Bonding with Kim

Kim Samsoon is already giving us what she has promised-comedy with lots of heart! As Pinoys embrace the chubby chef and her witty crew, Regine Velasquez also slowly rises to a whole new level of acting. From glamorous Songbird to frumpy Samsoon, how does she do it? The ratings are proof that GMA's version of the beloved Korean character Kim Samsoon has truly been accepted by the critical Pinoy viewers. With lovable characters, a great story, and a talented cast, it is no wonder that the show is already a success from its first week! But apart from the "kilig" scenes and the yummy food, it is Kim Samsoon's quirks that incite laughter and the occasional tears. Regine Velasquez has faced the question of whether she is the right person for the role head on. With an open mind and an open heart, she has set out to conquer the biggest challenge ever put to her as an actress. So far, the response has been great. How does she feel? "Very overwhelming. We've always thought that we have good material when we started shooting. Kasi script pa lang, nakakatawa na eh. Lahat kami actually, excited na makuha 'yung script kasi parang comics. 'Yung you want to find out what's gonna happen next kasi what's gonna happen to the characters," Regine answers with enthusiasm. The Songbird knows that GMA has put a lot of their faith in her for this project. Not only does the show boast of the best stars, it also boasts of the production crew that brought us the phenomenal Marimar. "Sinusuportahan ng bonggang bongga ng GMA. I've a really great ensemble cast. Great actors and all of them are really supportive." She thankfully says and continues, "I am enjoying myself and the people that I'm working with-sobrang comfortable with the staff, the crew. The same people who gave us Marimar, now they're here working with me. It's very overwhelming. It's an honor for me to work with them." Becoming Samsoon We are pretty sure it is an honor for the cast and crew to work with the diva too! Witnesses attest that Regine gives her input for the show and is willing to give Kim her all! She explains, "Kim is searching for love but she's different in so many levels, she's really different from the characters I've played before. It's very exciting! Regine shares that just like a lot of women, she relates to Kim because her one goal is similar to our diva's original aspiration - to help her family. Regine relates not just to the character's passion for cooking but for the pressure that seems to come from everyone around her. "I actually like the character very much. She's very happy, I can even relate to her. She has this eternal problem with her weight but in actuality, it wasn't her who has the problem with it, it's the people around her. Kasi 'pag siya tinatanong mo, she's happy the way she is but people always tell her--you have to lose weight so that someone will love you." For the role, Regine has to put on a fat suit. Underneath that padding, it is not only warm, it also feels claustrophobic. The Songbird feels uncomfortable but, for her, it is a small sacrifice to pay for the privilege of playing this character. (In fact, Regine is bonding with Kim so intimately that she finds it difficult to stop eating when she is in character!) She reveals, "may konting uncomfortable factor but if you think of the whole picture, it's so small a sacrifice for me to do. Besides, I rely on the fat suit so much kasi when I put it on, it's Kim. Doon ko na-didifferentiate si Regine from Kim. That's how I also get my inspiration, that is how I get her angst." - iGMA.tv