Kris Aquino excited about new role as star, key advisor of iflix original content

August 1, 2017 - 11:15 AM
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Kris Aquino reacts to Vice Ganda
Kris Aquino speaks during her recent media launch as an iflix brand ambassador. (Photo by Jill Tan Radovan/InterAksyon)

Kris Aquino is back.

But this time, the actress, TV host and former presidential sister dubbed as Queen of All Media, will be parading her talents on a new platform.

As she earlier announced in an Instagram post last June, Kris will headline exclusive content for internet TV service iflix, starting with an upcoming online-only movie, the details of which neither she nor iflix executives are at liberty to disclose.

“We’re not revealing details yet but coming soon. We’re going to take advantage of Kris’ creative energy. She will be completely involved in the development of the project. That’s why we’re attracted to work with her and she was attracted to work with us,” Patrick Grove, iflix co-founder, chairman and Catcha Group CEO told InterAksyon during the formal introduction of Kris as iflix brand ambassador.

Yes, Kris is more than just an endorser for iflix. As revealed during the launch, she will further serve as a key advisor for iflix and will play a key role in jointly developing projects for iflix Original Productions, as the company intends to commission and develop compelling local original content projects both independently and in collaboration with local producers and studios.

But Kris being Kris, the actress still managed to hint that her upcoming project could be a horror film when she said that iflix Group co-founder and CEO Mark Britt said he was very impressed with her performance in “Feng Shui,” one of her four films currently available in iflix’s Filipino movie library.

In recent years, Kris has starred in a series of blockbuster horror flicks, two more of which, “Sukob” and “Dalaw,” are also available on iflix.

Britt said welcoming Kris to the iflix family is part of the company’s “continuing tradition of bringing together the most influential local and international icons of the entertainment industry to help drive our content strategy and growth.”

“It is a tremendous honor for us to have Kris. Her reputation and achievements in the Philippine entertainment industry are unparalleled,” Britt added.

From left, iflix Asia marketing head Jason Monteiro, iflix Philippines head of content Georgette Tengco, Head of PLDT Home Marco Borlongan, iflix Philippines country manager Sherwin dela Cruz, iflix co-founder and chairman and Catcha Group CEO Patrick Grove, Kris Aquino, iflix co-founder and CEO Mark Britt, and iflix celebrity Investors Iza Calzado, JM Rodriguez and Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon. (Photo by Jill Tan Radovan/InterAksyon)

In addition to her coming iflix film, Kris said she is very excited to do other projects for iflix. She said she would love to do a travel and food show influenced by those hosted by American celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain.

“I love food and I love how [Bourdain] represents the culture of other countries. [If given the chance] I love to put some heart to it,” she enthused.

And yes, Kris would love to go back to the game show hosting circuit as well and said that she would love to do an Asian version of the new game show “Candy Crush,” patterned after her favorite mobile phone game.

“It’s such a great show but the set is going to be expensive so I’m willing to host it for free. Just go get the rights,” she exclaimed to Britt and other iflix executives.

Explaining her decision to join iflix, a leading video streaming service with over 5 million suscribers and now available across 18 territories throughout Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Kris said she saw how audience viewing habits have changed dramatically over recent years.

“This is the age of digital. New digital formats have allowed me to exchange genuine, personal conversations with my audiences through social affirmation and online recognition… We cannot live anymore without being connected. This is not the future, this is now,” she pointed out.

Having said that, Kris said she remains open to traditional entertainment platforms as well and revealed that she is, in fact, waiting for an offer sheet from one of the country’s major networks.

“I am not saying no to being on free TV because that’s where I started. But I’m also very open to be in the newer platforms,” she declared.

And lest everyone forget, Kris was also in the news earlier this year for her involvement in what she calls her “dream Hollywood project,” a film believed to be based on Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novel “Crazy Rich Asians.” Kris, however, she has remained tight-lipped about this as of late.