Kim’s personal vow for her 28th birthday

Kim Chiu

While Kim Chiu feels fortunate to have been part of high-profile screen partnerships, she believes that, at this point in her career, it’s also important for her to try acting vehicles beyond the love team concept.

“When you’re starting out in the biz, it helps a lot to be in a love team. I’m so grateful I went through that stage. These days, I find myself thinking, ‘Why not explore?’ Do things you haven’t done yet, make the rounds—hanggang kaya ng powers mo,” she told reporters at a recent press conference for Star Cinema’s new horror-comedy flick, “Dotga: Da One that Ghost Away,” which opens on April 18.

“I’m so lucky I have been given these opportunities,” added the ABS-CBN star, who starred in her first solo film in the 2017 horror flick, “The Ghost Bride.”

That said, Kim’s not closing her doors to the prospect of being paired again with someone long-term, pointing out that many Filipino fans continue to crave the kilig a love team provides.

Open to indies

“But I don’t want to be overly choosy when it comes to projects. There are so many actors in the business, so I’m thankful and happy with the work I’m getting,” related Kim, who’s also open to doing indie movies in the future. “Perhaps something with a good message.”

Kim is turning 28 on April 19. In the past, she used to celebrate and reward herself—a new bag or a trip overseas.
But now, it’s all about doing charity work. She has made a personal vow to visit Aeta communities on her birthday and Christmas Day. And she does it on her own.

“Now I think more about other people—saka na ’yung para sa sarili ko,” stressed Kim, who went to Bamban, Pampanga, last year to hand out gifts to Aetas living there. “I bring them school supplies. We play games, we sing, we dance.”

“I don’t have a personal wish…well, I hope people watch my film,” she quipped, laughing. “I will also try to attend all the block screenings my fans will organize, because they spend money and put a lot of effort into those.”

In Tony Y. Reyes’ “Dotga,” Kim plays Carmel, a paranormal expert who, together with her best friend, Jeje (Ryan Bang), assembles a squad of ghost busters, which is then commissioned to exorcise a haunted house. This is Ryan’s first time in a lead role, Kim said, and she couldn’t be any happier for him.

“He couldn’t believe it. But I have always felt that all actors will have a break at some point. And this is his time,” she said. “I’m always open to working with anyone. After all, it’s not really about who you’re working with, but being able to deliver.”