ETC Philippines premieres hit Turkish rom-com series
ETC, the Philippines’ number one free-to-air female entertainment network, shakes up local programming as it launches its newest primetime block called “ETCerye” — the channel’s first foray into the Tagalized foreign drama series. For its initial offering, “ETCerye” presents the Turkish dizi “Everywhere I Go.”
Since early 2000s, dizi — as the sweeping Turkish epic dramas are called — have been “invading” the world. They cover genres from comedy and romance, to thriller and action. Audiences worldwide have been mesmerized by the engaging storylines, relatable themes of family and love, scenic locations (mostly shot in picturesque Istanbul), original soundtrack, and gorgeous cast. A recent article in UK’s The Guardian reported that about 150 Turkish dizi have been sold to 100 countries.
One of these is “Everywhere I Go” (Turkish title “Her Yerde Sen”), about a serious businessman, Demir, and an ambitious female architect, Selin, who are surprised to know that they each own half of the same house. Neither Selin nor Demir want to sell their share and move out. To make the situation more challenging, not only must they put up with each other at home, they also need to get along at the office as Demir turns out to be the new boss at the firm where Selin is employed.
“The Turkish creative artists have a flair with storytelling,” said Wilson Tieng, CEO of Solar Entertainment that owns the ETC Channel. “I found myself glued to every episode of ‘Everywhere I Go.’ I quickly understood why Turkey is the world’s fastest growing TV series exporter next to the US, and why dizi has a big following in the US, Bulkan countries, the Middle East, China, Korea and Latin America.”
“Everywhere I Go” is both a smash hit and an award-winning program in its home country. It was chosen as Golden Lens Awards’ Best Romantic TV Comedy, and the show’s lead stars Aybüke Pusat and Furkan Andiç were named as Golden Butterfly Best TV Couple.
Adding to this dizi’s appeal are the charming stars who play support: from the company owner’s son who has an eye on Selin, the lady client who is harboring feelings for Demir, the funny and lovable co-workers, to the warring sisters who sell the house to Selin and Demir.
“Everywhere I Go” will have a three-episode premiere on ETC tomorrow at 8 pm; regular airing (Mondays to Fridays at 8 pm) will begin on Sept. 21. ETC is seen on SkyCable Ch.16, Cignal Ch. 21, CableLink Ch. 34, DTT Ch. 21 in Metro Manila, and in over 200 cable operators nationwide.
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Reinterpretation is the operative word when you ask multi-faceted singer Jessa Mae Gabon about her approach in music. In the case of her upcoming digital single “Ngunit Dahil Sa’yo,” it’s how she is putting her own identity to a song originally recorded in the 1980s.
The track, penned and sung by the tried and tested musical talent Marizen Yaneza, drops in digital stores this month under the San Francisco-based RJA Productions which manages Jessa Mae’s career.
“Importante po as akin kung paano ko i-interpret ang isang kanta especially if maganda ang melody like this mid-tempo classic,” said Jessa Mae who works in the government’s agriculture sector as project developer, a job she secured right before the pandemic broke and which she happily kept because it is her goal to serve the public.
Jessa Mae began as a vocal coach, kontesera, and karaoke ghost singer. She beautifully interpreted spiritually uplifting songs in the long-running ASOP (A Song of Praise) songwriting festival and then sang for a tribute album. She always jumps in to share her skills for projects with a cause.
This year, she released two singles -- “Ensayado” and “Ikaw Ang Tanging Alam” -- which she both wrote and recorded under the guidance of her manager Rosabella Jao-Arribas who found her talent and attitude worth supporting. Even in the face of a world changed by an invisible enemy, RJA Productions has signed up promising and inspiring Filipino singers here and abroad. Jessa Mae certainly fits the bill.
While busy with her regular job, and extra careful about following the new normal protocols, she has kept her focus on the music. In June she appeared in “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” aired on Jeepney TV and delivered a winning performance. She does pre-recorded radio and TV guestings too. Recently, she participated with other RJA artists in an online concert themed “Pasasalamat sa mga Bagong Bayani.”
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