Rising star and ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11’ winner Fyang Smith is all heart this Mother’s Day season as she pours her gratitude into her latest project — the Filipino-dubbed version of the South Korean film Picnic.
During the media launch held at Gateway Cinemas in Quezon City, Fyang shared how she hopes her work would make both her mom and her late grandmother proud.
“Sana ‘yung lola ko, who is in heaven, and mommy ko, proud sila sa’kin,” said Smith, who was raised by her Lola Roberta while her mother worked overseas. Her grandmother passed away when she was just 11, but her influence remains deeply felt.
Looking back, Smith admitted to being a playful and mischievous child, but said her journey into showbiz is something she dedicates to both the women who raised her: “Nag-promise ako sa mommy and lola ko that I will make them proud of me. Lahat ng ginagawa ko ay para sa kanila.”
Fyang’s voice lends life to the younger version of lead character Eun-sim (originally portrayed by Na Moon-hee) in Picnic, a poignant drama about aging, friendship, and rediscovering life’s meaning. Despite having little experience in voice acting or Korean content, Smith embraced the challenge.
“Hindi po talaga ako nanonood ng Korean dramas,” she confessed. “Pero nung pinapanood ko ‘yung Picnic, iba ‘yung tama sa puso. Ang hirap i-dub kasi kailangang kuhang-kuha mo ‘yung emosyon nila, pati ‘yung accent.”
Aside from the technical demands, Smith shared that the role also brought emotional realizations: “Marami sa’tin ang hindi nakakatanggap ng pagmamahal sa magulang. Pero makikita mo sa Picnic, iba’t ibang klase ng pagmamahal — mula sa kaibigan, sa mga taong nagpaparamdam ng pagmamalasakit.”
Produced by Nathan Studios, headed by Ria Atayde, Picnic is the studio’s heartfelt Mother’s Day offering. The Filipino dub features a stellar cast including Ces Quesada, Nova Villa, Bodjie Pascua, and JM Ibarra, and has been praised for bringing out the film’s emotional resonance through a more culturally familiar lens.
While the original Korean version of Picnic was a box office and critical success, the Filipino adaptation aims to hit even closer to home — speaking directly to Filipinos who deeply value family, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
