Venturing Beyond Expectations: Build And Bible Open Up About Their Rise To Fame, Favourite Wines And More

Boys’ love dramas are one of Thailand’s most popular entertainment exports, and KinnPorsche: The Series made stars out of its telegenic cast right off the bat. It started streaming in April 2022, and spawned an Asian tour with 16 actors that landed its first overseas gig in Singapore last October. Two of the supporting cast members, Bible Wichapas Sumettikul, 24, and Build Jakapan Puttha, 28, were back in town in November as guests of "Venture Beyond by Penfolds," an immersive, space exploration-themed brand experience showcasing the winemaker’s 2022 collection. Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore took the opportunity to catch up with the rising actors. 

Like all adored stars of boys’ love or BL dramas, Bible and Build’s journey to stardom has been driven by fans whose support, in Bible’s words, "means everything". He says, "I am honoured, thankful and shocked by the overwhelming support. I think it’s because it’s a completely new experience to me, and it has changed my life in every single way." Build affirms that the love of their fans continue to inspire them. "They mean a lot to us. Without them, I wouldn't be here. It encourages me to continue to develop myself," he adds. 

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The escapist storylines, high production values and attractive actors have made BL dramas an instant hit with audiences worldwide. BL dramas are seen by some as Thailand’s soft power, doing for the country’s image what K-pop has done for South Korea, thanks to its virality on social media that’s helped it amass a massive global fandom. Months after the show ended its run, KinnPorsche continues to trend on TikTok and Twitter, with fans clamouring for a second season. Bible says he always had faith that the series would be a hit. "Perhaps I set the bar for its success too low. The reality became so much more than I ever could have imagined or even dared to hope for."

Both actors believe that strong characterisation is the key to KinnPorsche’s success. Scriptwriting duo Daemi dedicated ample screen time to flesh out the roles and relationship of the scene-stealing second leads, giving the two actors plenty of opportunity to showcase their magnetic on-screen chemistry in the roles of mafia heir Vegas, and head bodyguard Pete, played by Bible and Build respectively. Says Build, "The unique characters, a cast who did their best to entertain and satisfy the audience, topped by a fun and exciting plot, were what drew people in." Bible adds, "My character was very complicated and was dealing with some serious issues—if I met him in real life, I probably wouldn’t like him very much. The plot however, despite its twists and turns, is actually a very simple story about two people who fulfil the needs of the other. Everyone has wants and needs, and audiences can relate and see themselves in the characters even though they exist in a fantasy world."

KinnPorsche has opened up new vistas for both actors. Bible wants to familiarise himself with the ins and outs of film and television production. "I love being on set. It’s given me an up-close and personal view of how movies and TV dramas get made. Fame has given me the motivation to continue my passion for film, either in front of the camera or behind it." Build, who used to play in a band before he turned to acting, is thankful for the support of the drama’s fans which has spilled over to his renewed interest in his musical pursuits.

With their growing popularity, Bible and Build’s combined star power draw crowds wherever they go, most recently at "Venture Beyond by Penfolds." The duo were part of a roster of regional celebrities who attended the renowned winemaker’s brand experience event featuring live DJ sets, interactive installations and wine appreciation masterclasses, to commemorate its illustrious 178-year heritage and the future that lies beyond. For Build, the Penfolds event was an invaluable opportunity to rub shoulders and exchange stories with other international celebrities. A social drinker, his pick is the Penfolds Grange Bin 95. Bible prefers the 2018 Grange, which has overtaken Penfolds Bin 407, his previous go-to bottle, as his new favourite tipple. The event left a huge impression on him. “Penfolds took such great care of us, with everything from arranging the travel to the food. It is an honour to be a part of such an amazing community of wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The experience made wine seem more approachable for those just starting out." 

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Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. Photo: Penfolds

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Penfolds Bin 95 Grange 2018. Photo: Penfolds

Asked to describe Penfolds in three words, Build comes up with "tender, luxury, beyond". He elaborates, "The tender taste of the wine, and the modern and luxurious look of the product go beyond expectations, and suit the new generation, like me." Bible’s three words are "bold, fun, innovative". He explains, "The brand story is bold—how a couple started their own vineyard that is now one of the oldest in Australia. Penfolds is fun because of events like 'Venture Beyond'. And it’s innovative because it experiments with a variety of wine-making techniques to create truly one-of-a-kind wines."

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Indeed, oenophiles can look forward to the new tier of wines called One by Penfolds, to be launched globally in mid-2023. These diverse wines hail from three regions—France, the US and China—and have made an exclusive debut in China in October last year. Beyond experimenting with new sources and blends such as a red blend sourced in China’s Ningxia region, the brand has also invited Tel Aviv-based illustrator Ori Toor to collaborate on the packaging design and aesthetic of One by Penfolds.

Penfolds' managing director Tom King, expands on what to expect from this collection. "One by Penfolds is about much more than the wine itself. It is inspired by culture, collaboration, empowerment and giving back to the community. For each winemaking region represented in One by Penfolds, signature varietals and blends were selected by our winemakers that best represent the regional character while suiting the Penfolds style and benchmarks for quality, consistency, and drinkability."

Photographers: Zhang Minhua and Jeremy Kieran / Telescope Studios
Creative directors: Jack Wang and Mae Tan
Stylist: Tok Wei Lun
Makeup: Rasika Thammasin
Hair: Rick Yang
Hair stylist’s assistant: Tiffany Fang
Production: MagicSystem
Producer: Chiern Yin Ding
Project manager: Melissa Ling
Set design: Mae Tan
Set designer’s assistant: Jean Tan
Creative directors’ assistant: Jia En Siow
Stylist’s assistants: Crystal Lim and Pricilia Chan
Subjects: Build Jakapan Puttha and Bible Wichapas Sumettikul wearing Rick Owens and Yohji Yamamoto
Special thanks: Be On Cloud and Penfolds