What can she say now that she might be the next Box Office Queen, a title that once belongs to Sarah Geronimo? “Kailangang pagtapatin pa rin kami ni Sarah? Okay na kami. At saka, dalawa kami rito ni Anne Curtis sa ‘No Other Woman’. Basta ako, hindi ko iniisip na magbo-Box Office Queen ako. Bahala na si Lord and the people who give the award. Mas gusto ko lang, mapagbuti pa ang trabaho ko.”
She’s also glad that her afternoon soap, “Reputasyon”, rated much higher when it was moved from 2 to 5 PM. “Marami kasing nag-request to move it sa later slot at pinagbigyan naman sila ng ABS. Ayun, dun nga mas bumongga ang ratings.”
How is it working with award-winning actresses like Aiko Melendez, Jaclyn Jose and Laurice Guillen in the show? “They bring out the best in me. Before we do a take, pinag-uusapan muna naming kung ano ang pinakamabuting atake para mas mapaganda ang eksena. Lahat kami, nagtutulong kaya nagre-rate ang show. I also like my role here as Agnes. Mas marami pa siyang pagsubok na daraanan sa story at may bagong characters na papasok kaya abangan nila.”
It’s good the show didn’t lose its viewership even if she was missing for two weeks. “Yes, nagkasakit ako dahil sa sobrang pagod at puyat, bumaba ang Resistencia ko at tinamaan ako ng viral meningitis. Up to now, may cut off akong 12 midnight lang as my doctor said baka magka-relapse ako kung puro puyat uli.”
ABS-CBN exec Mico del Rosario says that, this early, they’re already preparing Cristine’s next film and TV projects for next year. “We have big plans for her. Pinaghahandaan na naming ang next year and we’ll pitch these projects for her.”
How would she describe herself now? “Unti-unti nagma-mature ako. Hindi na ko kasing rebellious or impulsive like before.”
Doesn’t her BF Rayver Cruz feel insecure now that her career is much more successful than his? “Ay, wala siyang ganun. Siya pang unang natuwa ng mag-hit ang ‘No Other Woman’. Very proud siya and supportive. Aalis kami in February, bakasyon sa U.S. Doon na ko magbe-birthday on February 5 at pati Valentine’s Day.”
Someone said they might tie the knot there? “Ay hindi, I want a traditional wedding here. But I’m hoping he’s the one na. Ayoko ng magpalit pa ng boyfriend.”
