'Start-Up PH': 5 things to look forward to in the pilot episode

Have you watched the official trailer of “Start-Up PH”? The 6-minute trailer is pretty jam packed — which is why it's feeling so “bitin.”

So here's a glimpse of its pilot episode, while you’re waiting for the "Start-Up PH" premiere on September 26.

1. It’s the first adaptation of the hit K-drama

“Start-Up PH” is the very first adaptation of the Korean drama series. The original version, released in 2020, was greatly loved by international and Filipino K-drama fans, so there is a lot of high hopes riding on this local adaptation.

The first scene of the pilot episode takes the audience to the competitive world of Sandbox, where young entrepreneurs eager to start their business attend the company’s relay lecture.

At the special screening of the pilot episode, fans went “kilig” when Dani (played by Bea Alonzo) accidentally trips on Tristan (played by Alden Richards) because of her worn-out shoes. It's a reconnection between the two after years of being childhood pen pals.

This is the first project of Bea in the Kapuso network, and her first team-up with Alden in a teleserye.

2. Lots of tender lola-apo moments between Lola Joy and Dani

Mrs. Choi, the grandmother of sisters Seo Dal Mi and Seo In Jae, is a well-loved character in the original K-drama series. In the Filipino adaptation, the character goes by the name “Lola Joy,” played by veteran actress Gina Alajar.

At the "Start-Up PH" mediacon on Saturday, Gina shared that she watched the original series and loved the character herself. In fact, when she was informed about the role, Gina said she made an effort to look for an outfit that really resembles Mrs. Choi so she can submit a photo of herself in full character.

“Naghanap ako ng color green na apron, naghanap ako ng bandana, naghanap ako ng katulad na cream-toned blouse ni Mrs. Choi. Para in-character ako, wala na kayong ibang choice, ako na ‘yun.  That’s how I wished for me to be in the show,” Gina said.

Her first few scenes with Bea will definitely make you reminisce about your moments with your own lola — how she prepares breakfast for her apo and how she makes sure that her apo is well-dressed on her big day.

3. Tristan’s female AI, “Maria”

Voice artist Inka Magnaye is the voice behind Tristan’s artificial intelligence (AI) device at home. In the original series, the male AI is monotonous and a bit “suplado”, but in this remake, Inka gives a sassy, “makulit” twist to the character through her voice acting.

This is Inka's first role ever in a teleserye, and she said she is “excited” for everyone to see the show.

Netizens often listen to her voice recording in English, but in this series, you’ll love her voice even more when delivering Filipino lines.

4. Love triangle: Dani and Tristan vs. Dani and Dave

Of course, the pilot episode will a glimpse of Dani and Tristan’s exciting love triangle with Dave Navarro (played by Jeric Gonzales).

In the original series, Jeric’s character is named “Nam Do San” whom fans fell in love with because of his charm and ambitious mindset as a business rookie, and how he supports Seo Dal-mi and encourages her to do her best. #JowaGoals!

During the mediacon, Jeric said he has nothing but gratitude for GMA Network for giving him the opportunity to take on an important role in the series.

“Im still overhwelmed talaga na kasama ako dito sa Start-Up. Pinanood ko po talaga ito, I never expected na darating ‘yung time na gagawin ‘yung adaptation dito and ako pa ‘yung magpe-play ng role na ito. And of course to work with Ms. Bea Alonzo, Alden Richards, and Ms. Yasmien, ang swerte ko po talaga… I’m proud of myself, of course, ginawa ko po ‘yung best ko dito.”

5. Emotional family scene

Friendly tip: Prepare your tissue because the pilot episode will not just serve “kilig.” There is also an emotional scene between the young Dani and young Katrina to look forward to.

During the scene where Dani takes the microphone to ask a question to Katrina (played by Yasmien Kurdi), who is now a CEO and happens to be a speaker in the “Start-Up” relay lecture, the audience are taken to a flashback where the sisters are caught up in a difficult situation of taking sides as their parents separate due to financial problem.

Here is where the lingering question was dropped: Who made the right decision? Or did either of them really make the “right” decision?

Dani, Tristan, and Dave are all set to make a name of their own in the world of business, and fans are so ready to be with them in this journey to their dreams.

Directed by Jerry Sineneng and Dominic Zapata, “Start-Up PH” is premiering in GMA on September 26, 2022 at 8:50 p.m. — LA, GMA News