Kyline Alcantara finds out why Nora Aunor is the ‘Superstar’

Nora Aunor (left) and Kyline Alcantara

Kyline Alcantara, one of the lead stars of the Kapuso drama series “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit,” disclosed that she would resume taping next month. And the teen actress is looking forward to picking up where she and her costars—Nora Aunor, Mylene Dizon, Yasser Marta, Zoren Legaspi—left off.

“I was a little sad because we had to stop shooting [during the government-imposed lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19] just as I was getting comfortable with the team. But it feels good that we will be returning. But of course we have to stay careful because COVID is just there,” Kyline said in a recent video conference.

The first two months of taping, she recalled, made her realize why Nora is the “Superstar” that she is. “I get why she’s well-loved and respected. She’s always ready on the set. She’s very kind to everyone, especially to us younger actors. Nakikipagbiruan siya sa amin. And we really appreciate that. She’s so fun to be with,” she said.

But while she has grown more comfortable working with Nora, Kyline surmised that a bit of nerves could actually do her some good in their scenes. “I don’t want to be too comfortable, so that I’m always inspired to do better,” she said.

Kyline, who turned 18 last Sept. 3, chooses not to dwell on the negative despite the postponement of her debut party that she had been organizing for the past year. Her birthday, she stressed, can’t be compared to what the world is going through amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the first few months of quarantine, I thought that it wouldn’t last until September and that we would be able to push through with the party. But at some point, I realized that I can’t do anything about it,” she related.

Kyline had already decided on the party’s theme as early as last year. She had a hotel venue booked in December. She had been going on meetings with her team. Downpayments had been made.

“We expected that it was going to be a good year … with lots of events,” she said. “But I didn’t want to put in negative emotions [over what happened]. I just had to accept that there’s no way it could happen.”

Kyline turned 18 last Sept. 3

But her birthday wasn’t devoid of any celebration. She spent her special day the way she wanted it—simple, intimate and with only her family and closest friends. “Kwentuhan lang,” the singer-actress shared.

Colleagues also surprised her with a small get-together. “After a photo shoot, I was told that I will have a meeting for a sanitary napkin endorsement. I had a whiff that they would surprise me, but I didn’t want to assume,” she recalled.

While she would like to keep her wish for her personal life private, she let on that, career-wise, she’s hoping for more “blessings, supporters and challenging projects.” “I would love to be able to do a full-on action project with stunts and all,” she said.

Now that she’s officially an adult, Kyline said she’s anticipating more responsibilities, especially in terms of being independent. The possibility of living alone crosses her mind once in a while. “But I was still shocked,” she said. “I was happy.

“Being 18 hasn’t really sunk in yet. I think there will be more challenges. People tell me that people will expect more from me, so I have to keep up,” said the GMA 7 star, who’s now looking into how to invest her money and entertaining the idea of starting a business.

“I need to be more responsible with money … there are so many other things to learn,” Kyline said. “And if I ever venture into business, it’s something I have to think about carefully. One of the things the pandemic has taught me is that you have to think long term.

Another thing Kyline wishes to change now that she’s 18 is her being an overthinker—something that, she feels, makes it hard for her to live life fully. “I used to be an overplanner. I’m always thinking about the future, always thinking ahead. And because of that, I forget to live in the moment,” she said.

“Now I want to do my best, pray and lift everything up to Him. I think it’s better to have that kind of mindset,” she added.