The After Thoughts

I'm moving..

2011-09-25T13:24:00.001+08:00

The past week I've been thinking on what to do to this blog. I admit compared to the volume of posts I had previously, you can notice that I neglected blogging so much since I was pre- occupied with work and personal things aside. But some friends advised me to continue blogging and I've thought about it that maybe I should start afresh under a new domain (yeah my domain name sounds too childish lol!). I've imported all my posts here and I'm now trying to start blogging again. You can now visit my blog via Wordpress: http://randomafterthoughts.wordpress.com/Update:Was planning to delete this blog to concentrate more on the new domain but I'll be keeping this one for the meantime. You guys won't see my new posts here though.

7 Different Colors of Love: 2011 Korean Film Festival @ SM Cinemas

2011-09-06T15:42:00.005+08:00

Just learned the news from a friend that there will be a screening held for Korean Movies this month at the SM Cinemas, specifically at North Edsa, Mall of Asia and Cebu sponsored by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. The 2011 Korean Film Festival will feature the following movies: Hwang Jin Yi, Secret Reunion, For Eternal Hearts, Christmas in August, Speedy Scandal, Happy Life and My Dear Enemy. I haven't really had the chance to see a Korean film in an actual movie house so this time I'll try to catch one of the films featured in the festival.

For the complete schedule, visit the SM Cinema Website

http://smcinema.com/smcinema/?p=1614

thanks Jen for the tip!

2NE1 - UGLY [HD]

2011-07-28T07:17:00.002+08:00

INFINITE 1st Album '내꺼하자 (Be Mine)'FULL HD MV

2011-07-24T04:20:00.001+08:00

[M/V] miss A "Good-bye Baby" from [A Class]

2011-07-24T04:08:00.001+08:00

2NE1 - HATE YOU [HD]

2011-07-23T18:23:00.002+08:00

[CL]Neon jeongmal jaesueobseo
Neol mannal iyu eobseo
Neo gateun namjan isesange kkallyeosseo

Jae jae jae jaesueobseo
Danjeomeul sel su eobseo
Chameumyeo saranghagin sigani neomu akkawo

Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you
I Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you

[Minzy]Neowaui gieogeun gidarin gieokbakke eobseo nan
Chamgo chamgo chamado kkeuteun eobseosseo
Saranghandan hanmadiga deutgo sipeosseo nan
Musimhan neoui sarange nan jichyeosseo

[Bom]Gibuni deoreowo
Jajonsim da beorigo jwonneunde
Cham seoreowo
Naega igeotbakke andwaenna
Nan duryeowo
Sarangiran du geuljaga ijen nan museowo
Nega cham useuwo

[CL]Neon jeongmal jaesueobseo
Neol mannal iyu eobseo
Neo gateun namjan isesange kkallyeosseo

Jae jae jae jaesueobseo
Danjeomeul sel su eobseo
Chameumyeo saranghagin sigani neomu akkawo

Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you
I Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/0-9/2ne1/hate_you.html ]
[Dara]Ne ibeseo naoneun mareun geojitmari ban
Sokgo sokgo sogado kkeuteun eobseosseo
Eonjenga neodo neo gateun yeojal mannage doel kkeoya
Apa bwaya geuttae neon nae mam al kkeoya

[Bom]Gibuni deoreowo
Happy endingui juingongiran geon eobseosseo
Naega babocheoreom sunjinhaenna
Deo jaldwaesseo
Jigeumirado neol arasseuni
Tteonagesseo jeongmal jaesueobseo

[CL]Neon jeongmal jaesueobseo
Neol mannal iyu eobseo
Neo gateun namjan isesange kkallyeosseo

Jae jae jae jaesueobseo
Danjeomeul sel su eobseo
Chameumyeo saranghagin sigani neomu akkawo

Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you
I Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you

[Minzy]Mami siwonhae
[CL]Sogi huryeonhae
[Minzy]Ppyeo sok gipeun got kkaji ne gieok jiwonae

[Bom]Neomu siwonhae
[Dara]Sogi huryeonhae
[BomPpyeo sok gipeun got kkaji ne gieok jiwonae

[CL]Neol mannal iyu eobseo
Neon jeongmal jaesueobseo
Neo gateun namjan isesange kkallyeosseo

Jae jae jae jaesueobseo
Danjeomeul sel su eobseo
Chameumyeo saranghagin sigani neomu akkawo

Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you
I Hate you eheheheheh
I'm fine living without you

src: Lyricsmode.com

The Google+ Project

2011-07-12T16:46:00.003+08:00

I've been intrigued by this new Social networking site that Google launched to go head to head vs. Facebook, aptly named Google+. Got an invite from my brother since I was really curious about it. I have not navigated the site too much but I'll try to give a review about it in the next few days. Meanwhile here's a guide to Google+

http://www.google.com/+/demo/

And in case you would like to try the site, I can send an invite. Just leave your e-mail address at the comment box.

What a Stormy week!

2011-06-27T10:29:00.006+08:00

As I type this post, I can see the sun shining in my place right now, a big contrast from what happened here a week ago due to the rains/floods brought in by Tropical storm Maeri (local Philippine name Falcon). It quite ruined my week as I have been so lazy already due to the weather **can somebody cue The Lazy Song please**

It has been raining since last Monday but the storm really brought lots of rain around Thursday and Friday, just my luck since I was trapped at home alone and due to the heavy rainfall, our house got some floodwater inside

some of the floodwater I've been cleaning inside the house last week

I have called our office for a half day shift for 2 consecutive days due to the floods - and I was surprised to know that our systems got affected by the storm and all that went to work got compensated by playing games/watching movies/videoke/bonding time with workmates/free food while waiting for the internet connection to go up. It happened for only a day but I did enjoy that long "downtime" haha. Luckily there was also a week long event at work, so it made it more poignant I guess.

I sang my heart out at the videoke station at work, regardless of the heavy rainfall lol!

The storm's rainfall amount was scary that we thought another Ondoy will happen but God is Good as the rains stopped by Saturday morning finally time to clean up the floods and to start the week more productively so to speak.

I really hope for a productive and meaningful week for everyone :) God is good all the time!

2NE1 "I AM THE BEST" (내가제일잘나가) Teaser_40 SEC.

2011-06-23T10:22:00.001+08:00

formspring.me

2011-06-21T10:40:00.001+08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/koalabear17

Tagaytay, Here I come

2011-06-19T17:33:00.011+08:00

I was supposed to post this last week but due to laziness (yes I'm aware that I haven't been updating the blog like I used to do) but I'm trying my best to get back on track, hopefully with this post.

I've been to Tagaytay once when I was still young, for a school field trip and after that I never had the chance to go back due to being busy at work (except last year for a quick visit), and it's hard to go there especially if you don't have a car to begin with but suddenly my officemates were planning to go to Tagaytay to dine and to unwind even for just a day, so I did join them and the exciting part is we went there via public transportation. How good was it? I really did enjoy the adventure that we had

Me and my officemates headed off after work, which means we didn't get any sleep - just me and my other workmate since the other 2 had a normal shift than we did ( I actually went home to change my clothes and went back again). We rode a bus straight across our office in Makati. It was really a comfortable ride, even though the fare was quite expensive (around 80-90 PHP) but we're prepared for it anyway. From Makati it will take around 2-2 1/2 hours before getting there.

and after 2 1/2 hours here we are in Tagaytay! We headed straight to Bag of Beans, one of the known restaurants in the area to try their pasta dishes and it was really good!

I cannot remember the name of this dish but it is Pasta with Red Sauce and Grilled Chicken Breast while my friends had Lasagna

The good thing about the resto's location is it is overlooking the famous Taal Volcano so we somewhat took pictures of it

and of course we DID take photos as well

Next Stop after our late lunch: COFFEE! at Starbucks Tagaytay, but before that we dropped by a Church since we were able to spot one while walking to pray for our loved ones and then we already headed for our coffee break

More chit chat and pics with the beautiful Skyline of Tagaytay

We actually stayed at Starbucks until the early evening, time flies so fast when you're having fun and sadly we need to say goodbye to Tagaytay.

I hope to be back again soon..I promise!

Smoking ban in Manila public places starts May 30 | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

2011-05-27T19:02:00.001+08:00

Finally! I really hate people who smoke in Public Places

Smoking ban in Manila public places starts May 30 | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

50 Reasons Why Seoul Is the World Greatest City

2011-05-26T18:51:00.002+08:00

Found this article on CNN GO www.cnngo.com. It is still one of my plans to go to Seoul someday and this article even made my plan/conviction even stronger. Here is the complete link to this article

http://www.cnngo.com/seoul/life/50-reasons-why-seoul-worlds-greatest-city-534720

formspring.me

2011-05-25T18:13:00.001+08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/koalabear17

Movie: Rio

2011-05-01T23:26:00.002+08:00

I've seen the movie around 2 weeks ago and I enjoyed watching it. It brought back the kid in me :) it teaches about being independent in general and the determination to do something that you really wanted. Love the OST too :)

Photosnap: Coffee Break

2011-05-01T22:51:00.003+08:00

Photosnap: Souvenir

2011-05-01T22:47:00.002+08:00

gifts from Korea and Dubai: I love receiving souvenirs :)

Photosnap: My Vacation

2011-05-01T22:42:00.002+08:00

Noraebang+Alcohol = Good combination :)

formspring.me

2011-04-11T07:02:00.001+08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/koalabear17

BIGBANG_STUPID LIAR_30 SEC

2011-04-01T10:17:00.001+08:00

and yes, I have it on repeat :)

[MV] No Reply - 끝나지 않은 노래 (eng sub)

2011-03-30T16:29:00.001+08:00

Photosnap: Treat :)

2011-03-25T21:29:00.004+08:00

Mom asked me for a treat since it's payday..gave her this

got my share :)

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-25T14:40:00.003+08:00

March 26, 2011 8:30 PM

Theme: It's Time to go Beyond the Hour

Photosnap: Hyun Bin Enters the Marines - March 7, 2011

2011-03-07T18:54:00.007+08:00

I really enjoyed watching My Name Is Kim Sam-soon and became a much bigger fan since I'm currently watching Secret Garden. We'll surely miss you! stay healthy and see you in 2 years Hyun Bin :)

pic src: Sports Chosun

Photosnap: Super Show 3 - February 26, 2011

2011-03-07T18:44:00.007+08:00

First KPop concert that I will never forget. I felt like being a fangirl is complete now :)

The most touching part of the concert. I know Kang In will be back as a matured and better person..

It was all worth it :) Super Junior Fighting!

BIGBANG - TONIGHT M/V (Original Version)

2011-03-05T23:11:00.001+08:00

BIGBANG INTRO TEASER

2011-02-23T11:23:00.001+08:00

BIGBANG COMEBACK COUNTDOWN SPOT #4

2011-02-22T12:15:00.001+08:00

BIGBANG COMEBACK COUNTDOWN SPOT #3

2011-02-21T11:55:00.001+08:00

Pyrolympics 2011: UK/Portugal

2011-02-20T19:00:00.006+08:00

Spent my weekend watching the 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition or Pyrolympics 2011. I always wanted to watch it before but finally I had the time to do so I decided to tag my work buddy along since she was near the venue. The countries that were featured were UK and Portugal.

I don't want to keep you waiting so let me do it through pictures

what a way to recap the night :)

The competition is still ongoing until 12 March. You can check the schedule on their official website here:

http://www.pyrophilippines.com/

BIGBANG COMEBACK COUNTDOWN SPOT #2

2011-02-20T15:29:00.002+08:00

BIGBANG COMEBACK COUNTDOWN SPOT #1

2011-02-19T12:37:00.001+08:00

Big Bang is Back :)

2011-02-15T11:21:00.005+08:00

Finally after YG Entertainment teased us first with

and then this..

Finally...Big Bang will be back in Korea with a new mini album this month

the boys are definitely back..can't wait what they will give us in their new album :)

src:
http://egyliciouzlifeframe.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/gd-top-high-high-album-full-download/

http://youremymelody.wordpress.com/2011/01/22/mini-album-seungri-v-v-i-p/
http://www.bigbangupdates.com/2011/02/yg-life-update-about-big-bangs-comeback.html

Song Ji-hyo Waiting For Spring

2011-01-20T16:47:00.003+08:00

Actress Song Ji-hyo is busy these days from appearing in the variety show Running Man (which made her a household name), Entertainment Program One Night TV Entertainment and soon in the drama Crime Squad. Here is her latest photoshoot for In Style Korea entitled Waiting For Spring which will be released next month

src: http://news.nate.com/view/20110120n03947?mid=e0101

Lee Min-jung for High Cut

2011-01-20T16:42:00.003+08:00

Here are pics of Actress Lee Min-jung for the upcoming issue of High Cut Magazine

By sassygirl17 at 2011-01-20

By sassygirl17 at 2011-01-20

By sassygirl17 at 2011-01-20

By sassygirl17 at 2011-01-20

after having a good year in 2010, Lee will be back on TV screens via the drama Midas which will premiere next month

src:
http://news.nate.com/view/20110120n05201?mid=e0101

A Fangirl will always be a Fangirl - KPop Convention 2

2010-12-15T18:05:00.004+08:00

Being a KPop enthusiast for 8 years, this is actually the year where I really explored more of fandom than in the previous years. I started as a Korean Drama fan in 2002 and then I almost lie-lowed late last year until it was ignited again by listening to more Korean songs than I used to do in the past. So I can say that I embraced it all along by participating in Kpop related events as 2010 is the Year of Kpop here in the Philippines as many Kpop artists have visited the country, and many Fan clubs intensified their organizations this year.

Last weekend I went to the PICC Forum to attend the second KPop Convention or KPop Con 2 which was sponsored by the Philippine Kpop Committee Inc. which is an organization dedicated to support Kpop enthusiasts here in Manila. The first Kpop Convention was held in 2009, and as promised, this year is really bigger when it comes to the activities held and with the number of attendees. It was for a good cause as well as all proceeds from the event went to Gawad Kalinga, an organization which aims to build houses for the underprivileged.

Many activities were held aside from the booths of respective Kpop Fan Clubs here, there was also a Fashion Show, Cosplay contest, Dance Contest and Kpop Look-a-like
contest and the Philippine Kpop Awards

Here are some photos that I took from the event

It was one of my epic days being a Fangirl and a good way to end my 2010. I hope to become a Fangirl forever if I may :)

Letters From Angels Photoshoot 2010

2010-12-15T17:45:00.007+08:00

Renowned Korean Celebrity Photographer Cho Seihon unveiled his Letters From Angels series for 2010. This is the 8th year were celebrities pose with 100 day old babies to raise awareness about domestic adoption. This year's participating celebrities include Lee Byung-hun, Jang Geun-seok, Kim Hee-ae, Kim Min-joon, Bae Jong-ok, Lee Seung-gi, Yoon Shi-yoon, Kim Ok-bin, Lee Min-jung, Kim Jung-eun, Park Kyung-lim, Han Hyo-joo, Yoo Ji-tae, Wang Ji-hye and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon

/>

you can view more photos on this site:
http://angels.for1.com/index.html/Exposition/

and the photoshoot series from the past years here
http://koalabearseventeen.blogspot.com/2009/12/cho-seihons-letter-from-angels-2009.html

Lee Byung-hun and Friends: Love Is All Around

2010-11-22T15:25:00.010+08:00

Actor Lee Byung-hun and other stars from his agency, BH Entertainment like Kim Min-hee and Jin Goo, pose for Vogue Korea's Love Is All Around Photoshoot

Part 1: A Secret Love Affair
A Secret Proposal

Waiting For Him

Fall Into Temptation

She Hopes To Be

He Hopes To Be

A Dreamer

Part 2: Love Fantasy

Carpe Diem

Love! Sex! Christmas!

src: Style.co.kr
http://www.style.co.kr/vogue/starstyle/photo_view.asp?menu_id=02020400&c_idx=010106060000159

2010 Style Icon Awards

2010-11-18T14:50:00.012+08:00

Korean Cable Channels Olive TV and On Style brought together the 2010 Style Icon Awards which was held last night at the CJ E&M Center in Seoul. Now on its third year, the event honors the personalities that made a statement in the Korean Fashion World through their appearances in TV, Film, Music, and of course fashion. It is also the first time that the event is airing outside of Korea, as Star World and tvN Asia aired the event to viewers in Southeast Asia. I would like to commend the hosts for that night, Channel V VJ's Alvey and Lisa and to guest commentator Sam Oh, who is a popular TV Host in the Philippines since they guided non-Korean speaking viewers to the event, especially Oh, who had the task of translating the awards show, and that's no easy feat :)

Here are the winners of the 2010 Style Icon Awards

Style Icon of the Year: Lee Byung Hun

Popularity Award: SS501’s Kim Hyun Joong

International Style Icon: So Ji Sub

New Style Icon, Movie Actor: Big Bang’s T.O.P (Choi Seunghyun)

New Style Icon, Actor: Song Joong Ki

New Style Icon, Singer: CNBlue

Fashionista: Oh Yeon Soo

Style Leader: Gong Hyo Jin

Cultural/Arts award: Kolleen Park

Model: Han Hye Jin

Style Icon Actor: Chun Jung Myung

Style Icon Actress: Shin Min Ah

Female Singer: 2NE1

Male Singer: 2PM

Style Icon TV Star: Kim Jung Eun

Movie Actress: Lee Min Jung

Movie Actor: Joo Jin Mo

Special Award: Andre Kim (received by Andre Kim’s son, Kim Joong Do)

Sky Beautiful Sharing Award: Tiger JK & Yoon Mirae

A special award was given to the late Designer Andre Kim, who passed away last August, due to his efforts in making Korean Fashion popular overseas. His son, Kim Joong-do accepted the posthumous award.

Here are some photos from the event

So Ji-sub

Chun Jung-myeong

text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U7C8_D6H9SQ/TOTWiZkXIkI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/88SMTFgLYxM/s400/2010111721432873002_214842_0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540789328039846466" />
Oh Yeon-soo

2NE1

Song Joong-ki and Seo In-young, the MC's for the event along with comedian Shin Dong-yup

Song Joong-ki accepting his award for New Style Icon Actor

Lee Min-jung

Kim Hyun-joong

Shin Mi-na

TOP aka Choi Seung-hyun

Superstar K 2 Finalists

CN Blue

Lee Yoon-ji

2PM

Lee Byung-hun and So Ji-sub

and the Style Icon of the Year 2010 goes to...Lee Byung-hun

Lee is also the first male recipient of the award as the past winners were actresses. Jang Mi-hee (2008) and Kim Hye-soo (2009)

congratulations to all winners!

credits/sources:
AllKpop
http://www.allkpop.com/2010/11/winners-at-the-2010-style-icon-awards
SIA Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/SIA_twt

10 Basic Pantry Items You Should Always Have | Food & Home | FemaleNetwork.com

2010-11-12T17:09:00.001+08:00

10 Basic Pantry Items You Should Always Have | Food & Home | FemaleNetwork.com

YouTube version of Kim Hyun-joong 'Naughty Kiss' a big hit

2010-11-05T20:20:00.001+08:00

YouTube version of Kim Hyun-joong 'Naughty Kiss' a big hit

Will Yoon Sang-hyeon from 'Secret Garden' turn into a real singer?... He is holding a huge concert in Korea

2010-11-05T20:17:00.001+08:00

Will Yoon Sang-hyeon from 'Secret Garden' turn into a real singer?... He is holding a huge concert in Korea

**I'm happy that YSH will be appearing in a drama again, I'm hoping though that he will become the scene stealer of the show :)**

[Hancinema Photos] Lee Min-jeong for High Cut

2010-10-23T19:29:00.001+08:00

[Photos] Lee Min-jeong's beauty is 'Uncopyable'

'Mischievous Kiss' will produce 'special features' exclusively for YouTube

2010-10-19T19:49:00.001+08:00

'Mischievous Kiss' will produce 'special features' exclusively for YouTube

Oh Yeon-soo's Fan Signing Event for Cenovis

2010-10-15T18:32:00.004+08:00

Actress Oh Yeon-soo (Bad Guy) had a fan signing event early today as part of promotions for her recent endorsement with the vitamin brand Cenovis at the Lotte Department Store in Jamsil, Seoul.

Oh is currently taking a break since Bad Guy ended last August. We hope to see her again in another great performance soon. In the meantime you can follower her on Twitter

src: Yahoo! Korea/Newsen/Sport Korea

Where in Metro Manila Should You Live? | Travel & Leisure | FemaleNetwork.com

2010-10-07T17:54:00.001+08:00

Where in Metro Manila Should You Live? | Travel & Leisure | FemaleNetwork.com

My answer revealed that I should live somewhere North

Quiz Result:

You should live in the north!

You’re a modern and trendy gal, but you keep grounded with your versatility and resourcefulness. You love bazaars and mall sales, so you’ll enjoy countless hours in the likes of Tiendesitas, Greenhills Shopping Center, and Eastwood. Whether you’d rather settle down in Antipolo, Katipunan or Ortigas, the north will bring you closer to nature while keeping the ambience contemporary and progressive with its wide selection of bars, malls, and hot spots.

Photos from TV series 'Mary Stayed Out All Night' unveiled

2010-10-07T15:12:00.001+08:00

Photos from TV series 'Mary Stayed Out All Night' unveiled

Second year anniversary memorial service for Choi Jin-sil (Han Cinema)

2010-10-03T17:15:00.003+08:00

There was a second year anniversary memorial service for Choi Jin-sil. Lee Yeong-ja, Jo Seong-min and more attended.

[ChanMi's drama news] Kim Nam-joo and Jeong Joon-ho on 'Queen of Reversals'

2010-09-30T16:22:00.001+08:00

[ChanMi's drama news] Kim Nam-joo and Jeong Joon-ho on 'Queen of Reversals'

[ChanMi's star news] Oh Ji-ho and Jo Yeo-jeong are together dressed in black

2010-09-27T19:35:00.002+08:00

[ChanMi's star news] Oh Ji-ho and Jo Yeo-jeong are together dressed in black

[ChanMi's drama news] Drama series queen Kim Nam-joo is coming back!

2010-09-27T19:32:00.001+08:00

[ChanMi's drama news] Drama series queen Kim Nam-joo is coming back!

[ChanMi's movie news] Song Hye-kyo's return in films!

2010-09-23T12:27:00.001+08:00

[ChanMi's movie news] Song Hye-kyo's return in films!

Charice on Glee Season 2 "Audition" Episode

2010-09-22T19:57:00.003+08:00

src: Meowchy06@Youtube

Oh Yeon-soo for DAKS Accessories

2010-09-22T19:40:00.001+08:00

wish I could age gracefully like her :)

2NE1 - CLAP YOUR HANDS (박수쳐) [HD]

2010-09-13T12:15:00.001+08:00

2NE1 - GO AWAY [HD]

2010-09-13T12:14:00.003+08:00

2NE1 - CAN'T NOBODY [HD]

2010-09-13T12:14:00.001+08:00

Rain, Daniel Henney, and Drama Cast at the “Runaway”/Intensity Press Conference | Celebrities | FemaleNetwork.com

2010-09-13T12:08:00.002+08:00

Rain, Daniel Henney, and Drama Cast at the “Runaway”/Intensity Press Conference | Celebrities | FemaleNetwork.com

A New Chapter

2010-09-05T16:30:00.007+08:00

I haven't been blogging that much for the past few weeks or so so now I'm writing these to inform you guys on what's keeping me busy lately.

I had lots of blogging to do last July since I quit my job as a barista almost 2 months ago to pursue my dreams of working in a hotel (job hunting plus a little vacation of sorts). It ain't easy finding a new job, I was also looking for a career change of the 360 degree sort but I think I should stick for the meantime to what I really learned in College which is Hotel and Restaurant Management and I ended up with a new career change which is related to my course as well as less stressful as of the moment (because I'm still in training) and it's also hotel based so somehow I hit two birds in one stone. Hopefully wishing and praying that things will work out for the better.

On the other hand I thought I will lose my fondness for Kpop as I was busy looking into a new career but I guess it intensified more as I entered into my 8th year of doing so. I attended a Kpop event last July and met a lot of Kpop fans as well so after that event I realized that I should pursue my hobby and interests at least to relieve stress because it's something that's in our control and I pledge to enjoy my spare time more and more and at the same time work hard for my dreams so this weekend I went to a mall to support all Kpop fanclubs and doing my research on how KPop has really influenced so many people lately as I've noticed that before Korean Dramas where the headliners of the Korean Wave but when it subsided a bit a second wave came in terms of the Kpop or Idol Groups that swept all our hearts. The event by the way was KPop United which was sponsored by MCA Music. Here are some of my snap shots from the event as fanclub representatives of Big Bang, B2st, SNSD and 4 Minute gave a tribute to these groups respectively

Big Bang: Taeyang's I Need A Girl performance

B2st and 4 Minute - HuH

SNSD

I think in all these experiences I can say that determination and positivism is the key that when you do something, it ain't hard if you try hard to reach your dreams/goals and that is what I'm set to do now :)

Personal Taste (2010)

2010-08-22T22:48:00.005+08:00

Cast

* Son Ye Jin as Park Gae In
* Lee Min Ho as Jeon Jin Ho
* Kim Ji Suk as Han Chang Ryul
* Wang Ji Hye as Kim In Hee
* Im Seul Ong as Kim Tae Hoon
* Choi Eun Seo as Na Hye Mi
* Jo Eun Ji as Lee Young Sun
* Jung Sung Hwa as No Sang Jun
* Ryu Seung Ryong as Choi Do Bin

Synopsis

Jeon Jin Ho, a budding architect, is a straight guy who pretends to be gay in order to become a roommate to his Park Kae In, the owner of a mysterious house that has never been opened to outsiders. His hobbies include organization and ironing, and he’s known for his stoic poker face. He’s a stickler for cleanliness, but he also has a talent for figuring out women’s feelings. Kae In is very trusting even though she has a habit of being betrayed. However that doesn’t stop her from giving people the benefit of doubt and Jin Ho is no different. How will Kae In react when she finds out that her gay roommate is not actually gay at all and that he has fallen for her?

src:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Preference_%28TV_series%29

This drama was gave me a refreshing feeling after watching it. Maybe since I can relate to Son Ye-jin's introvert character, Kae-in as she struggled to find herself and to stand up against all the obstacles in her past which includes her family, her cheating boyfriend, Chang-ryul and friend In-hee as Jin-ho helped him to regain what she had lost personality wise as it initially began as a plan to get some ideas into the house Sanggojae by pretending to be gay and by becoming her roommate, which eventually turned into love. Jin-ho also has his own story as he wanted to gain back what was stolen from his family when he was a kid, and this is due to Han Chang-ryul's dad stealing their business and everything that they had, in this part of the story is what I find it lacking, though it was tackled a bit but afterwards it was left a bit in the air, though at the end Jin-ho's efforts paid off.

Lee Min-ho was really eye candy in the drama and I think he successfully shed off his Goo Jun-pyo image in Boys Over Flowers, I find him very manly though he had to pretend to be gay, the gay sequences were actually funny and suggestive but I didn't mind

Son Ye-jin playing a character that is near her actual age (she's 29) was actually good, but I think her best TV drama role in my opinion was in the 2006 drama, Alone In Love, I liked her character their to bits though in this drama you can see her effort in doing an character different from her previous works where she played dark characters or a femme fatale.

The supporting cast is also good as my fave characters were No Sang-jun and Lee Young-sun as the friends of Jin-ho and Kae-in respectively. Every scene that they had was really funny and well acted, I wouldn't mind if I see them again in another drama

I also liked the chemistry of Son and Lee, which I had doubts before since they have an age gap of a few years but it paid off, especially when they had scenes together and when Jin-ho slowly fell in love with Gae-in.

Will I recommend this drama? yes, if you want to watch something light to forget your everyday problems, I think this is a good one to consider

Playful Kiss Posters/Wallpapers

2010-08-19T14:17:00.004+08:00

Here are some official posters/wallpapers for the upcoming drama, Playful Kiss which stars Kim Hyun-joong and Jung So-min. The drama will air September 1 after Road No. 1 ends.

you can download the wallpapers/posters here:
http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/kiss/wallpaper/index.html

Lee Byung-hun may shoot "G.I. Joe" sequel early next year

2010-08-12T21:15:00.002+08:00

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun says filming for the sequel to Hollywood action flick "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" is expected to start early next year.

Lee made the remark on Wednesday during a press screening and press conference for his movie "I Saw the Devil," critically acclaimed director Kim Ji-woon's latest pic co-starring actor Choi Min-shik from smash hit Korean pic "Old Boy."

"We were supposed to go into shoot around winter of this year but I had heard it would be delayed to summer of next year over problems with the scenario. But then I heard that the scenario is done so I think we'll start early next year but I'm not sure about this either," Lee explained.

The 40-year-old actor, long considered one of the most popular actors in Korea, made his Hollywood debut through the hit action figure pic from last year, playing the role of Storm Shadow opposite actors Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller.

"Devil," about a secret agent (played by Lee) plotting revenge against a serial killer (Choi) who killed his fiancee, has been lauded one of the most anticipated films this year for the collaboration of filmmaker Kim of "The Good, The Bad, the Weird" and two of the country's top actors.

The revenge thriller opened in theaters today after three rounds of ratings reviews -- the film was slapped a restricted rating twice before it received approval for an 18+ rating.

In Korea, a restricted rating virtually bans a film from being screened since they can only be shown in special theaters only showing adult films but no such theaters exist in the country.

src:
http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010081216495354877

Fashion designer Andre Kim dies at 75

2010-08-12T21:04:00.002+08:00

SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's iconic fashion designer Andre Kim died Thursday after being treated for pneumonia at an intensive care unit at a Seoul hospital. He was 75.

Kim's health deteriorated recently after he was admitted to Seoul National University Hospital late last month, according to his close aides. He died at around 7:25 p.m., they said.

Born to a farming family in 1935, Kim debuted by holding his first fashion show in 1962 before opening "Salon Andre" in central Seoul. He became a leader in the Korean fashion industry as the first male designer and the first Korean to hold a fashion show in Paris in 1966.

Known for his distinctive blend of classical designs with futuristic elements, Kim's evening wear and wedding dress shows were held in noted places worldwide, including Angkor Wat in Cambodia in 2006 and Qingdao in 2007.

Not confined to the fashion community, Kim also enjoyed popularity from the general public. Many of his eccentricities, such as wearing heavy black eyeliner and all-white outfits, as well as his unique way of speaking, drew keen interest and frequent parodies by many comedians.

Recognizing his contribution to the fashion industry, Kim was presented with South Korea's Presidential Culture and Art Medal in 1977, the first of its kind for a designer. In 2000, he was also awarded a cultural award from France.

Kim, who was unmarried, is survived by a son he adopted in 1982.

src:
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2010/08/12/44/0701000000AEN20100812008800320F.HTML

Andre Kim, RIP, 명복을 빕니다

Son Ye-jin for In Style Korea

2010-07-28T19:24:00.005+08:00

Actress Son Ye-jin will be featured in the August issue of In Style Korea . The photo shoot, which was shot in Maldives will reveal the actress' sexy side, different from the pure image that she has (except for some of the films that she had recently, in which she had to show her skin like White Night, that showed her capacity as an actress as well). I must say she looks good in those pics!

src: Hankyung via Naver

Playful Kiss/MIschievous Kiss First Stills

2010-07-26T17:11:00.005+08:00

src: http://mbcinfo.imbc.com/photo.asp

They actually look cute together, don't they?

MBC released the first stills for their upcoming drama, Playful Kiss/Mischievous Kiss, the Korean version of the Japanese Manga, Itazura na kiss, and after the successful run of the Taiwanese version, It Started with A Kiss. Group Eight (Goong, Boys Over Flowers) produces this drama which stars Kim Hyun-joong and Jung So-min(Monae in Bad Guy). The drama will air in September.

Lee Min-ho selected 'Facebook Story' partner

2010-07-24T19:25:00.003+08:00

My say: Celebrities nowadays connect with their fans via Social Networking Sites like Facebook, Twitter or even via You Tube. Gone were the days were fans attempted to send messages via snail mail as this days posting a message or a tweet is just a click away. The wall between stars and their fans has somehow became narrower.

Actor Lee Min-ho has been chosen as a ‘Facebook Story’ partner for communicating with the most fans in Korea.

Lee, who currently has 838,000 fans on Facebook, has been picked along with 30 other world-famous figures and organizations such as Barack Obama, Cristiano Ronaldo and the New York Times.

Facebook Story is a service that allows people to post and share their personal experiences with others.

The star greeted fans in a message, and said, “I’m so glad to be able to meet you all here. Everyone feels like a close friend after I read your stories. How are you all?”

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had previously announced in a video lecture that he would launch this web tool to celebrate, reaching 500 million users.

Korean users can now access the social network more easily with the introduction of mobile Facebook applications that come in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet.

Meanwhile, Lee has begun to reach out to his global fans by starting Twitter and YouTube.

via Korea Times

click here:
http://stories.facebook.com/

[ChanMi's star news] Lee Min-ho proves friendship with Kim Beom

2010-07-20T11:37:00.002+08:00

src: http://news.nate.com/view/20100719n20628

[ChanMi's star news] Lee Min-ho proves friendship with Kim Beom

[ChanMi's star news] Jeong So-min's rise to stardom

2010-07-18T10:59:00.001+08:00

[ChanMi's star news] Jeong So-min's rise to stardom

Kim Hyun-joong confirmed to star in new TV series

2010-07-18T10:56:00.001+08:00

Kim Hyun-joong confirmed to star in new TV series

K-Pop Night @ Fiamma - Looper Video [07.17.2010]

2010-07-16T12:45:00.001+08:00

See you on Saturday, Manila K-Pop Fans :)

Kim Nam-gil enters the military

2010-07-15T17:41:00.003+08:00

Bidam will already enter the military T_T I enjoyed Kim Nam-gil's performance in Queen Seondeok and as well as in Bad Guy but as his career is taking off, he needs to fulfill his duties as a Korean Man and enter the military service for 2 years T_T

more news from 10 Asia

Actor Kim Nam-gil bid farewell to fans as he entered the Korean military today as part of fulfilling the country's mandatory army duties.

The actor, who arrived at Nonsan training camp in South Chungcheong Province around 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon, was greeted at the site by some 300 local and overseas fans from China, Japan and Taiwan.

"My heart is fluttering now that I am here at the training camp," the actor told reporters before entering the military camp. "I can't feel it yet but I think it will hit me once I go in [to the military camp]... I think I will be able to rest freely."

When asked how he feels about his sudden departure, Kim replied, "I am disappointed that I was late in preparing for it because I found out the entrance date late... My preparation was too hasty."

Kim received a draft notice to enter the military by July 15 at the end of last month, while in the midst of shooting TV series "Bad Boy."

With the show's production company Good Story and broadcaster SBS trying to delay the entrance date in order to wrap up the filming, it was not until last week that Kim announced to fans he would be entering the army.

"I was with the 'Bad Boy' team until the end of the shoot," the actor explained. "We reduced the number of scenes that were necessary for the story and just shot them."

The 29-year-old actor also mentioned that he doesn't feel awkward about his short haircut, adding that his parents thought it made him look young.

"I am older than young people [who enter the military] so I might be at a disadvantage in terms of physical strength," Kim went onto say. "But it won't be hard during training because I am really into playing sports."

Kim will receive four weeks of basic training at Nonsan and then work as a public service worker for the next two years.

After apologizing to fans about his sudden military leave, the actor asked them, "You will wait for me, right?"

The fans responded with loud cheers and by making sign language motions translating into "You are the most beautiful. We love you."

Kim, 29, made his debut in 2003 and has appeared in notable dramas such as "Be Strong Geum Soon" (MBC, 2005), "Goodbye Solo" (KBS2, 2006) and "Lovers" (SBS, 2006).

He became a household name last year playing the role of Bidam in MBC's historical drama "Queen Seon-deok" alongside top Korean actress Ko Hyun-jung.

"Boy," which completed shooting on July 13, will air until early next month.

http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010071514381144164

Lee Byeong-heon testifies at Kang Byung-kyu trial

2010-07-15T17:06:00.001+08:00

Lee Byeong-heon testifies at Kang Byung-kyu trial

Late actress's daughter leaves message for mother

2010-07-15T17:01:00.001+08:00

Late actress's daughter leaves message for mother

PHOTOS: Aftermath of Typhoon Conson Widespread damage after deadly typhoon

2010-07-15T15:21:00.007+08:00

These photos were covered by the International Media while Typhoon Basyang (International Name Conson) hit Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon yesterday. I thank the Lord that me and my family were safe and let's pray for those people who perished and in pain because of the Typhoon's aftermath

Residents fix roof of their shanties along a coastal road after typhoon Conson hit the area, at Las Pinas, south of Manila on Wednesday July 14, 2010. The Philippines' first typhoon of the year barreled toward the country's east coast Tuesday, prompting flight and ferry cancellations, school closures and warnings of floods and landslides.

A Filipino Muslim family rebuilds their shanty after it was torn down due to strong winds from Typhoon Conson in Makati, south of Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year killed several people and left some 11 others missing Wednesday after flooding streets in the capital and toppling power lines.

A Filipino Muslim man fixes the roof of their shanty after strong winds from Typhoon Conson tore down several shanties around a mosque in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year killed several people and left some 11 others missing Wednesday after flooding streets in the capital and toppling power lines.

A Filipino worker climbs down a billboard that collapsed due to strong winds from Typhoon Conson in Muntinlupa, south of Manila, Philippines on Wednesday July 14, 2010. The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year killed several people and left some 11 others missing Wednesday after flooding streets in the capital and toppling power lines.

Filipino workers try to pull down a piece of a billboard that collapsed on top of an office due to strong winds from Typhoon Conson in Muntinlupa, south of Manila, Philippines on Wednesday July 14, 2010. The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year killed several people and left some 11 others missing Wednesday after flooding streets in the capital and toppling power lines.

src:
http://news.ph.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4220612&page=5

Jang Dong-gun Tops CNN's List of Korea's Hottest Male Stars

2010-07-08T12:13:00.001+08:00

Jang Dong-gun Tops CNN's List of Korea's Hottest Male Stars

Park Jae-beom to hold fan meeting tour in Asia

2010-07-08T12:09:00.001+08:00

Park Jae-beom to hold fan meeting tour in Asia

yay! I could hopefully watch your show :)

10 Asia Interview: Actor Jeong Kyeong-ho - Part 2

2010-07-01T12:08:00.001+08:00

[INTERVIEW] Actor Jeong Kyeong-ho - Part 2

10 Asia Interview: Actor Jeong Kyeong-ho - Part 1

2010-07-01T12:06:00.003+08:00

[INTERVIEW] Actor Jeong Kyeong-ho - Part 1

Park Yong-ha discovered dead at home

2010-07-01T04:10:00.001+08:00

Park Yong-ha discovered dead at home

May his soul rest in peace. Such a sad day for Korean Entertainment. I will leave this link with a song by Michael Jackson, Gone Too Soon, dedicated to the talented Korean Actors that left us in recent years T_T

My K-drama Addiction Story

2010-06-25T13:52:00.004+08:00

There's a contest going on at Dramabeans about sharing your K-drama Addiction stories to win a Director's Cut DVD Boxset of You're Beautiful.

I shared mine though I really thought it wasn't that interesting but still for the love of sharing I did it...and now I'm posting my answer here

January 2007

I was really addicted to Jumong which was aired a year prior and I even didn’t have my DVD set nor downloaded the episodes, for the love of Song Il-kook I religiously followed the Soompi thread on Jumong, juggling between work and Jumong that is until January of 2007 when one of the TV stations here in Manila decided to air the drama even if it hasn’t finished its Korean Run so I’ve been posting like mad on Soompi about Jumong and then a friend informed that one of my posts in Soompi got featured in the TV ad to promote the drama and at first I can’t believe it so I waited for the teaser and yeah I couldn’t believe I was seeing my own message in a TV plug haha so the next day at work I told it to my officemates and they were laughing like crazy since they’ve seen the ad as well..

another thing is when I get addicted to a drama, I watch all its versions, original, dubbed, reruns, name it even if it’s aired and dubbed in a language that I’m not good at I’d still watch it keke

and since I deal with foreigners sometimes due to my line of work, I get happy actually when I talk to Korean customers even if in reality, I just know basic Korean and once I greeted a Korean in the language and she talked straight Korean! I told her after that I can only speak basic and I can’t grasp all that she is saying haha

you can join the contest here:

http://www.dramabeans.com/2010/06/dramabeans-giveaway-tell-us-your-drama-addiction-stories/

all entries will be accepted until July 1st.

Disclaimer: Just sharing the news to K-drama addicts like me and in no way I'm connected to Dramabeans or any of its authors

CN Blue - Love MV

2010-06-25T01:21:00.000+08:00

Updated my K-Drama Viewing :)

2010-06-24T22:32:00.005+08:00

I edited my post regarding the K-dramas I'm currently watching right now, I didn't wrote the number of Episodes that I'm in since it takes me a long time before finishing one drama these days lol!

click here:
http://koalabearseventeen.blogspot.com/2009/10/k-drama-updates-currently-watching.html

I'm also interested on the K-dramas that you guys have been watching lately, don't hesitate to drop by here and comment :)

Lee Jun-ki and Lee Dong-wook to participate in War Photoshoot

2010-06-23T23:41:00.002+08:00

By sassygirl17 at 2010-06-23

By sassygirl17 at 2010-06-23

Soompi: Lee Jun Ki and Lee Dong Wook Selected To Take Part in War Photo Shoot

10 Asia Interview: Actress Jeong So-min

2010-06-23T23:38:00.001+08:00

[INTERVIEW and PHOTOS] Actress Jeong So-min

No Worries :)

2010-06-21T00:01:00.001+08:00

I don't worry about the future since I treasure what I have at the moment, time will come when all things will fall into its right place..

[INTERVIEW] Big Bang T.O.P - Part 2

2010-06-19T00:02:00.001+08:00

[INTERVIEW] Big Bang T.O.P - Part 2

[INTERVIEW] Big Bang T.O.P - Part 1

2010-06-18T23:59:00.002+08:00

[INTERVIEW] Big Bang T.O.P - Part 1

Kim Hyun-joong in Manila...

2010-06-18T23:46:00.004+08:00

OMG...after Kim Bum visited the Philippines last year, another Korean F4 member will visit here to perform for a concert. Kim Hyun-joong arrived yesterday in Manila to perform with the group BEAST tomorrow, June 19 in a concert entitled K-Pop meets P-Pop at the Araneta Coliseum.

watch the interview here:

and more here:
http://www.allkpop.com/2010/06/kim-hyun-joong-arrives-in-the-philippines-for-concert-with-beast

Jay Park collaborates with B.O.B (Teaser Released)

2010-06-16T18:26:00.004+08:00

A few months ago, I featured Jay Park's version of B.O.B.'s now hit song, Nothin' On You. After the Youtube video was released, Nothin' On You has not only become Jay Park's claim to YT fame, but the song got into the spotlight as it became Number 1 in some parts of the world. Now after 3 months, B.O.B now collaborates with Jay with a new version of Nothin' on You. Here's the teaser

The song is now available in popular Korean Portal sites and is now gaining popularity. Hope to hear the song soon in full ^^

src/related article:
http://www.soompi.com/news/jaebeoms_vocals_set_to_feature_on_hit_song_by_bob

10 Asia Interview - Actress Kim So-yeon - Part 3

2010-06-10T14:12:00.002+08:00

The third and final installment to Kim So-yeon's Interview by 10 Asia

10: Your actual personality of being unpredictable and vivacious, that you showed on the talk show, often also shows in your portrayal of your character Ma Hae-ri. Have you considered yourself to be similar to her?
Kim So-yeon (Kim): Of course. From the start the director and writer told me to be myself and it was to the point where in the beginning, I became worried thinking 'Is this okay? I don’t feel like I’m acting.' The scenarist wrote the script incorporating my original form of speech and laughter and I think I couldn’t tell the difference between me and my character Hae-ri toward the end. I have two older sisters and I am the youngest of the three but I was the only who had a very cheerful personality ever since I was young. My dad even really really liked it when I would act in the most coquettish way and both my mom and dad see me as a little girl. Have you ever held hands with a boy? When did you ever kiss someone? They ask me these questions thinking I don't know how to. (laugh)

10: However, it may seem like Hae-ri is thoughtless girl trying to act cute so what are some of the things you paid particular attention to in order to portray her as a loveable person for the female viewers?
Kim: I think from the first episode up till the fifth episode [about the child molester case of Ji-min] was about showing the extent of Hae-ri’s thoughtlessness. Honestly, she's the kind of person who lives strictly in her own world, loves herself a lot and has no intentions of hurting anyone on purpose so I thought really hard about how I would be able to express this character who you should not hate. More so because I knew she’s not but it could easily seem like there’s nothing more to her than the fact that she’s thoughtless. But I think it came to me in a flash while I was playing with my eight-year-old niece. When you ask the question "Do you like this person or that person?" adults would hesitate to answer but children answer right away saying "This person!" and when I ask "Do you think I'm pretty or not?" they would answer honestly, "No, you're not pretty!" But whether she answers in this way or that, I just couldn’t stop thinking how loveable she is. So I thought that the audience was unable to hate Hae-ri because of how honest and naive she is, like a child.

10: Which scene was the hardest to take on?
Kim: When I was reading the synopsis I really liked the part where Hae-ri is shown as being very fat while in high school and I wanted to highlight those scenes so suggested ideas like “How about I stand in front of the mirror and dance or dance while cleaning the house?" to the director. I felt that her not having had much social interaction and being doped over and over again in the past was a crucial factor to what her current personality turned out to be like. It took about seven to eight hours to put on the special disguise for the scenes where Hae-ri reminisces about the past and we had to do it several times because it kept melting down. My hands and face were really heavy and I don't usually sweat but after putting on the disguise, it was so hot to the point where drops of sweat would fall. At the time, we were several weeks into shooting the drama without sleep, so the director said he thought I could even collapse because he knew how hard those shoots [in special effect make-up] were. For me it wasn't really that hard so thanks to that I was told I have ‘heaven-sent physical strength.’ I was fine, other than the fact that my whole body felt like it had gotten beaten up and I had trouble walking the next day. (laugh)

10: After Hae-ri goes on a diet, her trademark becomes wearing extravagant clothes and killers heels. But what is your everyday style like?
Kim: A long time ago I really liked dressing up and it was almost like a hobby because I would try on clothes when I get bored at home. In a way, I was thought I was creating my style and wrote down 'this outfit matches with these shoes and that outfit goes with those shoes' and I would refer to it whenever I go out. There was a time when I couldn't just walk past bags, shoes and accessories [without buying something] but now I think I'm less greedy and don't think about it as much. I will sometimes give my bags to my sister or mom because it's such a waste to have it laying around and most of the time I dress in comfortable clothes. Since I am girl I will probably want to dress up again but sometimes I feel it's a waste of energy

10: How did Ma Hae-ri's unique hairstyle come about? It was quite popular.
Kim: I had short hair, a different style for the first shoot but when I took a photo [with my mobile phone] and sent it to the scenarist, she suggested that Hae-ri would look better in a prettier and cheerful type of hairstyle. So after we wrapped up shoot that day, we created my hairstyle with its bangs and drizzling curly hair through a ten-hour process. Hye-ri hinks she is pretty and because she loves dressing up, she would spend the morning curling her hair but I thought that the character itself shouldn’t actually be pretty ? it could rather make Hae-ri less attractive to the viewers. So, I just pushed forward with that and I felt that I became Ma Hae-ri whenever I wore that hairstyle.

Korean actress Kim So-yeon [photographed by Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]
10: After KBS' "IRIS" finished its run, you appeared on talk show "Win Win" and said that your family finally boasts about your success. What did your family have to say about "Princess Prosecutor?"
Kim: Of course my mom really liked [my character] Sun-hwa in "IRIS" but this time she loved "Princess Prosecutor" so much that she would stay home all day to watch it. To the extent where she would call SBS Plus to find out the times of the reruns. (laugh) She especially likes the scenes where Hae-ri imitates the tone of Seo In-woo (played by Park Si-hoo).

10: There are many people who envy you for your great body. What are your secrets to staying in shape?
Kim: Haha. Great body! I don't have a great body! But I used to be very skinny before. I weighed five kilograms less than I am now so they had to pin my clothes because even the smallest sizes were too big for me -- 'skeleton-like' would be the very expression for it. But what was strange was that I didn't even know I was skinny. But I became much healthier while preparing for "IRIS" because I worked out, was on a different diet and so I wear different size clothes now. But I like the way I look now and I used to think that skinny girls looked pretty before but I think girls who look fit look prettier now. Of course, I won't try to fool myself -- it's tough working out and the diet doesn't taste good but I think I've become much healthier mentally. What is important is that you shouldn't become stressed while working out. I'm lucky in that sense because my trainer taught me to exercise while having fun.

10: Is there an actor who serves as your role model?
Kim: Everyone that I meet in everyday life is my role model, rather than it being someone in particular. Like my manager, stylist... I even practice my acting while playing with my nephew. Everyone is different when they're watching TV too so I think that's its' important to be open-minded when it comes to judging people.

10: Many people are looking forward to the second season of "Princess Prosecutor." What are your thoughts on this?
Kim: I'd definitely be happy to do it! I'm not looking forward to it because the director told me it would be unlikely to happen but I think there is no reason at all that I wouldn't be able to work with such enjoyable people again. There are a lot more detailed stories to tell about prosecutors so I really wish it would happen! Haha.

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@
Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@
Editor : Lee Ji-Hye seven@, Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010060923042975348

10 Asia Interview - Actress Kim So-yeon Part 2

2010-06-10T14:08:00.002+08:00

This is the second part of Kim So-yeon's Interview with 10 Asia

10: You have been a star since your teenage years. At certain times when you didn't have any work, it would have been easy for you, both emotionally and financially, to choose to do projects that didn't suit you but you never did. How were you able to turn them down?
Kim: I came close to doing them many times, haha. I don't think there was anything that was completely out of the question for me to do. But there were times when I would have done a not-so-great drama but it flopped. There was one drama that I wasn't so crazy about but thought, 'I'll just do it anyway." But they ended up casting someone else and I was humiliated. When you are forced to go on a hiatus like that, you begin to feel very determined afterwards. A part of me thought that I should just wait for something else to come along. You tell yourself, 'This is not the end of me' and endure it. When I look back at such times, I think those experiences helped me in the end but back then it was really difficult! (laugh)

10: I heard that when you debuted at the age of fifteen, you didn't think seriously about being an actor but that you just liked the idea of being one. But you got great reviews for "All About Eve," which you did when you were in your early twenties. People thought you looked like a real anchorwoman and that your pronunciation and vocalization were solid. Your unique and clear speech in "Princess Prosecutor" was also impressive.
Kim: When I was doing "All About Eve," I really practiced a lot, practicing my lines with a pencil in my mouth. Even now when there is something I can't pronounce clearly, I put a pencil between my teeth and practice. There aren't many opportunities nowadays to practice with older veteran actors because we have a different system for making dramas. But back when I was young, there were many veteran actors on the set and I was able to acquire certain things naturally. You know, like on the dramas I did when I was in high school. For MBC TV series "Mother and Sister," I had to act face-to-face every day with veteran actresses Na Moon-hee and Go Doo-shim. I didn't have a particular obsession about pronunciation or vocalization, but it's just that viewers can hear me better if I say my words clearly.

10: I thought you would make a great narrator for documentaries.
Kim: I would love to do that! I really wish they would hire me. (laugh) I am very interested in things I can do with my voice. I want to do voice-overs for animations and it is my dream to host KBS music show "Open Concert." I want to be a deejay for late-night radio shows too but I don't know if they will hire me for late-night programs. Because I am so scatty. I might wake people up! Haha.

10: You seem to watch all kinds of TV programs. From what you've said on talk shows, you seem to know a lot of idol group singers too.
Actress Kim So-yeon [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]
Kim: Ahaha, I know all about them! I watch SBS' "Inkigayo" every day at home. I watch a lot of old dramas and shows on cable and my favorite show is SBS' "Wowhow." Observing how people live their lives is very entertaining, but there are many inspiring and heartbreaking stories on the show as well. I think it's the best show, really.

10: There seems to be a little gap between how you look and how you sound. You look like an urban, intelligent woman but you sound like a very lively person.
Kim: I tried to lower the tone of my voice in the past. When I would laugh out loud and say hello to the president of my agency, he used to tell me "Change your voice. Act like how you look!" But he gave up one day and now he imitates my laugh. The funny thing is, the things that I had been trying to hide, fix or get rid of for a long time have now become acceptable after playing Ma Hye-ri.

10: Because now you have been accepted for being you?
Kim: Yes. I got a negative criticism right after I did "All About Eve." People said that I was pretentious and trying to act cute, and it hurt me so badly that I avoided doing video interviews for a long time. I did interviews with many different media outlets and whomever I met, I would think it was fate in some way and try to be nice to them. But people misunderstood me in various ways and that was very upsetting. I still remember my make-up artist telling me, "Someday people will know the real you." And exactly ten years later, I was able to go from being Heo Young-mi to being Ma Hye-ri. I love that I can be so comfortable doing this interview right now. That is why I am so grateful to Hye-ri. I was able to start over by playing her and now I don't get just one type of character. And even if I go back to playing such characters, I am thankful that people will know that it is "acting" and not the real me. I really feel like I am back at the starting line and like I finally have done and am away with something I was supposed to do.

10: You received the People's Choice award for "IRIS" at the KBS Acting Awards last year. It was funny to see you so much more ecstatic than I thought you would be. Do you wish you had more star power as an actress?
Kim: I would be lying if I said I didn't because I do feel happier when I have more star power. But I don't want to chase after empty goals like being the most-searched celebrity on the web or being in the spotlight. I used to desire such things in the past but now I know how easily they vanish and you can't see anything else if you are too caught in that. These days I am trying to be indifferent to things like that.

10: It took exactly ten years to go from being Heo Young-mi to being Ma Hye-ri. Now that you have entered your thirties, is there anything you want to achieve?
Kim: This might make you cringe but really, my head is full of thoughts about acting right now. So much that I feel like the actress Kim So-yeon has eaten up the human being Kim So-yeon. So I want to keep working non-stop and do everything that I can possibly do. I don't have plans of becoming a certain actress by doing this and that. I want to be a truly great actress who works hard, plays all kinds of characters and can always do the work that she wants to do. Because I know that waiting around is really hard. (laugh)

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@
Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@ , Lee Ji-Hye seven@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010060916224124731

10 Asia Interview - Actress Kim So-yeon - Part 1

2010-06-10T14:01:00.002+08:00

10 Asia is such a useful website when it comes to Korean entertainment news and Korean Celebrity Interviews. I'm posting Kim So-yeon's interview since I wanted to watch iris and Prosecutor Princess but didn't have the time yet. Here is the Interview in 3 parts

Actress Kim So-yeon says "feels like I am back at the starting line"

Out of three Wednesday/Thursday evening dramas, which all premiered on the same day last March, SBS TV series "Princess Prosecutor" never scored the No. 1 viewership rating during its run. However, the show remained a well-made drama till the end with its tight storyline and unique characters played by all the right actors. It would not be an exaggeration to say that actress Kim So-yeon, who played the title character, displayed such impressive acting skills that it might perhaps be the biggest achievement anyone has made in the first half of the year. Even though it wasn't the so-called 'possessed acting,' Kim So-yeon created an interesting chemistry seen in the perfect match-up of an actress and her character. After a long hiatus and challenging times, the actress, who used to be the representative star of trendy dramas in the 90s, is back at a brand new starting line. And she is more hungry for acting now more than ever, she says. 10Asia interviewed Kim So-yeon, whose sincerity shone through during the interview and was moving at unsuspecting moments.

10: It has been quite a while since "Princess Prosecutor" ended but its popularity still seems to be lingering.
Kim: Yes, the show ended with the sixteenth episode but fans posted a trailer video for episode 17! I heard that they are still writing fictional scripts, haha. When I first started working on the show, there was so much responsibility and stress that I was very worried. But I am really grateful that so many people are still in love with "Princess Prosecutor."

10: The expectation for "Princess Prosecutor" was very high because it was going to be a collaboration between director Jin Hyuk and writer So Hyun-kyung, who worked together on SBS TV series "Shining Inheritance." How did you feel when you were first offered the role?
Kim: When KBS drama "IRIS" ended, I really wanted to do a completely different character, a very cheerful one. But I thought I wouldn't get offers to do a cheerful character because I played Sun-hwa in "IRIS." In fact, there was a role that I turned down because she was so similar to Sun-hwa. I was worried about my next acting project because I didn't want to take a break from work, and that is when I got the synopsis [for "Princess Prosecutor"]. Director Jin Hyuk was actually an assistant director on SBS' "2004 Human Market," in which I played a cold, femme fatale character. I loved the script and I was so happy that someone who knew my real personality sent it to me, so I said I would do it right away. I had to wait about a month afterwards and I knew why. Not everyone regards me as the main lead so there must have a lot of worries about hiring me as the title character. So even when I heard rumors that someone else was cast for the role, I thought, "Ah, I didn't get it," but I wasn't disappointed. Then when I heard that I got the part, I felt like I had received a huge gift.

10: It is surprising that you thought to yourself, "Not everyone regards me as the main lead."
Actress Kim So-yeon [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]
Kim: When you look at comments on the Internet, you could see that many people were worried whether I could really play a cheerful, adorable female character which is the essence of a romantic comedy. When I was in middle schol and high school, I too grew up watching Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts movies and I loved them. Romantic comedy was a genre that I really wanted to take on but I can't judge what I'm like as an actress so I had doubts and worries about whether I could do a good job. And in a way, I'm not what people call a lovely-faced actress because I have strong facial features. So from a certain point on, I began to think that romantic comedy was not something that I could dare dream of doing.

10: The success of a romantic comedy definitely depends on how convincingly the loveliness of its main character is conveyed to viewers.
Kim: I really loved the character Ma Hye-ri and that is why I was even more worried. That I wouldn't be able to convince people of playing this character because Kim So-yeon has a certain fixed image. I played a North Korean spy [in "IRIS"] and the character Heo Young-mi in MBC's "All about Eve" followed me around for ten years.

10: So then how did you try to approach the character Ma Hye-ri?
Kim: My biggest concern was to break free from conventional stereotypes. Every character is different but there is a certain fixed rule about the characters in scripts. In the past, I tended to stay faithful to these rules and played my characters according to how they were written in scripts. But this time I think I ignored all those rules because I wanted to try stuff that was only possible when playing Ma Hye-ri. I would try to soften some aspects, go up a notch sometimes, and even applied my usual way of speech and my own laughing too. I was scared whether it was okay to do that but the writer used my speech style in the script and the director was very open to my attempts as well. I think that is why I was able to feel comfortable in front of the camera for the first time. In that sense, "Princess Prosecutor" is a coming of age story about Ma Hye-ri but it also made me very happy because I had a hard time over what people thought of me as an actress.

10: You are well-known for playing cold, arrogant characters like you did in "All About Eve" and "IRIS." But you also showed an off-the-wall, cheerful side to you on variety shows "Happy Together" and "Win Win," similar to your character in "Princess Prosecutor."
Kim: To be honest, I was scared of going on such variety shows. I thought an actress should show herself through her acting and often times I didn't like my hectic personality. My first "Happy Together" appearance was in 2008, but it took me a year before I actually went on the show. My manager told me, "You always say that you want loosen up and do a romantic comedy, but you are always hiding yourself from people. Who is going to use you when they don't see that side of yourself?" That is how he convinced me and I got the courage to do it. Before the show I kept telling myself, "Just be myself. Even if people hate it, I would feel less bad if I was just myself. If I think something is funny, I'll laugh. If not, I won't. And if I don't get it, I'll just say I don't get it." I had a really tough time shooting the episode but I was surprised that people thought it was entertaining. And that is when I started to reveal other parts of myself, little by little, and that is how I came about doing "Princess Prosecutor."

10: You had some romantic storylines in your previous dramas, but in "Princess Prosecutor" the storyline between Ma Hye-ri and lawyer Seo (played by Park Shi-hoo) was particularly intense. Is there any difference in how you expressed your emotions?
Kim: I was totally absorbed in my character so it wasn't too difficult. And sometimes I think, I don't like being this old. (laugh) My ability to express emotions would have been different a year ago or any time before that. You can't ignore your previous experiences or your one-sided loves. But I remembered some things while I was shooting, and I think those helped me a lot. If I do something next year, it will probably be different too. Haha.

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@
Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@ , Lee Ji-Hye seven@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
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http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010060915172175288

Aquino-Binay Proclaimed as New Leaders

2010-06-10T12:19:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was history as the joint canvassing of the Senate has proclaimed NoyNoy Aquino as President-elect and Jejomar Binay as Vice President-elect.

src:By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 6/9/2010
http://news.ph.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4139791
http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4138614

Aquino proclaimed Philippine president, warns of crisis

Benigno Aquino was proclaimed the next president of the Philippines amid joyous celebrations on Wednesday, but he struck a sombre tone as he warned the impoverished nation was in crisis.

The 50-year-old bachelor achieved one of the most emphatic election wins in the Southeast Asian nation's history last month after promising to tackle the endemic graft and pervasive poverty that have long afflicted the country.

To wild cheers and applause from a gallery packed with supporters wearing his family's trademark yellow, parliament proclaimed Aquino the next president with over 15.2 million votes, or nearly 42 percent, of the total.

However, the son of two democracy heroes immediately sought to focus on the problems facing the sprawling archipelago of more than 90 million people, which has for decades lagged behind its fast-developing Asian neighbours.

"I am a little anxious, a little eager to solve the problems that are besetting our countrymen," Aquino told reporters in his first public remarks shortly after the proclamation.

"I can't say (I feel) totally joy at this time."

Aquino, who will take over from the highly unpopular President Gloria Arroyo on June 30, said a fast-growing budget deficit was one of the most pressing issues.

"Immediately, I have a crisis to deal with," Aquino said of the deficit, which he forecast would hit 400 billion pesos (8.5 billion dollars) this year.

"We have many problems that we have inherited, contrary to the propaganda of our predecessors."

Aquino crushed his rivals largely on his promise of clean government, following nine years of rule under Arroyo that has been tarnished by allegations of massive corruption and vote rigging.

He also drew on the enormous public support for his parents, who remain revered for their efforts in ending the 20-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

His father, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, was shot dead in 1983 at Manila airport as he returned from US exile to lead the democracy movement against Marcos.

His mother, Corazon Aquino, took over from her slain husband and led the "People Power" revolution that eventually toppled Marcos in 1986.

She then served as president for six years, a reign that is looked back upon by many Filipinos as one of the least corrupt of recent times.

Her death from cancer last August triggered a massive outpouring of support for the family that turned the son from a low-key senator to presidential front-runner.

After the proclamation, the governments of the United States, Britain, Canada, China and Japan all sent Aquino messages of congratulations.

Former president Joseph Estrada finished well behind Aquino in second place with nearly 9.5 million votes.

The 73-year-old Estrada held the record for the biggest election win when he triumphed in the 1998 elections with 39 percent of the total vote.

The former action-movie star was ousted three years later, half-way through his term, amid allegations of corruption for which he was later convicted.

"I sincerely offer my congratulations to my good friend and worthy opponent," Estrada said in a speech read by his son before the parliament, minutes before Aquino was proclaimed.

Parliament also proclaimed Jejomar Binay, who was Estrada's running mate, as the nation's next vice president.

Aquino's Liberal Party could be hamstrung in its efforts to implement reforms after its choice for the vice presidency, Mar Roxas, lost.

However, Binay said on Wednesday he would not be a destabilising force.

"I am a team player and I am willing to work with the president. Whatever is asked of me (I will do)," Binay said.

The Liberal Party will also not have a majority in either house of parliament.

Arroyo's Lakas Kampi CMD coalition will remain powerful in parliament, and the outgoing president won a seat in the lower house, where she could lead opposition to Aquino.

I'm really optimistic about the upcoming new government. Just hoping that Noynoy will do what he said during the campaign period.

Reunion with Good Old Friends

2010-06-05T16:27:00.002+08:00

A few weeks ago, I've heard that my former manager is resigning. I felt bad because she was really there for me during the challenges that came into my job when I got promoted and I learned a lot from her as well so it was decided that we will have a reunion, with all the people that have worked with her in the outlet that she managed. Ii all happened last Tuesday, we call her Mader or Mother, since she was a mother figure to us though she preferred not to be called like that because she is not that old yet.

A room was rented to celebrate the get together and we had to chip in for the food and drinks, which I love to do anyways haha

preparing the food, yum

Our Mader, the one in Red ^^

We just missed each others company since the Team was somewhat dissolved already, some left and some got transferred, like in my case. But the most important thing is we got to catch up with each other and aside from missing our Mader and realizing that everybody has to move on, it goes to show that true friends are hard to find and will be always there for you whatever what happens, which I am totally feeling right now (that's another rant I guess)

credits: Cyndy and Facebook for the pics

Video of the Week: T-Max - Can Do For Me

2010-05-28T23:13:00.002+08:00

I just realized that this is the second time I'm featuring T-Max's song in my blog. Might be influenced by my love for Boys Over Flowers (though I don't really show it haha). This music video is for the title track Can Do For Me, off their first album Born To The Max. Another reason I chose this is also because of one of the actors starring in the video is Oh Ji-ho, which I adore a lot...

My Summer Outing

2010-05-27T15:43:00.009+08:00

I haven't been blogging that much lately but I wanted to share a part of what I do to those reading this blog.

Recently after strenuous workload I finally got the chance to relax with my work buddies at the beach. Coming from a slightly graveyard shift, My rest day was full of relaxation at the beach. The Destination, Laiya, Batangas

inside the van with my work buddies

we played a game inside the car since it was a 3-4 hr drive...pardon me since I didn't have that much sleep yet, resulting to a quite horrible pic

we already have arrived in our destination and the first thing to do is to eat aka Boodle Fight style

yum yum

after that some of us rented a kayak to explore the seas while some of us took jumping shots, I mean that literally

we also played beach volleyball and some water games at the site, well I really forgot that I'm really sleepy then...

after the beach escapade we also got the chance to tour Tagaytay

that practically ended my one day vacation. I really enjoyed it, which urges me to file a vacation leave right now to still enjoy the scorching heat while it's still there..

credits: thanks Jhaz for the pics ^^

Video of the week: Michael V - Bathroom Dance (Lady Gaga's Bad Romance Parody)

2010-05-22T21:46:00.003+08:00

This video is a parody of Lady Gaga's song, Bad Romance which was performed by Michael V, one of the most popular comedians in the Philippines. He became popular not only because of his witty antics but also due to the fact that he is good in making parodies of popular songs, this one included. The parody is titled Bathroom Dance and is basically about a struggle of going to the bathroom because of diarrhea. Sorry though that it is in Filipino, will try to find English subs for this one.

You can find Michael V's profile here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_V.

src:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnwNaNAwnB4

Jejemons...Jejejeje!

2010-05-14T14:41:00.003+08:00

I'm pretty much active in Twitter lately and recently I've seen retweets or posts about Jejemons which really got me curious at first. Ignorant me that I honestly thought it was a spinoff of the Japanese Animation Pokemon lol! But now I got it after googling about it an here's a definition according to Wikipedia

Jejemon is a pop culture phenomenon in the Philippines. Jejemons are defined by Urban Dictionary as those "who has managed to subvert the English language to the point of incomprehensibility and online lynch squads."[1] A Jejemon is described as one of a "new breed of hipsters who have developed not only their own language and written text but also their own sub-culture and fashion."[2] Jejemons also imitate "gangster" like attitudes which make them similar to the English chav, Scottish ned, Irish skanger, Russian gopnik and Australian & New Zealand bogan.

I don't really know how this came about, but sharing this to my officemates one time made it much more clearer, one said that it existed for some time already, but no term was given to these group of people before until now, which I find true, since once upon a time I might have a read a Jejemon typed message but it was still readable to me, but now it is getting contagious that I find it ridiculously funny, thinking if it was really something to be proud of as part of the Filipino culture, which I think shouldn't be. Now I'm a Jeje Buster (a Jejemon hater). I really hope though that this is just a hype, it really kills our way in learning to type correctly in English or Filipino per se and communicating it professionally.

Curiosity kills the cat, now here are links that talk about Jejemons in Filipino culture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jejemon
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/2bu/2bu/view/20100424-266068/gtJejemons-The-new-jologs
http://tjsdaily.blogspot.com/2010/04/jejemon-what-are-they.html

One Way gets parodied on Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash 2010

2010-05-06T11:05:00.003+08:00

Thanks to Alexine for all the tweets about it early this morning ^^

Korean Group One Way (composed of members Peter, Young Sky and Chance, and all proficient in English) got one of their songs parodied in an episode of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash 2010 wherein the teen housemates met their Teenternational neighbors via a music video of One Way's song, Magic which was performed by the trio R2J as part of Big Brother's task for them to pretend like K-pop stars. One Way members have seen this already on You Tube a few hours after the episode was aired yesterday. Member Chance made a comment via his Twitter account " i just wished if i could understand the language in pinoy big brother lol". Because of this, though the song really seemed like I've heard of it before, I had to listen to it again and I agree, One Way's songs are good ^^

here's the parody

and the official video

Video of the Week: Korean Girl Groups Gear up for World Cup 2010

2010-05-04T23:26:00.003+08:00

For this week, I will feature 3 videos of Korean Girl Groups who have recently released songs to support the Korean Team in the upcoming World Cup 2010. Kara with We're With You, T-ara with We Are the One and HAM with We Are One