SOME PHOTOS TAKEN BY VINCENT SULLA
CRISTINE REYES feels honored to play a role in the TV5 series, “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan”, which was originally played by Vilma Santos in the movie version.
The 1983 film paired Ate Vi with Christopher de Leon and Eddie Garcia, whose roles are now played by Marco Gumabao and Cesar Montano.
Cristine is thankful that Viva is really taking good care of her.
After doing the series “Encounter” with Diego Loyzaga and the movies “Maid in Malacanang” and “Martyr or Murderer”where she played Imee Marcos, her new show “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan” is also a big project.
The series starts with her as Helen and Marco as Rod when they’re graduating high school students.
She has a big crush on the successful architect-contractor played by Cesar Montano as Cenon, for whom her father works.
She aims to also be an architect and, along with Marco, they presented themselves to Cesar who gets impressed enough to agree to accept them in their mentoring class.
But fate has other plans for Cristine. Her dad got sick and she opted to take up nursing instead.
She and Marco have gotten engaged but Marco has to leave to study and work abroad. And later, Cristine is shocked when Marco suddenly dumps her and ends their relationship.
This is when she becomes closer to Cesar after she saved his life when he accidentally got electrocuted.
Cristine gives a fine portrayal of Helen and she’s matched by the equally fine performances of Marco and Cesar.
Supporting them are Mickey Ferriols and Lito Pimentel as Cristine’s parents, Felix Roco as her drug addicted brother, Lara Morena as Marco’s mom, Suzette Ranillo as Cesar’s auntie (played by Mona Lisa in the original movie), Abby Bautista and Keegan de Jesus as Marco’s young siblings, and Mayton Eugenio as Cristine’s best friend, as directed by Jerome Pobocan and Tots Sanchez.
We ask Cristine how is it working with Cesar who was her dad in “Maid in Malacanan” but now, they play husband and wife in “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan”.
“It’s always an honor to work with him. Noon, we did movies, but now, teleserye, which is more demanding to do. We know award-winning actor and director siya, so dapat lang mag-level up at galingan ko nang husto.
"To think wala kaming workshop dito at all. Just look test then nag-taping na kami. But it’s always good to work with someone who’s an expert in his craft kasi you are compelled to give your best.”
Cristine was only 17 years old when she joined the original Starstruck.
She’s one of its stars that later did well in their showbiz careers. Now 35 years old, she’s just happy to be stil given good projects and play lead roles.
She says she’s satisfied now, with both her career and personal life. Her daughter, Amarah, is now 8 years old.
“She really gave a more concrete direction to my life and I always have to consider her first before I make decisions,” she says.
“She’s very smart and loving. I want to give her everything that I didn’t have when I was growing up.”
Cristine is now more relaxed even with the press, unlike before when she was so evasive to interviews.
“Ganun talaga siguro kapag ang tao, maraming problema. But now, I feel free, more contented with my life and what it gives to me.
"I guess it comes with age, you mature, you’ve learned a lot. I’ve been in the business for so long, 15 years of it I spent with Viva who’s really taking good care of me.
"I feel so blessed that Viva is managing my career.”
At the “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan” preview-presscon at Gateway, we ask her and Marco if it’s the show that made them closer to each other.
But they said they’re already on when the show was assigned to them. When asked if they’re considering walking down the aisle soon, Cristine said: “Napakaaga pa.”
So how does she see herself in the future?
“Sana, I’m still acting, doing roles na bagay sa akin. I wish I could do an international project.
"In the years to come, I also want to share what I’ve learned in the industry. I want to write scripts or maybe teach acting to newcomers.
"That’s how I see myself in the future, still active in the industry that I really love.”
"Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan" starts airing on Tuesday, 4:40 PM on TV5 and also on CIGNALTV and Sari-Sari Channel.
