Kim Chiu on the hate messages she received for her character in Linlang as Juliana: ‘This is the ‘hate’ na nagustuhan ko. Keep them coming. I love it.’

MANILA, Philippines — Hate is a strong word but for Kim Chiu she loves the “hate” messages she is getting for her role of Juliana in the suspense-thriller series Linlang.

The tale of deceit and betrayal follows boxer-turned-seaman Victor “Bangis” Lualhati (Paulo Avelino) in his quest of uncovering the truth behind his wife Juliana’s (Kim) infidelity. It turns out that Juliana’s lover is Victor’s half-brother and lawyer Alex (JM de Guzman).

Produced by ABS-CBN and Dreamscape, Linlang became the most-watched TV show on Prime Video Philippines upon its debut in October. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Kim doesn’t mind being called “the most hated” character in the show. In fact, she is “grateful” to be labeled as such.

“This is what I can call the hate that I love,” stated Kim during a thanksgiving media conference for the 14-part series. “Yung mga hate messages that I love.”

“Because, of course, in my career, in social media platforms, hindi naman malabo na naba-bash ka eh,” shared the Kapamilya actress as she recalled her Bawal Lumabas viral meme in 2020. “Ngayon pwede na ako lumabas.”

The Linlang cast members attend the thanksgiving media conference (from left) Maricel Soriano, Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, JM de Guzman and Kaila Estrada.

“I’m really happy with the kind of ‘hate’ that I’m receiving (in Linlang),” she reiterated.

“I’m thankful to my director dahil pinapaulit nila sa akin kapag kumi-Kim Chiu levels yung (acting), ‘That’s Kim Chiu, let’s do it again.’ They were very patient with me to become Juliana,” she added, also commending the series’ writers, creatives and the entire team.

“Keep them coming,” she went on, referring to the hate messages. “I love it!”

Even Kim was surprised to pull off such a meaty role. At the same time, she also gets annoyed with Juliana.

“I’m also irritated by her. While portraying her, kalaban ko lagi sarili ko. Kasi ‘pag umaarte, ‘Here we go again. Mali ka na nga, anuhin mo pa, ganyan. Nakakasakit ka na pero itutuloy mo pa rin.’

“But, of course, I had to believe sa ginagawa ni Juliana so that when I would act her out, you’ll really get mad just like I did. As Kim Chiu, naiinis din talaga ako sa kanya.”

Linlang is the second series of Kim on Prime Video after Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen.

The former Pinoy Big Brother housemate had been playing teeny-bopper roles in the past, which are a sharp contrast to her dark and daring role in Linlang.

Kim with leading men Paulo Avelino and JM de Guzman as her husband and lover, respectively in the series.

Kim admitted in an earlier media conference that she had apprehensions in taking on the character. “I said I had fears because I thought people might not support it. That’s what I’m really afraid of… Because it was my first time to do a gray character or dark role, which I don’t usually do. It was my first time to take that risk, and I said, ‘I will try (it) since I’ve been in the industry for so many years.’

“Whatever the results, siyempre resulta gusto ko maging maganda. And I prayed to all the saints. I was very happy and I was surprised na napaghiwalay nila si Juliana at Kim Chiu. They would say, ‘I love you (as Kim Chiu) but galit na galit ako kay Juliana.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, thank you.’”

She would also read comments on Instagram. “My comment box on Instagram has become a group chat for Juliana haters na kahit (for example) nag-roller coaster lang ako, (I would read comments such as) ‘Hoy, pasyal ka ng pasyal diyan sa ibang bansa, si Victor, si Abby (Juliana’s child), napapabayaan… Kasama na naman si Alex.’ I’m glad that they have that kind of experience with the show.”

Linlang director FM Reyes and actress Ruby Ruiz.
Photos from Dreamscape Entertainment Facebook page

Kim also believes that if Juliana were to choose between Victor and Alex, she would pick the latter. The actress explained, “Maybe Alex. Kasi siyempre asawa niya na si Victor tapos nandiyan na sa harap niya, they are living together in one house. She would still see Alex. So siguro bet niya talaga si Alex. Maybe because iba yung nabibigay ni Alex kay Juliana na security and love because you will not go the other way if you are contented with who you’re with.”

Given its successful run so far on Prime Video, will Linlang have a Season 2? Co-director FM Reyes said, “That is if they will survive what’s going to happen next. Brace yourselves for what’s about to happen in the next few weeks.”

He quipped, “Bukod sa tumigil sa pag-inom ng kape, maghanda ng garlic oil sa tabi. Mas malalim, mas unexpected, mas ako nininerbyos sa sarili ko.”

Meanwhile, Kim has clarified breakup rumors circulating with longtime boyfriend Xian Lim. The speculation arose from the actress’ recent solo travels.

“Baka nalilinlang lang kayo,” she said and added that they are OK.

“Malinlang ang showbiz pero maayos naman, masaya naman po (kami),” she briefly answered.