THE AWE-INSPIRING ASIANOVELAS

I used to question why do broadcast networks air Asian TV series dubbed in Tagalog when Filipinos have a lot of stories to tell with talented stars waiting for the right break to come. 

But I guess its just a matter of time before I realized that TV series from other Asian countries are just the same as patronizing the Mexican telenovelas or American series shown on Philippine TV.  When GMA7 aired its first Korean series Bright Girl, only few noticed.  But when ABS-CBN premiered Taiwan's Meteor Garden, the series became a phenomenal hit that up to its last re-run, the show continues to conquer the viewer's interests. The series opened up the hearts of Pinoys to love the tales and cultures of Koreans and Taiwanese.

Since then, there is no doubt of Asianovela invasion on Philippine TV and the love for such series continues up to this day. We have fallen in love with stories and twists that our local entertainment industry refuses or maybe scared to try.  

Both giant networks continue to compete in purchasing the TV rights of the best TV series from other countries.  Who benefit from these competitions? Of course, the viewers. Thanks to these TV networks for if not for them, maybe only less than one percent of the Philippine population would know the breathtaking TV series of our neighboring Asian countries.  More so, we won't be able to appreciate the cultures, traditions, food and even adore the beautiful people of these countries.

And speaking of beautiful Asian people, here's a list of some of the good-looking artists who has hit our lives just like their TV series that has taken the country by storm:

* LEE MIN HO
Perfect Match (Personal Taste)
Boys Over Flowers

* JERRY YAN 
Meteor Garden
down with love

* VIC ZHOU
Meteor Garde
Mars

* RAIN
Full House

* SONG HYE KYO
Endless Love Autumn in My Heart
Full House
Worlds Within

* KIM SUNG SOO
Full House

* WON BIN
Endless Love Autumn in My Heart

* BAE YONG JOON
Endless Love Winter Sonata
The Legend

* LEE YOUNG AE
Jewel in the Palace

* CHAE RIM

Dal Ja's Spring

All About Eve

* HYUN BIN

Kim Sam Soon

Worlds Within

the valentine box office king and his V movie

It started with Let the Love Begin, followed by I Will Always Love You, the Promise, My Bestfriend's Girlfriend, When I Met You and now My Valentine Girls. For over the past five years, Richard Gutierrez starred in these blockbuster Valentine movies which earned him his title Valentine Box-office King.  I am not a die-hard fan but at least I watched Richard's career flourished from being a second lead to one of the most in-demand young actors today - whether he can or cannot act.  But I believe he knows what kind of project suits him well because moviegoers enjoy his films especially those created by his mother studio. 

This year, Regal Films and GMA Films bring together a new Valentine offering set to tickle the hearts of moviegoers of all ages - My Valentine Girls.  The movie stars Richard Gutierrez who plays quadruple roles in the film -  Arvin, the author; Oslec, the taxi driver; Zach, the lawyer; and Aidan, the survivor.  The movie tells the story of an author creating stories for his new book: "Soulmate," "BBF" and "Gunaw." 


Among the trilogy, its the episode Soulmate that is most appealing for me.  The chemistry between Richard and Rhian Ramos in this romantic-comedy tale is obvious.  Although the story may be a formula, still it has reached out to moviegoers the kilig factor it ought to share this love season.  The story could have been created to one entire funny and kilig film.


Unlike the first story, the episode BBF could have been shortened since it's dragging.  And it appears the artists couldn't convince themselves portraying their characters so how can they convince the audience to enjoy this episode? If the creative team was fixed in pushing a Solenn-Richard-Lovi triangle, they should have chosen the world of fashion as venue for this story. Probably a male model falling in love with his make-up artist despite his relationship with another popular model. It would definitely be believable.  


As for Gunaw, well, there's nothing expected from Eugene Domingo except her hilarious scenes and punchlines delivered perfectly at the right moment.


Expect another romantic film from Richard Gutierrez next year.  But I hope in his next V flick, each cent I spend will be worth it.  Happy Valentine's Day everyone!