Cristine Reyes (left) and Diego Loyzaga
Since watching K-dramas has become our national pastime, what a treat it is to have a local adaptation of “Encounter,” directed by Jeffrey Jeturian. The much-celebrated Korean series about a May-December romance stars Cristine Reyes and Diego Loyzaga portraying the roles popularized by Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum.
It airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. on TV5 and will be available for streaming on Vivamax starting July 23. It has K-drama charm with a Pinoy touch. Imagine feasting on samgyeopsal and lechon at the same time. “Encounter’s” Philippine version is the best of both cultures sans the hassle of reading subtitles. That calls for a “finger heart” and an apir (“high five” a la Pinoy).
Here are quotes from Cristine (C) and Diego (D):
C: My character Celine taught me to suck it up: To live life according to my own terms and not mind people who judge me.
D: It’s quite a pressure to do an adaptation of a K-drama because all scenes must have the approval of the production team in Korea. If it does not meet their standards, we have to reshoot. But I’m gad we were able to pull it off.C: Just like in the series, I’m open to the idea of falling for a younger guy. After all, love has no age limit.
D: Christine and I did not resist each other’s charms while shooting. We used our charms for our characters to click, so we would have onscreen chemistry.
C: I regret not going to Portugal for the Oporto International Film Festival. I was not expecting to win the best actress award (for “UnTrue”), that’s why I turned down Viva’s offer to send me to Portugal. Hopefully, I’ll bag another international award, and I will make sure to be around to receive it.
D: I imbibed the nonstop positivity of my character, Gino. I’m looking forward to do a remake of one of my Dad’s (Cesar Montano) hit movies. But I can’t reveal which one just yet. I miss my Dad. It’s been awhile since we’ve talked. I hope to see him soon so we can let bygones be bygones.
Cloe Barreto (left) and Jason Abalos
‘Silab’: Playing with fire
It’s “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” Pinoy-style, in the sexy psychological drama directed by Joel Lamangan, “Silab” (now streaming on Vivamax), topbilled by Jason Abalos, Marco Gomez and Cloe Barreto. Their characters play with fire as they love dangerously. Watch and learn, este yearn!
Here are some quotes from Joel (JL), Cloe (C) and Jason (J):
JL: I want no censorship. It’s good that in the movies being streamed, the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) does not intervene. It’s a liberating feeling for us filmmakers.
J: Men stray when there are unmet needs in a relationship. So there must be constant “checking up” by wives or gfs if there’s anything they forgot to do for their partners.
C: Since it’s my launching movie, I had to lose all my inhibitions in my daring scenes. I am so flattered that Direk Joel likened me to Jaclyn Jose in the movie, “Private Show.”
J: Since my girlfriend Vickie Rushton is done joining pageants, it’s about time we build a family.
JL: At this point of my career, I want to direct newcomers like Cloe and help develop their potential. I refuse to be stuck working with oldtimers.