Earlier this month, actress Kris Bernal delighted fans and friends with her pregnancy announcement on social media. Now roughly 17 weeks pregnant, Kris gets candid about her journey toward being a first-time mother.
Her family was the first to know about her life-changing news before she posted the viral mock-up movie posters announcing her pregnancy. Yet amid all the parenting advice she received from friends and family, the one that resonated the most with Kris was learning to take it slow.
As an actress, Kris doesn’t shy away from intense drama roles, as evident in her characters in Artikulo 247 and Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko, among others. She even goes out of her comfort zone to star in the Prime Video murder mystery comedy Ten Little Mistresses, which she shot last September, some months before Kris learned she was with child.
Despite her wishes to be active in showbiz, Kris has to take a step back and consider her health, especially now that she’s responsible for another life besides her own.
“Since I’m a workaholic, there were times na I felt guilty not working. And there were times na I felt helpless kasi bedrest ako. But then, you have to surrender to what your body or your baby needed,” Kris told Manila Standard Entertainment during an intimate press conference at one of her business ventures, House of Gogi in Quezon City.
Kris added that being pregnant is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and blessing, but she can always return to her job and bring back the money.
Yet, since she’s still in the early stages of pregnancy, Kris hopes to remain active in the industry, even for minor appearances.
“Hangga’t kaya, gusto ko mag-work. May mga guestings naman na hindi masyadong tedious—uupo lang, interview lang. Wala namang mga physical activities or work from home,” Kris said.
The Kapuso actress also feels secure with her pregnancy because, aside from it not being too complicated, she has her husband, Perry Choi, to guide and support her. Kris shared that despite her hubby’s playful nature, which few people see, he’s attentive to her needs and wants. He also goes the extra mile by reminding Kris to avoid strenuous activities.
When asked whether they have gender preferences for their firstborn, Kris said they want a healthy baby first and foremost but would be happy with either one. Still, Kris admitted to wanting a girl because she’s very chic and hopes to share her interests with a daughter. But even so, she and Perry will welcome their first child with open arms and loving hearts.
Kris’s journey as a first-time mother will be eventful as she learns the ups and downs of parenthood.
“I don’t think we can ever say that we are fully ready because there’s no such thing as a manual to becoming the ‘perfect mom.’ But that’s the thing. When you aren’t fully ready for something, you try your best to equip yourself so you become ready. It’s constantly learning to become the mom you want to be—which makes you the mom that your child needs,” she said.