It’s been a while since I last wrote my thoughts about Asian drama.  So far, I’ve written about Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese dramas that I have seen, but not about Philippine dramas.  I have not seen any Philippine dramas because they have not interested me until “My Girl–Philippine version.” When I heard that the TV station ABS CBN made an adaptation of the Korean hit drama (and one of my all time favorites)-My Girl- I became curious and watched it.  I was hooked!  The lead Philippine stars (unknown to me until this drama) –Gerald Anderson playing the hotel executive Julian in the Philippine version  (that is, the role of Lee Dong Wook as Gong Chan in the Korean version) and Kim Chiu playing the “fake” cousin of Julian (that is, the role played by Lee Da-Hae as  Joo Yoo Rin in the Korean version) are great actors.  At first I thought that they were too young for the roles (Both are not yet in their 20s; they were winners in the Philippine version of Big Brother–first Teen edition  in 2006)  but they are so good they could get away with it.  And both Gerald and Kim are so cute together. 

I am so glad the Philippine version was able to adapt the drama to Philippine culture and situations.  Julian (Gong Chan in the Korean) belongs to an aristocratic Spanish family while Jasmine (Yoo Rin in the Korean) is a street smart Chinese-Filipino girl. Julian’s lost cousins parents were victims of landslide vis the Korean version where the parents were victims of the Kobe earthquake. 

 I thought the Philippine cast is far good looking than the Korean cast, but I prefer the Korean OST than the Philippine OST.  There are new songs composed solely for the Philippine version like “Sabihin Mo Na” (Tell Me Now) by Philippine singer Yeng Constantino.  Moreover, Philippine dramas are usually dragging, but this one is fast paced.  And just like their  Korean counterparts, the lead actors here are also “fashionistas.”

I don’t know how many episodes there are and until when I would be glued to the TV daily during weekdays; but I do look forward to being at home by 9pm so that I could watch my latest favorite drama.