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As GMA ushers in its 58th anniversary celebration, it also welcomes its newest addition to the Kapuso family—Kim Samsoon, brought to life by Regine Velasquez.
As GMA Network ushers in its 58th anniversary celebration, it also welcomes its newest addition to the Kapuso family—funny girl Kim Samsoon brought to life by Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez. Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Meet Kim Samsoon! She’s an old maid who’s chubby, quirky, and can be downright surly—but someone who can create delicious cakes and the most sumptuous desserts is sure to be a softie deep inside. So, even though she has been jilted at the altar by her longtime boyfriend and her livelihood burned down to ashes, she’s determined to help her family and herself find happiness. This lovable character whose award-winning show swept Korea and the Philippines by storm two years ago, has gone truly Pinoy as GMA produces its own version—Ako si Kim Samsoon. The same production group who gave us Marimar is back to give the same passion and grand treatment that the story deserves. This time, Dominic Zapata is at the helm, the same director who gave us Mulawin (2004), Darna (2005), Supertwins (2007) and Zaido (2007) and Khryss Adalia of Bakekang (2006) and Mga Mata ni Anghelita (2007). Director Dominic talks about handling the pressure of following the success of the original Kim Sam-Sun: “In any project there’s a lot of pressure. But I like it because if I don’t feel pressured, I would feel like I’m missing out on something. I think maganda ‘pag merong peg, because I know that if I follow some of it, at least I know that it worked in Korea and I know that it also worked here when Kim Sam-sun was shown.” Working with an awesome cast made up of experienced veterans and fresh teen stars ensures that Direk Dom’s confidence about the show is not without basis. Playing Samsoon’s love interests are Mark Anthony Fernandez, Wendell Ramos, and Dr. Hayden Kho. The ladies who will make her life difficult include Nadine Samonte, Pauleen Luna, Carmi Martin , Sheena Halili, and John “Sweet” Lapuz. Veteran actors Ms. Tessie Tomas and Eugene Domingo raise the bar for acting in both comedy and drama. Rounding up the cast are Jenica Garcia, Mart Escudero, Maureen Larrazabal, Stef Prescott, Arthur Solinap, and Cheska Eugenio. A Pinoy Kim For those who have seen the Korean version and were laughing like crazy at the antics of Seon-a Kim, the original Samsoom, you will be treated to a more Pinoy flavor as Regine Velasquez brings her own spin to the character. Regine says that she has had no trouble bonding with Kim. “When we were shooting, ‘di ko talaga nakikita sarili ko,” she shares. “It’s weird because all the other movies I’ve done before, ‘di masyadong nalalayo ‘yung sarili ko. Pinapanood ko alam ko it’s me pero ito, I know I’m watching someone else. It feels that way.” Though Regine has played many roles in the past, both in film and television, Kim is proving to be a challenge for the Songbird. But it is a challenge which she welcomes with open arms. From glamorous diva to shabby chef, the transformation was shockingly convincing. But Regine rose to the shift in image with comic aplomb. “She’s very different from all the characters I’ve played before. ‘Yung iba kasi, mayroon ‘yung nakakatawa ako, pero hindi ganito ka krung-krung eh. Hindi ganito kaloka-loka! Animated siya eh [pero] hindi siya caricature. Animated ang acting but she’s real. She’s a real person. And I know a lot of women will be able to relate to her,” she concludes. Since she has been well received both by the critics and the audience as a diva and drama actor, Regine hopes that the loyal viewers of the original Kim Sam-Sun will also let her into their homes every weeknight. Talk about this hot new show in the iGMA Forum!