Pinay takes lead role in Korea's 'Arirang Fantasy'

The case of the young Filipino woman who starred in a Korean musical play is somewhat like a K-pop fame in reverse. Instead of Filipinos going gaga over Korean stars, Koreans are giving rave reviews to Filipina actress Cherish Maningat. Maningat is portraying the lead role in "Arirang Fantasy," a story about a Filipino woman who fell in love with a Korean man, GMA News' "Saksi" reported earlier this week. Arirang Fantasy has been touring major cities in Korea.
Maningat's role aims to show the power of love amid adversity and cultural differences. In the musical play, she shows her strength after her Korean husband dies early, leaving her to take care of her daughter and mother-in-law. Maningat said she oftentimes finds it difficult to perform her character. "I do something na hindi naman natutuwa [ang Korean audience]... In their culture, mali [ang ginagawa ko]," she said. She said she draws acting inspiration from her relatives back in the Philippines. 'Yung pagkamiss ko sa family ko sa Philippines, yun yung nakatulong sa akin na maglabas ng emotions," the young actress said. Maningat hopes to get noticed by other countries to open their doors to perform globally. — VVP, GMA News