Always on her toes
By Jerry Donato
The Philippine Star 05/05/2007
from Philstar.com

The best is yet to come. Kim Chiu, Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen Edition Big Winner, looks at the past year as one bursting with manna from heaven.

Topping her list of blessings are TV and movie projects (Aalog-alog, Sana Maulit Muli, ASAP ’07 and First Day High), and endorsements (Jollibee, Ph Care Pure N’ Fresh, Herbench).

It’s one unforgettable experience the young lady from Cebu will always be grateful for.

"Sana maulit muli," Kim replies when asked if she can surpass what she has achieved last year.

But she’s not afraid should the time come when her star won’t shine that brightly anymore. After all, everything that has come her way has been unexpected.

"I didn’t expect all these," Kim refers to the instant fame and fortune her PBB stint has given her.

At 17, Kim has a million pesos in the bank and a condo unit.

Even though she seems to have everything, Kim still remains humble and simple. These are the same characteristics that endeared her to public.

"I don’t feel I’m a star or celebrity," Kim says. "I think I’m very much the same — mahiyain at madaling umiyak kapag may sad background music."

On her birthday last month, she decided to treat fans from Cebu to a party-concert in Gaisano malls. What made the event more special was her reunion with family and friends.

Family and friends are what Kim misses whenever she is in Manila working. That’s why she always makes herself available to these people dearest to her whenever she has time to touch base with them.

For her 18th birthday next year, Kim wants the celebration simple and intimate. She demands perfect attendance from those dear to her.

What did love teammate Gerald Anderson give her on her special day?

"Nothing," answers Kim. "His kindness is already a gift to me. He treats me well. Mabait at maalalahanin siya sa lahat. Ang mahalaga nandun siya sa asalto na binigay ng fans namin."

To her surprise, Kimerald loyalists gave her an expensive gift: An iPod with a video compilation of PBB Teen Edition. This is not surprising since most Kimerald fans are professionals.

Kim’s biggest birthday surprise, however, came in the form of a movie project with Gerald to be directed by Lino Cayetano.

The movie, Kim says, is a light romance about family and friendship. Kim and Gerald’s characters share the same name, Alex Reyes. The twists and turns will begin from there. She adds that the story is as engaging and compelling as the hit TV series Sana Maulit Muli.

"My character has a mind of her own and is moved (to action) by her aspirations," says Kim.

Judging by the way things are going for her career, 2007 could be another banner year for Kim.

"I’m ready for the eventuality that offers may not come aplenty," says Kim. "That’s why I always make it a point to give my best whenever I have a project."