ASIANOVELA: Fated to Love You

Not every Taiwanese comedy-drama series has a PG-13 sex scene for its first episode, so imagine my amusement when I have actually found one. Fated to Love You has this magical pull at first that made me miss drinking sessions with friends so I can go home earlier and watch it. However, as the series reached its middle part, the show’s appeal dwindled dramatically. Maybe the fact that the main characters’ personalities switched, and scenes becoming stupider and trivial as episodes pass caused me to lose interest. Despite that, I continued being the loyal viewer that I am with the hopes that it would get better, but unfortunately, I was disappointed. I endured figurative headaches watching two grown-ups act like emotionally unstable teenagers who are clueless on what their course of action should be, forcing me to make the decision that I have watched enough cliché telenovelas for this year, and just revert to my ultimate first love, anime.


RATING: 2 out of 5.

KOREANOVELA: Princess Hours

Most girls dream of marrying a dashing prince, and this 25-episode series allowed us to get a glimpse of how it is to be a modern-day Cinderella, the Korean way. The producers certainly made the right choice of actor to portray the prince, as Joo Ji Hoon’s stoic stare and silent demeanor are enough to emit excited squeals from its estrogen brigade of viewers. 2/3 of the show is guaranteed to inspire giggles for the sheer hilariousness of the lead actress’ antics, and several cutesy teeny bopper love scenes from the royal pair. As the koreanovela neared its ending, though, a veil of despair cloaked every episode, and can left one with a heavy feeling after watching it. But if bubbly-girl-melts-apathetic-boy stories are your cup of tea, then Princess Hours is an enjoyable way to waste, er, pass time. Although I am very dissatisfied that the ending is a bit hurried and did not do justice for the resolution of conflicts that have developed in the progression of the story…


RATING: 4 out of 5.