Not a mismatch after all

They said that the pairing had little chemistry. At the recent press launch of Ako si Kim Sam Soon, the Filipino adaptation of the delightful Korean soap that won Pinoy hearts in 2006, two episodes worth of the show was shown and surprise, surprise, Regine Velasquez and Mark Anthony Fernandez proved they had such crackling rapport that will no doubt send viewers in a romantic frenzy.

This is actually not hard to explain since Regine, aside from being the biggest female singer in the land also excels in light dramatic fare and Mark Anthony, although more known for his angst-laden performances — go see Mangarap Ka, Matimbang Pa sa Dugo (he pitted talents with his late dad Rudy Fernandez in this one), Biyaheng Langit — is such a gifted actor that he can swing from drama to comedy with ease.

After tackling serious stuff on Impostora and Kamandag, Kim Sam Soon comes as a welcome respite for Mark. “I was really hoping GMA would give me a comedy for my next project. I was vocal about it to my bosses. You can just imagine how happy I was when they offered Kim Sam Soon to me.”

Mark and his leading lady only have praises — which sound genuine — for each other. “We’re aware that some skeptics were saying we didn’t have chemistry,” shares Mark, “but personally, I believe that we have it. If there really is none, considering how good Regine is in comedy, then chemistry will develop in time.” Says Regine of Mark: “He’s a very good actor. It’s not hard to work with someone like that. And he makes me kilig. (Turns to Mark) He’s so good-looking, right?” Mark then delivers the punch line: “If the guy is handsome and the girl’s pretty, then there’s chemistry!”

The Kim Sam Soon set, adds Regine, is devoid of pressures and bad vibes. “We’re working with such good writers – they’re the brains behind the show. The production staff is the same group that gave us Marimar. And then we’re also blessed to have direk Dom (Dominic Zapata) who’s just sira-ulo (crazy).” Mark agrees wholeheartedly: “It’s been a long time that I became a fan of a director. I’ve become a fan of direk Dom.”

In Kim Sam Soon, Regine plays the title role, that of an overweight, jilted small-time baker turned pastry chef while Mark is Cyrus, the dashing but arrogant restaurant owner who becomes Kim Sam Soon’s boss. Obviously a mismatch, Cyrus hatches a plan to relieve himself of his haughty mother (Carmi Martin)’s constant prodding for him to get married. He offers Sam Soon a love contract which requires the latter to pose as his girlfriend in exchange for a big sum. Cyrus reasons out that he will never fall for an ugly duckling, little knowing that sometimes you chance upon true love with the person you least expect to end up with.

Ako si Kim Sam Soon, which premiered June 30 after Dyesebel on GMA Telebabad boasts of highlights and ingredients sure to provide a hearty laugh every single night: Seasoned comedians in the cast (Eugene Domingo, Carmi Martin, John Lapus and Tessie Tomas) and a host of youthful talents (Nadine Samonte, Pauleen Luna, Jennica Garcia, Mart Escudero and many others), what Regine terms as the Kim Sam Soon dance, the love theme Maybe It’s You (the Songbird’s rendition is fluid and for once, relaxed), and the little kisses exchanged between Mark and Regine.

“I haven’t taken advantage of Mark yet,” ribs Regine to which Mark snaps back, obviously playing along with his new screen partner: “The best thing that happened to me.”