Cristine still on Kapamilya primetime

MANILA, Philippines - Cristine Reyes was natural as a loving wife and doting mother on ABS-CBN’s primetime soap Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin. She had  onscreen chemistry with the child star and the lead actors. Her role was different from her characters in Eva Fonda, Bromance and Reputasyon. Many think that Cristine is beginning to shed off her sexy, carefree image. Another proof to it is her entry to the Kapamilya drama series Honesto, with children as its main audience.

“It’s wholesome,” Cristine says. “It’s not a change of image. I’m happy to be part of it. I’ve done love scenes, horror and comedy. I’m just thankful to be considered (and to be included) in a show for kids. Being surrounded with kids is not new to me. Ever since, I’ve been taking care of my nephews and nieces.” That’s why Cristine has a soft spot for kids.

Honesto will see Cristine as Marie, the personal nurse of Paulo Avelino’s character Diego Layer. “I’ve been taking care of him for five years. Within that time, I’ve fallen in love with him,” she says.

Marie, the mysterious lady, was hired by Hugo Layer played by Joel Torre to look after Diego. The audience will also discover if Marie is an ally of the Layers or Galangs. Cristine says she is not making a guest appearance. Marie is definitely not a recurring character but a regular fixture on the show. Cristine remains on Kapamilya primetime after Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin. And Honesto is her first ABS-CBN show for kids.

Away from the klieg lights of TV, Cristine is busy shuttling from one location shoot to another. She’s part of Boy, Girl, Bakla, Tomboy with Vice Ganda; The Gifted; My Trophy Wife and When The Love is Gone with Gabby Concepcion, Andi Eigenmann, Alice Dixson and Jake Cuenca.

Showing on Nov. 27 in theaters nationwide, When The Love is Gone is about two troubled souls, trapped in a loveless relationship, who find comfort in each other’s arms. In the Viva Films movie, Cristine plays Cassie, who is searching for solitude and meets the lonely family man named Emman (Gabby). Cassie is a 180-degree-turn from her No Other Woman’s Charmaine Escaler.

Given her hectic schedule, entering into another romantic relationship seems to be not on Cristine’s priority list.  

“No. I think it was harder sa iba,” replied Cristine when asked if it was more difficult to break up with someone who was your friend first before becoming a lover.

Many notice that Cristine is blooming these days in spite of being loveless. “Because you have time for yourself,” says the Kapamilya-Viva talent. “Alam naman ng tao na tutok ako sa mga taong mahal ko. Sometimes, I have no idea how to divide my time (between) work and friends.”

What are her plans for the coming Christmas? “We have no plans yet,” answers Cristine. “This year, me and my sister (Ara Mina) had patched (things) up. My Christmas won’t be sad because all my former boyfriends have become my friends. And my family is complete (this time).”

If ever Cristine finds love just in time for the Holidays, it will definitely be a bonus. But she wants to put all her energies to work. Like any other actors, she values every project that will come her way.

Since change is the only constant thing in the world, Cristine also saves up for the future.

“I’m still saving up,” she says. “My mom told me that I should have my own money, instead of asking (money) from others. I have investments. My relatives from both mom and dad sides have apartments. So, I will venture into it. In fact, I bought condo units. I might buy (a lot).”

For now, it will be all work for Cristine. 

(The drama series airs weeknights after TV Patrol on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.)