Baker King (Philippine TV series)

Baker King is a 2015 Philippine drama television series based on South Korean series King of Baking, Kim Takgu (also known the Philippines as The Baker King) broadcast by TV5. Starring Mark Neumann, Shaira Mae, Akihiro Blanco, and Inah Estrada. It aired on the network's evening line up from May 18 to September 11, 2015, replacing Wattpad Presents and was replaced by My Fair Lady.

It is the first Korean drama adaptation to air on TV5. This is also TV5's first dramaserye since Beki Boxer ended its run July 2014 aside from Wattpad Presents which features a new story every week.

Plot
Takgu is the illegitimate son of Johnny Lee, president of Lee Han Seong Bread Factory. Because of this, the Lee family does not accept him. After his mother is kidnapped, Takgu leaves the Lee home and spends his teenage years looking for her while living on the streets and surviving though odd jobs. He ends up at the famous Lucky Bakeshop where he will unexpectedly face off against his half-brother, Michael. But in addition to learning how to become the best baker in the Philippines, Takgu will learn about life and love.

Main cast

 * Mark Neumann as Takgu San Miguel
 * Akihiro Blanco as Michael Lee
 * Inah Estrada as Eunice Bustillo
 * Shaira Mae as Sunshine R. Gatchalian

Lee family

 * Boots Anson-Roa as Lee Hye Yeong
 * Jackie Lou Blanco as Irene Lee
 * Yul Servo as Manager Henry
 * Raymond Bagatsing as President Johnny Lee
 * Malak So Shdifat as Celine Lee
 * Nicole Estrada as Aliyah "Ally" Lee

The bakery

 * Joonee Gamboa as Master Javier Robles
 * Allan Paule as Rey Gatchalian
 * Anna Feleo as Peeta Gatchalian
 * Ian De Leon as Victor
 * Mon Confiado as Nando
 * Sergio Garcia as Tiny
 * Adolph Reyes as Bimbo

Other characters

 * Diana Zubiri as Sonia San Miguel
 * Via Antonio as Candice
 * Vangie Labalan as Vising
 * Patricia Ysmael as Monet
 * Antoinette Garcia as Chinggay

Special participation

 * Nourish Icon Lapuz as young Takgu
 * Laurence Yuan Carrido as young Michael
 * John Manalo as teenage Michael
 * Kryshee Grengia as young Ally
 * Jim Pebangco as Gardo
 * Nanding Josef as Roger
 * Jade Lopez as Lara
 * Sheng Belmonte as Ruby
 * Luke Jickain as James
 * Jacob Benedicto as Alex
 * Menggie Cobarrubias as Attorney Mendoza
 * Karla Pambid as Aling Dolor
 * Noel Urbano as Mang Cesar
 * Franchesca Salcedo as young Celine

Origin
King of Baking, Kim Takgu is a Korean drama series broadcast on KBS2 in 2010 starring Yoon Shi-yoon, Joo Won, Eugene and Lee Young-ah. It was declared a "national drama" after garnering high ratings, including topping 50.0% for its finale episode.

In 2011, GMA Network aired the series, dubbed in Tagalog, under the title The Baker King. For most of its run, it was the highest rated and most watched show in the Philippines. GMA re-aired the drama on weekends in late-2011 and into 2012.

Production
At its December 2013 trade launch to potential advertisers, TV5 announced it had acquired the Philippine adaptation rights to the drama. Baker King was revealed as one of two Korean drama adaptations (along with My Fair Lady) to air on the network in 2014.

TV5 talent Vin Abrenica was initially reported to have either been cast as the lead or second lead on the series. But in March 2014, a story published in the Journal group of daily tabloids reported that TV5 was interested in "borrowing" GMA talent Derrick Monasterio for Baker King in which he would star with TV5 talents Ritz Azul and Eula Caballero.

There would be no news about the project until April 2015 when TV5 announced Baker King would premiere on 18 May with a cast including Boots Anson-Roa, Akihiro Blanco, Shaira Mae, and Inah Estrada. Mark Neumann was cast in the title role, contrary to what had been reported. Abrenica admitted to being "hurt" after learning he had not been cast on the series.

TV5 entertainment head Wilma Galvante said the Filipino adaptation would include Filipino "local flavor" based on the book Panaderia by Amy Uy which is a study of various local breads from different parts of the Philippines.

The series uses several songs from the original Korean soundtrack of Baker King Kim Tak Goo as well as one original Filipino song performed and composed by Ogie Alcasid entitled "Saranghaeyo."