In 2002, almost 23 years ago, the Philippines was swept up in a cultural phenomenon that took the nation by storm: Meteor Garden. A Taiwanese drama based on the popular Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers), the series became an instant hit and created an unforgettable wave of excitement and enthusiasm. It wasn’t just another show on TV—it became a national obsession, shaping the tastes and interests of an entire generation.
The Arrival of Meteor Garden
When Meteor Garden first aired on Philippine television, it was hard to imagine the kind of impact it would have. The show premiered on ABS-CBN, and at first, many didn’t know what to expect from this foreign drama. But as soon as the opening theme played and the familiar characters of the F4 group—Dao Ming Si (Jerry Yan), Hua Ze Lei (Vic Zhou), Mei Zuo (Vanness Wu), and Xi Men (Ken Zhu)—graced the screen, Filipino audiences were hooked.
The show’s plot, which followed the life of a poor girl, Shan Cai (played by Barbie Hsu), as she navigated the world of the wealthy and powerful F4, struck a chord with viewers. It was a classic rags-to-riches story, filled with romance, drama, and unforgettable moments. But it wasn’t just the story that captured people’s hearts; it was the undeniable chemistry of the F4 cast and their portrayal of heartthrob characters that sent millions of fans into a frenzy.
F4 Mania: The Boys Who Took Over the Philippines
The four members of F4 quickly became the darlings of Philippine pop culture. Fans couldn’t get enough of their good looks, fashion, and, most of all, their performances on-screen. The members of F4 were more than just actors—they became idols. Fans eagerly followed every new episode, and their presence was felt beyond the TV screen, from schoolyards to shopping malls.
Posters, magazines, and fan clubs dedicated to the F4 boys became ubiquitous. The show’s soundtrack, featuring songs like “Meteor Rain” and “Qing Fei De Yi,” was on repeat in many homes, as the Filipino audience embraced the music as part of their daily lives. Young girls dreamed of falling in love with the likes of Dao Ming Si, while Shan Cai’s character resonated with viewers who saw themselves in her. F4 wasn’t just a boy band in a drama—it was a cultural force.
Even F4 songs became popular in the Philippines and soars to local charts with their songs like Meteor Rain, Can’t Lose You, Can’t Help Falling In Love, Jue Bu Neng Shi Qu Ni (yes that, Oh Baby Baby song) and more.
The Fan Experience: From Obsession to Inspiration
The Meteor Garden fever didn’t stop at watching the show. Filipino fans participated in numerous fan activities, from online forums discussing episode spoilers and fan theories to live gatherings in malls for meetups and events. Some even adopted Meteor Garden-inspired fashion trends, emulating the iconic outfits of F4. The style and image of the group became ingrained in youth fashion at the time, as students and young professionals alike sported the same looks—think leather jackets, messy hair, and bold prints.
The Filipino fan base also wasn’t limited to the show itself. Meteor Garden gave rise to a wider appreciation for Asian dramas and music, helping to fuel the success of other series and artists from Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. It was the beginning of what we now recognize as the boom of the “Hallyu” or Korean Wave, though it was Meteor Garden that set the stage for Asian entertainment’s influence on the Philippines.
The Lasting Legacy
The effects of the Meteor Garden fever are still felt today, even though 2002 was over two decades ago. The show laid the groundwork for other iconic Asian dramas like Boys Over Flowers (the Korean adaptation) and introduced Filipino audiences to the beauty and complexity of East Asian entertainment. Many of the stars from the show, such as Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, and Barbie Hsu, became beloved figures in the Philippine entertainment scene. The Meteor Garden craze may have simmered down, but it undeniably left a lasting mark on Filipino pop culture.
Sadly, in recent news, the beloved Barbie Hsu, who portrayed Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, passed away at the age of 48. She died from pneumonia after contracting influenza while on a vacation in Japan. The news of her passing has deeply saddened fans around the world, especially in the Philippines, where she became a household name. Known for her iconic role as the strong-willed, lovable Shan Cai, Barbie Hsu’s portrayal of the character remains etched in the hearts of many. Her legacy as one of the stars of Meteor Garden will continue to live on, and she will always be remembered fondly by those who grew up watching her.
Conclusion: A Pop Culture Milestone
Looking back, the Meteor Garden fever in the Philippines was a defining moment in the early 2000s. It introduced Filipino audiences to a new wave of entertainment and sparked a lasting love for Asian drama that has only grown in the years since. From fan posters on bedroom walls to dedicated fan clubs, the Meteor Garden obsession remains a cherished memory for many Filipinos who lived through the craze. As we revisit those days, we can’t help but smile at how much the world has changed, but also how much of that Meteor Garden magic still lives on in the hearts of its fans. Barbie Hsu, in particular, will always be an unforgettable part of that magic.
