MANILA — Actors Anne Curtis and Dingdong Dantes are among the leading Filipino representatives in this year’s Seoul International Drama Awards, which drew hundreds of entries from 46 countries and regions.

In a report, it said that organizers reported that the competition received 352 submissions, including 229 from Asia, surpassing the 346 entries recorded two years ago.

A total of 23 Filipino actors are vying for the Philippine category of the Outstanding Asian Star award, which was previously won by Daniel Padilla for his role in “Incognito.”

Dingdong Dantes, a past recipient of the recognition, is being considered for his performance in “The Master Cutter,” while Anne Curtis is nominated for her role in the Philippine adaptation of “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.” Her co-stars Carlo Aquino and Joshua Garcia are also included in the list of contenders.

Joshua Garcia is recognized for his performance in the drama “Love Is Never Gone,” alongside Ivana Alawi, who is also nominated. Dantes’ co-star Max Collins is likewise in contention.

Four actors from “What Lies Beneath” — Charlie Dizon, Kaila Estrada, JM De Guzman, and Jake Cuenca — are also part of the Philippine nominees, along with three from “Kamao,” including Anton Vinzon, Roi Vinzon, and Katrina Halili.

Several other Filipino shows have multiple entrants. “The Alibi” is represented by Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu, while “Ghosting” includes JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith. “The Silent Noise” also has Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo among its nominees.

Past Filipino winners of the Outstanding Asian Star award include Kim Chiu, Dennis Trillo, Gabby Concepcion, Alden Richards, Belle Mariano, and Kathryn Bernardo.

Bela Padilla for “Blood vs Duty” and Shaina Magdayao for “Sins of the Father” are also in the running, along with Gerald Anderson, who headlines both productions. Amy Austria is also included for “The First Vote.”

Organizers said the Outstanding Asian Star category has become increasingly competitive, particularly in South Korea, the host country.

Among Korean nominees are Gang Dong-won and Gianna Jun for “Tempest,” Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung for “Can This Love Be Translated?”, Ji Chang-wook and Doh Kyung-soo for “The Manipulated,” and Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy for “Genie, Make a Wish.”

Other solo nominees include Yoona for “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” Park Bo-young for “Gold Land,” Park Ji-hoon for “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” and Jisoo for “Boyfriend on Demand,” which was partially filmed in the Philippines.

Entries from Thailand, China, and Japan were also included, along with submissions from three African countries making their first appearance in the awards: Togo, Algeria, and Rwanda.

Western productions such as “Beef,” “Slow Horses,” and “Pluribus” are also expected to compete.

The 21st Seoul International Drama Awards will be held at KBS Hall in South Korea on October 8, followed by public programs and fan events across Seoul.