Ever seen Terrace House? You know, the Netflix Japanese reality series usually described as a kind of Asian Big Brother?
Well, PH Twitter is all abuzz for it, not for the juicy scandals you might imagine, but because a new cast member just stepped into the house for this season’s 13th episode, and he goes by the name Tupas Johnkimverlu. [Cue chortles.]
For those of you without a full, rich appreciation of Filipino naming conventions, suffice it to say that “Johnkimverlu” could quite possibly be the most aggressively old-school-Pinoy-sounding name to enter the public eye in recent memory. What’s funnier is that unlike his name, Johnkimverlu is relatively young and with-it — and he’s on a popular streaming global series, no less.
According to Terrace House Tokyo, Johnkimverlu is a 22-year-old personal assistant. He’s also the first Filipino cast member in the show’s five-series run.
But over on Twitter, it was Johnkimverlu’s name — which is, as we mentioned, is Johnkimverlu — that was all anyone could talk about. Users like @fuguwars couldn’t help but crack wise about it’s perfect embodiment of the (in)famous over-the-top Filipino practice of cramming several names into one.
“Johnkimverlu, son of a Johnkim (son of John & Kimberly) and Verlou (daughter of Vera & Louis). Literally first of his name, whose descendants will be bestowed with progressively stranger names,” she said.
Johnkimverlu, son of a Johnkim (son of John & Kimberly) and Verlou (daughter of Vera & Louis). Literally first of his name, whose descendants will be bestowed with progressively stranger names. https://t.co/C1bk7IRJ37
— 🐡 J U L I E B E A R 🐡 (@fuguwars) December 17, 2019
While user @rombutans quipped, “Johnkimverlu. Jhemerlyn is shaking.”
Johnkimverlu.
Jhemerlyn is shaking https://t.co/uooScddX7o
— Jules (@rombutans) December 17, 2019
Meanwhile, another user, @qqemonte, actually looked beyond Johnkimverlu’s name to wonder what he might have in store for the show, adding that he was “looking forward to what Filipino sensibilities he can show in the program.”
May pure Filipino nakapasok sa terrace house! John Kimberly Tupas. He appears to be reserved though, probably influenced a lot by Japanese culture since he lived here since 8 years old. Still looking forward to what Filipino sensibilities he can show in the program. pic.twitter.com/n6hvOm8GFs
— Brute Thinker ⚡️💎 (@qqemonte) December 17, 2019
Well, whatever. Cheers to you, Johnkimverlu!
Read more Philippines coverage at Coconuts Manila.
