What Kris Bernal learned from the Superstar

CEBU, Philippines – In between sniffles and dainty bites of chocolate cake, Kris Bernal was more than glad to talk about her ongoing GMA-7 primetime series “Little Nanay” and the warm reception it has been getting.

“I’m very happy with the feedback I get from people in my social media accounts and even from the people I meet or bump into. They are familiar with ‘Little Nanay,’” Kris said in an interview at 10 Dove St. restaurant in Mandaue City’s Oakridge Business Park during the recent Sinulog weekend.

The actress apologized for sniffling every now and then, explaining she was nursing a flu and lacked sleep. Her shoot wrapped up 3:30 that morning and she had to fly straight to Cebu with fellow Kapuso stars for a pre-Sinulog mall show at the Ayala Terraces. With no luxury of a cut-off time in tapings, Kris says she’s on set for more than 24 hours.

“I only got to sleep on the plane. I’m in almost every scene, so I also rarely get to rest inside my tent. I just go inside the tent to change clothes.”

Nevertheless, the “Starstruck” season 4 winner said she enjoys her time on the show because every scene challenges her. She quips, “All my exhaustion becomes worth it when I come across someone who knows about ‘Little Nanay.’”

Her toughest assignment to date, “Little Nanay” sees Kris as Tinay, a 25-year-old with the mental acumen of a nine-year-old. Impregnated by a childhood playmate, her family struggles to support her and shield her from the harsh world outside of their household. She is blessed with a beautiful daughter Chie Chie (Chlaui Malayao) who’s mature for her age, but the family of the kid’s dad disrupts their existence in their attempts to gain custody of Chie Chie.

Directed by Ricky Davao, “Little Nanay” has a stellar cast including Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia, Christopher de Leon, Bembol Roco, Sunshine Dizon, Gladys Reyes.

Kris revealed she has a hard time switching off her persona as an intellectually disabled woman, finding herself behaving like Tinay even when the cameras have stopped rolling.

“We’ve been airing for months now, so there are really instances that I’m still Tinay off-cam. Me as Kris Bernal, ang babaw ko na,” she said. “Ang babaw na ng kaligayahan ko. Ang babaw na ng luha ko. Natutuwa na ako sa kahit anong pambata na nakikita ko. Those are just some of the things I’ve imbibed from Tinay.”

And while she can at times be a handful acting like a kid on set, Kris said that the cast and crew understand. “The entire taping day, I’m still in character as Tinay even during breaks. We’ve discussed that on set, so they understand why I should be that way the whole day. Minsan kasi nagiging makulit na ako sa set. Para na talaga akong bata. Kalaro ko na talaga si Chlaui.”

Lessons from the Superstar

For Kris, the physical toll brought about by her title role in “Little Nanay” is small price to pay for the rare chance of sharing extended screen time with industry icon Nora Aunor.

“I’ve seen for myself how her eyes alone are already acting. I saw her previous films and I’ve admired her since then. But when you’re actually in a scene with her, even if I’m not yet ready and I still don’t have the right emotions in place, madadala at madadala ka kung siya ang ka-eksena mo. Same with Tito Bembol Roco and Sir Eddie Garcia,” said Kris.

But beyond acting pointers, it’s the Superstar’s off-cam conduct that struck her the most.

“Ms. Nora has been such a big help to our show, since a lot of viewers watch out for her. Of course, her talent is unbeatable. But what made a mark on me the most is how she deals with fans,” shared Kris.

“Every time we hold a taping in crowded areas, siya pa yung lumalapit at yumayapak sa kanila. Iniisa-isa niya talaga. Sa dami ng nanonood sa amin, for example in a marketplace, nilalapitan niya lahat. She tells me, ‘Huwag kang magsasawa na pakitunguhan sila ng maayos kahit mainit na yung ulo mo at pagod ka na. Basta yakapin mo lang sila. Masaya na sila.’ Even if we’re already allowed to return to our stand-by area, she doesn’t do so hanggang hindi niya nababati lahat ng tao. May mga umiiyak nga eh.”

Stepping up

When not reading a book, hitting the gym or sneaking in a pole dancing class during her vacant hours, Kris says she helps attend to the family online food business called Adobo Classics. The delivery and pick-up venture offers four varieties of the Filipino cuisine staple: Classic Pork, Beef Tadyang, Ginataang Adobo and Chicken with Liver & Gizzard. 

“A full-blown restaurant is still too time-consuming for me, so we’re trying the online platform first,” she pointed out. “All of these are my mommy’s recipes. Adobo happens to be a family favorite, so we thought of turning it into a business. I also learned how to cook these myself.”

Apart from setting her sights on Culinary school, Kris’ one other goal for 2016 is to nab acting roles that mirror her real age. While her petite features often make people forget she’s now actually in her mid 20s, the actress would like everyone to realize she’s not a kid anymore.

“This year, I’m more open to taking on mature roles. Not sexy or daring, maybe just something close to my age. I’m 26,” she said.

“I’m always given youthful roles, so I feel I need to step up. I feel I also need to be more mature not just with the roles I take, but with my personality as well.” (FREEMAN)