Kim Rodriguez finally fulfills her ‘lola’s’ dream

RODRIGUEZ. No time for love—for now

Kim Rodriguez is only 19, but she has already portrayed lead roles in the drama serials, “Kakambal ni Eliana” and “Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw.” But, if you think GMA 7’s Pretty Young Thing has it easy, think again: “I live alone. I used to have my lola with me until she passed away in 2009,” Kim relates. “I’ve paid my dues. Nung una, nagta-talent ako—they would hire me as a passerby in crowd scenes. Then, I auditioned for a role in ‘Tween Hearts’—and the rest is history.”

The lovely actress told us that she is single—and intends to stay that way for now. She explains, “I need to focus on my career, because big breaks aren’t handed out to people that easily. I go out on group dates, but that’s it. What should a man give me to get my attention? Not flowers—I’m not fond of them. I get attracted to a man’s eyes.”

Kim says she also wants to portray complex roles she can sink her thespic teeth into: “Kontrabida characters are always a challenge—but, I’d also like to get cast as a lesbian.”

Beauty pageants

She looks like someone who would do well in beauty pageants. Is she open to that possibility? She beams, “I get that a lot.  I’m giving myself three years to decide if it’s really for me.”

Has Kim always wanted to pursue acting? The teen actress, who idolizes Angel Locsin and Marian Rivera, replies, “I’ve always wanted to act—but, pursuing a career in show biz was more my grandmother’s dream than mine. I grew up with her, because my mom is based in Japan and estranged from my biological father.

“When ‘Nanay’ (her term of endearment for her grandma) died, I worked even harder—because I wanted to live her dream for her. After supporting roles in ‘Biritera,’ ‘Coffee Prince’ and ‘Sinner or Saint,’ I was finally cast in a lead role in ‘Eliana’—and I was above the moon! I was so happy that I went to her grave and broke the happy news to her, ‘This is it, Nay!’ I’m now living our dream!”