ABS-CBN and VIU brings Flower of Evil adaptation across 16 markets

The Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean thriller-drama Flower of Evil will be streaming across 16 countries, thanks to ABS-CBN and Viu. This much-anticipated series is the first Viu Original Adaptation from the Philippines which stars Lovi Poe and Piolo Pascual. It will stream simultaneously on Viu 48 hours before its domestic television broadcast.

ABS-CBN Entertainment’s Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast, Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines’ Country Manager, Arianne Kader-Cu, shared their excitement for the series, which will be Lovi’s first Kapamilya teleserye since joining ABS-CBN and Piolo’s first drama series after four years.

Ms Arianne said, “Testament to our commitment to bringing the best premium Asian entertainment to Viu-ers, we are happy to work with ABS-CBN once again to bring the Philippine adaptation of Flower of Evil to all of Viu’s 16 markets. This latest offering puts Filipino talent front and centre in the way we do storytelling, supported by a powerhouse cast and a world-class production team.”

Ms Cory said, “Our partnership with Viu on the local adaptation of Flower of Evil is a major milestone for ABS-CBN Entertainment. This is an opportunity for us to showcase excellent Filipino content and talent to the global audience in the 16 markets of Viu.”

She added, “Our local adaptation of the Korean hit love story Flower of Evil, a compelling and powerful narrative on love for family, search for truth and justice, is the unanimous choice to open our regional partnership with Viu.”

Flower of Evil is currently in production and is scheduled to premiere soon. It follows the thrilling story of a man who successfully changes his identity in order to hide his scandalous past. He then marries a police detective, who will later on be tasked with investigating an unsolved serial murder case that will lead her back to him.

The show also stars Agot Isidro, Edu Manzano, Denise Laurel, Joross Gamboa, Joem Bascon, Epy Quizon, Rita Avila, Jett Pangan, Pinky Amador, Joko Diaz and JC de Vera.

ABS-CBN and Viu’s collaboration strengthens their vision and commitment to bringing premium Asian entertainment to more viewers worldwide. The partnership kicked off early this year, with the streaming of ABS-CBN’s hit drama series The Broken Marriage Vow on Viu.

Viu is the number 1 premium video on demand service in Greater Southeast Asia

With the highest Monthly Active Users in 2021  according to MPA’s AMPD report

-PRESS RELEASE-

Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, announced today that the platform was the number 1 premium video on demand platform in terms of the number of Monthly Average Users (MAUs) in Greater Southeast Asia*, following the latest Media Partners Asia (MPA) AMPD Research report for Q4 2021*, released on March 28. The report revealed that Viu’s MAUs is once again ahead of other major streaming platforms in Greater Southeast Asia and continued to be the highest for all quarters of 2021. The platform also ranked second in both paid subscribers and premium video streaming minutes amongst major video streaming platforms in Greater Southeast Asia in Q4 2021*.

Ms. Helen Sou, Chief Business Officer, Asia, Viu, said, “Viu’s consistent performance in a very competitive region, coupled with our significant growth in monetization in 2021, firmly entrenched Viu as a leading player in this part of the world. Our content has clearly resonated with our Asian audience, and our freemium business model has consistently proven popular with both consumers and ecosystem partners. As the destination of premium Asian content, we will continue to invest in stories that are relevant, from both our expanding content partnerships as well as with Viu Original productions.”

Expanding the focus on original content
In 2021, the Viu Original production strategy proved to be successful in providing differentiation in the markets. Compared to 2020, the top 10 Viu Original titles showed stellar growth of over 94% in video views and an exponential increase of over 200% in video minutes. This helped drive subscriptions by 58% from 5.3 million in 2020, to 8.4 million in 2021.

With the focus on delivering content that has an international appeal and yet is rooted in what is familiar culturally in Asia, Viu Original productions paved the way for newer monetization avenues in non-Viu territories like the Americas and Europe, stretching over 20 platforms worldwide. In addition, within Viu markets, these productions also provide a great opportunity for working with brands on product placements and sponsorships.

Positive reception for local original content in markets such as the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia will see production increase dramatically, with 30 titles slated for release across six languages. Titles that will be released in April and May as part of this plan include the second season of titles Pretty Little Liars and Assalamualaikum Calon Imam, whose respective first seasons were well received not only in Indonesia and Malaysia but also around the region as well.

Thailand will have two highly anticipated titles released in the coming months, including rap musical Wannabe featuring Thailand National Film Association Award winner “Nonkul” Chanon Santinatornkul and veteran Thai Hip Hop artist “Tan” Jawpraya Tanyuk. Close Friend was extremely well received in Thailand too during its first season and returns for a second season at a time where online buzz for the title and the genre is at an all-time high in the country.

Following the success of the Korean Viu Original titles in 2021 such as Now We Are Breaking Up, two Korean Viu Originals are set for release in the upcoming months.

Based on a web novel of the same title, Again My Life will premiere in April starring multiple award-winning actor Lee Joon Gi. Also slated for release in the same month is the romantic comedy From Now On, Showtime! casting award winner Park Hae Jin and is directed by the man behind one of the classic fantasy romantic comedies, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

Viu continues to invest in working with top creative talents in the industry to produce original titles that continue to appeal across the region, cementing its reputation as the hub of the best Korean and Asian content.

Viu-ers can catch these new titles and Viu’s extensive library of fan favourites, First-on-Viu and exclusive titles on the Viu app, which can be downloaded for free on App Store, Google Play, and selected smart TVs, as well as on the web at www.viu.com.

First Pinoy-original musical STILL now on Viu

Stuck in a camp while the world is being shut down by the pandemic, a group of artists explore their creativity through music and art. That's what the new all-original Pinoy-series STILL offers that's now streaming on Viu.

Leading the campers are estranged best friends Laura, always the relentless dreamer who fights for herself, for the people she loves and for the limelight (played by Julie Anne San Jose, Asia’s limitless star), and Sab, the voiceless writer who wants to follow her dreams but can’t (played by Gab Pangilinan, Philippine theater princess). The two instantly become friends with veteran camper Iggy (Mike Shimamoto), always ‘the happy pill’ Tugs (Abe Autea) and tired-but-still-a-fighter Leigh (Lance Reblando). Along with their mentors Nikolas (Christian Bautista, Asia’s romantic balladeer) and Annette (Bituin Escalante, veteran stage and concert singer), the campers’ lives and stories intertwine through powerful and poignant music. Through song and stage, they hope and rage to prove to the world that they still have a voice – that they still matter.

STILL was created by Palanca-awardee Pat Valera, who is known for award-winning shows Dekada ‘70 the Musical and Mula Sa Buwan. Theater industry greats Giancarlo Abrahan and Nicco Manalo co-created the series with Valera. On the director’s chair is Treb Monteras II of the internationally-acclaimed rap musical Respeto. Multi-awarded screenwriter, director, producer and editor Monster Jimenez produced the series.

We can also listen to the show’s 13 original songs performed by the country’s best talents via Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Tidal.

Breaking up? Get break-up advises from Viu shows

Maritesses are so busy this week with a couple of breakups announced in social media. From online personalities Wil Dasovich and Alodia Gosiengfiao to Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendez, netizens are still raising speculations on why, how and who. 👀

While most are collecting more information (or even gossips) from the radar, we still support each other's decision and privacy in this point of their lives. How about let's recall some memorable scenes from different Kdramas that made our hearts stop and cry?

In 18 Again, we've seen that marriage does not equate to a happy ending. But sometimes two people who have a lot of love just need the space (and later communication) for their love to blossom. For Da Jung (Kim Ha Neul) and Dae Young (Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Do Hyun), the distance was needed but they later realized that love and family are things worth sacrificing for. Rewatch it again on Viu.

Many would look at the I'm Not A Robot scene with Aji 3 as the “official” breakup, but this scene of them spontaneously meeting again made it feel final. Ji Ah (Chae Soo Bin) would not be playing Aji 3 anymore, and the only way Min Kyu (Yoo Seung Ho) was ever going to see Aji 3’s face was through this stranger. Many INAR fans still curse Tilda for this heartbreaking end to their relationship - to this day!

If you don’t remember Tilda, she was actually the nurse that betrayed the patient who had a similar

human allergy condition as Kim Min Kyu. Because of what she did, that patient was so heartbroken, he

died. Finding out about her betrayal ruined the Santa Maria team’s plans of telling Min Kyu the truth,

resulting to this angst.

“Tap tap” to something that held a heart-crushing meaning - letting go.

Though it would have been better if Kang Joo Eun was given a chance to support Kim Young Ho during his recovery process, we also respect Young Ho coach-nim’s decision to just come back when he’s back to his fighting form. Rewatch this favorite performance from Shin Min-ah and So Ji-sob in Oh My Venus.

Whether your breakup went too hard or civil, there's a Viu show that can comfort you. Right now, Now, We're Breaking Up is playing on Viu, you can now prepare for more angst. Check out the trailer below.

Now, We're Breaking Up features Song Hye-kyo and Jang Ki-yong in a story of break ups and breakdowns in the romantic world. New episodes arrive Mondays only on Viu.

5 Korean Rom-Coms to watch on Viu

Boost up your serotonin with 5 funny and kilig Korean rom-coms before we gear up for another Viu original series Now, We are Breaking Up with Song Hye Kyo and Jong Ki Yong. 

Here are the 5 Korean romcoms to binge on Viu.

Coffee Prince

The first Korean series where I get to know Gong Yoo who plays a rich businessman who meets Yoo Eun Hye who pretends to be a man to work in his cafe. The two develop romantic feelings to each other without knowing Yoo Eun Hye's real personality.

My Love From The Star

An extraterrestrial love story that gained success and had remakes in Indonesia and here in the Philippines. Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun play on elements of fantasy, mystery and romance to make our hearts flutter.

Her Private Life

An art curator ensures in hiding her personality as a fangirl until the art director comes into the picture. Park Min Young and Kim Jae Wook gives us a glimpse on fangirling which many can relate to.

Fight For My Way

MMA fighter Park Seo Joon inspires in this coming of age story. This high-rating series with Kim Ji Woon provided us with lifelong lessons to uphold in the future.

Mr. Queen

An arrogant and modern chef transported to the Joseon period as a future Queen was definitely a hilarious take. Shin Hye Sun and Kim Jong Hyun portraying their characters guarantees a laugh in every second.

Now that you're done with these Viu recommendations, you will be ready to watch Now, We are Breaking Up. Check out the trailer here.

Viu gets exclusive rights to One Ordinary Day

Viu announces that the highly anticipated Korean crime-thriller drama, One Ordinary Day, will be exclusively available on its platform. After announcing a series of high profile Viu Korean Original series like Lovers of The Red Sky and Now We are Breaking Up, Viu brings yet another much-awaited K-drama to its audiences.

Set to premiere on Viu on November 27, 2021, One Ordinary Day boasts some of South Korea’s top actors, including Kim Soo-hyun, who last starred in the hit K-drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, veteran actor Cha Seoung-won, and Less Than Evil actress Lee Seol.

 The stellar cast headlines One Ordinary Day, which is based on the gripping British drama Criminal Justice. In the Korean remake, the story revolves around two men whose lives change completely after a woman is found murdered. Kim Soo-hyun plays an ordinary college student Kim Hyun-soo who, after one drunken night of fun, finds himself the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of a woman he had spent the night with. With all circumstantial evidence pointing at him and the case receiving increasing scrutiny in the media and on social media, the prosecution is eager to declare him guilty.

The only person who comes forward to take his case is Shin Joong-han (played by Cha Seoung-won), a small-time lawyer who barely passed the bar exam. He decides to help Hyun-soo on his intuition that he is innocent. With the odds stacked against them, the pair must put up an intense fight to bring justice and reveal the real perpetrator in a case that will not only change their lives, but also shake the criminal justice system of the country.

One Ordinary Day is produced by Chorokbaem Media (Penthouse, Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung), Studio M and Gold Medalist (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay). Written by Kwon Soon-gyu (The Royal Gambler, Warrior Baek Dong Soo, Jackpot), the drama is directed by established director, Lee Myung-woo (Backstreet Rookie, The Fiery Priest, Punch, Whisper).

Lovers of the Red Sky premieres on Viu on August 30

Coming to Viu this Monday, August 30 is a story about the first lady painter in Joseon and a blind astrologer. Cast is lead by Hong Cheon Gi (portrayed by actress Kim Yoo Jung), and Haram (portrayed by Ahn Hyo Sub).

Kim Yoo Jung has been portraying bright and lovable characters and has starred in several historical genres for more than a decade. Hong Cheon Gi, her character in the series, is also described as confident, optimistic, and full of life. She’s a beautiful and talented painter — and being the only female painter in the palace is a testimony to her skills.

Kim Yoo Jung

Ahn Hyo Sub

Joining her is Haram, played by Ahn Hyo Sub, who is a mysterious astrologer. Although he is unable to see, Haram has very keen senses. His eyes, described as ruby red, led to society ostracizing him as many believed that they were monstrous. Hence, Haram led a lonely and difficult life. Yet, Hong Cheon Gi described his eyes as beautiful when they first met. Watch the trailer below:

 

Also starring alongside Ahn Hyo Sub and Kim Yoo Jung are Gong Myung and Kwak Si Yang, who will both portray the role of a Grand Prince. Gong Myung is the happy-go-lucky royalty, Grand Prince Anpyeong, who is more interested in writing and painting. While Kwak Si Yang is the cruel and doubtful Grand Prince Anpyeong, a man who is good at martial arts. Conflicts arise as political struggles become evident when Grand Prince Anpyeong reveals his evil intentions and unjust ways in order to become king.

Directed by Jang Tae Yoo, the director behind the popular and highly acclaimed romantic comedy series My Love From The Star, Viu Original - Lovers Of The Red Sky is expected to be another masterpiece — showcasing romance, comedy, and drama in a historical setting.

New Tag-dubbed K-dramas on Viu this August

 As we're celebrating Buwan ng Wika this August, we still get to enjoy the things that we love. In Viu, we'll see new Kdrama titles dubbed in Filipino with our favorite oppas and unnies. Check out the new Tagalized shows now streaming on Viu.

While You Were Sleeping (Bae Suzy and Lee Jong-Suk)
Coming very soon 

True Beauty (Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp and Moon Ga-Young)
New episode every Wednesday and Thursday

Mr. Queen (Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun)
New episodes Friday and Saturday

Lawless Lawyer (Lee Joon-gi and Seo Yea-ji)
Coming soon

Hyde, Jekyll and Me (Hyun Bin and Han Ji-min)
Coming soon

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? (Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young)
New episodes every Monday and Tuesday

I've seen three of these shows and happy to include the rest in my watchlist. It's made even more special with the Tagalog dubs so I can listen to their convos without the worries of reading the subtitles.

You can subscribe to Viu and watch all dramas, thrillers, romcoms and reality shows from different parts of Asia. Download Viu now on Google Play at #VIUitRight.