Upcoming Korean drama shoots scenes in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), one of three major broadcast stations in South Korea, flew in five actors and a production crew to Cebu to shoot scenes for an upcoming weekend drama titled Wonderful Mama.

Majority of the scenes here were shot in Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, a five-star hotel located in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Other shooting locations will be in Carbon market and a mining site.

According to Wonderful Mama director You-Hae Yoon, the plot requires the story's main characters to embark on a family and business trip to Cebu.

"You have a nice beach, and it's very accessible since we have many direct flights from Korea to Cebu. We were very interested with this nice resort, Imperial Palace, especially their royal suites. The scenes we are shooting here will cover two episodes," the director said. Some of the previous dramas he helmed were King and I, Two Wives, Three Sisters and I Love You.

Described as a heart-warming family drama, Wonderful Mama revolves around a self-made businesswoman (played by 48-year-old veteran actress Bae Jong-ok) who went from operating a little marketplace to owning multi-million buildings.

She is a rich moneylender with three kids, but is tragically diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at the height of her success. Before she totally succumbs to dementia, she makes it her mission to teach her immature, vain and arrogant daughters the ways of the business and the importance of family.

Wonderful Mama is set to premiere on SBS this April 21, airing on Saturday and Sunday evenings for 50 minutes per episode. There will be 50 episodes in total, with the Cebu scenes appearing on the fourth and fifth episodes.

Imperial Palace's sales manager Anita Kim and Director of Sales and Marketing Ryan Cho said they plan to invite Korean productions to shoot in Cebu at least two to three times a year.

When asked why he thinks Korean series are so well-loved in other countries, the Philippines included, director You-Hae Yoon simply said, "We are enthusiastic and dynamic with our work, and we often show the diversity in Korean culture."

SBS is a private national South Korean television and radio network that airs a variety of entertainment programs ranging from informational, comedy, music, reality, talk shows and auditions. The network's dramas have been part of the "Korean wave" exported to many countries across the world. A few dramas from the network that have enjoyed high viewership include Lovers in Paris, Trap of Youth, Brilliant Legacy, Rustic Period and Temptation of Wife.   (FREEMAN)