If you love Korean shows and like to see what it's like when Filipinos run around in that country, tonight is your chance.
Premiering on GMA 7 on 3 September, 7:15 p.m. is Running Man Philippines, the Pinoy version of South Korea's reality game show that's been airing on Seoul Broadcasting System since 2010.
In 2016, Running Man was chosen top non-American show in the world by Business Insider. The program has franchises in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now the Philippines.
The local version is set in the locations where past episodes of the Korean original had been shot. With SBS' assistance, GMA Network brought to Seoul the Filipino actors, directors and production staff.
Mikael Daez hosts the show, with Glaiza de Castro, Ruru Madrid, Lexi Gonzales, Kokoy de Santos, Angel Guardian, and Buboy Villar as the players (dubbed as "runners").
Lilybeth G. Rasonable, senior vice president of the GMA Entertainment Group, expressed her gratitude to SBS Korea for the "wonderful experience" of doing the show.
The show features runners playing outrageous games and races and winning prizes or accepting defeat and punishment.
Its present Korean cast are Yoo Jae-Suk, Jee Seok-Jin, Kim Jong-Kook, Haha, Song Ji-Hyo, Jeon So-min and Yang Se-Chan.
The Korean original once had as special guest runners Jackie Chan, Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill.
GMA has not announced if surprise guests will appear on the local version.
Running Man is popular for making viewers laugh and the natural chemistry of its cast members. The "missions" are designed to be unpredictable, engaging, and hilarious.
Glaiza guaranteed Running Man PH will not disappoint Filipino fans: "Alam ko kung gaano niyo minahal itong show, kaya ita-try namin na talagang ibigay sa inyo kung ano 'yong deserve niyo."
Ruru said he wants the audience to see the challenges that brought out their real personalities: "This time, wala kaming ginagampanan na role, kaya mas makikilala kami ng mga tao at gusto ko ring patunayan na hindi ako puro pa-pogi lang."
Buboy said he's confident the audience will love the diversity of the cast: "Swak kaming lahat dito dahil bawat isa sa amin may kani-kaniyang character — may maingay, may sobrang competitive, kaya sigurado akong magmamarka ito sa mga tao."
Running Man PH also airs Sundays at 7:55 p.m. on GMA.
