The largest integrated media and entertainment company in the Philippines, ABS-CBN launched its first Korean drama series adaptation for Philippine TV premiered last May 26.

The Philippine remake of the popular Korean Drama, MY GIRL instantly became a hit and the number one show of the network which stars Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, the hottest love team in the country.

While the story is set in the Philippines, the producers are trying to inject some Korean flavor to the drama. A Korean stylist has been hired to create a trendy “Korean look” for the Filipino actors and actresses.

“We’re retaining the basic core of the story, but we’re ‘Philippinizing’ it in so many ways. So it’s going to be different. Ours is a combination of drama and comedy. It’s a younger version definitely. The number of episodes is slightly more as well. Our version should run for about 16 to 20 hours,” ABS-CBN business unit head Deo Edrinal said in a statement.

The Synopsis:
Jasmine, a Fil-Chinese girl whose zest for life never wavers despite her endless struggles. Her destiny changes once she crosses paths with Julian (Gerald Anderson) who asks her to pretend to be his long-lost cousin to grant his grandfather’s dying wish. As they carry on with their charade, however, Jasmine learns that nothing good will come out of the ruse, especially when it leads to some romantic confusion. In an increasingly complicated situation, where will fate lead these “partners in crime?”

It has been over a month since it was first released by the network, and sadly I only got to watch the first episode since its airing. Curious about the latest buzz, I stumbled upon several blogs and videos on YouTube and Crunchyroll and am so amazed with people’s positive responses on the series and at how people were diligently uploading the show’s episodes daily.

Prior to its launching, people’s initial reaction were not too good as most have a steriotypical outlook on Pinoy dramas as heavy, sad and too predictable. The casts are merely newbies but not to be looked down upon because somehow they deliver their roles with justice despire little annoying tidbits. Of course Kim and Gerald’s pairing is very likable not to mention its tremendous appeal to the masses.

According to some articles I got to read, Kim’s character is befitting her role – funny but not too outrageous, while Gerald needs to act more maturely on screen because his role required him to be so. The soundtracks were also nicely incorporated to the scenes adding a lot more spice to the plot.

Go pinoys!