Kristoffer Martin takes things 'one at a time'
Despite their closeness, Kapuso actor Kristoffer Martin said he and onscreen partner Joyce Ching are just friends.
“Ngayon, career muna. Kasi may pinapangalagaan kaming pangalan,” he said of his friendship with Joyce during the press launch of “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin” on Tuesday, October 4.
The young actor doesn't deny Joyce is his closest friend among the Kapuso tween stars. In fact, Kristoffer gets jealous when he sees the young actress talking to other guys.
“Hindi naman kami, pero nagseselos ako pag may kausap syang ibang lalaki,” Kristoffer shared. “Kasi pag iba yung closeness... alam mo yun, pag nakikita mo yung closeness namin sa iba. Sa akin kasi maalaga sya e. At the same time, maalaga rin ako sa kanya.”
“Pero ganun lang talaga ang closeness namin,” he added.
How does Kristoffer feel that a lot of people, including their fans, do not believe he and Joyce are not romantically involved?
“Siguro natural kasi kung makikita naman yung sweetness namin ni Joyce, sweet lang talaga kami. Kaya siguro namimisinterpret nila, akala nila kami,” he explained.
One at a time
Although Kristoffer said he first had a girlfriend at 12 years old, he believes he and Joyce are too young to be in a relationship, most especially since they are both in the public eye.
“Hindi mo rin masasabi yung ibang tao, lalo na yung mga matatanda. (Sinasabi nila, 'Ang babata niyo pa, may girlfriend-boyfriend na kayo,” he said.
Kristoffer added, “Parehas kaming nasa industriyang ito. Tapos, kung sakali, kami pa yung pinakabata kung magiging kami. Lalo na sa Facebook, sa Twitter, halos lahat ng negative comments galing sa matatanda. 'Ang babata niyo pa, mag-aral muna kayo.' Mga ganun.”
The 16-year-old actor added that he wants to focus on his acting career. Before “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” where is part of the lead cast, Kristoffer starred in the primetime show “Munting Heredera” with Joyce.
“Masaya ako kasi sunod-sunod (ang shows). Kumikita ako ng kumikita,” Kristoffer quipped.
Show business and education
Because of his busy schedule, Kristoffer had to give up his studies for the meantime. Besides “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” he is also part of the Sunday afternoon youth-oriented show “Reel Love Presents: Tween Hearts.”
He was a college freshman taking up Entreprenership at San Beda College before he got too busy with showbiz.
“Nanghihinayang ako kasi syempre pina-prioritize ko rin yung pag-aaral ko kasi sayang. Kaso sayang kasi ito e. Opportunity na ito na lead role na. Minsan lang ito dumating,” he said of his decision.
Isn't Kristoffer afraid some fans might criticize his decision to prioritize showbiz over school?
“Alam naman nilang mahirap ipagsabay ang pag-aartista saka pag-aaral,” he said. “Kailangan mamili ka ng isa lang. Sabi nga ni Tita Glo (Gloria Romero), one at a time. Sinabi niya sa amin ni Joyce, one at a time. Hindi ka pwedeng maging successful sa dalawang bagay. Kailangan isa lang muna. “
The young actor also has no plans of abandoning his studies.
“Ako naman, ang plano ko naman ngayon, mag-Open University sa University of the Philippines. So as much as possible, ayokong i-stop yung pag-aaral ko,” Kristoffer explained. “Ayoko ring mag-stop, ayokong mabakante sa school.”
“Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin” will air starting October 10 after “Pahiram ng Isang Ina” on GMA Afternoon Prime.
