TYPE OF REVIEW 
: FIRST IMPRESSION REVIEW
Some first week spoilers, but with fair warning before they begin.
I honestly did not have high expectations for Beauty Empire based on the trailer and teasers they’ve released so far. I wasn’t sure what to make of it really. They made it seem as simply some glossier version of the typical viral-mining teleserye that peppers Philippine TV today. And that might be exactly what many others are looking for. But I was a bit tepid on the show going in and was ready to conclude the show just wouldn’t be for me.
After watching the first four episodes, color me surprised! And pleasantly surprised at that. I enjoyed the first week of episodes of the latest collaboration between GMA Network and Viu, along with Creazion Studios.
Spoiler alert for these first four episodes, though I don’t think knowing any of the incoming info will affect your viewing of the series.
In as small of a nutshell as I can put it, Beauty Empire centers around Barbie Forteza as Noreen, a young woman who had dreams of creating a beauty products business with her older sister. Tragically, her older sister has died. And now she’s out for revenge, seemingly suspecting beauty company CEO Velma Imperial (Ruffa Gutierrez) and popular beauty influencer (and company employee) Shari de Jesus (Kyline Alcantara) of being involved.
The first four episodes unravel Noreen’s journey from the Philippines to Korea and back again, chronicling the path from having big dreams with her sister up to what appears to be getting the justice her sister deserves.
But of course, not everything is as it seems. Especially this early. And that is what makes it a bit more intriguing for me.
What changed my mind immediately though was seeing that the series was actually a very familiar revenge drama. The pre-show promo had kind of negatively influenced my preconception of the series. But watching these first four episodes basically reassured me in a way.
It took a little while though. Midway through the first episode, I was still unsure. But as the rest of the four episodes revealed more of Noreen’s story and what appears to be her elaborate plans, I found myself being drawn in much more.
What made me unsure was the shaky way the show was trying to balance the campy stuff with the more serious and grounded moments. A lot of the camp, from the use of Gen Z slang to the stiff delivery of the English lines (all to seem more sosyal or maarte, which fits the setting and characters of course), felt forced and out of place.
But the series finds a better balance later on. Actually, the show keeps the camp to a minimum and focuses more on the more traditional and grounded drama. So when kept to a minimum and properly placed within the episodes, the campy and over the top stuff can be a nice treat and compliment rather than simply being a hindrance to the rest of the series.
Seeing that the series is set to be 40 episodes is a big plus as well. And also a big relief. Another potential assurance that the series will be well-paced and tightly written rather than suffering the long, dragged out formula of teleseryes overstaying their welcome.
I also hope there is just one version between Viu and GMA. Not like Slay and the ultimately unnecessary “TV exclusive” storylines and scenes.
When it comes to the narrative, it’s obviously not going to be so cut and dry. The first four episodes give us what can seem like a straightforward story. But of course being the first four of 40, there’s still plenty of possible twists and turns left to encounter.
At the same time, the series also doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Even if that would be welcome, there is also nothing wrong with a standard, run-of-the-mill revenge teleserye that is done well. And Beauty Empire gives just enough in these four episodes to suggest they can do that.
These four episodes set up a “beauty war” between Noreen, Velma, and Shari. But for one early guess, I wouldn’t be surprised if Noreen, Velma and Shari are all actually working together. Probably in a women’s empowerment type of deal. I dunno.
Interesting narration at the end of the Episode 4 suggests there’s definitely more than meets the eye to what we see in these initial episodes.
I’ll also venture a guess that Sid Lucero’s character probably has something to do with the central mystery or conflict. Because anyone who knows of Sid Lucero’s work, especially in teleseryes, knows that he is excellent at playing the crazy kontrabida. So seeing him in that familiar role here would not be a surprise, but would definitely offer the perfect foil to our heroine(s).
I also a bit suspicious of Chai Fonacier’s character as well. They wouldn’t have cast her on this show if she was merely going to be Velma’s doting assistant. They wouldn’t waste Chai Fonacier’s acting chops for a small role like that. So definitely keep an eye out for Kriselda!
Having these two acting heavyweights, along with Isay Alvarez playing Noreen’s mother, definitely gives the show some welcome gravitas. And the rest of the ensemble has been great so far as well.
Noreen is tailor made for Barbie Forteza. Her signature performance style very much suits who Noreen is. And it’s easy to see why she is so well-loved by fans.
Kyline Alcantara is her best when she is a kontrabida and she definitely has lots of room to play around with Shari here. Ruffa Gutierrez is the same as well. And in a recent interview, she teases that Velma is a complicated character, so we look forward to that too. As well as more potential clashes with Gloria Diaz’s Clara.
On the romance front, Sam Concepcion and former Golden Child member Choi Bomin are Noreen’s (and Shari’s?) potential leading men. Heck, Aaron Maniego as Shari’s assistant Sylvester had great chemistry in a revealing scene with Barbie’s Noreen too. Who knows? (lol) But this first week focused more on setting up the revenge side of things first, so romance can wait.
If you are iffy on the idea of Beauty Empire like I was, give the first four episodes a chance first. Whether now on Viu or later on GMA when it premieres on July 7th. I ended up getting drawn in after watching these episodes. Perhaps you will too.
At the moment, I dunno if I’ll be writing about the show every week. But since I do need the posts, I probably will. Lol
The English was more cringe than Barbie’s Korean and that says a lot
Yes a little lol