Kim & Xian: Good working team

Among all the stars of her generation, there’s no doubt that Kim Chiu is one of the brightest. From television, film, talk shows to magazine covers — and on social media — she is one of the most talked-about, gossiped about, discussed, analyzed and criticized, and by now she’s gotten used to all that.

At the press conference for her latest film project Past Tense (in which she stars with Daniel Matsunaga, Xian Lim and Ai-Ai delas Alas), Kim didn’t blink when the entertainment press threw personal questions her way. It was like telling everyone that the new Kim is not only over past hurts and moving on, but is much more media-savvy and sure of herself. Kim knows that sad experiences are part of life and she no longer cries about them the way she used to. She simply accepts them, learns what there is to be learned, and moves on. She no longer questions why certain things happen or why some people come into her life and then leave.

At this point, Kim has learned to embrace every experience in her life, good or bad, happy or sad. “Nabubuhay na ako sa katagang everything happens for a reason,” said Kim in response to a reporter’s question. “May dahilan si God kung bakit pinagdadaanan mo ito and He’s preparing you for something better in the future.”

In the process, she has learned how precious it is to love herself. Looking back on the not-so-good things that happened to her in the past, Kim said it was all worth it. “Nakaka-tense talaga ang past. Nakaka-tense man sa simula pero ngayon wala na. At malungkot man ako noon pero na-realize ko na ngayon na masaya pala na mahal mo din ang sarili mo.”

She tries not to focus on the future because sometimes, it can mean setting herself up for disappointment when the things she expects to happen don’t. She prefers to just go with the flow. She has learned to take things one day at a time, especially on matters about her lovelife. In the case of Xian, for instance, she remains non-committal, although there are rumors that they have been a couple for two years now. When asked where she sees their relationship going, she said that what is important is what they have now, which is a solid friendship.

She’d rather not speculate on anything. Having no expectations means no pressure for her or for anyone involved. Even when it comes to her career, she’d rather not expect anything like projects or awards. “Parang mas okay ‘yon,” reflected Kim. “Ako kasi, hindi ako ang tipo ng tao na iniisip lagi ang future kasi pag nag-expect ka, parang nakakalungkot, may ine-expect ka na dapat mangyari. Pero Diyos lang talaga ang nakakaalam kung ano talaga ang mangyayari at kung ano ang best para sa iyo.”

But if they’re not an official couple, Kim and Xian are definitely a good working team. They’ve proven this in their past two movies together, Bakit Di Ka Crush ng Crush Mo and Bride for Rent. They know each other well, having formed a solid onscreen partnership that works for them.

And again, it looks like their forthcoming movie, Past Tense is going to surpass their previous cinematic outings. No reason for Kim to be tense.