MEDIA giant GMA Network continues to be an entertainment powerhouse for viewers worldwide as it presents an inspirational story on pursuing dreams and believing in oneself with the groundbreaking prime-time series Start-Up PH.
Set to premiere this September 26, the program is the first-ever TV adaptation of the breakthrough 2020 South Korean series which is based on the original format Start-Up created by Hyer-yeon Park and produced by Studio Dragon Corp., co-produced by Studio Dragon and CJ ENM.
Start-Up PH is topbilled by Alden Richards as Tristan and Bea Alonzo as Dani. All set to spice up the lives of Tristan and Dani are the equally important characters of Ina (Yasmien Kurdi) and Dave (Jeric Gonzales).
Alden takes pride in bannering the much-awaited Pinoy remake, “We have a show we can be very proud of. ’Yung fans ng Korean version, gusto nilang makita na itong Filipino adaptation is something worth their while and based sa trailer, may laban po kami. Aside from that, I’m sure the whole cast is very proud to have Bea in this show. She puts good pressure on us, especially with the way she handles her character.”
As she stars in her very first GMA series, Bea enjoys the challenge of working with the entire cast: “Of course, may adjusting period kasi first time ko silang makasama lahat. But I’m always on my toes trying to let them feel na okay akong katrabaho and I try to be the best version of myself in front of them. Now that I’m restarting, mas ini-enjoy ko every moment. Hindi ako fearful to try new things.”
A certified K-drama fan, Yasmien shares how she landed her dream role in this local adaptation: “Nung in-offer sa akin itong project, talagang tinanggap ko agad. At first nakaka-pressure siya, so pinanood ko ulit at saka ko na-realize na kaya naman pala. Happy din ako kasi nakatrabaho ko silang lahat at ito na rin ’yung time na hinihingi ng fans na sana maging magkapatid kami sa isang show ni Bea.”
Meanwhile, Jeric, who was in fact Alden’s personal choice to be his costar in the program, feels overwhelmed to be part of this huge project: “It’s my first time na maka-work sina Alden at Bea and it’s definitely a dream come true. At first, nahihiya at na-starstruck ako sa kanila pero naging magaan ang pakiramdam sa set. Nagtutulungan talaga lahat para mapaganda ang mga eksena. I’m very grateful kasi hindi ko in-expect na ako ang magpu-portray ng role na ito.”
Start-Up PH tackles the different journeys to success and self-discovery. It highlights the importance of being surrounded by supportive and loving people, and proves that through sheer will and determination, every dream is worth pursuing no matter how hard it can get.
It tells the story of Tristan, who comes from humble beginning before turning into a coveted investor for start-up companies. One day, he crosses paths with Dani whom he used to know as a child. Dani grew up to be a strong and ambitious woman who dreams of becoming the CEO of her own company.
Joining the headliners is an all-star cast: Gabby Eigenmann, Kim Domingo, Jackie Lou Blanco, Ayen Munji Laurel, Boy2 Quizon, Royce Cabrera, Niño Muhlach, Lovely Rivero, Kevin Santos, Tim Yap, Jay Arcilla, Kaloy Tingcungco, Brianna, and Gina Alajar. Completing the cast is the special participation of Neil Ryan Sese.
Start-Up PH is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for entertainment group Lilybeth G. Rasonable. The creative team behind this motivational drama is Ricky Lee, with Jerry Sineneng and Dominic Zapata as directors. It premieres on September 26, airing weeknights at 8:50 pm on GMA, and at 11:30 pm from Monday to Thursday and at 11 pm every Friday on GTV.
Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. More information can be found at www.gmanetwork.com.