Krista K

Krista Kleiner (born June 12, 1989 in Orange County, California), also known as Krista K, is a Euro-Asian American entertainer and entrepreneur of Filipino, English, German, Spanish, Scottish, Finish and Chinese descent. She spent six years of her life, ages 18–24, achieving success in the Philippines as a TV personality hosting, acting, and performing on a number of primetime television shows. She went on to win Miss Philippines in 2010 also bagging the titles Best in Swimsuit and Best in Talent. Upon auditioning for the man himself, Krista was mentored by world-renowned international balladeer Julio Iglesias after being asked to be his special guest on his world tour in 2010. Krista self produced a pop/dance album after returning to the Philippines, leading to her signing two major label deals (with Universal Records and Warner Music Group) across four different countries in Asia—the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Shortly after, Krista connected with Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, who asked to and became her mentor, eventually leading to her recent return to Los Angeles.

Background

Since the age of 7, Krista Kleiner has been performing both on and off the stage. Having enrolled in jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, and ballet classes at such a young age, Krista soon found herself successfully competing in Latin ballroom styles (Pasodoble, Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Jive). Later, she became a runway model. Kleiner started to slowly learn the ropes of the entertainment industry that she would soon call home.

At 18, she secured her first major contract with the top TV network in the Philippines. Having just begun her college education at the University of California in San Diego, the difficult choice between an education in the classroom or an education in the real world would present itself. In a leap of faith, Kleiner would uproot herself from California for an experience that was supposed to last but only a few months, but in fact lasted four years.

Over the course of her years in the Philippines, Kleiner co-hosted a primetime game show out of the gate. Her unique look and playful personality mixed with her uncanny ability to speak the native Tagalog language made her an instant hit with the Filipino audiences. This instant connection with her Philippine fans catapulted her to her next gig—a lead role in the primetime equivalent of Spiderman in the Philippines. Through this role she was able to display a new comedic side to her character as well as her ability to perform in action sequences by leveraging her black belt in Tae Know Do (along with highly dangerous nun chuck skills that she would take with her on another show Darna [Wonderwoman in the Philippines]). Her rising star power didn’t stop there. Successful showings while hosting lifestyle shows, daytime shows, and the number one variety show in the Philippines turned one-off spots into regular appearances, which continued to bring her into the hearts and minds of her loyal Philippine fans.

Truly immersing and assimilating herself into the Philippine culture created a sense of pride in her country that she could not ignore. That pride turned into a sense of obligation to be the best representative of a beautiful Filipino culture, so she joined the Binibining Pilipinas competition in 2010 (Miss Philippines). She was fortunate enough to qualify to compete and not only took awards for “Best in Swim Suit” and “Best in Talent” but also took home the crown as Miss Philippines International 2010.^[1]

This level of visibility as an official representative of the country, caught the attention of many more including the likes of the legendary Julio Iglesias. She was personally asked by Julio to join him on his world tour as a special guest performer that would sing and dance before sell-out crowds in the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, and even back in her own native United States. The wealth of knowledge and experience she learned training with one of the best in the music business had turned a light switch on forever. She had found her true passion in musical performance and writing.^[2]

Being no stranger to taking dreams into her own hands, Krista self-produced her debut album entitled Feels So Good. As if spearheading her own 14-track album wasn’t enough, she represented herself to labels and successfully convinced them to sign distribution deals for her project (Universal Records in the Philippines and Warner Music Group in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei).^[3][4]

While performing her music at festivals internationally, she was fortunate enough to share the stage with one of her childhood idols, Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas. In true Krista fashion, she grew in her relationship with Taboo, ultimately convincing him to mentor her in her musical endeavors. This opportunity opened up a whole new world to her in which she continues to gratefully and graciously work hard to make her own mark.^[5][6]

Today

In true committed fashion, Krista is now living back in the entertainment capital of the world—Los Angeles—working with top-producers across all genres to continue to make music that serves as a vehicle to spread positive messages, such as women empowerment, which are dear to her.

Upon her return, Krista continued to excel in her performances off the stage as the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Head of Social Responsibility for the JMAS Group, a business and technology firm that focuses on entertainment-driven segments (Sports, Fashion, Food and Beverage, etc.). She handled business and relationship development with key partners/stakeholders and led all company charitable efforts pulling from her experience as an ambassador for the Red Whistle HIV Awareness Campaign in the Philippines. Some of the companies for which she was directly involved are principled by top-ranked female golfer and 2014 US Women’s Open Champion Michelle Wie as well as world-class surgeon Dr. James Chao (physician to the San Diego Chargers, ESPN X-Games, and many other notable elite athletes).

After helping JMAS for a year upon her return to LA, Krista went on to being Co-Creative Director for Club 42, alongside founders John Branca (world renowned entertainment lawyer and co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate), Johnny Buc Lockwood, and Melissa Bowden (VP of Sales at StarMakers). Club 42 is a 501c non-profit that celebrates the legacy of Jackie Robinson and supports MLB's mission to increase diversity in baseball by raising scholarships for African American players. Club 42 is a hands-on, buddy-system philanthropy where affluent families come together and commit to sponsorship and scholarship escrow fundraising for deserving African American players, all under the blanket of baseball and dance.

Recent Bookings

We Love Asia (with Pitbull & DJ Antoinne), 1 World Music Festival (with Snoop Dogg, Moby, Far East Movement etc.), and Warrior concert with Kesha.^{[7] [8]}

Fun Facts

- Krista has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do - Skills include use of double nunchucks - She used to compete in swimming and is a multi-medalist breaking a record for breast stroke when she was 8 - Krista played tennis tournaments as a kid and at the age of 7 took home a first-place trophy - Her first ballroom dancing competition was at the age of 9 - The first instrument she learned to play was the piano at the age of 7 taking private classes for 2 years - Krista was published in an educational book entitled The Art of Followership: How Great Followers Create Great Leaders and Organizations at the age of 16

Personal life

On 4 November 2013, Krista married the Australian internet and new media entrepreneur Patrick Grove. From recent reports in an online showbiz portal and an interview with a controversial radio host, Kleiner’s marriage is tainted with speculations that her marital status is on the rocks.

July 2015, In an showbiz reports by a local network in Philippines, Krista's marriage with Patrick Grove is already annulled.

Appearances

Notes

References

• Tinnie Esguerra, Philippine Star- Krista K: From beauty queen to glam diva
• Isah Red, Manila Standard Today- Krista K now a Universal record singer
• Edwin Sallan, Interaksyon, Krista Kleiner reinvents herself as Krista K with feel-good dance album
• Melody Oei, MSN, Krista K
• Philippine Entertainment Portal, Krista Kleiner releases her debut album, Feels So Good
• Orange Magazine TV, Krista K To Perform with Craig David and Taboo of Black Eyed Peas In Malaysia