It’s been Kris Bernal’s dream to be recognized as a serious actress. In fact, there’s a conscious effort to take every role she essays seriously.
“I’ve been portraying heavy roles these days. It’s a bit of a challenge because heavy drama is kind of exhausting. But my only goal is to make the character I play as truthful and as relatable as possible,” Kris told Manila Standard in a recent interview during a press conference organized by GMA Regional TV in Bacolod.
From Little Nanay to Impostora and to her current series, Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko, the actress has been giving her “best” for her peers in the industry to recognize her talent as a serious actress.
“Since I’ve been doing heavy drama, all I’m aiming for is to really win an award. It’s a validation. It’s different when fans tell you that you’re good compared to an award-giving body recognizing your talent. Maybe after that I can go back doing romantic comedy,” she said.
In previous interviews, Kris expressed her frustrations for not receiving an acting award amid being in the business for more than a decade now.
“Every time I’m given a show, I always give my best. I focus on the character and study the emotional requirements of it. And as you can see, most of the characters I play are a bit different,” she said.
During the press con in Bacolod where she was joined by co-stars Thea Tolentino and Rayver Cruz, the later confidently said that Kris “deserves an award for her role” in Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko.
“You really need to see how she gives life to the character she plays. Trust me, after this show. Kris will win an acting award,” Rayver raved.
In Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko, Kris takes on the role of Rachel who marries Nathan (Jason Abalos), who apparently is unhappy and feels trapped in his own body. He undergoes sexual reassignment and facial feminization surgery in order to fully embrace the woman inside him. He left without knowing that Rachel is pregnant with their second child. Rachel, after Nathan died, went to the province where she gave birth.
Years later, Rachel meets balikbayan Gavin, portrayed by Rayver Cruz. Rachel falls for him instantly but her prospect of happiness is met with a big blow when she discovers that he’s engaged to a mysterious and strikingly beautiful woman named Venus, breathed to life by Thea Tolentino.