Featured image courtesy of TV5.
MANILA, Philippines — It is coming! In a marriage of sorts, the Philippines and South Korea are bringing a culinary travel show that melds two vibrant food cultures—South Korea and the Philippines—in a unique gastronomic adventure that celebrates connection and heritage.
Set in Gangnam, Seoul, Kumusta introduces Filipino flavors to the heart of South Korea’s thriving dining scene, highlighting the richness of both culinary traditions.
Kumusta was officially launched in a grand media conference held at The Collab at Sheraton Manila Hotel, Newport World Resorts, headlined by South Korean star Ji Chang-wook.
Joining him was a powerhouse cast of Filipino celebrities including Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, Arci Muñoz, and chef-restaurateur JP Anglo, offering a first look at the cross-cultural collaboration set to delight audiences across Asia. The show is set to premiere as part of TV5’s Weekend Trip block and on the Viu app, in a continuing thrust to bring the Philippines’ talent and culture to the global stage.
The cast and brains behind the show, “Kumusta”, at the media conference hosted by The Collab at Sheraton Manila Hotel in Newport World Resorts. Image courtesy of TV5.
The show promises an interesting blend of food and cultural exchange as the stars break aside from their typical on-screen roles to run a fully operational Filipino pop-up restaurant in one of Seoul’s most dynamic districts.
Throughout the show, the stars learn to prepare and serve Filipino comfort food favorites from chicken inasal, kare-kare, sisig, and the ever-iconic lechon—offering many Korean diners an exciting first taste of Filipino cuisine. The cast takes on the challenge of bringing these flavorful dishes to a new audience, spending up to 12 hours a day for seven straight days preparing, cooking, and serving dishes for diners.
Ji Chang-wook. Image courtesy of TV5.
Leading the kitchen is respected culinary figure Chef JP Anglo, a former MasterChef Philippines judge whose presence in the kitchen serves as an anchor for the restaurant’s culinary direction, bridging Philippine heritage with Seoul’s discerning food scene. The series further boosts its cross-cultural lineup with guest appearances from South Korean celebrities Kim Min-seok, Kim Myung-soo, and Seo In-guk.
Kumusta is 100% produced by E&S Partners, a subsidiary of Echolive Korea, the company that organized Waterbomb Manila in 2025. The show stars Korean actor Ji Chang-wook, who returns to the Philippines to promote Kumusta alongside his Filipino co-stars.
In the series, viewers will see a more candid side of him as he builds genuine camaraderie with co-stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, and Arci Muñoz, highlighting how food and friendship transcends borders.
(L-R) Chef JP Anglo, Jodi Sta. Maria. Images courtesy of TV5.
At its core, Kumusta is more than just a reality, cooking show. It seeks to capture what happens when people from two different cultures bond over food, and how the show quietly shows how food can bring people together.
“Kumusta is a fresh take on Philippine television,” said Jack Hyunsoo Noh, E&S Partners CEO. “It brings together Korean and Filipino stars in a way that feels natural. Through food, travel, and shared experiences. At the center of it all is Filipino cuisine, and we’re excited to introduce it to a wider audience.”
Filming and editing for Kumusta is fully handled by Korean production company PODO Creative, while Rebisco serves as the program’s main sponsor.
Kumusta is set to premiere on May 24, 2026, 6:45 PM, as part of TV5’s Weekend Trip block and on the Viu app, where viewers can stream anytime, anywhere.
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