Kris Aquino: I’m not a crazy rich Asian

MANILA, Philippines — Before the year ends, multimedia star Kris Aquino will be opening new branches of her fast food chain franchise.

For the first time, she will also spend Christmas in her new mansion in Quezon City, the latest addition to her many properties that include some of the country’s most expensive condo units in Makati City.

The new modern minimalist house comes with a high-tech pool, two grand pianos, arcade games for Kris’s sons Josh and Bimby, gym equipment and furniture by world-renowned Filipino interior designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Outside, several of Kris’s multi-million suburban utility vehicles (SUVs) were parked.

In spite all this, Kris does not consider herself a “crazy rich Asian,” as the title of her new Hollywood flick goes.

“I’m not that rich,” Kris told Philstar.com in an exclusive interview with select media at her new home.

“Wala ako sa stratosphere na ‘yan!”

According to her, many people have been asking her why she still has to work when she already has businesses enough to cover her kids’ needs throughout their lifetime. She explained that after about 20 years of working non-stop for ABS-CBN, her body misses the daily grind, so she will not give up being on the limelight just yet.

“Hinahanap-hanap ng katawan ko ‘yung ganitong trabaho,” she said.

In her 20 years with the Kapamilya network, she said among her most unforgettable projects were “Game KNB” because to this day every game show has the word “game” on it; “The Buzz,” where she originated the expression “Love, love, love;” and “Kris TV,” because it brought her all over the Philippines.

“Crazy Rich Asians” is also important to her “because it is career-defining.”

“Ang ganda talaga. Iba ‘yung set, production design, ilaw, tapos kalmado silang lahat. Walang sumisigaw. Ang class!” she said of the film being directed by Jon M. Chu and based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan.

Kris said Kwan praised her performance in the film. “Naiyak ako! Kevin told me, ‘I’m so proud of you, my dear!’”

She said Kevin read and learned about her because he loves politics.

“He’s so smart but humble and appreciative and he does not want to stop learning,” Kris said of the author.

When asked about her love life, Kris said she plans to have someone “When Bimb is 12.”

Bimby, her youngest son, is now 10.

She said she is putting love on hold as she is still saving for her new venture as an online star. “Nakaka-distract eh (love life). ‘Pag nag-away kayo, the next day pangit ka, ‘di mo matago!”

Does this new guy also have to be a “crazy rich Asian”?

“’Di realistic kung ka-tax bracket ko,” she said, affirming that she does not mind marrying a “poorer” guy.

“Basta ayaw ko lang ng tamad. Dapat meron s’yang dependability, trustworthiness and intelligence,” she enumerated.

She is also open to a Christian, as long as the guy’s religion is Bible-based.

Above all, the man must go along well with her sons.

“Dapat may Bimby seal of approval kasi si Josh mabait sa lahat, lahat gusto because he’s laking lola!”