If there’s one thing that Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s tandem proves, it’s that they’re a match made for different stories about love
Even before they stepped into the roles of Secretary Kim Liwanag and Brandon Manansala Castillo, both had their fair share of portrayals in adaptations. From film to television, Kim Chiu starred in Always and My Girl, respectively. Meanwhile, Paulo Avelino played Jacob Del Rosario in the country’s version of Flower Of Evil. And now that the most-awaited Filipino adaptation of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim is finally premiering on our screens this coming Monday, March 18, MEGA Entertainment couldn’t let the opportunity pass to score an exclusive revelation from the lead stars. Before we see them portray the beloved pairing originally played by Park Min-young and Park Seo-joon, read ahead to find out their thoughts on taking on a romantic-comedy series this time around.
Related: EXCLUSIVE: Kim Chiu, JM De Guzman, and Paulo Avelino Talk About Linlang, Life, and Love
From the desk of Secretary Kim
Before filming the series, the actors worked together in Linlang. The stark themes of their back-to-back projects—from thriller-drama to romcom—made Kim Chiu feel like she was starting fresh, unfamiliar with a genre deemed uncomfortable.
“Shucks! This is my comfort zone. How come I’m not getting into that role anymore? I’m having a hard time going there,” the actress shared. Through their sustained partnership however, she and Paulo agreed to help each other for their new series. “Sabi namin, ‘Tulungan na lang tayo.’ Good thing, nagtulungan naman kami ni Paulo.”’
The It’s Showtime host also pointed out their reversal of roles for their upcoming series. “Nagpalit nga kami, e. ‘Yung Linlang is not my comfort zone. Ito namang What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, not his comfort zone,” she observed.
No doubt, Kim knew romantic comedy like the palm of her hand. But being the hard worker that she is, Kim didn’t settle for anything else, especially with this project. Explaining her own process of accepting the part, she elaborated, “I watched it twice, lalo na nung nalaman kong I’d be doing it. I watched it [the first time] during the pandemic. Nung sinabi sa akin, sobrang happy pero nakakapressure in a way. May pressure din for us, especially for me, kasi alam ng mga tao na I do romcom. So, kinakabahan ako. May pressure, of course, because merong pagbabasihan. May original version. But [with this] adaptation, gusto ko rin may sariling touch ng Pinoy, may sarili ding Kim Chiu touch.”
Ending the exchange about the show, Chiu concluded the interview with praises for Paulo. “Abangan talaga nila si Paulo dahil ibang-iba siya. Funny siya,” she affirmed.
From the company of Brandon Manansala Castillo
Unlike Kim, Paulo’s role trajectory always had a shade of complexity or darkness to it. While he also had his fair share of kilig projects from the past, the “Oppa Effect,” which he embraced as Brandon, was different. “I haven’t done a romcom or comedy series or movie in a long time,” the actor pointed out. “There were quite a few adjustments that I had to do. But I’m thankful that, you know, I get to work with Kim again.”
Back in 2011, Paulo was already vocal about wanting to work with the ASAP mainstay. It was more than a decade after, through Linlang, that they were given a chance to finally share a project. For the actor, it seemed to be worth the wait, as he did not only work with Kim once—but twice—right away. From playing a married couple who had to deal with the consequences of their decisions, they had to do a 360-degree turn for their upcoming show. This time, he was the boss, she was the assistant, and they were still coming to terms with their love for each other.
Related: A Timeline of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s Real Chemistry Off and On Screen
For Paulo, Kim’s bubbly personality was a source of inspiration while doing What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim. “[Working with people like Kim,] you just get their energy, and you just get inspiration from them,” he said.
Photography KIERAN PUNAY
Creative Direction MIA CASTRO
Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS
Fashion, Beauty, and Grooming Direction CHLARINE GIANAN
Styling ADRIANNE CONCEPCION (Kim); DAVID MILAN (JM and Paulo)
Hair MJ RONE (Kim); JETT TORREVILLAS (JM and Paulo)
Makeup JAKE GALVEZ
Grooming JETT TORREVILLAS (JM and Paulo)
Sittings Editors MIA CASTRO and PEACHES GARCIA
Special thanks to DREAMSCAPE ENTERTAINMENT and STAR MAGIC
