When you love something and it makes you happy, then I’d say that’s good. When you love something and it makes you happy and it makes others happy with the same amount of enthusiasm as you do? Then that’s mind blowingly awesome!
A.N.Jell
I’ve been trying to get my friend and fellow fangirl Tara to watch the Korean drama “He’s Beautiful” for months! I gave her a copy of the soundtrack, sent her videos of my favorite scenes, posted links on her facebook wall, introduced her to the gorgeous Jang Geun Suk (theoretically and not personally of course)…but everything I did didn’t seem to make any impressions on her. She’s become addicted to watching Koreanovelas but somehow He’s Beautiful doesn’t appeal to her as much as…well, all the other 10 million dramas that she chose to watch first before He’s Beautiful.
I always bug her to watch it already and she always apologizes for putting it on her “pending for watching list”. I eventually gave up trying to convince her but just when I thought my precious drama will never see the light of day in Tara’s world, lo and behold!…a light appears on the horizon!
She was (and I say that in the past tense) watching “My Princess” online a few days ago when the website/episodes suddenly became wonky and she had a hard time continuing it. She got a bit annoyed so she decided to start on a new drama instead. Well, whaddaya know….He’s Beautiful was next on the list! She started watching…texted me that episode 1 was pretty cute…stopped for a bit because she was busy…but by the time episode 3 rolled around, Hwang Tae Kyung (Jang Geun Suk’s character) had her at the palm of his hands. Yes, finally!
I'm a nice guy....really!
Oh she did have her “Shin Woo moments” and her “I wish Jeremy was my brother moments” but of course, the “arrogant on the outside yet sensitive on the inside” Hwang Tae Kyung won her over in the end.
I should point out that she would usually send me texts at 2 or 3 am just for some “random fangirl outburts”–because that’s usually the time she watches–whenever the story or a certain scene was just too much fun for her to keep to herself…and I really do get a kick out of it. I keep telling her, “Go! Text away!” because I’m having as much fun as she is. It’s really great when someone is enjoying the same things (or is obsessed with the same things more like) as you do.
As of this morning, she’s already done with all 16 episodes. However, due to some errands that need her attention, I haven’t heard from her yet. I can’t wait for her fangirl outburts! Thank you, Jang Geun Suk! Kamsahamnida and Sarangheyo!
Nothing has ever happened to me on Valentine’s. I swear. I’m not married, nor do I currently have a boyfriend..so this was pretty much going to be just another day at work. But love comes in many forms and those other forms manifested themselves to me today.
1) Rockstar Love – Actually scratch that..my Valentine’s started last saturday at the Deftones concert. Chino Moreno is simply amazing! I always thought that Brandon Boyd has the most sexiest voice in rock…oh but no, Chino can definitely give him a run for his money…and the best part? He didn’t even need to take his shirt off! (not that I mind Brandon Boyd taking his shirt off..he’s always free to do so at concerts & I’m not complaining). The fact that Chino even went through the crowd to visit us fans at the back was truly a wonderful & welcome surprise. I’ve never been to a show where that’s been done before…and because he did that puts him way up on my cool list.
Chino Moreno, surprising & delighting fans at the back!
2) Office Love – I didn’t know today was my boss’ birthday. He’s only been my boss for 9 months now and this is the first time I knew of his birthday. After I greeted him, he said thanks and then picked up a bag from beside his desk. It was kisses chocolates wrapped in little packs (3 pieces in 1 pack). He gave me one and greeted me Happy Valentine’s. After that he also asked me to distribute the packs to everyone in the office. “Give the ladies first..and then if there’s still some left, distribute it to the guys as well.” He brought a lot so everyone had a share. You can never go wrong with chocolates. Happy Birthday sir!
Also, an officemate gave me a Belated Christmas / Valentine’s gift today. Awwww….
2) Biatch Love – I received an email today from a good friend (& fellow biatch), “G”. Though the contents were very sad because of what she’s currently going through, I really felt touched with the kind words that she told me as well. I don’t have a gazillion friends but those few that I have, I value & cherish very much. Whatever you’re going through, be strong. You’re so much more bad-ass than I am so I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’m always here. G, Fighting!
3) Kpop Love – I ordered something about a month and a half ago online from a site that specializes in korean & japanese goodies…we’re talking kpop cds, dvd concerts, koreanovelas, jdoramas..you name and it’s most likely there. Though there were certain bumps in the road towards ordering said goods, I didn’t mind….because really, nothing was going to stop a fangirl like me from getting my hands on those precious items. I just wanted to satisfy my fangirl self. The order was placed and paid for last January 04…and praise be to the gods, it has finally arrived today! Sadly, as I opened the package, my heart sank as I realized that they forgot to include 1 item. The highs of the day were gone in that instant that I saw something was missing. Not even the fact that I have the original box set of He’s Beautiful could make things alright. I immediately sent an email & text to the folks behind the site and they promised to send over the missing cd asap. Grrrr….
4) TOP Love – My fellow fangirl officemate “M”, who also joined in ordering some stuff, saw how sad I was about not getting the item which I really wanted. Yes, yes, call it ridiculous but that’s just how fangirls are. As I was looking at my computer screen trying to work but really couldn’t, she approached my desk and handed me some chocolates, a friendly note & 2 photos (which I can stick on my wall) of my Kpop crush TOP from Big Bang! And the smile returned! Honestly, even though I liked the things that she gave, really it’s simple friendly gestures like these which make me really happy & proud to have friends like her. The chocolates were gone in less than 5 mins, but those photos will remain on my desk for a long while. Thank you “M”!
TOP + chocolates = perfect!
*Sigh*…It’s different for all of us but today, for me…love is all around. Unfortunately, I decided to listen to Morrissey/The Smiths on my way home. Haha! Stab me in the heart why don’t you?
Jan. 03, 2011. This day marks my first day back to work after the 2 week Holiday Break. And this story is somewhat of a continuation of “Pleasant Surprises” involving Z & M.
I was in the process of cleaning up my desk when M arrived around 9am. She approached my desk and asked me, “Anong gusto mo, boy or girl?” (What would you like, boy or girl?). It was obvious she was going to give me something and whatever that is depends upon my answer. I said, “Boy..?” (I was unsure if I chose correctly) and she opened her bag and took out this little plastic pack and I could already see what it was..2 dwejji tokkis! Here’s a little explanation–I love the Korean drama He’s Beautiful and part of the story revolves around this stuffed animal called “pig-rabbit”–it’s a rabbit (tokki) with a pig’s (dwejji) nose hence the term “pig rabbit”. So she pulls two of them out of her bag and hands me over the boy version..but the girl version had the ribbon/pin on her ears (the hair pin also plays a part in the story) so I requested for the exchange. She laughed but obliged me just the same…so now I have my own little pig rabbit knick knack! (you can actually hang it on your phone but I tacked mine on my work cubicle so that I can see it everyday).
A few minutes later Z drops by my desk and hands over a nicely wrapped cd. That moment right there made me smile and very happy because if you’d asked me a year ago if I ever thought I’d have friends at work, I would’ve said no. But now here i am, being given gifts by 2 people who I can share my addiction to kpop with…and they’re really, really nice people. So anyway, I checked out the cd and it was a copy of Z’s favorite drama “Sungkyungkwan Scandal”..I told her I already have a copy but I’ll make sure I’ll watch her copy instead of mine. I’m really very touched and thankful for the little tokens that I’ve received. They really made my day.
Jan. 04, 2011. Tuesday. Fangirling fun continues. Z asks me, “Do you know where the nearest Metrobank is?” I laughed out loud because I knew exactly why she asked me that. Metrobank is the official bank of Fangirlasia.com — a place where happy campers like us can order merchandise straight from Korea and Japan! I know because the day before I was going through their products and putting stuff in my online shopping cart! The fact that she was buying some stuff only made my resolve stronger…I was going to buy me some Kpop goodies as well! M happened to pass by and I offered if she’d like to join in. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to guess that she immediately said yes as well. Before the lunchbreak was over, we already paid for our stuff. Goodbye cash and hello dvds & cds!
Last Dec. 29, I went to my first ever Kpop convention. I think this is the second or third time (?) it’s being held in Manila but I wasn’t able to attend the previous ones. I was really excited to go because as big as this hallyu wave may seem, there’s really not much merchandise that you can easily get here and that’s what I was really looking forward too.
I went with my sister and my friend Ava–who confirmed her attendance with me more than a month in advance and who also came despite being slightly sick….awwww, kamsahamnida! And once we arrived we met up with my friend from work Mere–a huge Big Bang fan. I must say that I do admire her influencing skills because I’ve already started listening and becoming a fan of Big Bang as well! (But the dillema still remains: GD or Top???)
There was already a line snaking around the entrance of the Megatrade Hall when we got there and an excited mood in the air. As soon as we entered, our sense of sight & hearing were assaulted–to the right is the stage where they were holding dance presentations and to the left are the many tables selling Kpop goodies. Everyone kept floating in and out of the many booths. They were selling cds (regular and special editions), dvds (concerts & live performances plus special boxed sets), tshirts, hats, pins, magazines, banners, ID tags/necklaces, bracelets, photo books, posters, calendars and every possible and imaginable knick knack to delight any and every fangirl–whatever her budget maybe. You name it, they probably had it there…no wait, cross that thought. There wasn’t really any drama dvds being sold which I found quite disappointing because that’s what I really wanted.
Me, Mere and Ava...with Dara and Taeyang behind us!
Tickets for Super Show 3? Check!
My sister and Ava
Of course we couldn't leave without having our photo taken with Lee Min Ho
Anyway, here’s a look at the goodies that I bought.
You're Beautiful OST, BigBang's BigShow concert dvd (the poster came with it), Taeyang's Solar album, a Super Junior Donghae fan, a Jang Geun Suk pad (Ava tells me firmly: Buy it na!) and the hats are courtesy of my sister.
My friend Mere on the other hand got herself some Big Bang stuff like Taeyang’s special boxed edition of Solar (with free shirt to boot!), 2 ID necklaces (1 is for safekeeping and the other is to be used for work haha) and the one item I wish they had another copy of is Big Bang’s 2011 Calendar.
iCovet.
The dance competitions were going on as we made our way around the tables. We weren’t able to check it out but from across the hall I did hear Ukiss’ “Be Quiet” being performed and receiving a lot of screams.
After taking some more photos and making several rounds among the booths, it was time to leave. Mere had to report for her half day duty at work while the rest of us were off to a late lunch. Much love and thanks to the organizers, KFest Manila Events Management, the folks at the concession stands and the many fan groups/clubs that participated. You’ve made me and my friends a bunch of happy fangirls that day. We’ll be looking forward to the next one.
I have officially gone to the point of no return. Here is proof that I am indeed riding the hallyu wave…
Oh Joy!
I’ve recently purchased these two babies right here…on the left is the OST (2) to the drama “He’s Beautiful” and on the right is Super Junior’s latest album “Bonamana”. I can’t understand a single thing of course…except for the occasional “baby”, “girl”, “yeah”…and a few simple Korean words I’ve learned from watching my dramas…but I’m loving it just the same. They don’t come cheap by the way…especially the soundtrack…but it came with some very pretty, pretty pictures from the series, not to mention drool worthy photos of the male leads so it’s all good!
Oh and I just want to add….the senti songs on that ost are to die for! Love! Love! Love!
One of the best things that I enjoyed this past weekend was finally finishing (with proper subtitles!) the drama He’s Beautiful! I did mention a while back that my copy had wonky subs towards the end which made my viewing of the last few eps very annoying. I tried watching it over on www.mysoju.com but they’ve been having site problems recently so the loading of the videos was pretty slow. I’ve been trying for 2 weeks now but to no avail.
But yesterday, choirs of A.N.Jells (haha!!!) were practically singing in my heart and the mighty DSL gods were smiling down upon me because the video loading on the site was super fast! I was able to finish the last 2 eps in no time…actually “no time” really means 3 hours because I kept rewinding/repeating the scenes which were *kilig*. (I mean, how can I not when the internet was so kind to me?)
I loved it! It’s now one of my favorite dramas. It’s right up there with Boys Over Flowers and Hana Yori Dango! And just what I wrote on facebook: I now like byeulls (stars) and dweji tokki (pig rabbit) even more. Yeppuda! (It’s beautiful)
The other reason for my super weekend came in the form of Korea’s biggest (literally & figuratively) idol group, Super Junior.
Who's who? I'm still working on that!
Honestly, I haven’t been a fan for long–I’m still learning about them and their songs. Even though I wanted to see them when they came over last April for their Super Show 2 tour, I didn’t really exert any efforts in doing so.
However, since the release of their 4th album, Bonamana, I’ve been noticing that my eyes & ears are glued to the tv whenever the video comes on. And this past weekend–and most of the weekends that came before it–I’ve found myself googling them and watching their videos on youtube. I’m particularly addicted to watching their appearances on the Korean show Star King with Charice Pempengco. It’s like a double whammy–I’m watching Charice…and I’m watching them watch Charice!
Like I said, I’m still a newbie fan and I’m still learning their songs. Hey, they’ve got more members than Slipknot alright, so I’m still working on matching their names and faces. They’ve got 13 members…but only 10 are currently active. As of now, my name-face recognition is up to 8!–Hee Chul, Ryeo
In celebration of my new found love for Kpop, allow me to share with you–yes, all 4 of you who I’m pretty sure regularly read my blog–the songs that I’m absolutely loving right now. I swear, when these videos pop up on Ch. V or tvN or on the Arirang Ch., I’m stuck on the tv like a baby mesmerized by the mobile hanging above her crib…or someone watching a fireworks display…or a crack addict mesmerized by pretty, pretty images…that aren’t really there! Take your pick.
1. Super Junior – Bonamana
First up is a song I cannot get enough of. I watch it on tv, wait for it on tvN, view it on youtube…and when I finally have the chance to upload it on my ipod, I’m quite sure I’ll watch it there too. I also happen to have an mp3 of this song on my work pc! I love the beat of this song–makes me wanna get up and dance along with SuJu! Honestly, I’m still having trouble naming them though. I only know 3–Si Won, Shin Dong and Ryu Wook. But I shall not fret! If I can name all Slipknot members, as God is my witness, sooner or later you can pop quiz me on SuJu as well. Until then…let’s dance! Bounce to you…bounce to you…
2. MBLAQ – Y
I’ve always liked videos with some sort of storyline concept…pair that with a pretty cool dance beat and I’m sold! I read somewhere that this song was originally supposed to appear on Rain’s newest album…but he gave it instead to his proteges, MBLAQ. He did however, produce and choreograph this song/video ( according to that article). Plus, I’m rooting for these guys too because their member, Thunder (Cheon Doong) is the younger brother of Sandara Park.
3. FT Island – Flower Rock (note: I’m tying these 2 songs in for no. 3 all because of Lee Hong Ki!)
Let’s rock, shall we?
I love the way Lee Hong Ki sings! I think he’s awesome. I’m a rock fan so I’m happy to have discovered FT Island from among the Kpop Idol groups–nothing wrong with the idol groups though–it’s just that it’s quite refreshing to see an idol group with their own instruments.
3.1 Lee Hong Ki / Still/As Ever
This song is from the soundtrack of the drama “He’s Beautiful/You’re Beautiful”.
When FT Island came over to Manila earlier this year, they performed this song on a show called “Showtime”. I didn’t know who they were then but at that time I was already starting to get into Korean dramas and listen to kpop so…When their performance was nearing, I left my work desk and deliberately passed by the dressing room where they were staying–fyi, I work for the tv station that broadcasts showtime and other korean dramas–There were quite a number of fans outside the dressing room but I did catch a quick glimpse of Lee Hong Ki’s beautiful blond head of hair. Naturally with that color, it’ll surely stand out. I was starstruck even if I had no idea who he was. God…if I knew then that a few months later I would be gushing over him as Jeremy in “He’s Beautiful”…I would’ve elbowed my way through the crowd towards him! Alas, I didn’t seize the day, so I’m sure you’ll understand that there’s a slight “ouch” that I feel in my heart when I watch this..*sniff*
4. SS501 – Love Ya
Kim Hyun Joong is in this group…enough said! Haha! I’m really glad that I watched him when he performed here a few months back. Sometimes I forget that he’s an awesome dancer because I always think of him as the quiet Yoon Ji-Hoo from Boys Over Flowers…Oh but lord help me when he starts busting those moves! Plus, the video’s quite stylish. It’s always a cool thing when classical instruments are added to spice up a song from a genre it’s not usually used in. And have I mentioned that Kim Hyun Joong is in this group?! Oh I did already? Oops…
5. Jang Geun Suk - Magic Drag
Ok fine. I’ll admit it…I love Jang Geun Suk! What else is there to say? Haha. Honestly, like all of the songs on this list, it sounds pretty cool and upbeat and yes…I shamelessly rewind his “rap” part when I view this on youtube. *swoon* When I showed this to my friend Ava, the first thing she told me was, “He’s prettier than the girl in the video!”…and quite frankly, I do agree with her.
Honorable mention:
1. 2PM – Fly to Seoul
Ok, I’m not really sure if this should count because the video was obviously made to invite tourists to come and visit Korea…but yes I must admit that the message and the song works…I want to fly there…right now. Seriously..right now!
2. 2NE1 – I don’t care
Honestly, there’s not that many girl groups/girl artists that I listen to. It’s not a prejudiced thing…it’s just that I like listening to dudes and I have yet to come across a female artist that has ever made me stop and pay attention and this is true across the board–locally and internationally. I think I can count with 1 hand the number of cds I own that’s by a solo female artist or female group…1 hand, I promise!
But 2NE1 gets special mention here because I really think this song is pretty cute (oh and “fire” too!). Plus the fact that Sandara’s career began here. Hard to believe she just won second place in that talent competition huh? Look where she is now.
There you have it…my top 5 kpop songs of the moment. I really can’t offer you four (yes, you four who regularly read me) any amazing factoids about the groups I’ve mentioned because I’m still learning about them myself. I’m not a hater so I don’t enjoy reading stories about fans hating other fans for not liking their idol groups…or arguing who’s more amazing.
Friends, you know me…I’ve always had music in my life and this wonderful thing called kpop is just another fun & enjoyable addition to my varying spectrum of musical tastes. Yes, Slipknot, Incubus, Oasis on one end, The Smiths somewhere in the middle and Kpop on the other end. Somewhere in between all those is Beyonce & Lady Gaga!
It’s been another roller coaster week. In between trying to get my bosses their German Visas and our bedroom still looking like a warzone because of the paint & dust…I’m both feeling tired & eager for this week to come & go. And since I haven’t written anything in a while, allow me to rant & rave on this one. I will classify them under: ”yes”, “yess” and “nooo”.
Yes!
I’ve recently had my hair cut short again. I’ve been trying to grow it long for the past few months–was quite successful at it I might add but last thursday, I’ve finally had it. So I spent some time googling at work *cough*duringofficehours*cough* for some nice looking short hair cuts. I compiled some photos and trooped on over to Freshaire at Farmers Cubao & told the nice lady to chop it off. It was much shorter than I expected but I loved it just the same. I will definitely keep my hair like this for a while.
Finally had the chance to return to my mecca…ie. recto… this past saturday. I had to return a copy which wasn’t playing on our machine Vaness Wu’s “Autumn Concerto” and I also bought my own copy of “He’s Beautiful”. Last August 27, I mentioned how nucking futs I am over this drama and…wait…hold on…just checking…and yes, as of today, I’m still loving it! I don’t want to give you any ideas but I think it would be great if I were caught with a hidden camera while watching this one…because I definitely smile from ear to ear and of course I get “kilig” at the right moments! Proof that this is a nice drama? My friend Ava, who is usually not a koreanovela watcher–actually bought her own copy & finished it in about 2 days–as opposed to me who’s still trying to finish it! So to my fellow addict, this one’s for you:
And check this out–our tickets to Rain’s concert this saturday! It’s not like Willy Wonka’s golden ticket or even the mosh pit (mosh pit? at Rain’s concert?!)–that very special section where you’ll have a greater chance of having Rain’s sweat accidentally land on you but at least it’ll get us inside the venue. Kris was just telling me recently, “Rain’s abs alone are worth the price of your ticket.” hahaha!
Yess!!
So for the longest time there was this debacle of whether Rain really was coming here or not. A friend was telling me that his official fan club here in manila was not informed (which I think upset them) that he had already confirmed or something like that. Well, it’s all good now because here is actual proof that Rain has landed in Manila:
Another event worthy of my raving is the first birthday party of Mico–my friend’s son, this past saturday. It was held at Mc Donald’s Tiendesitas & most of the gang was there to celebrate & enjoy. Honestly, I found the weather so awfully humid–which even gave me a headache on the way home–but having the chance to spend some time with my ex-officemates & their little bundles of joy, was so worth it. Maraming salamat, piglets!
Nooo!!!
Ok, so yesterday I happily popped in my copy of He’s Beautiful & started watching. As soon as I got to episode 13 (unlucky 13 I might add!) *GASP* the subtitles started getting all wonky on me! Nooo!!! This can’t be! Not again! (this happened before with my other dramas) The powers that be were having their fun with me again–just when I am loving a certain drama & am almost nearing the ending, *BAM* alien subtitles appear which makes it so hard to stay focused & enjoy myself. I mean, what happened? Everything was perfectly fine from the beginning but as soon as ep 13 starts, it’s all downhill from there. It’s like all of a sudden the person responsible for making the subtitles resigned & gave the work to someone who cannot even get the character’s names right! So there I was…deflated & disappointed…I ended up going back to mysoju.com…
A while back I wrote about ”Personal Preference”, Lee Min Ho’s last drama. After going gaga over that series, I am now taking a ride on a new drama train…He’s Beautiful!
He’s Beautiful or You’re Beautiful (the title really depends on where you’re watching it from) is a Korean drama which ran from Oct. 07 to Nov. 26, 2009. It is the story of A.N.Jell, a 3 member band headed by Hwang Tae Kyung (played by the…ehem…beautiful Jang Geun Suk), who despite being popular, is currently experiencing a career stand still. Their record company decides to hold auditions for a 4th member and Go Mi-Nam successfully clinches the spot. Unfortunately due to a botched medical procedure, he needed to fly to the US to be treated and to recuperate. With the band’s latest album release being hotly anticipated by the fans and the press (and with no new vocalist to show for), their manager’s only hope is Go Min-Nyu, Mi-Nam’s fraternal twin sister. Despite being a novice (think of her as a “sister in training”), their manager begs Min-Nyu to take her brother’s place. Of course she refuses at first but realizing that she doesn’t want to jeopardize her brother’s dream, she eventually conceeds.
So, she poses as her brother Mi-Nam, with only the manager & the band’s stylist being fully aware of her true identity. Everything seemed to be going their way…that is until she got drunk at one of the band’s after parties. And have I mentioned that she starts living with the rest of the band as well? It’s not easy playing a dude when you have to play it 24/7 (insert image of Robert Downey Jr. here from Tropic Thunder: “I’m a dude, playing a dude, disguised as another dude!”)…it’s especially hard for her to do it in front of the band members–Shin Woo, who is always nice & caring towards her; Jeremy, who’s always suspicious of her actions and Tae Kyung, who has hated her guts from the very beginning.
And so begins the comical & romantic & dramatic adventures of “Mi-Nam”…and Tae Kyung…and Shin Woo…hay…this brings back all my giddy & kilig Boys Over Flowers/Hana Yori Dango feelings! Yes, I know, I know…the series technically ended over 9 months ago & I’ve only started seeing it on the Kapamilya network…but better late than never I say! And since I’m not really particular with spoilers, I’ve already watched future episodes & even the finale on good ‘ol youtube & mysoju.com!
This surely deserves another excursion to *cough*recto*cough!
And now, let me leave you with a music video from Jang Geun Suk…*swoon*
Wonderwall