Remember that Taiwanese drama series that started the Asianovela craze? Well, it's making a big comeback this 2018. Let’s go down to memory lane and see if this rebooted version lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.
Meteor Garden 2001. Image Source: iWant TV
Meteor Garden is a Taiwanese drama series released in 2001. This is based on the Japanese manga entitled Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers). It starred Barbie Hsu, Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Van Ness Wu, and Ken Chu as the lead characters.
Top (L-R): Ken Chu, Barbie Hsu, and Vic Zhou. Bottom (L-R): Jerry Yan and Van Ness Wu. Image Source: http://www.phenkhao.com
Meteor Garden was first released in the Philippines in 2003 aired by ABS-CBN. While the original series is in Mandarin, ABS-CBN procured local voice talents to dub it in Tagalog. It became a huge hit upon its airing offering a fast-paced story line, young actors, and a relatable plot which competed against the overly dramatic, dragging and often complicated story lines of Mexican telenovelas.
Shan Cai ended the reign of Mari Mar and her comrades in local TV. Image Source: https://ph.news.yahoo.com
Thalia as Marimar took the country by storm during its reign in the late afternoon time slot. Image Source: http://naujienos.tv24.lt
In short, Shan Cai ended the reign of Mari Mar and her comrades in local TV. Mexican telenovela kasi ang naghahari sa ratings noon. Pero pagsulpot ng Meteor Garden sa eksena, nabago hindi lang ang viewing landscape ng mga Pinoy kundi pati na rin ang cultural perspective natin sa mga kapwa natin Asian. Let us all admit. Mas leaning towards the Western culture ang viewing landscape natin dati. Bukod kasi sa mga Mexican telenovela, namamayagpag din nang mga panahong iyon ang mga US series like Dawson’s Creek, Friends, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ally McBeal, Felicity, and Sex in the City to name a few. Our closest Asian reference ay iyong mga Chinese variety shows kapag Linggo ng umaga at mga episodes ng Wok with Yan at Takeshi's Castle. The release of Meteor Garden opened us to the way of life of our Asian neighbors. It's somehow more relatable to us because some of the actors resembled us or someone we closely know. There are also some similarities with some of their lifestyles and traditions sa mga kaugalian din natin dito.
(L-R): Joshua Jackson (Pacey), Katie Holmes (Joey), James Van Der Beek (Dawson), Michelle Williams (Jen). US TV series were also popular during the late 90's and early 2000's. Image Source: https://www.throwbacks.com/dawsons-creek-ending/
Meteor Garden also rekindled our sentai childhood days and our love for anime. We also started to appreciate our Chinoy friends and classmates na dati ay nawi-weirdohan pa tayo.
Meteor Garden felt closer to home. Image Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
I remember ordering the complete episodes of Meteor Garden in VCD online. Galing pa talagang Taiwan. Sobrang mahal pa nun. Halos ilang araw na sweldo ko rin ang halaga nun. My best friend and I would be watching it continuously for three days to finish the whole series. Umuusok na at nagrereklamo na ang TV and VCD player. Papatayin lang namin saglit para kumain at ipahinga na rin iyong player kasi tumatalon-talon na. Walang liguan. Wala ring tayuan. CR lang ang pahinga. Hindi pa uso Netflix nun pero nagbi-binge watching na kami! Sa sobrang hit ng Meteor Garden, lumipat pa ito ng network. It was re-aired again by GMA in 2007. Maski napanood na nang maraming beses, it still did well sa ratings game kaya naman nagbalik-Kapamilya ulit ito noong 2014. I think it was also aired in ABS-CBN’s affiliate channel, Jeepney TV.
After this series, sunud-sunod nang nagdatingan ang mga Asian series. K-Pop catalpulted to fame. Anime fans became mainstream. We are suddenly introduced to the world of cosplay.
Actually, ang dami nang versions ng Meteor Garden ang lumabas. The original manga story, Hana Yori Dango, was also made into a Japanese TV drama bearing sa same title. South Korea also released their own version entitled, Boys Over Flower starring Lee Min Ho as one of the lead characters.
Different versions. Image Source: https://silentopinion.wordpress.com
At ngayon nga, after almost 17 years, Meteor Garden is given a millennial twist as Hunan Television reboots the series and airs it in mainland China. It was again released to other parts of Asia including the Philippines. ABS-CBN once again acquired the rights to air it in Philippine television dubbing it in our beloved Tagalog language.
Let’s see how the millennial version lives up to the expectations of a Meteor Garden fan like me. I watched the first episodes of both versions dubbed in Tagalog and made some quick comparisons. Take note, this is between the Taiwanese 2001 version vs. the Chinese 2018 version. Hindi ko na isasali iyong Japanese at Korean versions since iba naman na ang title nun at hindi ko napanood ang mga iyon.
Shan Cai
The story of Meteor Garden mainly revolves around its main heroine: Dong Shan Cai.
Barbie Hsu's version of Dong Shan Cai. Image Source: iWant TV
Then:
In Meteor Garden 2001, Shan Cai is played by Barbie Hsu. She is a young college student enrolled at Ying De University and an only child from a very simple family. Her mother is a housewife who dreams of being rich someday. This is the reason why she made sure that Shan Cai gets into Ying De so she could meet a rich potential husband. Her father is an ordinary employee with meager income. He supports his wife’s plans and wishes a bright future for his daughter as well.
Shan Cai's parents played by Wang Yue and Dong Zhicheng. Image Source: iWant TV
Shan Cai vocally objects on this plan. She hated Ying De and the plutocracy inside the campus. Apparently, almost all students in the university came from affluent families. As in crazy rich Asians level. At dahil siya ang pinaka-Purita (poor) na estudyante roon, she is often the subject of criticisms and bullying. This was emphasized sa umpisa pa lang ng first episode when Shan Cai’s scooter broke down right in the middle of the school avenue. A schoolmate in her luxury car stopped by and blamed Shan Cai for causing their school’s disqualification in holding the record of most number of students with cars.
Shan Cai is the only student in Ying De University that rides a scooter to school. All her rich classmates have their own cars. Image Source: iWant TV
But Shan Cai is also a strong willed person. She is both quirky and feisty. She is not afraid to speak her mind or express her contradictions to the ludicrous system in their school. She is also caring and kind. She stands up for her friends and loved ones. She cannot be easily swayed and challenges only makes her tougher. She leaves up to the true meaning of her name: wild grass or weed. She is a survivor in every essence of the word.
Shan Cai easily captured Filipino hearts. She embodied the character of a doting and loving daughter who fights for what she believes in. With the onset of the “girl power” revolution during those times, Shan Cai introduced a stronger heroine with less tears and sentimentality, and with more ability to fight back.
Image Source: iWant TV
Barbie Hsu’s great portrayal of the character fueled more love and endearment to Shan Cai. Parang nag-morph sa iisang katauhan si Shan Cai at Barbie Hsu. Many young Filipinas became fanatics. As in Jolina Magdangal level. Her fashion style, hair style, even her tattoos became a trend.
Image Source: iWant TV
Image Source: iWant TV
Barbie Hsu sported long straight hair which is either loosely laid down, braided into pig tails, or just casually tied in a ponytail. Since Shan Cai’s character came from a humble family, she sported casual clothes which often includes ¾ or long sleeved shirts, jeans, sneakers, and her body bag. Whenever she would dress up, she would still choose the simplest dress or skirt paired up with sneakers. Barbie’s tattoos also added spunk in the seemingly rebellious character of Shan Cai.
Dahil diyan, nauso ang rebond. Almost everyone wanted a long, straight black hair. Myself included. Nauso rin ang pigtails lalo na sa mga estudyante. Kung dati mga kindergarten lang ang nakikita mong naka-pigtails, that time pati mga high schoolers naka-pigtails na rin. Nauso rin ang pormahan ni Shan Cai. Two-toned ¾ shirts, jeans, sneakers. Halos lahat wannabe Shan Cai ang pormahan. Iyong simple pero rock.
Image Source: iWant TV
In the first episode of Meteor Garden, nagbukas ang kwento sa pagpapakilala sa atin kung sino ba si Shan Cai. How is she as a student, a friend, and a daughter. Third person narrative ang ginamit pero maganda ang pagkakalatag ng bawat eksena. We were shown who Shan Cai is. Nakatulong ng malaki ang charming na personality ni Barbie Hsu sa paghubog ng character na ito. Evident sa kilos at facial expressions niya ang tunay na nararamdaman ng character. I give credit to Barbie and the production team for achieving that.
Shen Yue plays Shan Cai in the 2018 reboot of Meteor Garden. Image Source: https://www.kapanlagi.com
Now: In Meteor Garden 2018, we are again reintroduced to Shan Cai’s character. Same premise pa rin naman. College student pero this time sa Ming De University naman. Quirky pa rin ang attitude. Very expressive and vocal on her thoughts.
Shen Yue plays the new version of Shan Cai in this series. Medyo may konting difference ang approach niya at treatment sa character ni Shan Cai sa series na ito. For one, she forgoes the long, straight and black hair which is a Shan Cai trademark. Millennial twist na nga siguro kaya short haired na si Shan Cai. No more pigtails. Instead isang maliit at maiksing sideway braid na lang.
Shen Yue forgoes the long, straight and black hair Shan Cai trademark. Image source: iWant TV
Her fashion style remained simple. Shirts and jeans pa rin. Pero mas experimental when it comes to the cut, print, design and color combination. Pati sa shoes experimental din. The black leather shoes she wore on her first day really made a striking contrast to the Shan Cai we are all used to.
Shan Cai shined these pair of black leather shoes to match her school OOTD. Image Source: iWant TV
Shan Cai's fashion style borders from casual to experimental in Meteor Garden 2018. Image Source: iWant TV
The first episode was opened with a first person narration in Shan Cai’s point of view. She was telling us how she still haven’t planned for her future yet. She introduced us to her family starting with her doting mother and hardworking father. Hindi materialistic ang nanay ni Shan Cai sa version na ito. Very domesticated at maalaga. Dahil dito, Shan Cai’s character felt more immature and dependent compared to Barbie Hsu’s version. Parang mas mahina ang loob.
Shan Cai's mother in this series appears to be more domesticated and caring. Hindi masyadong materialistic compared to the 2001 version. Image Source: iWant TV
Unlike the Meteor Garden 2001 Shan Cai, Meteor Garden 2018’s Shan Cai dreams of going to Ming De University. It established Shan Cai’s desire to take up a course in Nutrition so she can take over their family business. In fairness, para sa isang babaeng walang kaplano-plano, napaka-specific ng pangarap niya.
Unlike the 2001 Shan Cai who disliked going to Ying De University, 2018's Shan Cai dreams of going to Ming De Univeristy to take up a course in Nutrition. Image Source: iWant TV
Medyo mas maraming hanash at kuda rin ang version na ito. Siguro dahil nasa first person point of view kasi. We are introduced to the characters by narration. We are told of who the characters are instead of being shown which I find too boring and dragging. Kilala naman na kasi natin ang characters so why narrate and point out the obvious? I think mas maganda if they would just let us feel who the characters are. Appeal to the nostalgia by a more visual presentation rather than plain narration.
Sige na nga. Benefit of the doubt. Baka naman kasi they are trying to reach out to the millennials who are not too familiar with the characters. But still. Nagawa nga ng Meteor Garden 2001 na ipakilala sa atin ang characters with less kuda. And yet minahal natin. Why can’t the 2018 version do the same?
Meteor Garden 2018's Shan Cai now rides a bike instead of a scooter. Image Source: iWant TV
Reminds me of another bike riding character. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/Alovesobeautifulchinesedrama
Another striking contrast to Shan Cai of Meteor Garden 2001 is her mode of transportation. We all loved Barbie Hsu riding her scooter to school with her cute little helmet. Pero sa version na ito, the scooter was downgraded into a bicycle. Hindi ko alam baka kasi iyon talaga ang usong mode of transportation nila sa China or may pino-promote sila na environment-friendly advocacy? Hindi ko alam. Pero weird lang na sa version na ito mukhang hindi naman ganun kahirap ang family nina Shan Cai dahil may family business tapos saka pa nila hindi afford ang scooter? Or baka dahil hindi nga kasi masyadong social climber ang nanay ni Shan Cai rito kaya deadma lang.
Shen Yue played Chen Xioaxi in A Love So Beautiful opposite Hu YiTian . Image Source: https://www.straitstimes.com
Shen Yue did a great job playing the role of Chen Xioaxi in A Love So Beautiful opposite Hu YiTian. She was cute and adorable. Kaya nga siguro siya ang napiling gumanap na Shan Cai. Naging consistent naman siya rito. She was able to make the character cute and adorable. Iyon nga lang medyo kapos ng feistiness. The Shan Cai we all knew and loved is more than cute and adorable. May spunk siya. More than just a pretty face and a tiny frame. May substance ang personality niya which is what I was expecting from Shen Yue in this rebooted series. Kaso medyo kapos.
The Shan Cai we knew is feisty and tough. Simple pero rock. Image Source: iWant TV
Millennial Shan Cai lacks the spunk of her predecessor. Simple pero di masyadong rock. Image source: iWant TV
Sa sobrang consistent ni Shen Yue, nakikita ko pa rin si Xioaxi sa kanya. Hindi nakatulong na naka-bike na lang si Shan Cai sa version na ito kasi lalong ipinaalala sa akin ang A Love So Beautiful moments niya. Hindi ko alam kung iyon talaga ang point ng mga eksenang iyon -- ang ipaalala sa audience si Shen Yue dahil baka sakaling maambunan ng success ng A Love So Beautiful. Pero kasi Shan Cai is an icon. She is a trademark. Iyong parang Meteor Garden is Shan Cai and vice versa.
Sige. Benefit of the doubt ulit. Big shoes to fill naman talaga si Barbie Hsu. Masyadong tumatak siya sa character ni Shan Cai atsaka wala namang sikat na drama series na nauna si Barbie Hsu before Meteor Garden kaya wala talaga tayong point of comparison sa kanya noon. Hindi katulad kay Shen Yue na may comparison na kay Barbie Hsu, may comparison pa sa dati niyang role sa A Love So Beautiful.
Shan Cai’s Friends
In Meteor Garden 2001, Shan Cai works with Xiao You, played by Rainie Yang, in a pastry shop. Image Source: iWant TV
Then: Sa umpisa ng Meteor Garden 2001, we were introduced to Shan Cai’s friends: Xiao You and Li Zhen. Xiao You, played by Rainie Yang, is Shang Cai’s friend and co-worker in a pastry shop. Xiao You eventually falls for Xi-Men as the story progresses. Li Zhen, played by Ye An Tin, is Shan Cai’s friend in Ying De University. She is the reason why Shan Cai is given a red card by F4 dahil ipinagtanggol niya ito laban kay Dao Ming Si.
Ye An Tin plays Li Zhen, Shan Cai's schoolmate in Meteor Garden 2001. Image source: iWant TV
Li Zhen accidentally fell off the stairs and poured carbon powder all over Dao Ming Shi who happened to passed by that very instant. Knowing Dao Ming Si’s temper, Li Zhen tried to apologize which Dao Ming Si rejected. Tired of being pushed around by these rich kids, Shan Cai Shan Cai then interfered and stood up for her friend, Li Zhen. Dao Ming Si’s wrath turned towards her as Shan Cai receives the infamous Red Card.
Li Zhen fell off the stairs accidentally pouring carbon powder all over Dao Ming Si. Image source: iWant TV
Dao Ming Si was pissed. This gave birth to the popular line: "Kung pwede na ang sorry, aanhin pa ang pulis?" Image Source: iWant TV
Shan Cai drew the ire of Dao Ming Si when she stood up for Li Zhen thereby earning her Red Card. Image source: iWant TV
Xiao You and Li Zhen received different reactions from the audience. Xiao You earned sympathy by being a good friend. Her story arc earned more interest from viewers when a love story between her and Xi Men developed. Li Zhen, on the other hand, became the less popular friend because of the conflicts she have caused. Shan Cai stood up for her but she ended up avoiding her after Shan Cai receives a Red Card. When Shan Cai was bombarded by bullies in school, Li Zhen avoided Shan Cai for fear of being bullied as well. Nag-sorry rin naman siya kay Shan Cai eventually by giving her that tiny stuffed bear na nagre-record ng short messages. May redemption naman ang character niya bago siya nag-transfer ng school.
Li Zhen apologized to Shan Cai using a tiny stuffed bear which recorded her short message. Image source: iWant TV
Now: Meteor Garden 2018 reintroduces us to these same friends. Xiao You and Li Zhen’s characters were given a little twist. Xiao You is still Shan Cai’s co-worker pero this time sa isang milk tea shop na.
In Meteor Garden 2018, Shan Cai works in a milktea shop with Xiao You, played by Li Jiaqi. Image source: iWant TV
According sa narration, mahilig daw si Xiao You sa tea at nangangarap na makapasa sa university na may course for tea culture. May foreshadowing na agad ang napipintong koneksyon nila ni Xi Men dahil na-mention din sa narration na mahilig sa tea culture si Xi Men. This is a little bit different than Meteor Garden 2001 kasi walang direct hint sa first episode na magiging sila ni Xi Men maliban sa subtle interest and intrigue expressed by Xiao You about the F4.
Xiao You's love for tea foreshadows the impending connection with Xi Men who is also into tea culture in this 2018 version of the series. Image source: iWant TV
Ginawa namang mas bubbly ang character ni Li Zhen sa version na ito. Unlike the previous Li Zhen na mahinhin at mahiyain, medyo mas madaldal at mas interactive ang bagong Li Zhen. Pero same premise pa rin naman. Siya pa rin ang dahilan ng pagsisimula ng conflict ni Dao Ming Si at Shan Cai. This time hindi naman carbon powder kundi cake ang natapon niya kay Dao Ming Si. Sa stairs pa rin ang eksena. Apparently, birthday ni Li Zhen and Shan Cai baked a cake for her. They were busy taking pictures malapit sa hagdan at dahil sa sobrang pag-atras ni Li Zhen, nahulog siya at tumilapon ang cake sa napadaang si Dao Ming Si.
Rebooted Li Zhen is more bubbly. Image source: iWant TV
I appreciate the attempt to make it different from Meteor Garden 2001. They included selfies and social media updates and the use of smartphones na hindi pa uso noon. Pero medyo pilit iyong eksena. One... parang ang weird lang na mag-selfie na paatras sa hagdanan ang direksyon. Kasi pwede namang si Shan Cai ang lumapit kay Li Zhen para mas kita yung cake or makuha iyong mas magandang anggulo. O kaya naman pwedeng hindi naman dapat nakatalikod sa hagdan ang position. Who in their right mind would do that? Two... mukha namang high end ang phone ni Li Zhen so tingin ko pwede ring daanin na lang sa zoom. Kaya medyo wala talaga sa hulog ang eksenang ito. Parang pinilit lang para makagawa ng aksidente at matapunan ng cake si Dao Ming Si.
Who in their right mind would take a picture this way? Image source: iWant TV
Shan Cai catches Li Zhen as she falls off the stairs. Image source: iWant TV
Dao Ming Si gets caked. Image source: iWant TV
Another character that was introduced as early as Episode 1 in Meteor Garden 2018 is Chen Qing He. He was introduced in this version as Shan Cai’s high school classmate who vocally admits that he has a big crush on Shan Cai. It was quite a surprise to have him appear so early in the story kasi sa 2001 version, lumabas ang character niya after mawala ni Li Zhen sa school. Qing He still have that perkiness that always makes Shan Cai smile. He cares for Shan Cai and always look after her. Qing He is now played Liu Yinhao.He recaptured the same energy that Edward Ou put into the role back in 2001. Wala naman akong issue sa kanya or sa maagang pagsulpot ng character niya sa story. It just happened to be one of the differences I noticed between the two versions.
Edward Ou played Chen Qing He in Meteor Garden 2001. Image source: https://twitter.com/meteorgardn2018
Liu Yinhao plays the 2018 version of Qing He. Image source: https://twitter.com/meteorgardn2018
The F4
Aside from Shan Cai, Meteor Garden also popularized the iconic boy group named F4 or Flower 4. They are a group of handsome college boys that are all rich, famous, and known playboys. Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Yan Xi Men, and Feng Mei Zou forms the popular F4.
From left: Van Ness Wu as Feng Mei Zou, Vic Zhou as Hua Ze Lei, Ken Chu as Yan Xi Men, and Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si, collectively known as F4 (Flower 4). Image source: iWant TV
Then: In Meteor Garden 2001, F4 was played by Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si, Vic Zhou as Hua Ze Lei, Ken Chu as Xi Men, and Van Ness Wu as Mei Zou. Anak sila ng mga founders at owners ng Ying De University kaya naman bukod sa pagiging sikat, pinangingilagan at kinatatakutan din sila sa buong school. They are the resident bullies of the school. Whenever someone gets into their way or have offended them for whatever reason, they will issue a Red Card which serves as a tag or brand. Once someone receives a Red Card, he or she should expect a great deal of tormenting from other students as well. Pwedeng pakana ng F4 or pakana ng mga estudyanteng nakikisakay sa kaastigan ng F4.
Crazy rich F4. Image source: iWant TV
Bukod kasi sa pagiging mayaman at makapangyarihan, trained din sa basag-ulo ang F4. They are spoiled brats who live their carefree lives knowing that they need not to prove anything. Mamanahin lang din naman nila ang businesses ng mga magulang nila. Kaya mas gusto na lang nilang i-enjoy ang lahat ng gusto nila habang hindi pa dumarating ang panahon na iyon. Sila ang mortal enemy ni Shan Cai dahil sa pagiging pasaway at arogante nila. Shan Cai never liked the way they used their power and wealth just to get things their way at wala silang pakialam kung may naaapakan or nasasaktan na sila. Kaya naman hindi naging maganda ang unang engkwentro ng F4 at ni Shan Cai.
Image source: iWant TV
Simple lang ang fashion style nila during these days. May mga nagsasabi pa ngang hindi naman sila mukhang mayaman sa porma nila. Dao Ming Si would always prefer black, white or red shirts paired up with jeans or cargo pants. Minsan pa nga muscle shirt lang na mukhang ginupit na t-shirt lang. Hua Ze Lei sports a more laid back style with all the long-sleeved cardigans and shirts that he wore. Xi Men is more preppy wearing a knitted vest and shirt ensemble. Mei Zou is the hiphop gangster guy who enjoys playing with bright colors and mixing up loose and baggy shirts and pants.
Those iconic hairstyles really made their mark. Image source: iWant TV
And of course, who could ever forget those iconic hairstyles? Dao Ming Si’s pineapple hair na ginaya at ginastusan ng gel ng napakaraming teenage boys during that time. Parang halos lahat ng batang artista that time tried sporting that look. Iyong layered long-hair ni Xi Men na pati mga guys ay natuto na ring magpa-rebond. Yung pixie cut, boy-next door look ni Hua Ze Lei din ang isa sa mga naging excuse ng mga guys noon para huwag magpagupit. And Mei Zou’s all straight, one length hair was to die for. Pati babae nainggit sa sobrang straight at ganda ng buhok niya. Imagine the horrors of school administrators at that time dahil maraming nagpahaba ng buhok na mga male students nang dahil sa F4.
Now: In Meteor Garden 2018, F4 is played by Dylan Wang as Dao Ming Si, Darren Chen as Hua Ze Lei, Connor Leong as Feng Mei Zou, and Caesar Wu as Yan Xi Men. Crazy rich Asians pa rin ang pegging nila sa version na ito but this time sikat sila hindi lang dahil sa mayaman sila. Sikat sila in a more positive way dahil sila ay mga gifted students who excelled in their chosen courses. Pride sila ng university. It was not mentioned in this series kung sila ba ang may-ari ng school like in the 2001 version. Hindi ko lang alam if there would be a confirmation sa mga susunod na episodes.
(L-R) Caesar Wu as Yan Xi Men, Dylan Wang as Dao Ming Si, Darren Chen as Hua Ze Lei, and Connor Leong as Feng Mei Zou. Image source: iWant TV
At dahil nga gwapo at magagaling sila, marami raw ang gustong mag-challenge sa kanila. Anyone who would like to challenge the F4 would need to beat them in a game of Bridge. According sa mahabang narration ni Yue Ji (junior Journalism student daw na wala naman sa 2001 version), ang Bridge ay isang internationally re-known card game at expert dito ang F4. Wala pang nakakatalo sa kanila sa larong ito.
F4 are experts in the game of Bridge at wala pang nakakatalo sa kanila. Image source: iWant TV
You can only play Bridge with them if they find you as a worthy opponent. You will know if you are worthy, once you received their invitation in a form of a Joker Card. The Joker Card replaced the concept of the Red Card in the 2001 version. Ang sabi dahil ito sa censorship rules ng China that prohibited showing of violence in television. Masyado nga naman kasing negative ang naging connotation ng Red Card sa original version. It showed too much bullying.
The Joker replaced the notorious Red Card of the 2001 version. Image source: iWant TV
Kaya rin siguro pinabait ang F4 sa version na ito. Hindi sila ginawang as notorious as their F4 predecessors. Their fashion sense are also very much different. Kung astig at hip ang dating F4, ang current F4 ay mas stylish at may pagka-boyband ang datingan. The mixture of colors and combination pieces are really very vibrant and youthful.
A more stylish and chic F4. Image source: iWant TV
Aside sa kanilang OOTDs, medyo nanibago rin ako nang husto sa mga personalities nila. Dylan Wang really gave a different treatment kay Dao Ming Si. Sobrang angelic ng face niya and the only thing that makes the look fiercer ay ang mata niya. I missed Jerry Yan’s jawlines and chiseled edges that really made the character astig. Baligtad kasi sila. Jerry Yan have strong features that soften because of his endearing smile. Dylan Wang have soft features that are only made strong by those piercing eyes.
Dylan Wang angelic face looked fiercer because of his eyes. Image source: iWant TV
Image source: https://weheartit.com
Jerry Yan's chiseled face and sharp jawline is softened by his adorable smile. Image source: https://www.buzzfeed.com
Image source: http://angelafehr.blogspot.com
I also miss the hairstyle. While it is still mentioned that Dao Ming Si still has the pineapple hair, hindi naman ganun na-capture ang pineapple hairstyle that Jerry Yan sported back then. Colored, stylish but shorter naman ang buhok ni Hua Ze Lei. Xi Men sports an almost coconut shaped cut with colored hair. Mei Zou shockingly sported a shorter and cleaner cut.
Connor Leong perfectly captured Van Ness Wu's playfulness so well yet gave his own flavor to Mei Zou's character. Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Among the four, I liked Connor Leong’s portrayal of Mei Zou the most. He perfectly captured Van Ness Wu’s playfulness and nonchalantness. Siya iyong mas makatotohanan ang personality compared to the other three who appeared so stiff and boxed. Parang kinahon nila kasi ang character nila sa kung ano ang nasa script at sa expectation ng audience. Connor Leong tried to recapture Mei Zou’s character in his own way. Similar sa atake ni Van Ness Wu but with his own flavor. I was expecting that from the rest of the boys pero mukhang masyadong hilaw at kapos pa sila into owning those characters.
The University
Then: Meteor Garden 2001 was set in a fictitious university called Ying De University. It was actually shot in a university in Taiwan pero hindi Ying De ang pangalan. I saw a post on Facebook a couple of months back ng isang Pinoy traveler who traveled for almost 12 hours just to visit the actual school.
Ying De University. Image source: iWant TV
Maraming iconic spot sa school na ito na naging significant sa storyline ng Meteor Garden. Iyong main school avenue kung saan nasiraan ng scooter si Shan Cai at kung saan unang umeksena ang F4. The locker area kung saan tayo unang nakakita ng Red Card. The rooftop kung saan nagsisigaw si Shan Cai. The main staiway facade na laging pinapakita sa transition scene. Iyong staircase kung saan nahulog si Li Zhen at nagtapunan ng carbon powder si Dao Ming Si. Iyong fire exit kung saan na-trap si Shan Cai at Dao Ming Si. At marami pang iba.
The Pinoy traveler who traveled for 12 hours just to visit the school that was known as Ying De University in the Meteor Garden universe. Image source: http://www.insidereaders.com
If given the chance, I would also want to visit that school so I can retrace their steps sa mga unforgettable na eksenang iyon. Now: In Meteor Garden 2018, they changed the name of the fictitious school from Ying De University to Ming De University. Not sure if there is an actual school in China named as such pero based on the shots being shown sa transition ng scenes, parang CGI naman iyong ibang shots.
Ming De University. Image source: iWant TV
Malaki rin ang school as presented visually. Pero hindi kagaya sa 2001 version, hindi naman puro mayayaman lang ang nag-aaral dito. The university put more emphasis in the intellectual abilities of their students kaya matatalino lang ang nakakapasa na mag-aral doon. Hindi ko alam kung part din ito ng advocacy ng China for good education or talagang iniba lang nila from the original version.
More functional design of the lockers. Image source: iWant TV
Very modern and minimalistic ang design ng school. Even the famous locker area for students appeared more functional and chic than the ones used in the previous version. Kudos sa effort in giving the set up a more millennial ambiance.
Cinematography and Soundtrack
Then: Meteor Garden 2001 was also known not only because of its engaging story line and interesting characters but also because it introduced a more creative and innovative treatment in film making. Ipinikilala sa atin ng Meteor Garden ang mga kakaibang anggulo at shots pagdating sa pag-frame ng mga eksena. Bago nauso ang filters, Meteor Garden have already mastered framing and lighting compositions like a pro.
They were experimental with the angles, the play of natural and artificial lights, and even the rule of thirds. Image source: iWant TV
They went beyond the conventional shots na iyong subject or character ay nasa gitna lang ng frame, naka-profile at tanging zoom in at zoom out lang ang transition. They were experimental with the angles, the blend of natural and artificial lights, and even the rule of thirds. Hindi sila takot pagpalitin ang foreground at background. Hindi sila takot i-pan sideways ang kuha. And the director obviously have these extreme obsession with shots from the back. Halos lahat yata ng episodes, hindi mawawala ang shot mula sa likod ng characters whether midframe or wide angle ang shot, meron.
Shots from the back. Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
The tone of lights played around the orange, yellow and brown hues when indoors and for exterior shots, they played with green, blue and white. Ang galing din ng transition ng tones which helps set the mood of every scene. Iyong sudden fading ng background to focus the characters are well-timed. Hindi rin takot sa tight shots. Palibhasa telegenic naman lahat at ang sarap sa mata tignan ang cast. Ang laking tulong ng cinematography to intensify the actors' performance.
Daring tight shots. Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
At siyempre maski hindi natin naiintindihan, minahal at kinabisado natin ang lyrics ng mga kanta sa soundtrack nila. Marinig ko pa lang ang opening intro ni Harlem Yu sa Qing Fei De Yi (Can't Help Falling In Love With You) nagpe-play na agad sa utak ko ang montage ng F4 habang tumatakbo sa beach sa opening credits. For some reason, naiiyak pa rin ako sa tuwing napapanood ko ito.
Idagdag pa ang makadurog-pusong kanta ni Penny Tai na Ni Yao De Ai (The Love You Want) na pinapatutugtog sa closing credits ng bawat episode at sa lahat ng malungkot na moments sa series. Tulo na nga ang luha at sipon mo sa sobrang nakakaiyak na eksena, bigla pang kakanta si Penny Tai. Ang ending, takang-taka ang lahat ng kasama mo sa bahay kung bakit ka nagngangalngal!
Now: In Meteor Garden 2018, mas bright and sunny naman ang mga shots. There are a lot of CGIs incorporated in the shots. Sobrang liwanag ng bawat frame whether indoor or outdoor lalo na sa mga eksena with Shan Cai. Sobrang linaw at HD rin ng resolution na talaga namang pati pores nila kita na. Buti na lang at flawless ang mga artista nila.
HD resolution na tagos hanggang pores. Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
Image source: iWant TV
May pagka-anime ang treatment nila sa ibang eksena. Medyo nakakailang lang iyong ibang frozen shots. Nagmumukha kasing naka-pose at scripted ang blocking ng mga characters imbes na natural at realistic. This is very evident sa scenes ng F4. Siguro ang purpose nila rito is to make a dreamier tone na parang fantasy ang dating. Kaso medyo nagiging artificial masyado ang dating pati ng acting nila. Sa soundtrack naman, they used a different song for the opening theme. But based on my research, Penny Tai sang a new version of Ni Yao De Ai for the reboot and (SPOILER ALERT!) Harlem Yu still has a cameo at the end of this series and also recorded a new version of Qing Fei De Yi. Kanya-kanyang pili na lang daw kung aling version ang mas bet niyo.
Overall…
Mahirap tapatan ang classic. Image source: https://www.dailypedia.net
If the goal is to make it different from the original version, nagwagi naman dito ang Meteor Garden 2018. Hindi ko lang alam if it worked positively in their favor. Kasi for me, ang taas ng expectation ko talaga. Sobrang minahal ko kasi ang Meteor Garden 2001 and considered it as a classic. Mahirap tapatan ang classic.
Dare to make the difference. Image source: http://koalasplayground.com
There are times in the episode na pakiramdam ko sa kagustuhan nilang bigyan ng kakaibang flavor ang story, medyo naging exaggerated ang dating. The cast sure looked stellar on screen. Wala akong masabi sa angelic faces ng F4 pero medyo parang na-overshadow nito ang essence ng bawat characters.
Image source: https://www.star2.com
Meteor Garden 2001 is a character-driven story. Its plot is very simple. It is just a plain Romeo & Juliet plot. Pero naging buhay at interesting dahil sa mga characters. Somehow iyon ang hinahanap ko sa cast. Shen Yue is a good actress as she had proven sa A Love So Beautiful. Pero she really had big shoes to fill dahil Barbie Xu really owned Shan Cai. Jerry Yan’s Dao Ming Si may look constipated most of the times but his charm and appeal made us all forgive the mediocre acting. And as the story progresses, nakaramdam naman tayo ng improvement sa acting niya. I don’t know if that would be the case kay Dylan Wang who looks even more constipated than Jerry Yan in this version.
Sinong mas constipated sa kanila? Image source: https://amp.matamata.com
Image source: https://says.com
Vic Zhou was also a revelation in Meteor Garden 2001. Kahit na sa unang tingin ay mukha siyang lampayatot, isang titig lang niya talaga namang laglag ang lahat ng pwede malaglag. His eyes expressed the right emotions needed for each scene. He also had this great chemistry with Barbie Hsu kaya naman naging matindi ang tapatan ng Team Ah Si at Team Lei noon. Iyong halos lahat naiinis sa haba ng hair ni Shan Cai dahil pinag-aagawan siya ng isang Dao Ming Si at Hua Ze Lei.
Team Hua Ze Lei. Image source: http://thexart.club
Marami ring eksena ang nabago sa Meteor Garden 2018 reboot. Hindi ko alam kung lahat iyon dahil sa censorship or para lang maiba. Medyo may ibang part lang na hindi kayang saluhin ng creative license. It will again boil down sa ability ng actor na dalhin ang twist na iyon. Example nito iyong pagkahulog ni Li Zhen sa hagdan para matapunan ng cake si Dao Ming Si.
Meron din naman mga eksena sa Meteor Garden 2001 na talagang naabuso ang creative license pero napatawad natin dahil sa actor. Example nito iyong eksena na na-kidnap si Shan Cai at ayaw lumaban ni Dao Ming Si. Halata naman nating peke ang mga kahoy na hinahataw sa kanya pati na rin ang dugo sa pagmumukha ni Jerry Yan. Pero napatawad natin iyon kasi dinala ni Barbie Xu ang eksena. Iyong fear, concern, and courage na ipinakita niya compensated for Jerry Yan’s constipated facial expression.
Shan Cai was kidnapped and Dao Ming Si came to her rescue. Image source: http://spdygurl.tripod.com
Pero siguro may improvement naman sa mga characters and actors as the story develops. Unang episode pa lang naman ang napanood ko sa bagong version. Baka they were just warming up for a more interesting character arc. Tignan na lang natin sa mga susunod na episodes.
It may get more interesting in the next episode. Image source: https://www.cleo.com.sg
Just as I mentioned earlier, Meteor Garden is a classic. It will always hold a special spot in my heart. At kahit pa matatanda na sina Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Ken Chu, Van Ness Wu at Barbie Hsu ngayon, kinikilig pa rin ako kapag napapanood ko sila sa mga appearances nila. Kinikilig pa rin ako nung pinanood ko ulit ang first episode nila. At umiiyak pa rin ako kapag napapanood ko ang mga malulungkot na clips ng mga iconic na eksena sa YouTube. I will always be a fan kahit ilang reboot pa ang lumabas.
Catch the episodes of both 2001 and 2018 versions of Meteor Garden dubbed in Tagalog! Visit and log in to iWant TV for viewers in the Philippines.
Looking for a romantic place for your next date? Try dining with the awesome view of Makati’s skyline as your backdrop. Firefly Roof Deck Bar is on the 32nd floor of City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati. I have always loved an overlooking scenery. We’ve been to Antipolo, Tagaytay , and Baguio. We’ve tried riding the Grand Ferris Wheel at Enchanted Kingdom, The MOA Eye, and The Sky Eye at Sky Ranch in Tagaytay . We have also tried dining at Sky Deck Bar at Bay Leaf Hotel in Intramuros and enjoyed the experience so much that we agreed to do it once again. View from the top Ovelooking at Leonardo's in Antipolo Overlooking at Sky Ranch in Tagaytay Overlooking at Leslie's in Tagaytay Overlooking aboard Sky Eye in Tagaytay Overlooking at ZooRI Overlooking at Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda in San Fernando, La Union Overlooking at Sky Deck Bar in Intramuros Overlooking Sentosa in Singapore aboard a cabl...
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