KC Concepcion will star in the local adaptation of the popular Korenovela, Lovers in Paris.

The original version became one of the most successful Koreanovelas shown here in the country when ABS-CBN first aired the series a few years back. As part of the primetime block, the program achieved a whopping 39.7 percent rating in one of its episodes.

ABS-CBN, likewise, aired the series on its international channel TFC (The Filipino Channel) and was also met with good reviews coming from Filipinos watching abroad.

PINOY VERSION. Inspired by the success of the Korean series, the Kapamilya Network decided to come up with its own version—following the tradition of Betty La Fea and Princess Sarah.

Tapped to play the lead roles are Piolo Pascual (Carlo) and KC Concepcion (Vivian). The cast and staff left yesterday morning, March 10, for Paris where they will stay for three weeks.

For KC, doing a television series provides a new challenge to her young career. During the contract signing held last Monday, March 9, at the 9501 restaurant in ABS-CBN, Quezon City, the young actress-model expressed excitement and anxiousness regarding her new project.

"Four months din siya and it's the first time na talagang gagawa ako ng pangmatagalan," she said, pertaining to the long tedious process of completing a television series.

Just like the others that preceded the show, the local version of Lovers of Paris intends to remain loyal to the original while at the same time infuse enough local flavor so as not to alienate Pinoy viewers.

"May mga scenes na hindi naman po talaga namin goal na gayahin si Vivian," shared KC.  "Kasi after all, it's a remake pero sariling atin."

As for her new role as the spunky and charming Vivian, KC enthused: "I cut my hair for the role and hindi ako pinalalagyan ng make up at all. Talagang kung makikita n'yo dun bare face so kung may tigyawat ako, kitang kita n'yo dun sigurado."

KC was in Paris during the time the series was making its impressive run. Her orientation with the said show happened only recently when she watched Lovers in Paris in video to familiarize herself with the story and the characters.

ADMIRING PIOLO. KC will be paired for the first time with matinee idol Piolo Pascual.

Is there any pressure knowing that this is her first primetime series?

"Lagi naman pong may pressure," answered KC. "Siguro ‘yong makapareha si Piolo kasi so many people admire him and actors respect him kasi magaling siya talaga and hindi ako puwedeng mapahiya sa kanya."

She applauded Piolo's work ethic by saying, "Minsan maaga pa siya sa call time. ‘Yong ugali mismo, ‘yon ‘yong parang gusto kong makuha sa kanya."

Doing a television series, according to the daughter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta and ‘80s matinee idol Gabby Concepcion, was a very humbling experience. The hard work that goes with completing a teleserye made KC respect the likes of Judy Ann Santos, Bea Alonzo, and Claudine Barretto.

"Kasi ‘yong mga soap nila and dami na nilang nagawa. Nakaka-humble siya na ako kakaumpisa ko pa lang pero two days ko pa lang parang feeling ko ang tagal-tagal na naming ginagawa," KC explained in closing.