The Bakekang star is a tireless worker

Ten-year-old GMA Artist Center talent Jolina Marie Reyes is making a mark as a dramatic child star.

She convincingly played the role of young Kristal on GMA 7’s teleserye Bakekang which made televiewers clamor for her extended appearance together with the young Charming (Eunice Lagusad) and young Lorraine (Joyce Ann Folloso) recently.

Clinching the young Kristal role is no easy task for Jolina as queuing with 200 kids aspiring for the role needs a lot of patience. She was luckily chosen in the third batch of aspiring Bakekang stars on the set of the show in Fairview, QC.

"Jolina was chosen in the morning of the audition and by afternoon she started taping for her part," mom Bernadette shares.

Her effective portrayal of the role created such an impact that even if her stint in Bakekang has ended, people who see her off-screen still call her Kristal. Thus, Kristal became Jolina’s screen name.

Her acting stint began when Jolina’s aunt enrolled her at GMA acting workshop. This led to a bit role in the afternoon soap Pinakamamahal topbilled by Oyo Sotto and Marian Rivera.

"It overwhelms me that I’m now acting on TV. Before, I just imitated Danaya (Diana Zubiri of Encantadia) by wrapping a blanket around my shoulder as costume when playing with my sister at home," Jolina says.

Bulacan is home to Jolina where she still plays with her sister and neighborhood friends when not busy with tapings or guestings. She also takes care of her little brother whom she bought diapers and toys for when she got her first paycheck.

"I also bought a pair of Converse shoes that I really love and some clothes to wear for guestings and pictorials," she says.

Her mom says they bought clothes for Jolina as she owns only a few. They also have a hard time getting costumes for her.

Jolina’s dad, Ace York, works as a bellboy at Richmonde Hotel and his income is just enough to support the family’s basic needs. He is happy at how things are going for his daughter. He will support her as long as Jolina is happy but won’t force her to continue when the time comes that her daughter gets tired of acting.

But getting tired is far from her mind now as Jolina enjoys the work, the people and the exposure. It overwhelms her when someone asks for an autograph and she gets instant recognition off-screen.

Although busy with work these days, the Grade IV student of Grace Christian Academy still maintains good grades and is in the Top 10.

"I have tutorials on weekends and catch up on lessons by reading books," Jolina replies when asked about her studies.

After being an actress, Jolina wishes to become a nurse. She wants to help people who cannot afford to see a doctor when minor injuries arise. "Di ba po kaya ng nurse gamutin ang mga sugat para di na sila magbabayad?," she asks, showing her compassion for the less privileged.

Another goal is to buy a car from her talent fee.

"I also want to have a hotel so my dad will not travel far anymore to get to work," she says, showing how much she loves her dad.

For now, she enjoys the glare of the klieg lights and wants to follow in the footsteps of Jolina Magdangal and Angel Locsin.

The little Jolina also plans to take up voice lessons and become another Jonalyn Viray.

Jolina will show once more how she can cry a river in another GMA soap, Princess Charming with Eunice Lagusad.