Cristine Reyes says motherhood has changed her life

CRISTINE Reyes

GONE is the happy-go-lucky Cristine Reyes. Having a child, she said, has given her life a new “focus” and “direction.”

“When I was single, I didn’t have to worry much about anything. But now that I’m a mother, I always think about my future with my family. They inspire me,” related the 26-year-old actress, who has a 10-month-old daughter, Amarah, with mixed martial arts fighter Ali Khatibi.

Among those who observed such change in Cristine was Chris Martinez, her director in the “Asawa ni Marie” episode of Viva Films’ “Lumayo Ka Nga sa Akin”—an upcoming three-part anthology that spoofs the various clichés found in local movies and television shows.

“She’s more serious and less playful on the set. She comes prepared and is more professional. Cristine has changed a lot; ang bait-bait niya ngayon!” he said at a recent press conference. “That’s not to say she wasn’t nice the previous time we worked!” the filmmaker quickly added, drawing laughs.

Private ceremony

Cristine and Ali are set to tie the knot on Jan. 27 in a private Christian ceremony to be attended only by their pastor and a witness. The actress, however, assured that there will be a big wedding in the future, in which family and friends will be invited.

“We want to make things right this year; I want our relationship to be blessed,” Cristine said. “We’re both very busy these days, so we want to have something small and intimate first. Planning a full-blown wedding will be stressful and difficult right now.”

Asked if she’s more discerning now when it comes to accepting projects, Cristine, who used to do sexy drama flicks, shows and photo shoots, said it would depend on the material. “Ayoko namang magsalita nang tapos,” the Viva star stressed, adding that she doesn’t think her future husband would object to her doing such type of work.

“Ali is understanding—if you explain to him that this or that project is good, I think he would approve,” she said of her fiancé, whom she described as “kind and trying his best to be a responsible father and partner.”

Being pregnant, Cristine recalled, was a “great feeling”—“miraculous,” even.

Yes, she wants to have another baby, but not any time soon. “I want my body to fully recover and relax,” she said. “And I’m still enjoying Amarah (her baby) right now. I bring her with me when I’m shopping or eating out. She’s so fun to be with!”

“Lumayo Ka Nga sa Akin,” which opens on Jan. 13, has two other episodes: Mark Meily’s “Bala sa Bala, Kamao sa Kamao, Satsat sa Satsat,” which stars Benjie Paras and Candy Pangilinan; and Andoy Ranay’s “Shake, Shaker, Shakest,” with Maricel Soriano and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

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