Saturday, March 4, 2017

Koreanovela ‘Legendary Doctor’ kicks off changes on PTV-4

Filipinos have been enthralled by Koreanovelas ever since they started being shown on local television. The stories are interesting, exciting and intriguing in its various genres. Some have been so successful they’ve been re-made by local networks with Filipino stars.

Now comes “The Legendary Doctor,” set in Joseon, during the reign of King Seonjo, 50 years after the death of Jang Geum (reputedly the first female doctor in Joseon). The lead character of the show is Hur Jun, the son of a devon (“untouchable”) mother. Due to his mother’s social position, he was also considered sangnom under Joseon law at the time, even though his father was from the ruling caste and held office as a local magistrate. As a result, he faced much discrimination, which causes him to lose focus and direction, and eventually led him to participate in smuggling operations.

The medical drama airs weekends. It is brought by the Philippine-Korean Entertainment Inc (PKEI). The company is also behind “Here Comes Mr. Oh,” a comedy-Koreanovela that aired on PTV-4 two years ago.

PTV-4 is set for major changes to make it more competitive, said its general manager Dino Apolonio.

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GMA shows at NYF 2017

Defunct GMA primetime soap “Someone To Watch Over Me” is among finalists at the prestigious New York Festivals of Best TV and Films 2017.

Kapuso actress Lovi Poe, who played Joanna on the top-rating drama, shared the news on Instagram. She added, “It (the show) happens to be the lone finalist from Asia and the Philippines.”

The other finalists in the festival are “Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho: Gintong Medalya,” “Reporter’s Notebook: Pasan-Pasan Pangarap” and ”Investigative Documentaries: PAA-ralan” for Community Portraits category. Also nominated is “Front Row: Bata Sa Bintana” for Human Concerns category; “Reel Time: Maling Akala,” National/International Affairs category.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 4, go to Dawn Zulueta, Carol Banawa, Ella Reyes-Choy, Wilma Redler, Joanne Ramirez, Krystle Yambot, David S. Flores, Joan Camille Tisoy, Hattie H. Pili, Ruby Co, Mary Anne Tolentino, Michael Tan Defensor, Chicago-based Gerry Crisostomo, Judith A. Los Baños, Jillmer Dy and congressional spouse Sandra Estrella…March 5: Councilor Darius Razon, former singer Olive Alvarez, Mrs. Leonor O’Leary, Sonny Melicor, Jaril M. Andrade of Parañaque City, Bertrand Russell Sanchez, Aivee Florendo of London, England, Chex Aquino, Rhaya Jean, Jasmin Salazar, Maria Teresa Godinez Riña of Tagum City, Anthony Fermin, Melanie Sison and Maxine Ann R. McAninch...March 6: Gretchen Barretto, Rudy Tee, Mark R. Ablaza, Vicky Amalingan, Roberto Reyes, Meden Espino, Norma Williams, Felicidad Tabios, Robald Castillon, Randy Garcia of PNB PCSO Branch, Jaclyn Isip, Chris Teodoro, Anacleta Rubang-Velasco, Atty. Zerline Go Trinidad-Balleque of Tagum City and Archie Alemania... Happy wedding anniversary to Alex and Ana Cayabyab...