Kris Bernal takes a bow as Koreana

MANILA, Philippines - Kris Bernal never regrets the day when she finally got resigned to the idea of changing screen partners — and stepping back from the shadow of perennial partner Aljur Abrenica. Result: Her afternoon drama TV foray Koreana on GMA 7 is making a dent in the ratings game and posting a highest audience share of 11.3 percent people rating and 27.3 household rating in Mega Manila.

“I think it was a good career move for me (going solo),” offers Kris, “because Aljur and I had been love team mates for quite a long time. In fairness to Aljur, when he did Ilumina (and being paired with other female stars), the show clicked (with the audience). Then my TV series Koreana also rates.” And it’s a source of happiness to Kris these days.

Viewers can’t also contain their happiness for Kris as she has shown her acting mettle. She was able to meet the dramatic demands of her character Jenna. It’s just another case of giving Kris the right material and not to be stereotyped. 

“I can’t really say that I’m good at acting,” Kris assesses her performance. “I can only claim that I’m a good actress when I win an award. But I’m happy being able to deliver what is expected of me particularly in big scenes with veteran actors like Tito Eddie Garcia.”

It may sound cliché but Kris has proven that there’s life after a love team. And she seems to be enjoying and even loving the freedom to be not exclusively paired to somebody for some time and to have created chemistry with actors like Steven Silva and Rocco Nacino.

“I would hear people say that it was Aljur who made our love team (work),” Kris recalls. “Siya ang nagdala sa akin. Sana paghiwalayin na daw kami para umangat si Aljur. I was down that time.”

What’s next after Koreana?

“I’ll be joining Machete,” replies Kris. “I’m happy and nervous because I hope my entry to the show will bring something good to it. This is what I am wishing for (to happen). I will do my best.”

“I’m happy and I remain faithful to GMA,” she adds. “I have given the chance to work again with Aljur and to work with Ryza (Cenon), Bella (Padilla) and Ms. Rio Locsin.”

What Koreana fans look forward to in the finale episode is how Jenna and her family surpass the evil plans of Violeta (Eula Valdez) and Sandra (Sylvia Sanchez). Another is Jenna’s decision to tie the knot with Joshua (Steven) and put aside her feelings for Benjo (Rocco). Everybody wishes that Jenna, her grandfather Chang Hee (Eddie) and mother Nerissa (Angelu de Leon) will begin a happy new life.

Koreana bids goodbye to Kapuso network’s Dramarama sa Hapon today with that graceful moves of a fan dancer. For Kris, however, she simply takes a bow as Koreana with flying colors.