CONFIRMED: Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo topbill local remake of hit K-drama series ‘Start-Up’
Last Friday, GMA News officially made the announcement that the network was given the rights to make the Philippine adaptation of the 2020 hit Korean drama series Start-Up.
According to the Chika Minute report by Nelson Canlas, GMA Senior Vice-President Lilybeth Rasonable revealed that they were able to get the trust of Korean producer CJ ENM after a thorough discussion.
The official statement of the foreign production company was flashed:
“GMA has always been a great partner, and it is great to see them remaking one of my favorite series in Philippines. Starting with ‘Start-Up, which has a well-established storyline and unique characters, we are willing to actively carry out more adaptations of dramas with GMA in the future for the fans in Philippines.
CJ ENM Co., Ltd.“
The well-received Korean series starred Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, and Kim Seon-ho. The original story revolves around a woman who has dreams of becoming an entrepreneur like Steve Jobs how he got entangled in a love triangle between her real first love and and a man pretending to be that.
Rasonable added, “Pero may certain surprises kaming inihanda para doon sa audience. Para doon sa mga nakanood na, matutuwa sila. Para doon sa mga first time na manonood, matutuwa rin sila sa little surprises na inihanda ng GMA.” To match the massiveness of the project, two of GMA’s biggest stars were handpicked for the role – Asia’s Multimedia star Alden Richards and newly signed drama actress Bea Alonzo.
“Excited ako!,” said Alden. “This is my first K-drama adaptation project. parang ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam mabigay ng opportunity to do something na hinahanap ng audience.”
Bea revealed that getting the project was one of her considerations in making the move to GMA. “Even before I signed with GMA, in my first ever meeting with the bosses, ito na yung na-pitch. It is one of the reasons why I decided to become a Kapuso. Now, that finally it is happening, I’m very, very excited,” she said.
While this is Alden and Bea’s first official project in GMA, the two have already worked with each other in a shampoo commercial and are currently working on the local adaptation of Korean movie A Moment To Remember. They already have an idea of each other’s strengths.
“I know he’s such a brilliant actor. Nakita ko rin siya sa workshops namin. Sobrang nakaka-impress ‘yung performance niya. Kahit ako kinakabahan makasama si Alden,” Bea generously commented.
“Grabe naman ‘yun!,” Alden interrupted.
Bea then continued, “Hindi ako nagbibiro. Iniisip ko, I have to be on my toes. Kailangan galingan ko kasi magaling si Alden.”
During his turn to share, Alden complimented Bea’s attention to detail. He said, “Noong nag-workshops kami for other projects, hindi niya pinapalagpas ang mga small details. ‘Yung small details ‘yun ‘yung nag-cocount sa portrayal ng roles, eh. And, sabi ko, ah tama, perfect match! Pareho kaming hands-on sa trabaho pagdating sa creative side.”
The airing schedule and other cast members have yet to be revealed.
Nelson Canlas tested Alden and Bea’s compatibility:
Bea and Alden previously starred in Head and Shoulders’ TVCs:
Featured images courtesy of Head and Shoulders and CJ ENM
