JI CHANG-WOOK may be known as a heartthrob among K-drama fans, with many affectionately calling him “oppa,” but he is not the best chef, which is why he opted to serve as a waiter rather than help in the kitchen in the variety series “Kumusta.”
Ji found the experience of introducing Filipino food to fellow Koreans fascinating. “Introducing Filipino cuisine to Koreans was interesting, and I thought I would be of good help for this program,” he recalled. “I really appreciate being part of it, and I did my best.”
“Kumusta,” which airs on TV5 and streams on Viu, revolves around a Filipino restaurant pop-up in Seoul’s Gangnam District. Chef JP Anglo prepares an array of Filipino dishes such as palabok, sinigang, gising-gising, lechon, sisig, kare-kare, chicken inasal, and halo-halo, with the challenge of encouraging Koreans to dine there.
Filipino dishes are known for their bold flavors, which are not as intense as South Korea’s spice- and sweet-centered dishes such as kimchi, bibimbap, kimchi stew, naengmyeon, and the like. However, not many people are aware of the sourness and umami that Filipinos enjoy.
The 10-episode series is nonetheless a labor of love by Ji and Chef JP, along with Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, Arci Muñoz, and special guests.
“Since I’m not good at cooking, when I go to the kitchen, it’s gonna be a big trouble for them. I just supported and followed our Boss, Chef JP,” Ji admitted, looking back at his experience while doing the series.
What helped Ji throughout filming was his experience working part-time before he debuted as an actor. He also enjoyed discovering that, despite cultural differences, food is one of the things that brings people together. (Hannah Mallorca © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
