Image: Instagram/@krisaquino
“Crazy Rich Asians” is a certified box office hit and for Kris Aquino, the film adaptation will not be possible of course without the author of the book upon which the movie was based, Kevin Kwan.
Aquino congratulated Kwan on the film’s success via Instagram last Sunday, Aug. 26. In a post, she shared with fans a recent message Kwan sent her: “I have so much admiration and new appreciation for you. You have survived and endured so much, with grace.”
“I’ve survived enough storms to know that hearing encouraging words when your humanity deserves acknowledgment — that gesture of support becomes an affirmation that there are people who will love and celebrate you — come what may,” Aquino said.
She recounted how Kwan invited her to be part of the film in June 2017. During that time, she did not know Kwan personally, although she had been vocal about her admiration for the writer. It was apparently Kwan who wanted to have a Filipino actress portray the role of Princess Intan.
Aquino purposely inhibited herself from posting about her participation in the film on her social media accounts because she had learned the implication of doing so. “I’ve learned enough to not have made @crazyrichasians a referendum on me and my last name,” she said. She noted that Kwan, “Crazy Rich Asians” director John M. Chu and Warner Bros. deserve the appreciation of her fellow Filipinos, a.k.a. “superfans” in Kwan’s words, for “shining a special light” on her countrymen.
Aquino also used her post as a means to express her sentiments about naysayers when she said, “If you don’t like my words, stop reading, do us all a favor and unfollow me.”
Acknowledging that her life is an open book, Aquino said she now sees that her mission is to encourage people to wear their scars with dignity, as these are proof of their valor in facing life’s battles. She also advised fans to remember that nobody should accept being belittled, insulted or judged unfairly.
Aquino closed her message with one last reminder for her fans: “Do not harm yet never let anybody get comfortable trying to dehumanize you. #laban.” JB
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