Come, take a look at Kathryn Bernardo’s future

Kathryn began taking fitness seriously when she turned 18. It was the same year as the release of the landmark KathNiel movie She’s Dating the Gangster. It was perhaps a case of curiosity. Then, in 2017, it became a requirement. She had to undergo intense Filipino martial arts training for her role as Malia in the fantasy series La Luna Sangre. Now, despite her busy schedule, Kathryn still follows a strict fitness routine.

On the day of the shoot, Kathryn is scheduled for her Lagree session. Lagree is a high-intensity workout similar to Plana Forma and Pilates, improving endurance, core strength, balance, and flexibility.  In fact, we’re strictly following a schedule because she can’t be late. And guess what? Her handler says she has never missed a session ever.

“Kailangan eh,” she says when probed why physical fitness is her priority. It has become a habit created out of necessity. Showbiz is physically taxing, after all. And the only way to survive long nights and the daily grind is to make time for activities like cycling and Lagree.

Working out is not only a break from the camera, it is also respite from fame. It’s one of the few activities that permit her to be an ordinary girl. And believe it or not, that is what she craves.

“Habang mas tumatanda ako, mas naiintindihan ko ang sarili ko,” she says. And here’s what she knows as of the moment: Her star, no matter how big it is now, will not always flicker this brightly. This is why she ventured into businesses like her nail salon, Kathnails, and her collaborations with the brand Happy Skin. “’Yung first dream ko, I wanted to be a makeup artist. Kaya na-e-enjoy ko ’yung collab with Happy Skin kasi gusto kong nag-pla-play around with my looks,” Kathryn explains.

But even if the current circumstances permit, she still sees herself doing other things after her life in showbiz. “’Di ko nakikita ’yung sarili ko na forever sa show business.”

Kathryn, who had a bucolic upbringing in Cabanatuan,  Nueva Ecija wants something as simple as that. In another universe, she imagines herself as a normal girl. “Siguro island girl. Siguro wala sa city. Nandoon ako sa isang island. Tapos parati akong nasa dagat,” she says, her resolute tone turning into something more wishful. “Maybe sa Amanpulo. Kahit iwan mo ako roon o kahit saan, basta may dagat. ’Yun ’yung  dream.”

Kathryn sits on the floor as the shoot draws to a close. It’s almost 5 p.m., an hour later than the agreed cut-off. This means she might be late for her Lagree session, but Kathryn remains without complaining.

The cats at the shoot are, in fact, far more demanding. They attempt to escape numerous times. Maybe they smelled traces of her dogs. Maybe her gentleness isn’t calm balm for felines. But that’s all right. She just acquired a cat, and she has a lot of time to work on her “cat person” hood.

“Medyo curious ako sa personality ng cats. Meron silang ibang timing,” she says. And maybe Kathryn, a dog person, is really like a feline who knows when and how to make her next move. “Ngayon, kung anong uso, sasabayan mo. Minsan magkakamukha na, so hindi mo na ma-distinguish. Sa akin, mas interesting kung hindi kailangang sumabay.”

And Kathryn is definitely taking her sweet time. The time for the island girl Kathryn hasn’t arrived yet, but the beach will always be there.

Right now, the time is ticking. Not for her island dreams but for her Lagree session. She slips out of the Toqa dress, changes into a white tee and leggings, greets fans on the way out of the studio, and ties her hair in a ponytail. Will she make it on time?