Kathryn Bernardo receives Outstanding Asian Star award in South Korea

Kathryn Bernardo. Image: Screengrab from Youtube/Seoul International Drama Awards

Kathryn Bernardo is in South Korea where she received her Outstanding Asian Star award at the Seoul International Drama Awards for her performance in the ABS-CBN drama series “2 Good 2 Be True.”

In her acceptance speech during an awarding ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 21., Bernardo dedicated her award to the staff and crew of the 2022 TV show, as well as to the nurses and health care workers. In the Mae Cruz-Alviar-helmed series, Bernardo played the role of Alyson, a nurse who went to care for an elderly patient with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The teledrama, which premiered in May 2022, was shot at the height of the pandemic.

“I fell in love with this project not only because of its storyline. It’s always been more than just sharing a love story, but also spreading awareness on Alzheimer’s disease and educating people about those who struggle with it and how we can offer them the best support they need,” she said.

“This project made me appreciate our nurses and healthcare workers, so it was more than just another TV show for me,” she said of her reunion project with real-life boyfriend Daniel Padilla.

She said being considered for the award in itself is “already a win.” “When I initially found out about this nomination and recognition for my craft from such an esteemed awards giving body, that in itself is already a win for me… But being here tonight as someone who’s receiving this award, along with my fellow awardees from Asia, I’m still overwhelmed. Everything feels surreal,” she said.

A VERY STUNNING GIRL ✨

LOOK: Kathryn Bernardo walks the red carpet at the 2023 Seoul International Drama Awards as she’s set to accept her award for Outstanding Asian Star today, Sept. 21. | 📸: Seoul International Drama Awards/YouTube via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/NnWpB1KgfI

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 21, 2023

The Kapamilya star also took the opportunity to dedicate her award to her “2 Good 2 Be True” family and fans, saying she “likes to share this award” with the team behind the series.

“Please allow me to thank our brilliant directors behind ‘2 Good 2 Be True,’ our writers, and to my brilliant co-actors, Mr. Daniel Padilla and Mr. Ronaldo Valdez. And to the team behind ‘2 Good 2 Be True,’ I’d like to share this award with all of you,” she said.

“And to my fans in the Philippines, this is for you. You guys are a gem and I appreciate each and everyone of you,” she further added.

During her speech, the “A Very Good Girl” star said it’s an honor to “represent Filipino talent” while hoping that it’s the start for “world-class projects” in viewers “for the whole world to see.”

“‘2 Good 2 Be True is the first-ever project of ABS-CBN and Netflix, and I hope that we can continue to produce world-class projects not just for Filipinos but for the whole world to see,” she said. “I am so proud and humbled to be on the stage representing Filipino talent and being a Filipino. This means so much to me.”

Aside from Bernardo, Thai actor Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat and South Korean actress Park Eun-bin also received the award from the body.

The actress also took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to thank her supporters.

“This is for you, this is for us. From the bottom of my heart, maraming maraming salamat po (thank you very much),” she said.

This is for you, this is for us.
From the bottom of my heart, maraming maraming salamat po. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Z2sBGc8Rrn

— KATH 🐘 (@bernardokath) September 21, 2023

The Outstanding Asian Star award is bestowed to actors from six Asian countries — South Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Each country has their own set of representatives, but the actors may compete against fellow nominees in their own country, where the winner is determined through voting.

In the case of Bernardo, she was up against Padilla, Barbie Forteza, Julie Anne San Jose, and Dennis Trillo. EDV