GMA Network continues to be an entertainment powerhouse for Kapuso viewers worldwide as it presents an inspirational story on pursuing dreams and believing in oneself with the ground-breaking primetime series “Start-Up PH,” which is set to premiere this September 26.
The program is the first-ever TV adaptation of the breakthrough 2020 K-drama “Start-Up” created by Park Hye-ryeon, produced by Studio Dragon Corporation, and co-produced by Studio Dragon and CJ ENM.
Alden: It is something that we can be very proud of
“Start-Up PH” is topbilled by real-life dreamer and Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards as Tristan a.k.a. Good Boy and multi-awarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo as Dani. All set to spice up the lives of Tristan and Dani are the equally important characters of Ina portrayed by highly-talented actress Yasmien Kurdi and Dave played by sought-after Kapuso actor Jeric Gonzales.
Alden takes pride in bannering the much awaited Pinoy remake. “We have a show and it is something that 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 that 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,” he said.
Bea: Not fearful to try new things
For her part, Bea, who stars in her very first Kapuso series, 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 ine-enjoy ko every moment. Hindi ako fearful to try new things.”
Yasmien, who is a certified K-drama fan, 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 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 Alden’s personal choice to be his co-star 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 magpo-portray ng role na ito.”
Journeys to success and self-discovery
“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.
Tristan had a 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.
Dani has a long-lost pen pal named Dave, a genius software engineer who became the CEO of Three Sons Tech, a computer technology company. However, Dave struggles in managing his business and earns nothing from it for a long time.
Meanwhile, Ina is the older sister of Dani who is equally determined and independent. Ina becomes the head of her stepfather’s company but not until it is taken away from her. She will then strive to put up her own business even if it means competing with her sister.
Amid their aspirations and obstacles, Dani will find herself trapped in a love triangle between a man who is secretly her first love and another one who pretends to be her ideal guy.
Being the most successful from the rest of them, how far can Tristan be willing to invest in the dreams of other people? How can Dani, Dave, and Ina overcome their self-doubts, insecurities, expectations, and even past traumas to make their dreams come true? Lastly, who will win the heart of Dani in the end?
Meet all-star ‘Start-Up PH’ cast on September 26
Joining them is an all-star cast of some of the country’s most respected artists in film and television: Gabby Eigenmann as Arnold, a business tycoon and the scheming stepfather of Ina; Kim Domingo as Stephanie, a beautiful, smart, and rich member of the Three Sons Tech; Jackielou Blanco as Sandra, the kind and encouraging CEO of Sandbox PH; Ayen Munji Laurel as Alice, the mother of Dani and Ina who longs for a loving family that she lost because of her own doing; Boy2 Quizon as Wilson, the funny and loyal friend and business partner of Dave; and Royce Cabrera as Jefferson, a dedicated young man and one of the founders of Three Sons Tech.
Other stars in the series are Niño Muhlach as Samuel, the strict yet supportive father of Dave; Lovely Rivero as Dang, the sympathetic mother of Dave; Kevin Santos as Darwin, the patient and understanding assistant of Tristan in Sandbox PH; Tim Yap as Angelo a.k.a. Mr. A, the earnest executive of a tech company in Korea who will be interested in Three Sons Tech; Jay Arcilla as Anjo, a software engineer who will try to defeat Dave’s business; Kaloy Tingcungco as Spencer, the cunning and insecure son of Arnold and stepbrother of Ina; Brianna as Joan, the competitive twin sister of Anjo who is also a hacking expert; and Ms. Gina Alajar as Lola Joy, the selfless grandmother of Dani and Ina who will try to reunite them.
Completing the cast is the special participation of Neil Ryan Sese as Chito, the biological father of Dani and Ina who aspires to become a successful businessman.
‘Start-Up PH’ coming September 26
“Start-Up PH,” which premieres September 26, is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Helen Rose Sese; Senior Program Manager Cathy Ochoa-Perez; and Senior Executive Producer Mona Coles-Mayuga.
The creative team behind this motivational drama is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Content Development Consultant Ricky Lee; Creative Consultant Agnes Gagelonia Uligan; Head Writer Glaiza Ramirez; Writers Marlon Miguel and Patrick Ilagan; Brainstormers Louize Al-Shehr and Meryl Bunyi; and Associate Director Aya Topacio.
Let’s all dream together and catch the world premiere of “Start-Up PH” – under the helm of directors Jerry Sineneng and Dominic Zapata – this September 26, weeknights at 8:50 p.m. on GMA and at 11:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and at 11 p.m. every Friday on GTV. (GMA Network)