Heart opens her home
FILIPINOS are known to be one of the top nationalities who are still taken over by the Korean drama (K-drama) craze. Proof of this are the localized K-drama programs produced in recent years, which have Filipino actors reprising the lead roles.
And whereas one would think Filipino versions of K-dramas take the cake in demonstrating such fanaticism for the neighboring culture, GMA Network has gone a bigger step further in produc Filipino-Korean romantic comedy series titled, “My Korean Jagiya.”
Headlining this newest primetime spectacle is the Philippine TV’s Sweetheart Heart EvangelistaEscudero as Guadalupe Immaculada Asuncion or Gia.
Evangeslita is paired up with professional Korean actor, host, and former member of wellknown K-pop group U-KISS, Alexander Lee, as Kim Jun Ho.
“This show is very exciting, and I’ve been having a great time doing it,” Lee enthused. “I was actually shocked in the beginning [of taping] how Filipinos are just so welcoming and very friendly. In Korea, it takes us weeks to break the ice! And Heart always takes care of me so I feel at home here.”
According to Evangelista, this project is “huge” for her especially now that she is celebrating her 19th year in showbiz.
“It’s not every day that I get to have these kinds of projects so I am very thankful. It was also overwhelming to be working with Korean actors. Especially today when we saw the trailer and thee music video, our hard work really paid off. The Koreans are so talented. I am praying for this project’s success, not just for me but for them as well,” the actress shared.
Asked to compare the two cultures on set, she replied, “Koreans and Filipinos are almost the same. Everyone works fast and we all just get along so it’s only the language that is different. When we left Korea, we were all sad. In turn, Alexander even said when he leaves the Philippines, he will cry.”
Meanwhile, the half- Korean, quarter-Portuguese and quarterChinese singer-actor shared that he had known Evengelista since he was a student from his foreignexchange classmates.
“Before I even heard about this project I already knew Heart--she’s famous. Even in my school if there is an international student, they’d talk about Heart. So, when I heard she’s going to be in the show, I said yes immediately and I want to do it,” Lee exclaimed.
[ of working] was a little awkward for me but you know, her 19 years in the industry makes her so relaxed and she helped me. It’s all been magical; she’s like a real-life princess and a major reason why my Philippine showbiz experience is perfect. I am really loving it,” Lee added.
With a light and The Filipina actress and the Korean star's series 'My Korean Jagiya' is TV's first- ever original Filipino-Korean romantic comedy show romantic theme, My Korean Jagiya is set to make viewers fall in love with the kilig and Jun Ho. The series was partly shot in South Korea’s most scenic K-dramas including Nami Island (“Winter Sonata”), Namsan Park (“My Name is Kim Sam Soon”), Love Padlocks at N Seoul Tower (“My Love from the Star”), and Daejanggeum Park, the actual set built and used for the internationally-acclaimed series “Jewel In The Palace.”
The Seoul Film Commission and Seoul Metropolitan Government generoudly provided support and assistance to the production team of My Korean Jagiya during their entire stay in South Korea, making everything run smoothly on set and beautifully on screen.
The show also stars awardwinning actors Janice De Belen as Aida Asuncion, Gia’s widowed aunt; Ricky Davao as Jose/Josie colorful uncle; Iya Villania-Arellano as Kennedy Santos, Gia’s perky and cheerful best friend; Edgar Allan Guzman as Ryan David Kim plays Lee's older brother in the show Alba, Gia’s handsome playboy boyfriend; and Valeen Montenegro as Cindy, the manipulative Filipina girlfriend of Jun Ho.
Moreover, the show also enjoys the special participation of Korean stars David Kim as Kim Ji Hu, Jun Ho’s stubborn older brother; Michelle Oh as Madam Kim Yea-Jin, Jun Ho and Ji Hu’s authoritative but caring mother; and Jerry Lee as Manager Choi, the goal-oriented and controlling manager of Jun Ho.
Directed by Mark Reyes, My Korean Jagiya premiers tonight on GMA Telebabad. AS busy as her schedule is for her new television show [ see main story], Heart Evangelista still manages to be a domestic goddess in real life. The actress is even earning praises for her unique taste when it comes to her home’s dining table setup.
In her latest Instagram posts, through @ iamhearte, Evangelista impressed her followers when she showcased her skills by pulling off a Filipino- Spanish dinner setup. The everfashionable lady also owns plates showing European and Chinese history.
The GMA star has further opened up her home to Instagram followers, posting several parts of the house she shares with her husband Senator Francis ‘ Chiz’ Escudero and his twins. Evangelista, however, has shunned offers to show their entire home in magazine features.
Evangelista earlier revealed the house she built from her savings. It is common knowledge that Evangelista and her politician husband signed a prenuptial agreement thus, the new home remains under her name.
Her house also serves as her artistic sanctuary as Evangelista once again picks up her brushes to paint. Evangelista, as artist Love Marie, has exhibited her works in the past but painting had to take a backseat for a while since her plate has been full with backto- back acting engagements in “Mulawin versus Ravena” and now, My Korean Jagiya.
“In between taping, did this on-the-spot painting for a short you!” Evangelista proudly noted on her new artwork.
Evangelista is currently is Paris for the fashion capital’s annual fashion week. Fashion icon, painter, actress and now a domestic goddess to—Heart Evangelista shows off her dining table setup skills (inset)