Lance Joseph Martinez

‘Kumusta’ Stars Open Up About Their Experience Working Together Inside a Filipino Restaurant in South Korea

Article (news)

<p>The Filipino–South Korean craze is reaching new heights as South Korean production company <strong>PODO Creative </strong>teams up for a culinary travel show featuring a star-studded lineup of Filipina actresses, topbilled by Hallyu favorite<strong> Ji Chang-wook.</strong></p><p>Titled <strong><em>Kumusta</em></strong>, the series serves up a flavorful fusion of two vibrant food cultures—<strong>South Korea</strong> and the<strong> Philippines</strong>—through a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey that celebrates connection and heritage. Set in the bustling district of <strong>Gangnam</strong>, the show introduces Filipino cuisine to the heart of Seoul’s dynamic dining scene, spotlighting the richness of both culinary traditions.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773803603359[image] - 4512513_11zon.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Official poster of &#x27;Kumusta&#x27; | Photo from @viuphilippines</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Joining Ji Chang-wook are Filipina actresses <strong>Jodi Sta. Maria</strong>,<strong> Janella Salvador</strong>,<strong> Francine Diaz</strong><strong>,</strong><strong></strong> and <strong>Arci Muñoz</strong>,<strong></strong> offering fans an exciting glimpse into a cross-cultural collaboration set to captivate audiences across Asia.</p><p>At the helm of the kitchen is acclaimed chef <strong>JP Anglo</strong>, whose expertise anchors the show’s culinary direction. A former<strong><em> MasterChef Philippines</em></strong> judge, he bridges Filipino heritage with Seoul’s sophisticated palate. Adding more star power, the series will feature guest appearances from Korean celebrities <strong>Kim Min-seok</strong>,<strong> Kim Myung-soo</strong>,<strong> </strong>and <strong>Seo In-guk.</strong></p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV3K-j4kRkF/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A560040%2C%22ls%22%3A548565%2C%22le%22%3A559962%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Blending food with cultural exchange, the stars step away from their usual on-screen personas to run a fully operational Filipino pop-up restaurant in one of Seoul’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Throughout the show, they learn to prepare and serve beloved Filipino comfort dishes such as <strong>C</strong><strong>hicken Inasal</strong>,<strong> Kare-Kare</strong>,<strong> Sisig</strong>,<strong> </strong>and the iconic <strong>Lechon</strong>—giving Korean diners a delicious first taste of Filipino flavors.</p><p>The cast also takes on the demanding challenge of working up to 12 hours a day for seven consecutive days, preparing, cooking, and serving dishes to eager customers.</p><p>Ahead of its premiere on <strong>May 24 </strong>on <strong>TV5 </strong>and <strong>Viu</strong>, the cast gathered for a grand media conference held on March 14 at Sheraton Manila Hotel, where they opened up about their experience working together at a Filipino restaurant in South Korea and shared behind-the-scenes stories from filming.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV3nb-PCfDG/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A578949%2C%22ls%22%3A548565%2C%22le%22%3A559962%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Ji Chang-wook</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773803756665tv5manila_1773484366_3852588551108510878_38135394.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"/><span class="fr-inner">Ji Chang-wook | Photo from @tv5manila</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>One of the biggest draws of <em>Kumusta</em> is the participation of South Korean superstar Ji Chang-wook, whose role is pivotal in bridging Filipino and South Korean cultures.</p><p>The Hallyu star shared that he immediately accepted the project because of its unique concept.</p><p>“When I was offered to join the program <em>Kumusta</em>, I found it very interesting. So introducing Filipino cuisine to Koreans was the interesting point for me, and I thought I would be a good help for this program. So I really appreciate being part of <em>Kumusta,</em> and I really did my best for this program,” he said.</p><p>Giving fans a little teaser, Ji Chang Wook revealed that he will be serving at the Filipino restaurant in Gangnam and explained why he chose that role.</p><p>“Actually, there is one reason that I chose to serve in the restaurant. It’s because I’m not good at cooking. So since I’m not good at cooking, if I go to the kitchen, it’s gonna be a big trouble for them. So I just supported and followed our boss, Chef JP,” he shared.</p><p>He also hinted at what audiences can look forward to from the show and described the essence of the <em>Kumusta</em> restaurant. “It’s a restaurant that introduces Filipino cuisine. So we have Chef JP and us, and we have dreams and love as well. It’s a human-like program, and it’s going to be one of the funniest restaurants ever,” Ji concluded.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Chef JP Anglo</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773803799864tv5manila_1773543714_3853086395691332339_38135394.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Chef JP Anglo | Photo from @tv5manila</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Filipino culinary star JP Anglo couldn’t stop singing praises for South Korean heartthrob Ji Chang-wook, calling him “one of the kindest and easiest people to work with,” both on and off camera.</p><p>“I was telling Francine something about Ji, and she goes, ‘Chef, you’ve said that a hundred times already.’ That just shows how genuinely good he is,” JP shared.</p><p>He added, “While filming the show, it felt like the cameras weren’t even there. Everything just felt so real, and everyone was being their true selves.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Jodi Sta. Maria</strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773803835043tv5manila_1773486496_3852606418231219096_38135394.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Jodi Sta. Maria | Photo from @tv5manila</span></span></span><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">For Jodi Sta. Maria, the highlight of the show was bonding with the cast and running the restaurant together, especially working alongside Ji Chang-wook.</p><p>“It’s like four or five people that you put together. We were all like strangers in a way, but then we became family. Like, it’s really the camaraderie of each and every one. So, &#x27;<em>yun &#x27;yung isa sa mga</em> memorable moments,” she shared.</p><p>The biggest challenge for her, however, was braving the cold Korean weather, something she’s not used to back home in the Philippines. Still, Jodi said the experience was one she’ll always cherish.</p><p>“It has always been a blessing to be able to visit Korea, not for a vacation or a tour, but for work. And we’ve been blessed with so many people<em> na napaka-</em>hardworking. It’s so good to be able to peek into the work culture of Koreans. And Ji here is super busy. He’s been juggling so many things,” she added.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Janella Salvador</strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773803875327tv5manila_1773624365_3853762952050957524_38135394.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Janella Salvador | Photo from @tv5manila</span></span></span><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">For Janella, diving into her first-ever variety show turned out to be an eye-opening adventure, taking her from being an actress in the Philippines to joining the kitchen team of a Filipino restaurant in South Korea.</p><p>“Ako, I was mostly behind the scenes. I was in the kitchen. I was with Chef the whole time. And it’s messy. <em>Hindi siya pang maganda. Limang </em><em>palabok</em>, <em>grabe, ang hirap gawin ng </em><em>palabok</em>, <em>ha</em>? <em>Ang dami palang </em>ingredients. I have a renewed respect for people who work in the service and the kitchen industry after working on this show, <em>kasi, grabe talaga, napakahirap niya</em>,” she shared.</p><p>Despite the chaos—and even handling the dishwashing—Janella admitted the experience was nothing short of fun.</p><p>“But it was such an experience. It was fun, <em>kasi</em> when else do you get the chance to bring Filipino cuisine to Korea, to another country. Great experience <em>talaga</em>,” she added.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Francine Diaz</strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773803928767tv5manila_1773488709_3852624987354541594_38135394.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Francine Diaz | Photo from @tv5manila</span></span></span><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">For the youngest member of the cast, Francine admitted that while she thoroughly enjoyed the show, she felt like the most <em>“alagain”</em> among the team. </p><p style="text-align:left">She is grateful to have worked with such professionals and kind artists and individuals, who made her overall experience worthwhile.</p><p style="text-align:left">Despite how busy and tiring things may have been for Francine, she said, &quot;I was trying to do my best and give my all.&quot; And her co-stars knew it and made sure to back her up and help her get her energy back. </p><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Arci Muñoz</strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773803972067tv5manila_1773553508_3853168551109027807_38135394.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Arci Muñoz | Photo from @tv5manila</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">Lastly, for the latest addition to the show, Arci, a self-confessed Hallyu fan, revealed she didn’t hesitate for a second when she was offered a spot on the culinary travel program.</p><p>“When I got the offer, because I was brought in later, so the cast was already there. <em>Tapos,</em> when they invited me to do an interview, I was like, so enthusiastic. <em>Kasi</em>, you know, I’m a big fan of the Korean culture, and I am a big fan of food,” she shared.</p><p>She added, “When they told me, I was just really thankful n<em>a sobrang saya ko na</em> I cannot really explain. So, this is for me, by far, the best experience <em>na</em> <em>natalo pa niya &#x27;yung mga</em> BTS concert, &#x27;<em>yung mga</em> 15 <em>na</em> BTS concert<em> na napuntahan ko.</em>”</p><p>For Arci, the ultimate highlight was working alongside the cast, especially her idol Ji Chang-wook.</p><p>“Just to be with such talented people and talented people, not only just talented, they are all <em>napakabait na tao, napakabait na </em>cast. And to be able to also work with Oppa, I’m such a big fan. So, when I got there, I really didn’t know how to react. I just like, I was stunned. <em>Kailangan</em>, I have to keep my composure. I have to act professional,” she concluded.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773804596305banner for metro.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Arci Muñoz, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, Jodi Sta. Maria, Chef JP Anglo, and Ji Chang-wook | Photo from @tv5manila</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong><em>Don’t miss this historic cross-cultural culinary adventure. Kumusta is set to premiere on May 24, 2026, 6:45 PM, as part of TV5’s Weekend Trip block and on the Viu app, where viewers can stream anytime, anywhere.</em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photo from <strong>@tv5manila</strong></p>

<p>Titled <i><b>Kumusta</b></i>, the series serves up a flavorful fusion of two vibrant food cultures—<b>South Korea</b> and the<b> Philippines</b>—through a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey that celebrates connection and heritage.</p>

Titled Kumusta , the series serves up a flavorful fusion of two vibrant food cultures— South Korea and the Philippines —through a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey that celebrates connection and heritage.