Kim Chiu: A star's magic

In March 2010, Star Magic premier talent Kim Chiu, then 19, was on the list of our annual Women of Allure. No question as to why she was on that list. She was hot property, dubbed the new leading lady of primetime and the face of countless brands as the girl was a credible endorser. Kim was also one of the most awarded teen stars of her generation. 

During her photo shoot and interview in Dusit Thani Manila, I got to sit down with her to get to know her better. I was surprised that despite her celebrity status, Kim was still shy and humble. Although her handlers had previously advised that Kim could only be interviewed very briefly as she had a long list if engagements that day, the young actress never made me feel she was in a rush. In fact, she would smile in between responding to my interview questions and would even laugh while relating to me her humble beginnings. On our first two minutes in the interview, it was like we had known each other for a few years. She apologized for having to leave already even when she answered every question I threw her way.

Today, Kim is still one of her network's most prized talents. She has bloomed into a fine lady and starred in blockbuster movies, including one (Bride for Rent) that is recently being shown in cinemas. Almost four years after I interviewed Kim, her star has only shone brighter.

Kim Chiu: A star's magic

More than three summers ago, she joined the teen edition of a popular reality show simply because she wanted to be seen on TV. Shortly thereafter, viewers began to take notice of this sweet gal, with her sassy antics. Even back then, Kim Chiu already endeared herself to the Filipino viewers.

Kim Chiu.
Photo courtesy of www.philstar.com
Photography by Jeffrey Sonora * Styling by Kim and Boop Yap * Jewelry by Miladay

A fairy-tale finale characterized her exit from the Big Brother house. That ending was actually just the beginning of Kim’s foray into the entertainment industry. After emerging as the “big winner” in that show, the Chinese-Filipina cutie is currently one of the biggest stars of ABS-CBN and companies who get her to represent their brands get winning sales.

Kim, 19, is definitely hot property and one of the network’s most important stars. She’s even dubbed as the new “Primetime Princess” — thanks to her numerous top-rating teleseryes (two of which were the huge hit Tayong Dalawa and the ongoing Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo). “I am most proud of having been part of Tayong Dalawa. I did my best to get into my character so I could portray it well,” says Kim. “I get excited every time there is a project lined up for me. To prepare for a role, I watch movies and observe people. I also attend workshops.” These efforts to continuously improve on her craft, thankfully, weren’t left unnoticed. Critics were impressed and so were award-giving bodies like the Guillermo Mendoza Awards (Most Popular Loveteam, together with perennial onscreen partner Gerald Anderson), Anak TV Seal Awards (Most Admired Female TV Personality), Gawad Tanglaw and just recently, the USTv Awards where she won as “Best Actress in a Daily Soap Opera.” Kim excitedly shares, “It was a total surprise for me. It was already an honor to be nominated alongside other talented young actresses. It felt great that all my hard work for this show paid off.”

Aside from her TV stint, the young star’s portfolio extends to every other medium one could think of. She has a number of blockbuster films under her belt, her face has been on the cover of magazines and the celebrity has an impressive roster of endorsements. On top of that, the Star Magic artist has a solid fan base, an achievement not many young stars today can boast of.

Tapings, photo shoots and press conferences are staples of her daily schedule. But Kim also knows how to have fun during the few times that she’s free of those commitments. “In my leisure time, I love swimming and shopping,” says Kim, whose eyes light up when she shares that retail therapy makes her happy. “I miss those days when I could just walk in the mall, buy my stuff and bargain for them! I just love shopping that my current fashion obsessions are floral dresses, which are perfect for the summer season!”

So what really is the young star’s magic? Nothing tricky, actually. Kim shares, “I love my work and I certainly have the passion for what I do.” Aside from that, the incontestable charm that people saw in Kim when she was still a non-celebrity is still the same charm that she carries with her as she establishes her rightful spot in the industry. Simply why it’s really not surprising that whatever Kim Chiu does, she will indeed leave people — both avid believers and adamant followers — spellbound.

(Published March 21, 2010, The Philippine Star)