Kris Bernal: Show biz can drive you crazy if that’s all you do

Kris Bernal

While Kris Bernal feels that she’s still not ready to settle down, she admitted that the idea did cross her mind recently.

“I’m already at that age where I’m planning my future. I don’t think I’m set for marriage or having a baby right now. But I’m thinking maybe in three years,” the 29-year-old actress told reporters at a recent press conference at House of Gogi, her newly opened Korean restaurant.

She’s currently in a one-year relationship with her nonshow biz boyfriend, who’s also her business partner. “I love that he’s more mature than me; he’s five years older. He not only directs the relationship, but also guides me when it comes to running, managing the business,” she related, adding that they’re both financially independent.

“We have our own money. I’m not one to freeload because I can stand on my own and provide for myself … But I have been in relationships in the past in which I pay for almost everything,” she said, laughing.

The reason she ventured into business is that she wanted to have something else on her plate besides show biz. “I was at a point where I was wondering what else I can do apart from acting. Show biz can drive you crazy if that’s all you do or think about,” Kris said.

“And I’m not getting any younger,” added the GMA 7 talent, who pointed out that being a celebrity helps a lot, because “I can use myself to market my business. I have to make my own decisions …”

Aside from her restaurant, she also recently bought a house in West Covina, California, in the United States, and is set to launch her own lipstick line soon. How did she manage to invest in all these? By being stingy, Kris said candidly.

“I have always been wary of getting my own driver, stylist or makeup artist, because all these things add up at the end of the day. I had to control my spending. I save up for my travels and make sure they’re all well-planned,” she said. “And I put my money in time deposit.”

But all this business talk, however, doesn’t mean she’s putting acting in the back seat. In fact, Kris is set to top-bill a coming soap opera, “Mag-asawa, Magkaribal,” which also features Jason Abalos and Thea Tolentino. She’s also doing the film “KontrAdiksyon” with Jake Cuenca.

“I still love acting, of course. And as long as there are projects coming and there’s interest in me, I will keep going,” she said.

But unlike when she was young and just starting out in the industry, Kris said that her initial competitiveness had mellowed down. She has a more relaxed mind-set toward her career these days.

“There was a time when I felt like there was not much growth or change in my status, despite doing lots of shows. But I realized that maybe this is just how things are for me. I don’t feel the need to be competitive anymore. I don’t get jealous of other actresses who have more projects or endorsements,” she said.

“I have been here for 11 years now, and I’m very thankful that I’m still being offered lead roles,” Kris said.