Kim on being paired with Coco in new show: ‘Time for growth’

MANILA, Philippines – “Parang it’s time for growth na rin siguro.”

Thus said Kim Chiu when asked about being teamed up with Coco Martin instead of perennial onscreen partner Xian Lim for the upcoming ABS-CBN primetime drama “Ikaw Lamang” in an interview with the press on Tuesday, February 25.

Fans of the Kim and Xian love team were surprised when it was announced the Kapamilya actress will be paired up with Coco in a television drama. This is despite the success of Kim an Xian's film “Bride for Rent” this January and their previous hit projects such as the soap operas “My Binondo Girl” and “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” and the 2013 movie “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo.”

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But Kim explained she already knew she’ll be working with a different leading man even before the movie “Bride for Rent” was released.

“Before, habang nagsho-shooting pa kami ng ‘Bride for Rent,’ alam ko na na may teleserye kaming gagawin ni Coco. Kahit hindi pa lumabas kung ilan yung kinita ng pelikula, magkano na yung inabot, alam ko na na ipapartner na kami ni Coco,” she said.

The 23-year-old actress added she’ll be working on a new movie with Xian during the 3rd quarter of 2014.

“Si Xian, meron ding gagawin na teleserye. Wala naman pong pagbubuwag. Kung ano man yung proyektong binigay sa amin, we’re very happy and very thankful,” she said.

Many pundits also speculated the sudden “breakup” of their love team was due to the recent intrigues Kim and Xian faced early this year.

The Kapamilya actress was criticized over an answer she gave during the press conference for her movie. Meanwhile, Xian also received flak online after poking fun at Kim Chiu look-alike Charmae Viking during the live Chinese New Year telecast of the ABS-CBN gag show “Banana Nite.”

The actress, however, said the incidents had nothing to do with her being teamed up with a new leading man.

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“Wala pong ganun. Hindi ko nga po alam yun. Itanong n’yo siya,” she quipped.

Kim also said: “Masaya rin naman kami sa mga achievements namin. Syempre, kahit anong ibigay sa amin, tatanggapin namin yun.”

“Blessing na rin sa amin na may kanya-kanyang proyekto kami. But at the end of the day, magsasama kami sa isang pelikula.”

Kim talked to the press during a pocket press conference for Kim and Coco to promote their upcoming soap opera “Ikaw Lamang.” The show, which will also star Julia Montes and Jake Cuenca, will premiere March 10, Monday.