'Daddy, I'm dating a monster'

MANILA, Philippines - After a breakout year playing Snooky Serna’s trademark role in the TV version of Blusang Itim, Kylie Padilla’s career is on the upswing. But before the year ends, Robin’s daughter has another surprise up her sleeve — a new love team. It’s true: instead of the usual pretty boy actor, Kylie has chosen the unlikeliest of boyfriends — a monster.

YOUNG STAR: Are you big on Halloween? What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn?

KYLIE PADILLA: Halloween is my favorite event. My favorite costume I’ve ever worn was my white lady costume. (Laughs)

Sixteen candles: He was the only one who remembered her birthday. “ I wouldn’t mind an ugly Einstein rather than a handsome idiot,” Kylie says.

Your show Blusang Itim has a lot of supernatural elements — you know, mystical garments and whatnot. Do you believe in ghosts?

I can see ghosts. It’s in the bloodline for us to have a third eye so I’m kind of used to it.

Growing up in Australia, was it difficult adapting to the Philippines, where you have to work with so many types of people?

You’d expect me to be used to it since Australia is a very liberated country. But the truth is, even though we stayed there, we were overprotected. (Laughs) Adapting to the showbiz environment was hard but I got used to it.

Pink sheer button-down top, Sesa Clothing; pink pumps, Virtual Mae

How different was your life in Australia with your life now?

I am working now and doing what I love most — which is acting — as opposed to schooling in Australia. I know more people and I’m a celebrity here. In Australia, it was pretty normal.

So in this shoot, you’re dating a monster. Are you big on looks? Would you rather date an ugly Einstein or a handsome idiot?

I am not so big on looks. Personally, I don’t go for the cutest guy. I am more attracted to personality and substance and values. I wouldn’t mind an ugly Einstein rather than a handsome idiot.

Beauty and the beast: “Introducing him to everyone I know would be the hardest thing. I have to make sure nobody gets scared of him.”

Do you have a strict dad? What do you think he’d say about you dating a monster?

My dad is like any other dad, just protecting his daughters. I don’t think he would be too happy with me dating a monster. (Laughs)

What do you think would be the most difficult part about dating a monster?

Introducing him to everyone I know would be the hardest thing. I have to make sure nobody gets scared of him.

White eyelet dress, Sesa Clothing; leopard print heels, Virtual Mae

What projects do you have on the horizon? What are you working on right now?

Right now, I am taking a break, but I still do Party Pilipinas and Tween Hearts.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you have plans of going to college?

I still want to be an actress, but I would like to have a business already by then. I want to study abroad, and the course I want to take is a never-ending one.

Blue polka dot dress, Sesa Clothing; black heel-less mary janes, DAS Shoes