Kim has so much to thank for

Kim Chiu recently celebrated her 23rd birthday. I didn’t realize how time flies so fast. Kim was only 16 years old when she first caught the public’s attention as the chinky-eyed, bubbly girl when she joined the first Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition where she emerged as the big winner. Now on her seventh year in showbiz, Kim has transformed into a matured and sophisticated young lady. Kim recently posted on her Instagram account a picture showing her wearing a bikini on a beach. She looked fabulously hot and sexy in her tight-fitting outfit during her birthday production number with the G-Force dancers in ASAP.

Kim had her fair share of good and bad times in showbiz but she passed them with flying colors. She enthused on The Buzz, “I didn’t regret everything that I’ve gone through in life because I’m thankful with all the blessings I received at this early age. Naharap ko sila at nalampasan ko isa-isa. Kasi ’yong iba darating ’yong problema matanda na sila, ako bata pa lang humarap na ako ng mga problema. From my parents, down to my friends and to all the things that happened to me, I’m thankful that I’ve handled them on my own.”

What is her fervent prayer to God? “For God to give me more strength para maitayo ko ang sarili ko. Tinutulungan Niya naman ako, alam ko naman iyon. I’m so thankful and I’m so blessed.

“My siblings are my inspiration. I joined showbiz because of them. I have proven that no matter what, my family will stay beside me.”

She thanked her loyal fans who always support and defend her against detractors. “Before, I was easily affected by my bashers. But now, I just shrug them off. I cannot please all of them. Pero inaaway sila ng mga fans ko. Nakakatawa minsan pero sobra akong nagpapasalamat dahil pinagtatanggol nila ako. Thank you for the love.”

Kim turned emotional when asked if she has already forgiven Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson who are rumored to be in a romantic relationship. Kim answered, “It’s easy to forgive” then she added, “But it’s hard to forget.” Have you forgotten what happened? “No. Siyempre madaling magpatawad pero mahirap kalimutan iyong ginawa nila sa akin.” It is public knowledge that Kim had a falling out with Maja because of the latter’s romance with Gerald who is Kim’s former boyfriend. (This column is open to Maja and Gerald’s side of the story.)

Despite real-life conflicts, Kim is able to work with Maja in Ina, Kapatid, Anak because of her love for her work. “Professionalism certainly is No. 1 and next is love for work.” On possible reconciliation with Maja someday, “Of course. There’s no one who wishes for a miserable life. But time will tell and maybe now is not the right time.”

Kim looks radiant. Is it because of her rumored boyfriend Xian Lim? What’s the real score between them? “I can’t answer that but I’m happy and thankful he’s there for me.” In another interview, Kim revealed that Xian gave her a pair of earrings and a promise ring for her birthday. Xian gave Kim a heart-shaped bouquet of flowers when she celebrated her birthday last year.

Xian cannot deny that he is in love with Kim. It is obvious from his body language that he is smitten by her charms. He is very vocal about his admiration for Kim. Xian said in an interview that he has good intention for Kim, “I don’t hurt anyone. I’m a good boy.”

The young actor proves that love knows no distance. Although he was absent during Kim’s birthday celebration in ASAP because of an out-of-town commitment, he made sure that he was present during Kim’s birthday party for her fans which was held at Area 05 bar in Tomas Morato.

Kim and Xian will soon take their loveteam to the next level as they topbill in the romantic comedy film adaptation of Ramon Bautista’s novel Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo.