"Ang Hanap Ko, Ang 'Yong Pag-ibig"

Yep, finally done with Meteor Garden, first season. Watching all 27 episodes reminded me of my two-season marathon of the Japanese version: Hana Yori Dango. With both Taiwanese and Japanese dramas, I found it so easy to keep watching episode after episode, at the expense of sleep.

I can understand the appeal of MG to the Philippine audience, making it such a huge hit. Handsome leads, common heroine, rich boy-poor girl, trials and tests to our love story, love triangles... and other polygons, scheming mother-in-laws, lifestyles of the rich and famous. But since my first foray into the HYD franchise was through the delightful Domyouji and Makino, MG's Shancai and Ah Si somehow came up short for me. For a stretch of several episodes last night, I was playing both versions side by side and oftentimes muting the Taiwanese so I can hear the Japanese.

I didn't realize how old MG is now. I'm sure the outfits and cellphones were considered cutting edge at the time of airing. All the actors seem "old" to me, as of course, they're now in their late 20s-early 30s by now. However, I got past that quite quickly into the drama.

As for the handsome F4, they didn't feel as dashing as the HYD F4. In some scenes, I thought they were no more than thugs. But I truly admired their friendship and closeness, especially towards the end. Hmmm, whom did I find the most appealing? All 4 have their charms, and surprisingly, I can't choose, which I think is a testament to their well-drawn characters. :D

I was surprised to find out that the entire MG series included the plot points of both seasons of HYD. It made me curious about the second season of MG. But when I found out how long (30+ eps?!) it was and read reviews and synopses, I'm not sure I'm up for it. I kinda wanted to see the Taiwanese treatment of the amnesia storyline, but I'm not sure I can stand it for an entire season.

There were plenty of things I liked in MG: the camaraderie, DMS's sister and her contributions, Shancai-Lei storyline, the arranged fiancee character, the theme song Ni yao de ai (which was so familiar to me... until I remembered Michelle Ayalde's version: Ang hanap ko, ang iyong pag-ibig). But there were also things I'd rather the drama went without: Shancai's wishywashyness, which did not compare well to Makino's devotion; third parties (sobrang daming mga hadlang); reduced storylines for F3; a bit lacking acting-wise; did I mention the many asungots?

I am perfectly content to end my MG adventures with the last episode, which was a suitably happy ending. But I may be showing my bias when I confess that I watched the final episode of HYD Season 2 right after. Domyouji has forgotten Makino, breaking her heart and making her mad. But the stranded lovers scene brings everything full circle, and I love me some full and complete circles. The proposal is so typical Domyouji. And the best part: the ending is my kind of ending---happy reports on my favorite characters and a kiss from the romantic leads. I cried at the same parts, and I cheered at the same spots.

The "Hana Yori Dango" franchise is really a force to reckon with, where ever it may arrive. So I'm a little bit excited as well as apprehensive for the Korean version. They may be mean and capricious, but those little F4 notes bring confusion and excitement and a "fated" love story. Bring them on!