Regarding SWITCH - Launch in the Philippines
I am an avid and true blooded Fan of NY. I am also a Kapuso or a follower of GMA Network (Filipinos can relate), the one releasing SWITCH in the Philippines.
Let’s just say I am more than a fan of NY than GMA Network though.
My personal observations/opinion :
a) Dubbing is not as good as the way they do for Korean Dramas.
b) Lakorn’s true emotion as required by the scene was not captured. I can’t feel the intensity of the first 2 episodes. Filipino series is as good as the others so I know GMA can do more for SWITCH.
c) Again my opinion only: the first 2 episodes dubbing or overall localized presentation does not give justice to the great acting of NY. I cringe when they talk or the voice over is not appropriate (but again it’s only 2 episodes seen). As they say first impressions last. NY are true Superstars in their country - more and better preparations should have been made.
) It’s boring, dragging and the musical score is not good or sometimes none at all. It is better to watch the real Thai Lakorn and sub in English. One can feel the emotion of the series.
e) I don’t know why of all times, I can’t feel this series on a local Tagalog or Filipino language. Maybe I set the bar much higher because I am an NY fan ??? I expected too much.
f) The first episode trended for a while or for short time but it did not trend as expected on the 2nd day. Quite disappointing. Usually, they interest will catch up on the second day. I was expecting it will trend again but it did not trend. I am really sad.
g) A twitter party was even announced on the second day but it did not trend as expected.
h) I hope it will catch up. This is the first NY lakorn to be shown and I hope GMA will do something to improve it. I don’t want people to get disappointed because of poor local production.
i) A fan made an MTV using Alden Richard's song ( famous singer-actor) to increase awareness BUT I was hoping on its own NY thru GMA promotion can increase viewership. Honestly, Nadech is really much better. Peace and personal opinion only.
j) I know NY’s charisma can do it with the RIGHT promotion, quality dubbing, and musical scoring.
k) The time slot is also a factor. I agree with one of those who suggested that it should have been shown on a better time slot like before 24 Oras or the news – it will generate more interest.
l) After watching the 1st episode and even the second one, I again watched the original Thai version with English sub and one can easily feel the difference. The emotion and intensity were really felt even half of my mind is focused on reading the sub the English subtitles. I recommend others to do the same. Just being true to myself.
m) The interest on Korean Dramas is far more reaching than lakorn and trending is more seen. BUT I believe NY can break that…
n) Merchandising is also a factor – none was seen unlike when Mario Maurer visited the Philippines. The other station was all out.
o) I heard similar comments from friends that there are areas to improve on. Some others don’t even know about SWITCH.
p) I also heard ABS CBN could have done more justice for NY since Mario Maurer became a well known Thai personality because of that station. Mario has so many TV and print ADS in the Philippines. I am not into NETWORK wars.
q) BUT I know GMA can improve it further.
These are just honest and personal opinion of an NY Fan. Just a little voice… Peace… we have the same objective that NY will be known internationally. We need to protect them.
