medyo nanibago ‘ko sa puyatan,” she offers. Acting-wise, she still effectively delivers whatever the role requires her. Why not, when she has not totally left the scene, even when the likes of Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu, Shaina Magdayao and Claudine Barretto dominated the primetime slot? Kristine has guested on TV5’s Midnight DJ where Oyo Sotto, the closest guy in her heart, is one of the mainstays. She, too, has tasted what it was like to co-host Wowowee, giving her the chance to display her talent in fields other than drama.

This time, televiewers will see how effective Kristine is in scaring them out of their wits as she steps into the shoes of Cristy/ Maruja in the TV adaptation of the ’60s hit movie topbilled by Susan Roces and then played by Carmina Villarroel in the ’90s remake.

“I already did horror in Wag Kang Lilingon but this one is different because it’s my first time to do a horror-love story. It’s fun, nakakawala ng boses,” Kristine offers.

Nasaan Ka, Maruja? is a story about reincarnation and an everlasting love. Director Jerome Pobocan shares the TV version remains faithful to the original plot. However, he deems it best to add some twists to conform to modern generation. It also stars Gloria Romero, Derek Ramsay, Karylle, John Estrada, Enchong Dee, Kitkat, Menggie Cobarrubias and Bing Pimentel.

“We jazzed it up a bit. Masyadong matanda yung reincarnation so we thought of putting in Cristy’s psychic abilities for young viewers to enjoy,” direk Jerome says.

Does the Maruja role put a pressure on Kristine considering it was once played by Susan Roces?

“It will be one big pressure if I put my mind on how Ms. Susan portrayed it, especially when you are thinking about competing with anyone. But it’s not in my vocabulary to compete because it will not do any good.”

Aside from horror and drama, what else does Kristine wish to try in future projects?

“Actually I really love to be in a sitcom because my director says I have the timing. Nakakasabay ako sa punchlines. A lot of people didn’t know I have a funny side, that I’m a happy person,” Kristine replies.

Who knows, a sitcom will come next?