GMA Network’s new primetime series ‘Start-Up PH’ is off to a promising start as positive reviews poured in for the pilot week of the program.
The overwhelming support of fans for the show is undeniable. During its debut last Monday (Sept. 26), the hashtag #SUPHWorldPremiere made it to the Philippines' top trending topics with over 30,000 tweets.
“GMA really managed to meet my high expectations. Kudos to the team and the cast! For sure, many will get inspired to pursue their dreams regardless of the countless hindrances. I can say that this show will get me hooked just like the original Korean TV series,” one fan commented on Twitter.
“ALDENxSUPH GoodBoyTristan” and “Bea Alonzo” also made it to the top trends as netizens could not help but gush over the fresh pairing of Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards as Tristan and multi-awarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo as Dani.
Fans of the original Good Boy were captivated by Alden's performance and portrayal of the well-loved character. They even compared some photos to point out their resemblance and acting prowess. Meanwhile, Bea did not disappoint in her first-ever Kapuso drama series as the strong and ambitious woman who will do everything for her dreams.
“Grabe ‘yung glow ng screen ‘pag magkasama sina Tristan at Dani! Sobrang proud kami sayo, Alden at sa buong team! TrisDan skinship on the first episode. Kilig to the bones and super perfect tandem. Walang kupas sa pag-arte ang nag-iisang Bea Alonzo,” as one of their supporters commented on Instagram.
Alden, in turn, expressed his gratitude to everyone for appreciating their show and guarantees that it would be worth watching every night, “We’re very happy na nagustuhan ng Filipino audience at mga Kapuso natin. We can’t wait. Patikim pa lang ‘yan sa more beautiful episodes and storytelling para sa adaptation ng Start-Up.”
Bea is also thankful for the warm reception and shared some photos of the cast on social media, “Mula sa Start-Up PH family, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong pagsuporta and overwhelming reviews para sa aming show. Nakakakilig kayo!”
Playing equally important roles in the inspiring and intriguing series are highly-talented actress Yasmien Kurdi as Ina and sought-after Kapuso actor Jeric Gonzales as Dave.
Netizens reiterated that Yasmien and Bea could pass off as twins in real life and both are great actresses, “Sobrang idol at love ko talaga si Yasmien. We’re so excited to meet the Sison sisters!”
Fans of Jeric, on the other hand, posted heart-warming comments on his Instagram, “Mahusay kang umarte at masaya kaming may ganito kang kalaking project! Sana magtuloy-tuloy na. Susubaybayan namin ang kwento mo, Dave!”
Joining them is an all-star cast including Gabby Eigenmann as Arnold; Kim Domingo as Stephanie; Jackielou Blanco as Sandra; Ayen Munji Laurel as Alice; Boy2 Quizon as Wilson; Royce Cabrera as Jefferson; Niño Muhlach as Samuel; Lovely Rivero as Dang; Kevin Santos as Darwin; Tim Yap as Angelo; Jay Arcilla as Anjo; Kaloy Tingcungco as Spencer; Brianna as Joan; and Ms. Gina Alajar as Lola Joy. Completing the cast is the special participation of Neil Ryan Sese as Chito.
“Dreamers” were also impressed by the touching connection between the characters of Good Boy (Alden) and Lola Joy (Gina). “They were mapped out down to the smallest details like gestures and expressions. #StartUpPH is well-rounded, engaging, and charismatic. It delivers on every single point”, according to a fan on GMA Drama’s Facebook page.
The performances of Neil Ryan Sese as Chito and Ayen Munji Laurel as Alice were also commendable. They pulled off an iconic scene when young Dani (Bea) and young Ina (Yasmien) were caught up in a difficult situation of taking sides as they separate due to financial problems. Every line was thrown with so much emotion, leaving the viewers heartbroken and moved by their portrayals.
Moreover, another netizen highlighted the relatable story of Start-Up PH that tackles aspirations, personal struggles, and giving value to one’s family, “The storyline about Dani & Ina who had very different lives and now competing with each other was truly amazing. The drama made sure to give all sides of family reunion”.
‘Start-Up PH’ is the first-ever TV adaptation of the breakthrough 2020 South Korean series, which is based on the original format “Start-Up” created by Hyeryeon Park and produced by Studio Dragon Corporation, co-produced by Studio Dragon and CJ ENM.
Catch ‘Start-Up PH’— under the helm of directors Dominic Zapata and Jerry Lopez Sineneng — weeknights at 8:50 p.m. on GMA and at 11:30PM from Monday to Thursday and at 11PM every Friday on GTV.