Heart Evangelista (left) and Alexander Lee
Since Pinoys are going gaga over K-dramas, GMA 7 came up with a bright idea via the Fil-Korean rom-com, “My Korean Jagiya.” Partly shot in South Korea’s scenic spots that are often used in famous K-dramas, the series is topbilled by Heart Evangelista-Escudero and Oppa Alexander Lee (former member of the K-pop group, U-Kiss).
The charming series tells the story of a fangirl and her idol, which will make you believe in the magic of serendipity. Even if Heart is already married, her vibrant glow makes it seem like she’s still a high-school girl, so her team-up with the Korean heartthrob is swoonworthy, indeed.
Here’s my chat with Heart:
What’s your fave K-drama? “Full House,” so I’m happy I was able to do its remake. But, “My Korean Jagiya” tops everything else I like.
What’s it like working with a Korean actor? It’s refreshing to work with someone who’s a star in Korea but doesn’t act like one. He’s humble and hardworking.
What are some of Alexander’s quirks? He loves halo-halo and sinigang. He’s not the type who would go out and drink. Actually, he’s very much like me. He’s a homebody, that’s why he’s usually at my house having dinner with me and Chiz.
What advice from your late “Cupid,” Miriam Defensor-Santiago, do you still follow till now? She used to tell me that, while we really have to be nice, sometimes, we need to learn to put our foot down. Have a backbone and stand up for what you believe in. Develop a strong character.
What hashtag would you give your marriage at this point in time? #bliss
Does motherhood cross your mind? Yes, it does! I was supposed to work on another movie after my soap, but I turned it down. I’ll be busy painting and designing my own clutch line.
Not that anybody’s pressuring me, but I feel like it’s time to prioritize having a baby.
What are your new “discoveries” about Chiz? When I met Chiz, he was at the stage of his life where he didn’t want to pretend to be somebody he was not. It was an “accept me as I am” sort of thing, so I now know more or less how he is. I discovered his being super hands-on at home. It’s rare for husbands who are busy to have the energy and time for household chores.
Among all your travel memories, which experience stands out the most? My trip to Paris with Chiz. The city has always been my favorite. The first time I went there, I told myself that I wanted to come back with “the one”—and it happened!
You are always so poised, but have you had any clumsy moment? Actually, I’m very clumsy. I wear heels all the time, but I always trip—like my mom! But, just like life, it’s how you recover that matters.
What’s the best and toughest part of being a politician’s wife? I’m lucky that my husband is not the typical politician. We’re both busy, but he’s very supportive of my work. Some people don’t understand that I have a husband who’s open-minded.
At the end of the day, I pay no attention to what other people say, because I know I’m too blessed to be stressed!
Don’t miss “Bangon MaraWE” at Manhattan Row, General Malvar ave., Araneta Center, Quezon City on Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. The benefit show features my fave band True Faith, Top Suzara, Moonstar88, Imago, Gracenote, Oh, Flamingo, Halina, Color It Red, Tevanny, AvayaDown and The Late Isabel. Admission is free, but donations for the rehabilitation of Marawi residents’ lives will be accepted at the venue.
Hip, help, hooray!
PERSONAL: Thanks a mil to JM Ouano, Jun Babar and Leina Bolinas for an overdose of yumminess at Gen Korean Barbecue House (on Seaside blvd.).