How Kris Bernal thrives in two ‘worlds’

Kris Bernal —INSTAGRAM

Actress-entrepreneur Kris Bernal has been busy with both her work on the new GMA 7 soap “Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko” and her Korean restaurant business, but shows no sign of getting overwhelmed by her two distinctly different and simultaneous ventures.

“It’s been smooth, so far,” Kris, who starred in the TV shows “Impostora” and “Machete,” tells the Inquirer of her latest acting job.

On her resto biz House of Gogi in Quezon City, the Kapuso talent discloses, “OK naman; it’s doing good. I’m planning to open my second branch next year.”

On her favorite dish from her menu, she is hesitant to choose just one: “There’s a lot,” she says, before settling on the “unli” sausage.

The “unlimited” food, she claims, is part of her restaurant’s unique come-ons: “We’re the only Korean restaurant in the Philippines that offers unlimited bibimbap, beef, pork and side dishes.”

She manages to keep it “hands-on,” and credits her boyfriend-business partner Perry Choi for his input and guidance. He is also the resto’s meat supplier and head chef, Kris adds.

Just how these separate worlds manage to coexist is a matter of organization and determination, offers Kris, who is proud to see her dreams being realized.

“As you get older, you get to know your priorities, get wiser and learn to save more,” she explains. “You invest in good things. It’s very hard to balance with being an actress. It’s a good thing that I’m not the only lead, otherwise, I’d get most of the responsibilities. But it’s a good balance, so far.”

The soap star, 29, will also launch a lipstick brand next year. The deviations from her show biz career—which started by winning best love team with Martin Escudero in “StarStruck: The Next Level” in 2007—was a natural option, Kris shares.

“I’ve been in show biz for 11 years, and it can get monotonous,” she says.

And with the changes that have affected the entertainment industry in that span, she elaborates that she had to keep up with the times and adapt, as well.

“The difference is the demand on social media now; you have to be active all the time. That’s how brands base their endorsements.”

However, it comes with its own setbacks: “We also get pressured by people commenting, and we get bashed.”

“But,” she concedes, “it’s easier to be famous now.”