The Trubitastic Impact Of Meteor Garden

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OPINIONS, ENTERTAINMENT | August 7, 2018

(Image Source: Viki/ABS-CBN Corporation)

It has been about 25 years since the Taiwanese drama series Meteor Garden captured the hearts of millions of Filipinos by storm and eventually became a phenomenon in Philippine television. Now, the series that literally started the Asian drama craze is making its return to the small screens as ABS-CBN officially released the full teaser for its 2018 Chinese remake which is slated to debut on August 20th. I would assume that young and old Meteor Garden fans are being ecstatic about it, but will the Chinese remake be able to bring back the so-called Meteor Garden fever in the Philippines? 

In case you don't know, the 2001 Taiwanese drama series Meteor Garden was based on a Japanese romance manga Hanayori Dango which was adapted into a 90s Japanese anime series from Toei. It was aired on Philippine television two years after its original airing and became one of the highest-rated programs in local television history with an overwhelming national TV rating of 60%. At that time, millions of Filipinos were able to enjoy the series and listen to its songs over and over. Heck, the show's lifestyle and fashion trends were a fab at the height of its popularity in our local shores. It was such a phenomenal affair that its main stars have personally thanked Filipinos for their support towards the show.

Six years later, ABS-CBN revived the Meteor Garden fever with the local airing of its Korean adaptation dubbed Boys Over Flowers. Although its plot and Korean flavor is slightly more riveting than the original Taiwanese drama, the series became a huge success in the Philippines and even introduced Filipinos to Lee Min Ho which remains one of the most popular Korean actors in the country today. On the other hand, Meteor Garden also had an American adaptation unbeknownst to the local fanfare but its plot was way different from its Asian counterparts considering that it only focuses on the four male college students. Unfortunately, it was the only adaptation that was never aired in the Philippines in my case.

With that in mind, how will the Chinese remake fare in the local television scene? Well, it did made an impact in China in terms of television ratings and there are some Filipinos who are willing to watch the original version on various Asian drama streaming sites before its Philippine TV debut. According to the show's producer Angie Chai, old and new fans should notice some elements in the remake which are similar to the Taiwanese drama. But I guess that the nostalgia and anticipation will be the essential keys to the Chinese Meteor Garden's success in the country. Well, we'll have to see and find out for ourselves if the Chinese remake is worthy to become part of Meteor Garden's trubitastic impact in the Philippines. Here's the official teaser of the Chinese remake of Meteor Garden to be aired on local television in a few weeks. Enjoy!!