Cristine Reyes and Diego Loyzaga are teaming up for the first time in an adaptation of the widely followed K-drama to Philippine television.
But the two stars admit there's pressure in doing a series regarded as one the highest rated Korean dramas in cable television history. The original series first aired from Nov. 2018 to Jan. 2019 stars Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum.
"Pressure rin ako knowing that 'Encounter' is one of the highest rated Korean series with two big stars. So there's big pressure. In our shoot, we really try everything like kung meron konting mali, we have to do it all over again. Ganun namin siya ginagawa," said Cristine, during a Zoom press event for the show last March 8.
Diego said: "I tried copying the original but hindi ako kasing gwapo ni Park Bo-gum so we did it in a different way. I tried to copy some of it pero 'yung iba hindi na talaga. Oo naman na pressure rin ako."
Both Cristine and Diego said that they have seen the original series.
Jeffrey Jeturian, director of "Encounter," said that Christine and Diego have on-screen chemistry.
"Wala naman akong naging problem sa kanila. Okay naman ang chemistry nilang dalawa," Jetrian said.
Produced by TV5 and Sari Sari Channel, together with Viva Entertainment, the "Encounter" is set to premiere on March 20.
Cristine plays the role of Selene, CEO of Hotel d’ Trevi Hotel, and a daughter of a prominent politician who was forced to marry the son of a business tycoon but eventually gets divorced.
Diego plays Gino, a young and free-spirited random stranger who on a chanced encounter falls in love with Selena.
Being in a relationship for these two characters will not be an easy feat with the peril of public scandals and Selene’s forfeiture of her conjugal share.
Albeit the chaotic incidents that shaken and threatened Selene and Gino’ relationship, it is the scenic backdrops in Ilocos and Subic that put a balance to it. Find yourself entranced in the mellow and picturesque landscapes where this thrilling story unravels.
This project will mark the first pairing role of these two formidable artists. The show will also feature cast members Kean Cipriano, Robert Seña, Maricel Morales, Yayo Aguila, Louise delos Reyes, Gardo Versoza, Isay Alvarez, and more.
Will Selene and Gino get a chance at love against all odds? Catch Encounter every Saturday at 8PM on TV5. Catch-up episodes will also air every Sunday, 9 p.m. starting March 21 on Sari Sari Cignal TV CH. 3 and SatLite CH. 30. Encounter can also be watched Live and On-demand via Cignal Play App.