Kris Bernal ‘restarts’ acting career with ‘House of Lies’

MANILA, Philippines, January 15 ------ Revisiting her passion for essaying a role is Kris Bernal, who had a hiatus from the GMA afternoon and primetime drama. “House of Lies” is the Kapuso actress’ vehicle to tread on that creative familiar path.

Kris will collaborate again with her fellow “Artikulo 247” co-star Mike Tan and work for the first time with Beauty Gonzalez, Martin del Rosario, and director Jerry Lopez Sineneng. Prior to starring in “House of Lies,” she did hosting chores in the one-of-a-kind countdown variety show, “TiktoClock.” “My last show was ‘Artikulo 247.’ (It was back in) 2022,” recalled Kris in a chat with The STAR. “That was my first kontrabida role din (my first villainess role).”

Described as an “intense family drama” by its publicity team, “House of Lies” will see Kris as Althea, the “high-maintenance and insecure woman,” whose motivations are “to secure (her) dream life and protect the family.” The show premieres on Jan. 19 at 3:20 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime. “Actually, they were giving and offering shows to me before (like) after my pregnancy and giving birth,” said she. “It’s just that it was me who was not ready. Hindi talaga ako handa. I wanted to focus on motherhood.”

Besides, any woman would love to take delight in and embrace family life when the call for it presented itself. Then, when the opportunity to “restart” her acting career via “House of Lies” came, Kris was simply ready to take on the Althea character. “Gustong, gusto ko talaga. As in, hinanap ko rin talaga. Na-miss ko rin talaga,” said she.

Although she had done kontrabida in “Artikulo 247,” Kris considered her “House of Lies” work challenging. “For so long, puro bida ang ginagawa ko. Ako lagi ang api-apihan,” shared she, adding that the “House of Lies” story will revolve around Beauty’s Marjorie. “Ako nga ang nagpapagulo ng buhay niya. So, ito yung role na masasabi kong naging full-time kontrabida talaga ako.”

Given her petite frame and gentle look, Kris did a few adjustments to make Althea appear braver, stronger, and fiercer than Marjorie, played by Beauty. “Kailangan kong mag-effort na mas mag-mukha akong matapang (kaysa sa) kanya,” said she. As for having first-time jitters on taking a role again, Kris shared, “Like maybe (in my) first few tapings, nangangapa pa ako. Alam mo na-realize ko talaga na di na ganun ka-sharp ang memory ko sa ‘pag-me-memorize, talagang effort na rin sa akin.” But the reliable actress will always deliver. Since working with everybody was easy, she eventually got into her role and immersed herself in Althea’s world. “Nagamay, gamay ko na din at naramdaman ko na ito yung ginagawa ko dati, parang muscle memory nga,” said Kris.

Asked if the “House of Lies” role is the start of more acting projects for her, Kris said, “Sana (I hope) kasi kaya nga comeback ko kasi gusto ko talagang makagawa pa ako ng movies, ganyan. Makapag-explore pa ako sa craft ko.” “Gusto ko lang i-maximize yung time na ito, that 100 percent, I’m giving my energy to showbiz,” she, who has a very supportive husband.

Kris said she is also ready for the possibility that the show will get extended, adding more weeks for her to play Althea. As a mom and wife, she makes sure to spend quality time with her family on her day off or rest day. That day is devoted to her loved ones. Kris, who juggles showbiz commitments and family life, feels “really contented” and enjoys “being in the moment.” She and her husband also have businesses to run on their own.

Source: philstar.com