Radio anchor. TV host. Restaurateur. It seems there is nothing that Grace Lee cannot do.
And she’s still keen on covering more bases. She’s now into film production and distribution as well, establishing Glimmer, Inc.
Grace aims to make it “a bridge” of sorts that would allow for dynamic cultural exchange between the Philippines and Korea by way of entertainment.
“So what we do basically is to urge Korean productions to bring their movies here,” she explained, relating how they successfully started doing so already, bringing in “The Roundup” here, recently.
“We have other films coming pa soon,” she added.
Not only that. Grace is also exerting effort to encourage Korean production companies to shoot their films and shows here.
“I think it’s really beneficial for Filipinos because it creates jobs,” she said. “More than that, we could learn a lot from Korean production values.”
The idea for Glimmer came naturally for Grace who, despite being a full-bloodied Korean, is very much “Pusong Pinoy.”
“I spent a huge chunk of my life here and I’m more Pinoy actually than Korean,” she intoned. “So I know the local market. I know what Pinoys want in terms of entertainment. But being Korean, I could also talk to Korean investors and convince them to bring projects here and to involve Filipinos. With Glimmer, we are showing them the best of what Filipinos can offer in terms of talent, locations.”
She went on, “Magagaling tayo e. We have lots of excellent talents here but there is still room for growth. I think bringing Korean production values here would add to that. They’re very good at what they do and I think it will help local creatives learn more in terms of technique.”
She is walking her talk.
Already in the can is a drama series that was mostly done here and with many Pinoys involved.
“I can’t divulge too much but they shot here for three months through the help of Glimmer. It’s a Korean series but there are Filipino talents in it. I think Filipinos will be very proud when they finally see it. It’s to be released soon and you will know about it.”
Grace is also planning to delve into concert production, among others, soon.
“Our company is really small and still quite young and I’m still learning as I go along but we have a lot of plans going. One thing’s for sure, I am doing my best to try and make Glimmer a success because I believe it will be a win-win for the Philippines and Korea.”
We asked Grace if the seeming constant reinvention a conscious effort on her part.
She said, “Not really. I’m aware of it but it’s just natural for me to try something new, something different. I’m like that even as a kid. I was always into discovering new things, learning.”
Isn’t she scared of failure? “No,” she answered. “If anything, I’m more worried about having regrets not trying at all.”
