Filipina Actress and Singer Kristel Fulgar: How Korean Culture Shaped and Amplified Her Unique Voice
2023-07-29In this exclusive interview, Kristel Fulgar shares how her love for Hallyu led her to rediscovering and enhancing her talents and passions
Enter the name Kristel Fulgar in any search engine and you will see a charming girl with a long list of achievements. This isn’t surprising because Kristel literally grew up in the Philippine entertainment industry.
She got her start in show business as a contestant for a noontime television show’s segment, “Munting Miss U,” (Little Miss Universe) where a talent coordinator noticed her stellar presence and beautiful singing voice. It wasn’t long before Kristel became a household name when she starred in Goin’ Bulilit, a weekly sketch show where she and other child stars displayed their comedic chops. As a teen, Kristel continued to act in movies and television dramas while completing her Mass Communication degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
She built a loyal following on Youtube through her channel, Kristel Fulgar, which she started in 2014. It is where she showcased her singing by performing solo and collab covers of English, Filipino, and Korean songs. It was also around the time that Korean entertainment was starting to get support globally, and Kristel was one of its early adopters, falling in love with K-culture before the rest of the world did.
At present, she is a contract talent of management agency NYMA where she is strategically planning her next moves.
Can you share what made you interested in Korean language, culture, and entertainment?
I grew up watching Korean dramas. But to be more specific, Filipino-dubbed Korean dramas. When I transitioned to online streaming with the original audio and English subtitles, it suddenly hit me that I want to enjoy watching without needing to read the subtitles so I can focus on admiring my favorite oppa and unnie onscreen.
Speaking of oppa, another big factor that sparked my love for Korean culture is having fallen head-over-heels for Seo In Guk. As a fan, I wanted to learn Hangul to understand his shows, movies, music videos, and songs. Although there are English translations, there’s a different sense of fulfillment in having that shared connection with your idol, and learning a new skill.
And learn new skills, she did! In 2018, Kristel started her second YouTube channel called KrisTells Vlogs. On this channel, she shared her Korea adventures and journey to personal growth. In September 2022, Kristel went to South Korea for an extended stay to study Hangul. During her time there, she got great opportunities, like becoming an endorser for a Korean hair care brand and appearing on Korean television shows.
Armed with more knowledge and her passion for Hallyu reignited, Kristel continues to harness her voice, this time, as a podcast host for a new show, “Anyare Saeyo.”
Why did you choose to do a podcast at this point in your career?
Starting a podcast was out of my comfort zone, but then I realized that the only way to grow is to step out of it. There are two major reasons why I considered starting a podcast: (1) I’m passionate about the topic, and (2) to develop multiple skill sets.
I’ve been vlogging for the last five years. Most of my content reflects my love for Korean culture. I thought that podcasting would be a great way to share off-cam stories that did not make it to my vlogs. Plus, I get to talk freely and engage with my audience on a more personal level.
It’s also a way for me to boost my communication skills. As an introvert, translating my thoughts and ideas into words is something that I struggle with most of the time. To be able to think fast, and talk smart is the goal that I have set for myself as I do this podcast.
The title is very interesting. Can you share how you came up with it?
Familiarity + Creativity – these were the considerations my team and I had in mind when we were coming up with a podcast title. For easier recall, we chose “Anyare Saeyo” which sounds like “Annyeonghaseyo,” the most common way of saying “hello” in Korean. “Anyare Saeyo” also sounds like “What happened to you?” in Tagalog, and that pretty much sums up what the program is all about. It’s a podcast where Moy and I share our experiences and dish out wise advice that is sure to hit home for this generation, whether it be advice on love, life, and everything in between.
You are co-hosting with your friend, Moy Esguerra. What made you decide to work with her on this program?
Hosting a podcast on your own can be tough. Without someone to bounce ideas off or get help from when you encounter a mental block during the program, it can become challenging. That's why I decided to personally request a co-host to make things easier and more enjoyable.
Choosing Moy as my co-host was an easy decision. We are real-life friends, and our conversations naturally flow with comfort and engagement. We both love Korean culture and have so many shared experiences, which gives us a lot of fun ideas. When we're recording, I can be myself, reacting genuinely to all the stories, and we end up laughing a lot. Beyond that, Moy's insights and perspectives add so much value, making her not only a great co-host but also a wonderful friend.
Who would be your dream Korean guest in your podcast, and why?
If I could dream big, Seo In Guk. If I could dream even bigger, a Tagalog-speaking Seo In Guk.
Kidding aside, it’s no secret that I am a huge fan of his. Recently, I had the best fangirl experience of interviewing him through a video chat. But this time, I am manifesting a face-to-face encounter with candid conversations with him.
Did making Anyare Saeyo enhance your love for Korean culture even more?
A big yes! The beauty of podcasting with a co-host like Moy is that we each offer unique perspectives on various subjects, and I learn so much from her. With our different backgrounds and experiences, Moy brings a new angle to the topics we discuss on our show. It's like a two-way conversation that allows me to both share my thoughts and learn from her insights at the same time. These new learnings deepen and strengthen my love for Korean culture even more.
On July 8, 2023, it was announced that Kristel will be hosting Seo In Guk's first fan meeting in the Philippines. It will be amazing to see her, a Korean culture enthusiast, sharing the stage with her favorite Korean actor and performer in front of a loving Filipino audience. Who knows, soon the tables might turn, and we could see Kristel on a Korean stage! It's a powerful reminder that big dreams really do come true.
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