Kim Molina (left) and Jerald Napoles, dubbed as “KimJe.” Image: VIVA FILMS
K-drama feels with Pinoy humor is what Viva Films’ “Seoulmeyt” has to offer. The rom-com topbilled by Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles opens in cinemas on May 29.
The movie directed by Darryl Yap captures the cheerful spirit of the Filipino and postcard-pretty Seoul scenery. Kim plays Lunie, a social worker and K-drama fan who hails from a village ravaged by a typhoon. Jerald portrays Jun, who pretends to be Korean businessman Park Jun Jun.
Their paths cross when Jun has to negotiate with Lunie on behalf of his Korean boss to buy the land where she lives and build a port there. To win over Lunie, Jun takes her to Korea to work out the deal and navigate the growing affection between them. Chaos and hilarity ensue when Lunie meets the real boss. Make way for “oppa KimJe style.”
Here are quotes from Kim (K), Jerald (J) and Darryl (D):
K: This movie is extra meaningful because it’s sort of a new beginning for Direk Darryl and me after we had a gap during election time due to our opposing political views. It was tough because I love Direk Da, but I didn’t like his candidate. I’m glad our friendship has remained intact even if we were at odds for awhile.
J: Without a doubt, Kim and I are soulmates. We are each other’s fan and critic. Even if many show biz couples split up recently, we are not worried that it could also happen to us. Our journey is different from theirs.
We started off as friends and grew up together as coactors during our “teatro” days, so our foundation is rock solid. Kim and I will stop the “curse” of showbiz breakups. Tama na ang sumpa na yan (laughs)!
D: Our movie is a satire of K-drama moments with a Pinoy touch. It also shows the dexterity of Kim and Je as a love team. They moved differently, especially Je who had to be an “oppafied” version of his character.
K: Even when Je and I are fighting, we don’t let it get in the way of our work. There was even a time when we split up, but we had to shoot a love scene together the next day.
J: Kim and I don’t have a professional rivalry. We are happy when we have work, even if it’s not a project for us together. As a live-in couple, we split our monthly bills. Since we both have individual “rakets,” bawal ‘di magbigay ng share sa bills.
D: I’m in a five-year relationship. I’m a long-termer. All my relationships start off as friendship. I believe that souls also change, so it’s not easy to find the right match.
Angeli Khang
Angeli Khang in a love triangle
Vivamax Queen (VMQ) Angeli Khang has crossed over to mainstream TV via the hit action series, “Black Rider” (BR). It airs week nights at 8 p.m. on GMA 7 and GTV. Nimfa, the character Angeli portrays, is embroiled in a love triangle with Elias/BR (Ruru Madrid) and Vanessa (Yassi Pressman). As the plot thickens and the enemies of BR get tougher, Angeli’s charms serve as much-needed eye candy.
Here’s my chat with Angeli:
In real life, how would you handle it if you were in a love triangle?
I’ll give it all my best and it’s up to the guy how he would appreciate my efforts but whatever I do, I’ll make sure I won’t have any regrets. As they say, when you get hurt, that means you have truly loved.
How did you and Ruru break the ice?
There was no ice to break. It’s a breeze to work with Ruru. His passion for his craft rubs off on me so it drives me to do better in our scenes.
What do you look for in a man?
His personality, efforts and consistency. Respect is a must. Looks are just a bonus.
Since you are the VMQ, how do you deal with men who regard you as a “plaything?”
I think people nowadays are more open-minded and are aware that what I do is just work and it doesn’t define who I really am as a whole. But to others who only see me as the sexy characters I portray, everyone has his own opinion. I don’t really mind as long as I’m happy with what I’m doing.
How do you feel about being pitted against Ivana Alawi of BR’s rival show?
I’m flattered because I’m a fan of her vlogs.
Vincent del Rosario (center) with new Vivamax hotties —VIVAMAX
Vivamax’s 11 million subscribers
Vivamax (VM) is the cream este “stream” of the crop. In just a span of one year, its subscribers have grown from seven million to 11 million (and counting). Launched in January 2021, it is still the fastest-growing video-on-demand service in the country. VM has close to 500 titles.
To celebrate its 11-million milestone, the spotlight is on 11 new artists to heat up the platform all the more. The femmes fatales were presented at a grand media con graced by the top honchos of Viva, Vincent and Val del Rosario. They are Dyessa Garcia, Rica Gonzales, Christy Imperial, Arah Alonzo, Vern Kaye, Athena Red, Alessandra Cruz, Jenn Rosa, Candy Veloso, Mariane Saint and Skye Gonzaga.
According to Vincent, VM serves as a stepping stone for their stars to transition into mainstream TV or theater. He and Val are ecstatic that VM has exceeded their expectations.
“When we launched VM, our target market were Pinoys here and abroad,” said Vincent. “But now, we have subscribers who are foreigners, from countries like Indonesia, so our movies have Bahasa subtitles to cater to their local audience.” Viva-vavavoom!