Kim Chiu: A star's magic
MANILA, Philippines - More than three summers ago, she joined the teen edition of a popular reality show simply because she wanted to be seen on TV. Shortly thereafter, viewers began to take notice of this sweet gal, with her sassy antics. Even back then, Kim Chiu already endeared herself to the Filipino viewers.
A fairy-tale finale characterized her exit from the Big Brother house. That ending was actually just the beginning of Kim’s foray into the entertainment industry. After emerging as the “big winner” in that show, the Chinese-Filipina cutie is currently one of the biggest stars of ABS-CBN and companies who get her to represent their brands get winning sales.
Kim, 19, is definitely hot property and one of the network’s most important stars. She’s even dubbed as the new “Primetime Princess” — thanks to her numerous top-rating teleseryes (two of which were the huge hit Tayong Dalawa and the ongoing Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo). “I am most proud of having been part of Tayong Dalawa. I did my best to get into my character so I could portray it well,” says Kim. “I get excited every time there is a project lined up for me. To prepare for a role, I watch movies and observe people. I also attend workshops.” These efforts to continuously improve on her craft, thankfully, weren’t left unnoticed. Critics were impressed and so were award-giving bodies like the Guillermo Mendoza Awards (Most Popular Loveteam, together with perennial onscreen partner Gerald Anderson), Anak TV Seal Awards (Most Admired Female TV Personality), Gawad Tanglaw and just recently, the USTv Awards where she won as “Best Actress in a Daily Soap Opera.” Kim excitedly shares, “It was a total surprise for me. It was already an honor to be nominated alongside other talented young actresses. It felt great that all my hard work for this show paid off.”
Aside from her TV stint, the young star’s portfolio extends to every other medium one could think of. She has a number of blockbuster films under her belt, her face has been on the cover of magazines and the celebrity has an impressive roster of endorsements. On top of that, the Star Magic artist has a solid fan base, an achievement not many young stars today can boast of.
Tapings, photo shoots and press conferences are staples of her daily schedule. But Kim also knows how to have fun during the few times that she’s free of those commitments. “In my leisure time, I love swimming and shopping,” says Kim, whose eyes light up when she shares that retail therapy makes her happy. “I miss those days when I could just walk in the mall, buy my stuff and bargain for them! I just love shopping that my current fashion obsessions are floral dresses, which are perfect for the summer season!”
So what really is the young star’s magic? Nothing tricky, actually. Kim shares, “I love my work and I certainly have the passion for what I do.” Aside from that, the incontestable charm that people saw in Kim when she was still a non-celebrity is still the same charm that she carries with her as she establishes her rightful spot in the industry. Simply why it’s really not surprising that whatever Kim Chiu does, she will indeed leave people — both avid believers and adamant followers — spellbound.
Photography by Jeffrey Sonora • Styling by Kim and Boop Yap • Jewelry by Miladay
