E eisty actress/ endorser/ VJ Cindy Kurleto knows what she wants and how to get it.

You've seen her reel in men with her luxurious skin and beckoning eyes on TV, but behind this half-Pinay, half-Austrian's captivating façade is a complex, self-sufficient woman who's tough as nails! Despite a congested nose and an exhausted aura (she barely has time to sleep these days dues to her hectic schedule, filming for upcoming movies and TV shows Daddy DiDoDu , Encantadia, Love to Love , VH1 , and classic MTV, as well as attending pictorials for magazine covers and multiple endorsements), Cindy eagerly answered all the questions thrown her way with much candor.

You were an only child growing up in Vienna . Were you spoiled?

No. I'd ask my mom for a new pair of pants for about three weeks until we'd actually buy them. I'm not one of those half-Filipinos who were born into marriages by rich foreigners with Pinay entertainers. My dad divorced us when I was four, and my mom was a hardworking diplomat nurse who worked in an HIV station for the last 17 years of her life.

Which Pinoy traits did you inherit from her?

I'm romantic, malambing, hospitable. I'd do anything for a friend.

What's the greatest lesson your mom taught you?

I can't decided if it's the best one, but she'd tell me this over and over again: “Don't depend on anyone, especially not on a man.”

Another women who inspire you?

Drew Barrymore is not the typical anorexic, bulimic actress. She's very beautiful inside-out. Angelina Jolie is straightforward and frank. She doesn't mind admitting she has had several lovers and that she's tried female lovers. Gwen Stefani is so successful ‘cause she's not afraid to break any clichés or musical borders.

What's the toughest job you've had so far?

Housekeeping was kind of gross. For my course (HRM), I had to do everything! I also worked as a waitress, but I enjoyed doing that. I even served Andre Agassi and Arnold Swarzenegger .

Have you always wanted to enter show business?

I was actually offered to enter ABS-CBN when I was 15 or 16, and even then, they wanted to team up with Jericho Rosales . I didn't want to do it so I escaped. My mom hide my passport, but I found it, rescheduled my flight to Vienna , and went to airport by myself. I didn't want to do it then.

Favorite role you've played so far?

The villain in Forever In My Heart . She's my favorite character because it took me so long to befriend her. When I finally did, it gave me so much freedom to express myself as someone else.

How did you become an MTV VJ?

I auditioned thrice. It took me so long to get that stint but when they finally called, I had to get permission from ABS-CBN ‘cause I was in Masayang Tanghali Bayan . I got permission by crying. I'm not ashamed to tell you this. I know exactly how to get what I want. To Cosmo girls, if you know you can get something through this way, do it!

Did you really turn down a chance to be Jericho 's leading lady for Panday?

Yes. The minute they asked me, in my head I had a car, Louis Vuitton bags, Chanel outfits, and a beach house. But why say no? Because you're cage! All that would only come in inclusion with him. I had him included in my private life and we split. To have him included afterwards in my working environment wouldn't be healthy. Plus, if you have a good storyboard, you don't need to sell your talents' private lives. I pity him ‘cause that's what they did to him all his life. He is such a good actor. He doesn't need to be paired up like that.

Is that why you two never admitted to having a relationship while you were together?

He was verbally forbidden by his boss. I was young and in love. I was bobo! I should have spoken up right there and then… when you get older, it gets so much harder to find a partner. What can you call serious until you get married? Nothing.

Are you dating anyone special?

I'm officially single and I do not enjoy dating. You go out on a date for someone to get to know you. You put together an outfit' cause you want to show the person a certain picture of you… but it's not possible to do that anymore! I go on a date and the guy will quote me from an interview I did. There's no more room left for me to make my own impression on him, and that's what I want to so much.

Any type of guy you always fall for?

I like them all! (Laughs) I don't care if he's a nerd or a bad boy. Every time I get attracted to a guy, it's because he forces to act differently. I feel I'll develop a side that I have inside but still need to enhance. There's a side of me I see in him, but he knows if better than me. Like my first boyfriend, he knew all about the music I wanted to know about.

What qualities do you look for in your dream partner?

I like it when a man is responsible and he keeps his word. Many men sweet talk to impress, but never to follow it up. I really dislike it when guys fake it. To all the men out there, it's very cheap when you give in to a kiss after the first date. Some guys I've gone on first dates kissed my cheek with open, wet lips—which implied I could kiss them on the mouth if I wanted to. That's so cheap!

Cook for a guy or let him cook for you

I would rather have fun in the kitchen and cook together.

I read that you love to travel. What are the places you've got to visit?

I love the world! I want to check out, the pyramids of Egypt , as well as the Maya and Inca temples. I want to stay there overnight with a backpack. I'm also very curious about the Easter Islands . How did they make all those giant statues? My two best friends and I have been debating about it forever!

You constant traveling companions?

My boylets! (Laughs) Kidding! I have three close friends who never say no to a beach weekend. They're not celebrities. If you have two celebrities on a weekend in Boracay, it's not a holiday anymore.

What's the best place you've visited so far?

The Philippines ! It's so corny, but I'm telling you the truth. Have you ever noticed that people who visit Manila for the first time never leave when they're supposed to? Everyone's so hospitable. You can go to a bar on a Tuesday and people will party like it's a Saturday!

Do you get loads of special treatment when you're out?

(Hesitates) Do you really want to know? It'll sound like I'm bragging… I have a bottle of tequila in my name in almost every club. I get free drinks and I don't pay entrance fees. I can easily get into VIP areas or get reserved tables.

What's the best thing about being Cindy?
I'm so lucky! (Smiles) I'm happy I'm here, I'm happy where I am, and I'm happy with my career.

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