Actress Cristine Reyes is embracing accountability and self-awareness as she looks back on some of the controversies that marked her early years in show business.
During her guest appearance on ‘The B Side’ hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, Reyes candidly admitted that the long-standing perception of her being a diva on set was not entirely unfounded.
When asked about the issue, the actress did not hesitate to answer.
“That’s true,” Reyes said when Bianca brought up reports that she was known for being a diva during her younger years in the industry.
“Gano’n talaga,” she added with a laugh.
The actress went on to make an even more striking admission.
“Minsan, monster talaga ako no’n.”
According to Reyes, however, age and experience have helped her mature and become more self-aware.
“Ngayon, ‘yung pagka-monster ko, nate-tame na,” she said.
Bianca commended the actress for openly acknowledging her past behavior instead of trying to explain it away.
“Honestly, I’m so happy na parang when you’re older you’re really more like gano’n talaga dati, e. Para hindi na tayo mag-explain. Saka we accept kung ano ‘yong mga nagawa natin dati,” the host remarked.
Reyes’ remarks brought renewed attention to one of the most talked-about controversies in her career.
In 2016, veteran actress Vivian Velez publicly aired complaints about an alleged prima donna on the set of the ABS-CBN series ‘Tubig at Langis’. Velez later confirmed that she was referring to Reyes.
The controversy escalated after Velez announced her decision to leave the series, citing what she described as disrespectful treatment from her co-star.
At the time, Reyes explained that their disagreement stemmed from issues regarding their shared dressing room and differing work habits. The actress eventually issued a public apology and expressed hope that the conflict could be resolved.
“I am also sorry that emotions got so heightened that some of my actions were misconstrued for rudeness when they were, more than anything else, my own way of coping with the stressful working conditions on this set in this particular instance. But I sincerely apologize if I hurt Ms. Vivian or anybody else,” Reyes said in her statement.
While reflecting on her personal growth, Reyes also spoke about her career and admitted that she is beginning to miss acting after stepping away from regular projects.
Her most recent major film appearance was in The Kingdom opposite Vic Sotto.
“For the longest time, medyo nakapagpahinga naman ako. Na-realize ko, I can’t say no forever, alam mo ‘yon? At first, parang noon, ‘Ayoko na, gusto ko nang magpahinga.’ Pero hindi siya nawawala sa ‘kin, sa dugo ko,” she shared.
After more than two decades in the entertainment industry, Reyes said acting remains a fundamental part of who she is.
“Parang na-realize ko lately, parang gusto ko nang bumalik ulit, mag-acting. Parang hinahanap na siya ng katawan ko ulit.”
“I think, siguro, since 14 years old, I’ve been doing this. Totoo pala ‘yun na hahanap-hanapin mo siya.”
Reyes first entered show business through the reality talent competition ‘StarStruck’ before eventually becoming one of the most recognizable actresses of her generation.
She went on to star in several major television projects, including ‘Mulawin’, ‘Darna’, and ‘Marimar’, before later establishing a successful career in both television and film.
