STAR DREAM GIRL: Krista Ranillo

She went through an adventure in her teenage years as she sought her spot in the showbiz industry. Born to a family of actors, it was inevitable for her to get into the same business.

Cristalle Lauren Ranillo (screen name is Krista Ranillo) is the eldest daughter of actor Matt Ranillo III and businesswoman Lynda (neé Tupaz). She started young as a commercial model – albeit the intrigues and pressures of being the daughter of an entertainment personality – appearing in a toothpaste TVC at age 14. "As a kid, I was the type who sang and danced even if I was not asked to. And I was curious about acting," she shares.

But being an actress was not the be-all, end-all of her existence. She went back to regular schooling and is now a consistent Dean’s Lister at the Ateneo de Manila University, where she’s taking up Interdisciplinary Studies, Major in Communications and Psychology.

Krista, who is of Spanish, Chinese, German and Filipino descent, is a certified jetsetter. Barcelona, Spain is on top of her must-go places. "I love the weather. It’s so close to the Philippines, but not that hot," she says. "And Paris, too. Everybody’s favorite." She also enjoyed her recent trip to the newly-opened Hong Kong Disneyland.

In her past life, Krista might have been a Japanese because of her fondness for its dishes. Krista even jokes, "I can live in Tokyo for the rest of my life and just eat sushi and tempura."

Although back here, Krista would rather stay at home and listen to the soothing music of Alicia Keys and Usher.

"I always dream of being a princess," Krista adds. So, she makes sure she is treated like one in her relationships. "I’m happy with my ‘someone’ now. He puts me on a pedestal and is consistent in making me feel like a princess."

With her endearing looks, Krista was chosen as one of this year’s Manila’s Five Loveliest. "This is an opportunity to help those in need and meet people from all walks of life," explains Krista, who admits being obsessed (and brand conscious, too) with cosmetics, working out in the gym and shopping.

To Krista, a STAR Dream Girl is "someone who knows how to enjoy life to the fullest," a lesson she learned after her best friend died in a car accident. – Jerni May Camposano