What keeps Cristine smiling

MANILA, Philippines - Cristine Reyes has reasons to smile from ear to ear these days. After topbilling two primetime shows — Eva Fonda and  Kristine — ABS-CBN tapped her to star in Reputasyon , an afternoon soap where she pits dramatic talent with the young and veteran Kapamilya stars.

“I’m happy that ABS-CBN trusts me to do this project. It means that they believe in what I can do,” Cristine says during a presscon held recently.

But talks spread that she reportedly frowned on the idea of putting the show in the afternoon timeslot.

“Ay wala pong ganun,” Cristine affirms. “During our story con, we still didn’t know about its timeslot. Actually, when I was told that it landed in the afternoon slot, I said ‘Wow!’ because Reputasyon turned out to be the banner show of Kapamilya Gold, bale pang-hatak ’yun para lumakas lalo yung pang hapong shows so why take it negatively? For me, it’s more on the positive.”

Her co-star and real-life boyfriend Rayver Cruz even seconded that it doesn’t matter whatever the timeslot is. Based on the positive feedback during its pilot week, Reputasyon clearly delivers and lives up to people’s expectations.

“Being on the afternoon schedule doesn’t mean the show is of lesser quality,” Rayver offers. “The network is only giving the viewers quality shows anytime of the day.”

With co-stars Jason Abalos (right) and Rayver Cruz

Airing after Happy Yipee Yehey!, Cristine assures televiewers, particularly children, that they will not only be treated to an afternoon TV fare but also a story filled with life’s lessons. Her character Agnes reflects simplicity and kindness. She displays her love for family. She, too, values the importance of education, graduating from college as cum laude prior to becoming a school teacher. Though serious tragedy strikes her simple and quiet life, Agnes shows courage to face her ordeals that tarnish her reputation.

Shedding off her sexy image in the soap, could this be her biggest break as a serious actress?

“With the kinds of roles I’m getting, I feel that they tone down my sexy image. I am becoming more of an ‘actress’ now,” Cristine replies.

Hopefully, she adds, people will see her as a dramatic actress one day. She is delighted every time people tell her how her acting has changed.

“At least my acting keeps on improving. I feel all my efforts haven’t gone to waste.”

Reputasyon inspires her more to work until the wee hours of the morning knowing her beau is always by her side. Cristine and Rayver never tire of spending long hours on the set.

“I don’t even feel tired,” Rayver says, making everyone shriek in amusement.

“It’s different when your inspiration is around, isn’t it?” adds Cristine, giving everyone reason to conclude that they really are in love.

(The pilot week episodes of Reputasyon will have a rerun today before ASAP Rocks.)