Will the wingmen lead them to the right match or complicate matters?
That is the intriguing premise behind the upcoming Singapore-based regional reality-dating show Wingman, which will see eight singles from around Southeast Asia live inside a villa.
But in this digital-first program, each participant will be accompanied by their best friend, who will be tasked with helping them find love by tackling challenges to earn them dates and guide their romantic choices. Thus, raising the stakes as the show does not only put love, but also friendships to the test.
Two of the singles that will join the show are Filipinos, with actor Marco Gallo and model-influencer L.A Aguinaldo confirmed to be part of the lineup.
Marco, 25, comes to Wingman after his past two three-year relationships ended badly and attracted press attention.
For him, attraction comes easily, but genuine connection has proved harder to find, and he hopes the experience will help him meet someone outside show business.
L.A, 33, felt that the scrutiny that comes with working in the Philippine entertainment industry has led him to keep past relationships private, leaving former partners feeling hidden and hopes to find a connection beyond the show-business scene inside the villa.
Serving as Marco’s wingman is 26-year-old model and entertainer Lorenzo Isip, who ended a relationship and moved to Manila to pursue a career in show business.
As an outgoing person and the type who is willing to take one for the team, Lorenzo is prepared to distract or engage other wingmen so Marco can focus on a potential match and get past protective friends.
Meanwhile, L.A enters with model, actor and media entrepreneur Richard Juan. At 33 years old, he has not dated seriously since his family and former partner initially opposed his choice to pursue entertainment.
With his nature of work, Richard knows how to negotiate, connect with people and understand the value of the cards he holds. His game plan is to read the room and help L.A make the most of every opportunity.
As wingmen, they must take on challenges to earn dates for their singles, strategize with one another and help their friends navigate romantic choices.
Not only love and friendship are at stake here, though, as the winning couple receives SGD20,000, while the winning wingman takes home SGD10,000.
The said program is hosted by radio personality Germaine Tan and is under Singaporean broadcaster Mediacorp and the production of Beach House Pictures.
Wingman will run for 12 episodes, with the first four episodes scheduled to drop on the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube channel and mewatch app on September 10 (Thursday) at 7:00 pm. Each week, two new episodes will be released until the finale on October 8.
Viewing is free and available globally on both platforms.
