Kris Bernal admits burnout in the past, opens new chapter with TV comeback

After a three-year hiatus from the entertainment industry, Kris Bernal is officially making her showbiz comeback, this time with clearer priorities, stronger boundaries, and renewed passion for her craft.

In her GMA Integrated News interview with Nelson Canlas, which aired on “24 Oras,” Thursday, Kris said she is returning to showbiz more confident and firm about what she wants in both her career and personal life.

“Mas palaban ako ngayon at saka mas firm siguro ako sa gusto kong mangyari sa career ko, sa buhay ko. Nilagayan ko na rin ng boundaries ‘yung sarili ko. For so long kasi, naging sunod-sunuran din ako,” she said.

Kris spent 18 years in the industry before stepping away from the spotlight after getting married and starting a family.

“Nagkaroon ako ng time na ganon na na-burn out ako. Then siguro pinagdasal ko din, ‘Lord gusto kong magpahinga.’ Gusto ko ng break. And then feel ko, ‘yung binigay sa akin ni Lord, itong anak ko. Parang siya 'yung naging break ko. Siya ‘yung ‘Ah, may pwede pa pala akong ibang gawin. May iba pa palang mundo outside of showbiz,’” she said.

Despite finding fulfillment outside the industry, Kris eventually realized she missed working in showbiz.

“Na-miss ko ‘yung grind. Tapos sabi ko ito pa rin, ang saya pa rin niya gawin,” she said.

Now balancing her comeback with motherhood, Kris admitted the adjustment has not been easy, especially as she continues to breastfeed her two-year-old child.

“Struggling pa rin ako kasi I'm still breastfeeding. Pero ‘yun kasi ‘yung bonding namin ng ano ko. That's why it's hard for me to let go of breastfeeding din. In terms naman of my husband, very supportive kasi ‘yung husband ko eh. Like whatever you want, whatever your choices are, game lang ako,” she said.

Kris and her husband, Perry Choi, introduced their daughter, Hailee, through an Instagram Reel in August 2023.

She is set to star in “House of Lies” with Beauty Gonzalez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Snooky Serna, Martin Del Rosario, Mike Tan, Kokoy De Santos, and more.

The upcoming afternoon teleserye will premiere on Jan. 19 at 3:20 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News