LakshmiHailed as the ‘Ultimate Star’ of the Philippines, Cristine Reyes has constantly demonstrated the reason for her unprecedented success– her dexterity in playing divergent roles.
Her versatile acting prowess and critical acclaim led her to become one of the highest-grossing Filipino stars of the century. She does not shy away from balancing the dichotomy of good and evil, which is evident through the TV shows and movies she chose to star in, including hits like No Other Woman (2011), Seven Sundays (2017) and Maria (2019).
The Kingdom (2024) is no exception. The film is set in an alternate timeline in which the Philippines was never colonized by Western powers and is a monarchy called ‘Kalayaan’.
Cristine plays ‘Dayang Matimyas Nandula’, the seemingly responsible daughter of the empire’s ruler, ‘Makisig’. She is joined by Filipino stars Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual and Sue Ramirez in this historical setting. The film had 15 nominations at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival and ended up winning the ‘Best Picture’ among other accolades.
One Lash Shot had the opportunity to speak frankly with the charismatic Cristine Reyes as she elaborated on how she handled portraying a multifarious personality in her most recent role.
So, I noticed you’re known as the ‘Ultimate Star’ in the Philippines. What do you think about it?
To be honest, I am actually surprised to be called the ‘Ultimate Star’ because it’s something that really never occurred to me. But you know, if they want to give it to you, then I might as well take it and be grateful, right?
You have acted in both TV shows and movies.
Yes.
What made you select this script, particularly with Director Michael Tuviera?
When I first read it, I just loved it. When they presented it to me, I loved it right away because it was the first time a Filipino team– director, producer, creators, everybody– had thought about the Philippines never being colonized. We had been colonized for 300 years by the Spaniards and then Americans took over and later the Japanese took over.
So, it’s really something new. Like, this is the first time they ever thought about the scenario if the Philippines had never been colonized. This is us, having a king and his descendants running the kingdom.
So, I’m like, okay, this is going to be a historical film– it’s going to be one of the legacy types. I’m down for it— I’m super down and I’m working with the best director and the best actors in the Philippines.
How was your experience working with Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual?
We call him ‘Bose’ Vic Sotto. This is actually my third film with him. For my first film with him, I made a cameo appearance. For my second film with him, I was his leading lady. And this is our third collaboration, now I play his daughter.
He’s still the same. He’s still the humble king in the industry. He’s very professional and highly respected in the industry. Everybody would agree with me on that.
With Piolo Pascual, he is very well-respected in the industry and very professional.
We know how to have fun also! (Laughs) There were a lot of fun moments with the cast!
I am honoured to be working with the best of the best. I hope we can do Part 2 of this film. I am rooting for it and looking forward to it!
In The Kingdom, you play ‘Matimyas’, a mastermind. What made you choose this kind of a complex storyline?
Oh, you know, when they presented to me for The Kingdom, initially, my instant reaction was like, “Game, I’m down! Let’s do it. When are we starting? Let’s do it right now”.
I really don’t mind playing a villain or, you know, the lead. It doesn’t bother me.
So, the more challenging it is, I try to take it to a higher level.
Are you not worried about what people would think? Especially within the Asian industry, it’s quite uncommon.
You know what? To be honest… you know, to people who love films or TV— it doesn’t really matter if you’re the lead or you’re the antagonist. It matters if the film is a great film.
You learn from it and you appreciate it. For me, I loved it because it’s my passion. My passion has been acting ever since I was a child. So, if I’m only acting just to be a lead, for me, there’s no space for growth.
I did a lot of films and TV series where I played the lead role. I also did some where I’m the antagonist. So, I want to be, you know—everything.
Your character came off as an ideal monarch initially and the speculated successor of the ‘Kalayaan’ empire before your sinister nature was unravelled. How did you prepare for playing both sides–the good and the bad?
I like playing roles that are not just that of the titular role but also the antagonist.
I like playing both because you can really express yourself when your passion is acting. It’s like when your passion is journalism, you know you like to interview everybody— not just a person you like or don’t like. So, it’s the same case for me in acting.
I loved every bit of it. I enjoyed every bit of it and there were no dull moments.
There was a scene in the movie, with my younger sister, that I really, really like the most and people should watch it because that’s what’s the winning moment of ‘Matimyas’. That’s the moment where people understand why she’s doing everything, controlling and kind of manipulating everything. I love to have control over things.
What’s your favourite scene in ‘The Kingdom’?
I’m torn! But I’ll just say it’s the winning moment of ‘Matimyas’. Of course, that’s me! (Laughs). When I confronted the character of my younger sister, ‘Lualhati’, that was the moment of ‘Matimyas’ where you will understand where she is coming from.
That scene also signifies her downfall. That scene, for me, was the winning moment of ‘Matimyas’. That’s my favourite scene and it’s kind of towards the end.
What’s next for Cristine Reyes?
Well, I will be doing a series for Netflix with another co-star who’s also an actress but she is way younger than me. She is a rising star. Her name is Heaven Peralejo. So, we’re doing an action series.
Two women doing an action TV show. I’m excited about it. It will be shown next year, first quarter, but we’ll be shooting it this year. So, I have to prepare for that physically due to all the action stunts expected in this production.
[Author’s Note: Salamat po Cristine for bringing this historically-rooted, challenging story to life through the duality of your character, ‘Matimyas’!]
Lakshmi
