Kris ‘scary’ in new GMA soap

MANILA, Philippines — Kris Bernal is literally giving Kapuso viewers a “scare” in her first kontrabida role on GMA 7’s haunting love story titled Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko, which premieres July 22 in the Afternoon Prime block.

The 30-year-old actress, who mostly portrayed underdog or martyr roles in the past, confessed that she also felt “scared” plunging into a role — as a haunting ghost — she has never done before. Kris said she had to watch horror movies like the 2004 Thai film Shutter to psyche herself up.

“This is new to me because I haven’t portrayed dark characters or done anything horror yet. I initially had doubts but talagang buong puso ko siyang nagustuhan at tinanggap ‘yung role kasi ‘yun na ang hinahanap ko ngayon e,” said Kris, whose last project was Karibal Ko Asawa Ko, where she played a simple and loving wife.

In fact, Kris is willing to try other offbeat roles or different character sketches to prove that she can be a versatile actress.

“Ayoko nang gumawa ng mga inaapi-api ako kasi parang hindi na ako dun e, tapos na ako dun. This time, I want to portray other characters na ma-re-recognize ako o mabigyan ng award at matawag na akong versatile. That’s why I’m so happy with this role kasi talagang iba ‘yung binigay ko. I studied this character so well… kung paano siya lalaruin and (how I can) give characterization to a ghost,” Kris said, then adding in jest, “but actually playing a ghost is the easiest part kasi nakatayo lang ako lagi and there’s no need to deliver the lines… hahaha! You only have to look scary.”

With co-stars Rayver Cruz, Megan Young and Kim Domingo

Headlining the thrilling suspense drama with Kris are Rayver Cruz, Megan Young and Kim Domingo. Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko’s mystery and intriguing plot revolves around three women — Naomi, Yvie (Megan) and Katya (Kim) who are entangled in a web of vengeful passion in pursuit of their one and only love, Matteo (Rayver). The story tells about Yvie and Matteo, childhood sweethearts who eventually get married. Together with their adopted son, they move into their new family home, along with Yvie’s best friend and cousin, Katya. But their bliss is quickly replaced by fear as Naomi, Matteo’s ex-girlfriend, will stop at nothing to disrupt their perfect lives — dead or alive.

Asked how was it working with Rayver for the second time after Karibal Ko Asawa Ko, Kris said, “We’re very comfortable with each other na wala na talagang ilangan.”

Is Kris the type of girl who gets obsessed with his guy in real life?

“No,” she replied, “Kasi palaban ako e, so ‘pag inaway na ako o sinaktan, I’m willing to let go naman. Hindi ako ‘yung nagba-baliw-baliwan.”

Kris has a happy lovelife with non-showbiz boyfriend Perry Choi.

(Airing Mondays to Saturdays after Eat Bulaga, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko also stars Boots Anson-Roa, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Francine Prieto, Beverly Salviejo, Denise Barbacena, Joaquin Manansala and Euwenn Mikael Aleta. It is directed by Joron Lee Monroy.)