Coffee Prince is a 2012 Philippine television drama romance comedy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on Sun-mi Lee's novel Coffee Prince. Directed by Ricky Davao, it stars Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica. It premiered nationally on October 8, 2012 on the network's Telebabad lineup replacing One True Love. The series concluded on November 23, 2012 with a total of 35 episodes. It was replaced by Pahiram ng Sandali in its timeslot.
Premise[]
Andy is a hardworking young woman who supports her mother and sister after the death of their father. To sustain their daily needs, she earns a living as a tricycle driver. Arthur, on the other hand, is a happy-go-lucky and wealthy bachelor whose family owns the biggest coffee factory in the country. His grandmother constantly pressures him to settle down, but Arthur is not yet ready to tie the knot. To avoid the dates arranged by his domineering granny, Arthur hires Andy to pretend to be his gay lover. He doesn't know that Andy is just pretending to be a guy to keep her job in Arthur's coffee shop. Desperate to pay off her family's debt, Andy is left with no choice but to agree to Arthur's plan and to continue with her charade.
Complications arise when Andy starts to fall in love with Arthur. He is likewise unable to control his feelings for Andy and he starts questioning his sexuality.
Cast and characters[]
Lead cast[]
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- Kris Bernal as Andrea "Andy" Gomez
- Because of her tomboyish mannerism and ala "boy next door" looks, Andy always mistaken for a man. But in spite of this, Andy is the epitome of the loving and caring daughter and sister. She is the breadwinner of her family, trying every job to make ends meet and pay her family's outpouring debts. She ends up pretending as a guy to bag a job in a coffeehouse. She eventually falls in love with his boss, Arthur, who's unaware that she is actually a girl.
- Aljur Abrenica as Arthur Ochoa
- Known for his happy-go-lucky and impulsive personality. As the heir to a huge coffee company, he struggles to meet all lofty expectations of him, particularly by his over domineering granny, Mamita. And to prove his worth, he ends up taking over a rundown old coffee shop, he named as "Coffee Prince". He is secretly in love with his brother's girlfriend. But unexpected turn of events will lead him to meet his perfect match.
Supporting cast[]
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- Benjamin Alves as Errol Ochoa
- The half-brother of impulsive Arthur. He is an established music producer and considered as the most favoured child in the family. His involvement with Arlene will cause a rift/rivalry between him and his brother, Arthur.
- Max Collins as Arlene Manahan
- The girlfriend of Errol and Arthur's childhood sweetheart. With her kindness and sweet nature, she accidentally captured Arthur's heart, which eventually cause a rift between the two brothers. Her true personality comes out when she is with her Errol. She is possessive, manipulative and whinny. The same happens with Arthur. Thus, one of the reasons why Arthur decided to end their relationship.
- Celia Rodriguez as Mamita Ochoa
- The Ochoa matriarch, known for her perfectionist, bossy and controlling nature. She is considered as one of the most respected and well-known businesswoman in the world of food business. Mamita is very proud of her humble beginnings. It was only through hard work and diligence that she was able to achieve all the luxuries in life – things she also expects for her grandson, Arthur to follow.
- Tessie Tomas as Elizabeth "Beth" Gomez
- A widow who raises her daughters Andy and Mylene the best way she knows. Desperation for money forces her to rely on easy money schemes but always ends up running to Andy to bail her out of trouble.
- Leo Martinez as Ernie Muling Tapang
- Arthur's business partner in coffeehouse and also serves as the senior barista there. His ill-tempered and fearless nature seems useless when it comes to Beth, whom he has a secret crush.
- Ces Quesada as Lorna Ochoa
- Arthur and Errol's mother. Lorna will do everything she can to keep her family intact. She will eventually resent Andy for his son Arthur.
- Ronnie Henares as Oliver Ochoa
- The business-minded father of Arthur and Errol. He is somewhat a disciplinarian, but seems biased when it comes to his two sons, as he always compares the happy-go-lucky Arthur to the goody-good Errol. He often doubts Arthur's ability and worth, convinced that his youngest son is nothing but a freeloader.
- Boy2 Quizon as Ervin Tanchinko
- The best friend and confidante of Arthur. He works at Arthur's coffee shop as interior designer and barista.
- Steven Silva as Bamboo Buendia
- Errol's best friend.
- Fabio Ide as Leo Bonito
- A Brazilian national who used to sell Brazilian desserts in the mall. He applied as a barista in Coffee Prince in order to finish his studies.
- Sef Cadayona as Baldo
- The suitor of Andy's sister, Mylene. He also works as a barista in Coffee Prince and the only one besides Ernie who knows the secret behind Andy's identity.
- Kim Rodriguez as Mylene Gomez
- The younger sister of Andy.
Episodes[]
| Episode no. | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–5 | "Instant Breadwinner" | October 8–12, 2012 | |
| After the death of her father, Andy Gomez instantly became the breadwinner of the family. To sustain their daily needs, she earns a living as a tricycle driver and taking odd jobs like delivering water or food orders. But one day, Andy finds herself in need of big amount of cash to pay her family's debts. On the other side of the story is Arthur Ochoa, a happy-go-lucky and impulsive heir to a huge coffee company. Arthur's grandmother, Mamita made an arrangement for Arthur to work at the coffee shop that they own. | |||
| 6–10 | "The Coffee Prince" | October 15–19, 2012 | |
| Andy pretends to be a guy to bag a job in Coffee Prince—a coffee shop owned by the cocky Arthur. Arthur, on the other hand, has his share of problems too. His grandmother Mamita constantly pressures him to settle down. To be free of his granny's consistent prodding, Arthur offers Andy a contract—in which "he" must pretend to be his gay lover in exchange for a huge amount of money. Andy is left with no choice but to take the opportunity to pay her family’s debts. Meanwhile, Andy meets Errol—his prince charming. | |||
| 11–15 | "A Table for Four" | October 22–26, 2012 | |
| It is the re-opening of the shop—Coffee Prince—and it seems to turn out to be a big hit. After a hard day's work, Arthur and Arlene meet up late night. Meanwhile, Andy and Eroll go on a big date. As they head off to the art gallery exhibit, Andy learns how coincidence and fate has played with her, yet again. | |||
| 16–20 | "Perfect Blend" | October 29 – November 2, 2012 | |
| Arthur gets to bond with Andy's family in Batangas. As they spend more time together, the latter can't control her emotions and starts to fall in love with Arthur. Andy's mother Beth and sister Mylene ask her if she likes Arthur but Andy says it's impossible for Arthur to like her since he knows she is a guy. Meanwhile, Mang Ernie, while intoxicated, asks Arthur to take care of Andy since he treats her like his own daughter. He even confesses to him that Andy is really a girl. But Arthur ignores his revelation. | |||
| 21–25 | "Romance Brews" | November 5–9, 2012 | |
| Arthur can't seem to comprehend the feelings that stir inside of him whenever Andy and he are around together. He sends pastries to Andy's family which will trigger the idea that he is courting her. But Andy is starting to have feelings for Arthur; she's just denying it because she's frightened that she will end up getting hurt again. But her mother, Beth, and Mang Ernie will persuade her to tell the truth. When Andy finally decides to confide her true identity, she will see Arthur and Arlene together, kissing each other. | |||
| 26–30 | "Bittersweet Revelation" | November 12–16, 2012 | |
| In spite the presence of Arlene in his life, Arthur can't deny that his days aren't complete without Andy. Confusion strikes and Arthur starts to question his own sexuality. Meanwhile, Mamita will meet an accident and Arthur will be blamed. Arlene on the other hand, will discover that Andy is not a "he" but a "she". | |||
| 30–35 | "The Last Sip" | November 19–23, 2012 | |
| Arthur feels hurt and betrayed when he finds out the truth about Andy's real identity. Meanwhile, Andy decides to leave for Singapore and pursue her scholarship. Afraid of losing the girl he loves, Arthur stops her and forgives her. The drama ends with Arthur and Andy swearing eternal love for each other in front of their families and love ones. | |||