Krista Ranillo, Cristalle Lauren Tupaz Ranillo in real life, was the talk of the town a few months back because of reports linking her to boxer turned congressman Manny Pacquiao. The child actress turned sexy star was always followed around by the showbiz press to get her statement regarding her alleged relationship with Pacquiao and the supposed evidences that supported it.

In a segment on Showbiz Central yesterday, June 6, an interview with the actress in her home in Los Angeles gave viewers the opportunity to know what Krista feels now and how she is coping and moving on after the all the controversies and the public's view of her.

Krista began with the pivotal decisions she made for her career and accepting its consequences.

"Nakita ko na iyong public perception, it's not within your control," she said. "Minsan kasi, kagaya sa akin na nag-umpisa akong mag-artista bata pa lang, tapos nag-aral ako sa Ateneo noong college. Siyempre noong nag-comeback ako, suggest ng manager ko, e, 'Why don't you take this? Mag-FHM ka, mag-pose ka sa men's magazine.' Which I did naman. Ang nangyayari kasi minsan, nabababad ka minsan sa trabaho na nagagawa mo. So, naisip ko din na if lahat ng public perception talagang didibdibin mo, e, hindi ka magiging masayang tao, e."

Her decision to take a break from showbiz and concentrate on handling a clothing line business in the U.S. proved wise, but Krista admits that she misses good ol' Philippines. Though wanting to travel back and forth between the two countries, it was important for Krista to be always with her family.

 "Pabalik-balik din ako dito as much as twice, thrice a year nandito talaga ako kasi I am very close to my family. Gusto ko kasama ko sila palagi. Pamilya ko, number one. Okay kami ng parents ko. We have a good relationship. Stronger, of course, my family has become stronger and even my whole clan," she said.

How is she living her life now?

"I'm very happy," smiled Krista. "I'm here at marami akong ginagawa. Sa buhay naman kasi minsan cliché, pero hindi talaga ikaw bibigyan ng something na hindi mo talaga kaya. It opened a lot of doors and opportunities. Talagang bumukas ang mata ko at pag-iisip ko sa kung ano pa ang puwede kong gawin sa buhay ko."

FORGING HER OWN SUCCESS. It was an easy life being the daughter of former matinee idol Mat Ranillo III and former model Linda Tupaz as Krista could not ask more from loving and generous parents. For her part, the independent-minded Krista wanted to prove, at her age, that she could make a name for herself and pave her own path to success.

"I have to admit noong bata ako, e, maganda talaga buhay namin kasi my mom came from a well-off family and we were pampered and went to a good school," admitted Krista. The after a pause, she continued, "Pero hindi, e. Ang importante ay may ma-achieve ako for myself, kaya nga nandito ako."

Krista was all in for a successfull career in the entertainment industry. She admitted her frustration, however, with the major intrigue factor attached to the business.

"Sa acting, marami pa akong gustong gawin at marami akong frustrations," she said. "Nakaka-frustrate din kasi minsan parang ang napapag-usapan, e, intirga kaysa sa trabaho mismo. Kaya nga nandito ako kasi balak ko pa mag-aral."

LOVE IN THE MAKING. Though Krista said she isn't romantically seeing anybody right now, she was happy to announce that she is inspired and there is someone that also prompted her to stay in the U.S.

When asked about this, she smiled and happily answered, "Yes! Kaya nga I am here, e. I'm not pregnant and I gained weight kasi ang sarap kumain, e."

Talking about her special someone, Krista said, "Masasabi ko talaga na I draw my strength from this person kasi he inspires me. Talagang sa lahat ng negative na lumalabas na masasabi ko na masakit talaga, e, ang importante ay mayroon kang nakakausap na naniniwala talaga sa iyo. He's single, he's a professional, and very successful. He is a businessman and very mabait."