Coffee Prince(tagalog Dubbed) Episode 13

[Edco Haglund]

Andyis a hardworking young woman who supports her mother and sister after the death of their father. To sustain their daily needs, she earns a living as a tricycle driver. Arthur, on the other hand, is a happy-go-lucky and wealthy bachelor whose family owns the biggest coffee factory in the country. His grandmother constantly pressures him to settle down, but Arthur is not yet ready to tie the knot.

To avoid the dates arranged by his domineering granny, Arthur hires Andy to pretend to be his gay lover. He doesn't know that Andy is just pretending to be a guy to keep her job in Arthur's coffee shop. Desperate to pay off her family's debt, Andy is left with no choice but to agree to Arthur's plan and to continue with her charade.

Coffee Prince (Korean: 커피프린스 1호점) is a 2007 Korean drama series starring Yoon Eun-hye, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun-kyun and Chae Jung-an. It is based on Lee Sun-mi's novel of the same title. It was originally broadcast in South Korea by MBC on July 2, 2007 and concluded on August 28, 2007. It became one of the most popular series in Korea that year, garnering high ratings and winning several awards, including Best TV Drama at the 20th Korean Producers' Award; Best TV Actress and Best New TV Director at the 44th Baeksang Arts Awards for Yoon Eun-hye and Lee Yoon-jung, respectively; Top Excellence in Acting and Excellence in Acting awards for Yoon Eun-hye and Gong Yoo, respectively, and PD Award for Kim Chang-wan at the 2007 MBC Drama Awards.[12]

On September 26, 2008, in an intimate lunch with the press people, GMA Network's lady executives, headed by [the now retired] Wilma Galvante, shared their plans for the rest of 2008 and for the first quarter of 2009. Galvante announced that the network has bought the format rights of Coffee Prince to produce the local version.[15]

Since then, excitement reaches the series' fanatics, as well as, the loyal viewers of the network. There were plenty of speculations as to whom the network would choose to lead the Filipino version of the said series. Actresses, Jolina Magdangal, Carla Abellana, Chynna Ortaleza[16] and Sheena Halili were some of the names reportedly vying for the female lead role. In one of her interviews [on entertainment news website, Philippine Entertainment Portal or PEP dated August 20, 2010],[17] Abellana denies the rumor, but said she loves to do certain roles [tomboy/lesbian]. "I've tried acting as a tomboy in Carinderia Queen last year [2010], and I loved it! Many told me that the role fits me," says Abellana.[18]

Coffee Prince served as Abrenica and Bernal's reunion project and first romantic-comedy series in GMA.[24] In preparing for the role, Bernal said she really had to study how a real man acts and respond to situations before she went in front of the cameras. She even learned how to drive a tricycle and even willing to cut her hair short to make her role more realistic. Bernal added that she really ensures she gets to familiarize with every scene for each episode.[21][25] Abrenica, on the other hand, couldn't be any happier to reignite his onscreen chemistry with Bernal, stated that their relationship as onscreen partners is incomparable and deep.[26] He added that he's very comfortable with Bernal so there's no big adjustment between them. When it comes to his role, he considered it as his most challenging role so far. "I made character research here. There's a part in the story that I will question my sexuality. That's quite challenging for me," he added.[27] Both Bernal and Abrenica underwent several workshops under Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes before the cameras roll, in preparation for their characters.[28] Series' director, Ricky Davao is all praise for his lead casts, described that Bernal is a delight to work with and Abrenica is quite serious [on his work] and very sensitive. "I'm very happy with my cast, they are all good and they fit into their roles," he added.[23] Davao also had a short cameo appearance in the show. He played Mando, Andy's loving father.

Benjamin Alves and Max Collins were assigned to play Errol and Arlene's characters. Alves relates himself to his role, said that: "[Like Errol...] I'm responsible, and I know what needs to be done. I take every bit of information in before I express myself -- but, this is due to character's sad back story, which involves Collins' character breaking his heart," he says.[29][30]

The show revolved not only on the main character's comical romance, but also at the fictional coffee shop called Coffee Prince, and its baristas. One of those is Boy 2 Quizon who played Ervin. Quizon stated that it's his first gay role and naming Hollywood's Chris Colfer as his peg. "Actually, it was a concept of our director, Ricky Davao. He wants me to do this. It's fine with me, because I don't wanna limit my acting ability," he added.[31] Sef Cadayona originally auditioned for Ervin, but ended up portraying Baldo. He was told by the producers that it was better for him to play Baldo role, as he already played gay character in 2011 primetime series, Time of My Life which also starred Bernal.[11]

Manila Times' Ed Uy said that "Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica give endearing performances in the Filipino remake of Koreanovela Coffee Prince".[35] While writer, Jojo Gabinete of Abante Tonight said that Bernal and Alves have a strong chemistry onscreen.[36] Remate's showbiz writer, Pete Ampoloquio, Jr. reviews... "it's an unassailable fact that they do have chemistry and it's one of the reasons why their tandem is well-followed and successful".[37] Yahoo! OMG said "With her lead role in the Philippine version of Korean series Coffee Prince, Kris Bernal is definitely one to watch".[38]

Han Seong comes to an agreement with Eun Chan to forget their kiss so they can continue their friendship. However, when Yoo Joo receives a job offer from her ex-boyfriend, DK, Han Seong cannot provide a timeline for how long he will take to get over Eun Chan.

Ha Rim tries to tell Eun Chan that homosexuality is okay, then sets her up to do a delivery with Han Gyul in his place. Unfortunately, this results in a blow up during which Eun Chan learns that Han Gyul is having a hard time, because of his feelings for her.

An upset Eun Chan takes off and Han Seong goes after her. She breaks down over the impossible situation she finds herself in of not being able to quit, but unable to reveal her true self. Han Seong can only silently pat her on the back. The next day, Han Gyul continues to give Eun Chan mixed messages, trying to tie her apron strings one moment the reaming her out for a dirty cup the next.

After she is given a plane ticket to New York by her ex-boyfriend, DK, Yoo Joo announces to Han Seong that she is going to take the job in New York and get back together with DK. Han Seong pleads for her not to go, even though he has not gotten over his feelings for Eun Chan.

Han Gyul is thinking of Eun Chan, and rushes back to the coffee house. Upon coming face-to-face with Eun Chan, he jumps in and kisses her. When he pulls away, she returns his kiss. Han Gyul states that he likes her, whether Eun Chan is a man or an alien, and he is willing to go through with a relationship. Eun Chan can only hug him in gratitude.

Only: Gong Yoo was just great in the scene: how tender he was and joyful about finally giving in to his feelings, regardless of how inappropriate he considers them. It was good that the episode ended with that scene, because Han Gyul was a mess before that.

Only: I found the Coffee Prince concert preferable to the secondary stories involving Sun Ki becoming a stalker, and Min Yeop playing games with Eun Sae. They were unwelcome distractions from the main story.

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