Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

SHE is one of the Philippines upcoming stars.

Fil-Am Krista Kleiner better known for her Filipino stage name Krissa Mae Arrieta has already co-hosted on the GMA–7 show GoBingo and has a supporting role in the GMA-7 show Gagambino.

The 19-year-old Fil-Am is trying to make it in the world of Philippine show business. And so far she is on the cusp of stardom.

As the GoBingo girl, she cohosted with Filipino star Arnel Ignacio. In Gagambino, she plays a martial arts expert and co-stars with Filipino celebrities Katrina Halili and Dennis Trillo. She’s also starred in a number of reality game shows like Pacman’s Challenge.

She is also being considered to be in the Filipino version of Shall We Dance, a competitive dance show in the Philippines later this year.

Not a bad resume for a 19-year-old who has been in Philippine showbiz for only one year.

"I love my work so much," said Kleiner to the Asian Journal. "Things right now are really great."

Kleiner recently went back home to OC after a year in the Philippines.

Known for her height and mestiza look, Kleiner was born and raised in Orange County, California. Kleiner’s mother is Filipino and her father is an American with German and British roots. Both are schoolteachers, according to Kleiner.

Kleiner said she was born to perform.

Talent scouts recognized Kleiner early as a possible child TV star but Kleiner’s parents insisted that she should have a regular childhood.

"My parent’s spoke to some psychologists and they didn’t want me to be a child star and have a messed up childhood," said Kleiner. "They wanted me to go to school and if I really wanted to do showbiz to wait until after I turned 18. It would be my decision."

By the time she was eighteen, she may not have done any professional work but she built up her experience.

Besides having straight A’s, she did four years of runway modeling work, competed in Latin Ballroom dancing, sing and dance competitions, and also holds a black belt in Taekwondo. A GMA-7 talent scout noticed Kleiner after she won the Miss Philippines-USA title in 2007. The scout was impressed with not only Kleiner’s look but also her ability to speak fl uent Tagalog. "Even before I was born my mom felt like it was important to teach me how to speak Tagalog," said Kleiner. "She felt like learning the language would help me maintain the Filipino values of respecting the parents and family and friends."