Image: Amazon

Soap operas are dramatic fiction shows that typically take on the serialized format on television or radio. The open-ended nature of the endings of each episode serves as a cliff-hanger that more or less ensures audience viewing for the whole run of the show itself.  Many Hollywood stars trace their roots from TV soap operas, taking advantage of the great recall of actors and actresses who form part of a long-running hit show. 

Names that easily come to mind include Demi Moore, Meg Ryan, Julianne Moore, Calista Flockhart, and Brad Pitt.  Many actors and actresses who have set their sights on hitting the big time took the soap opera route and succeeded.  Asian celebrities have likewise recognized the success formula that is mainly comprised of clinching a crucial role in a day-time or prime time telenovela that enjoys a large fan base. 

Japan and Korea have their respective versions, and so does Thailand.  The Thais refer to it as lakoms.  But unlike its Western counterparts which provide cliffhanger episodes, lakoms are provided as finished stories which would run for about three months.  Episodes are prepared two to three times a week.  Lakoms follow a specific formula that includes a happy ending, two main lovers, and one bad female character.  A lot of Thai celebrities have established their status as bankable lakom actors and actresses.  Like their Hollywood counterparts, many lakom stars became full-fledged movie stars. 

One of the more successful is Woranut Bhirombhakdi whose most popular lakoms include Pob Pee Fa, Rarknakara, and Mae ai sa eun where she won an acting award.  Her film debut was Midnight My Love.  The list of Asian celebrities in Hollywood has yet to include a Thai.

This post has been provided by a guest blogger.

Claire is a foreign exchange student currently based in Thailand.  She is brushing up on her Thai through Language Express School Thai Language School.

When Angelina Jolie founded the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict (EPCC) in 2006 together with Gene Sperling, it was expected that her celebrity status will be put to good use in matters pertaining to the creation of widened awareness for the existence and the cause of the charity.  Of course, Jolie knew much better than to brazenly promote her personal causes lest they be interpreted as media hype but her involvement with EPCC has certainly created just the right exposure for the charity.

A case in point is the jewelry collection which Jolie and husband Brad Pitt created in cooperation with renowned London jeweler Asprey.  The couple promoted their artistic and philanthropic venture simply through the reinforcement of the message of the charity they are supporting.  There was no hard-sell, just reliance on the big potential in the creation of a successful project through three factors: the cause as provided by EPCC, excellent craftsmanship by Asprey, and the celebrity signature of approval by Brangelina.

The jewelry line called ”The Protector” has for its basic design a coiling serpent.  It was reportedly inspired by a serpent ring given to Jolie during her first pregnancy supposedly for her and her child’s protection.  From then, it has become to symbolize a protector or a family guardian.  This and the Russian culture were combined to  produce the end result as seen through the symbolism and colors.

The Protector Collection is a collection of jewelry for both children and adults that includes bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, and sterling silver baby gifts.  It also includes the first men’s item- the Protector Black Diamond cufflinks executed in 18k white gold with black diamonds and emeralds.  The designer cufflinks reportedly fetched the handsome price of $ 11,000.  All proceeds from the sale of Protector pieces goes to EPCC to fund the education of child victims of war, conflict, and natural disasters.  There are indeed many benefits of being a celebrity but none can be better than being able to use stardom to help people in need.