Celebrity Hot Shots in the Philippines

In spite of her crazy showbiz schedule, teen star Kim Chiu has put studies on top of her priority list this year.

The Kapamilya actress told ABS-CBN.com in a recent interview that she has enrolled in a home study program in a school in Parañaque.

“Once a week lang ako papasok and binibigyan nila ako ng modules. Ngayon lang kasi ako bumalik after four years so fourth year high school muna ako ngayon,” she related.

Prior to becoming a star, Kim was a student at the Cebu Cherish School. She is said to be an active student, having joined declamation and dance contests. Kim also excelled in Chinese.

Going back to school was something Kim had been aching to do. It was her “barkada,” the Chiurigogobaschu girls, who encouraged her to hit the books once again.

“Nag-usap-usap kami na sabay-sabay kaming mag-first year college para magka-classmates kami nila Melissa at Empress,” Kim said.

Chiurigogobaschu is composed of Kim, “Pinoy Big Brother” fellow Teen Edition housemate Beauty Gonzales, “Star Circle Quest” alumni Melissa Ricks and Erich Gonzales, comedienne Kitkat and “Rosalka” lead star Empress Schuck.

Kim is determined to squeeze in school work with her actual work, and with the help of her tutor, believes that, “Wala naman ako masyadong dapat ika-worry kasi habang nagte-taping siguro masisingit ko naman ‘yung pag-aaral lalo na kung may quizzes ako.”

At the very least, the 20-year old actress wants to earn a diploma—”kahit high school lang.”

Regarded as one of the youth’s role models, Kim confessed that she is also pressured to do well not just in her craft but also in school.

“Dapat [maganda lagi ang grades ko] kasi ‘pag nalaman ng mga classmates ko na, ‘Ay boba pala si Kim Chiu!’, parang ang pangit pakinggan, ‘di ba? Tapos parang ate pa ako ng mga classmates ko since mas matanda ako sa kanila. So dapat mag-aral ng mabuti,” she said.

As a student, Kim admitted: “Favorite subject ko ang History pero aminado ako na mahina ako sa Math. Hahaha!”

She and her friends are also into clean fun. They usually spend time together shopping, watching movies, singing at videoke bars, and playing bowling. And unlike some cliques, Kim stressed that Chiurogogobaschu is not into picking fights with anyone.

“Ewan ko ba… Lagi nga kami iniintriga e. May kaaway daw kami e hindi naman kami masama,” she maintained.

Her advice for her peers?

“Mag-aral mabuti lalo na mahirap ang buhay ngayon. ‘Yung parents natin talagang kumakayod para lang makapagtapos tayo so huwag natin sasayangin ‘yung opportunity kasi hindi lahat ng bata nakakapag-aral.”