Krystal back in the grind

There’s a tinge of sadness in Krystal Reyes’ voice while telling her thoughts whenever people would ask about her next project after playing lead in GMA 7 soaps three years ago. Her Saturday morning co-hosting stint in Art Angel had also come to an end a few months back. In her young heart, Krystal admits that a “down feeling” envelops her every time she answers back with, “wala pa po eh.”

But a recent meeting with GMA Artist Center head Ida Henares, Krystal shares, gave her a clear idea of what’s next for her career.

“At first, I felt I’m no longer being given attention. Then Ma’am Ida explained the reason why it took long for my next project to come along. Hindi daw po ako mai-cast sa story dahil di naman po pwede na ang mga role ko lang daw po ay yung sandali lang kasi nag-lead na daw po ako,” Krystal says. “And everyone says it would not look good if I start from the bottom again.”

Besides, Krystal knows televiewers expect a lot once an actor already topbilled a show. “The acting has to be more affecting to gain high ratings but even I’ve done lead parts before, I don’t feel any change in me. Hindi lumaki ang ulo ko.”

Krystal first gained prominence playing the young Krystal in Bakekang. It was followed by Princess Charming and Mga Mata ni Anghelita in 2007. She also played support to Carla Abellana in Rosalinda a year ago.

Did she receive any offer from other networks?

“There were offers but this is (GMA) where I started and grew as an artist. That’s why I decided to stay and it’s good that I know how to wait. They signed me to a new contract and I’m ready to work again.”

Now 14, the freshman student of CJ Montessori didn’t just land the Emily role in primetime drama Bantatay, to air Sept. 20. She is also among the 10 teenage stars formally launched recently by GMA to comprise the newest batch of its young artists called Kapuso Tween Stars. Other stars include Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Jake Vargas, Lexi Fernandez, Bea Binene, Louise delos Reyes, Kristofer Martin Dangculos, Kierulf Raboy and Derick Llander Monasterio.

Right now, playing Emily excites her no end. “It will test my acting anew. I will mature a bit here since I’m playing the eldest sister here.”

As one of the Kapuso Tween Stars, what does she think are her chances for full stardom?

“I just hope everything works smoothly in my career. I am now sure acting is what I’d like to do even when I grow old kaya tuloy-tuloy na sana.”

Asked how she feels every time she sees Barbie and Joshua get all the screams from fans these days, Krystal replies, “I’m happy for them. Sabi nga po weather weather lang yan, dumating na yung weather ko kaya weather nila ngayon.”