Tuesday Running Man: Episode 154, Asian Dream Cup 2013 in Shanghai

Ever since the Running Man team went to Shanghai for the Dream Cup, there were news and pictures all over the internet that I can't help but be excited over it. The most popular photo that was up was Lee Kwang Soo's, when he was kicked in the ass by Captain Park Ji Sung. It was hilarious and right then I knew that Kwang Soo made many mistakes in the field. And so the most awaited episode came, with Park Ji Sung back from the last episode with Koo Ja chul. This time, Patrice Evra, who is Park Ji Sung's close friend from Manchester United, is their guest.

Warning: Contains spoilers!

When these four entered, I thought, "Wow, flashy airport fashion huh." Then I realized, "Wait what. It's summer there right?" And so I understood that it was their punishment for losing in last week's episode.

Ji Suk Jin's fur hat is so hilarious. He looks like a rich madam. Haha! Poor Kwang Soo though, it looks so hot. And I mean warm-hot not hot-hot. The other members look nice in shades of blue/gray this summer.

Now for the mission. The losing team has to become slaves for the winning team in order to get rid of the winter clothes. In this screen cap above, we see Kim Jong Kook being bossed around by Sulli (which we all know that KJK had promised Sulli to become her slave from the Winter Running Olympics). Yoo Jae Suk is coaching her on what to say to KJK, while everyone asks her to talk down to KJK.

Well of course, our most awaited moment. With Ji Hyo in the losing team, Gary gets to be the "master" for once. They drink together from Gary's Caramel Macchiato that Ji Hyo bought.

"I want you, Kang Gary!" Ji Hyo yelled, while facing a crowd at the airport. She did this as her last mission in order to become free from Kang Gary as a slave. Before this scene, as they went to the crowd, "Girl who can't break up, boy who can't leave" by LeeSsang was playing in the background. Oh, I just love that song especially when Monday Couple is involved.

When Ji Hyo was done with her mission, Kwang Soo immediately provided comic relief and shouted, "I want you, Ha Dong Hoon. (Haha)" Kwang Soo was Haha's slave, and he thought that by doing what Ji Hyo did, Haha would also be pleased and get rid of his slave status. Haha, unfortunately, wasn't pleased at all and scolded Kwang Soo afterwards.

Upon arriving in Shanghai, they had a press conference about the Asian Dream Cup 2013. Fighting!

Patrice Evra was then officially introduced to the audience after the Running Man members called him to come out and threw every English phrase that they knew.

When Evra was asked how old he thinks JSJ is, Evra answered 38. Not bad huh? Our wanko hyung (big nose hyung) is actually almost in his 50's now..

But when asked how old he thinks LKS is, he coldly replied, "42." Everyone cracked up of course because our maknae (youngest) looks older than the oldest JSJ. Ultimately, LKS is considered to be an "internationally old" person.

And Mr. Go Dong Wan FD or for now, "DongLi," makes an appearance again. Evra was shocked to know that DongLi is actually a man because according to him, "he looks more beautiful than Sulli and Ji Hyo." That was so funny I had to pause for a moment to feel the happiness.

The game is a board game, with missions according to the spaces. Once a team completes the mission, they don't have to pay and gets to take a turn after the next team. But when they fail to do so, they have to pay 1,000 yuan to DongLi.

The first mission was Ttakji (paper hitting). Of course, Running Man fans would be able to know the significance of this game in Running Man. In the screen cap above, JSJ catches the ttakji used for hitting just after he hit the absolute ttakji below. He used all his energy to catch the ttakji because he's given three chances to try as long as he catches the ttakji after hitting. It was hilarious as hell because he keeps on catching the ttakji.

Evra goes for it, and wins! KJK and Evra won the game and so they didn't have to pay DongLi.

During Park Ji Sung's team's turn, they had to kick the ball and shoot it in a huge jar. No one was able to shoot the ball and so they failed. But Evra feels like it would be easy to do it just to mock his close friend, PJS, so he tried it. His first try was a failure but he pretended to be hurt in his feet so he gave it another try. The second try was successful.

Captain versus captain. What was so funny about this game was it is a miniature football and instead of using feet, they use straws. These two are popular and talented football players yet they get so serious about playing this game which was so funny.

At the finals of the straw-ball, Evra's team made a fuss and helped make Evra comfortable before the game. They got him water, a chair, and even massaged him. Haha! It's too bad though, since PJS won this round.

The acupressure mat makes its appearance again. The game was a trust game, were the members of Evra's team need to jump 50 times using a jumping rope, on top of the mats. As a first timer, Evra was surprised to see how LKS jumped continuously because just touching his feet was painful enough. In the end, Evra made the team win though even without KJK's aide. 

The game above is like a pass-heading game where two players pass the ball to each other by using their heads. Evra's team won. With this win, Evra's team was the first to cross the finish line in the board game.

After winning the game, Evra kissed DongLi! I was like, "OMG, what are you doing?" Is it wrong for me to ship this bromance?

The next game is goal photozone. The mission is to smile while the photo is being taken. The catch is, a member of the opposite team will attempt to make a goal while the photo is being taken. In the photo above, YJS attempts to dodge the ball while making a funny face.

That's why the other Running Man members call you ugly, Lee Kwang Soo! LKS is a pretty charming man once he's serious but when he makes a face like this, omg, he's so ugly (it's funny though..). He then earned the nickname "Kwangsoo-kkeobi," which means "KwangsooToad."

Now is the start of Kwang Soo's misfortune. When Sulli attempted to kick the ball, it hit LKS's feet, then his face. Kwang Soo really is blessed by the god of variety with all the body gags.

The games ended, Evra's team got 2 tickets for a chance to play in the dream cup. Captain Park and Captain Evra chose two members from their respective teams and it's not a surprise anymore because we've all seen the pictures from the game. Yoo Jae Suk and Haha are from PJS team and Lee Kwangsoo and Kim Jong Kook from Evra's team.

The actual day for the Dream Cup!

Let's follow Park Ji Sung! The Running Man members who were chosen to play followed PJS around and copied what he's doing for warm up. 

A cute banner created by fans from Shanghai!

And so the game starts. Ji Suk Jin is telling the other members that he should have been picked to play, and he continues to say so until the end of the game, along with Gary. Ji Hyo looks nervous and I swear (no joke intended but I swear, by the moon..) my reactions were the same as hers.

Kim Jong Kook, who is popular in Shanghai, got to be in the first set of players to start the game. Thereafter, Lee Kwang Soo was called and asked to prepare and warm up because he'll be substituting for KJK soon. Look at his "I can't believe this" face. 

"Kwangsoo yaahh!!"

When these four supporters found out that Kwang Soo will be coming out soon, mixed emotions were found. They're happy yet nervous for Kwang Soo. I definitely sympathize with SJH because I was also nervous/worried for Kwang Soo.

LKS enters the field. He seems nervous yet his face is still funny.

JSJ comments that because of Kwang Soo's height, he looks like the football athlete, Peter Crouch. 

Of course, Kwang Soo's misfortune. He was definitely doing his best, and he was active in the game. But unfortunately, luck doesn't find him. Players from the opposite team bumped into him, steals the ball, and other bad things..

LKS got a chance to kick a PK (Penalty Kick). The ball was too far from the goal and his kick was a bit weak that the goalee just catched the ball without a sweat.

Here it comes, the PJS kick in famous article which came out 3 weeks before this episode. Because Kwang Soo failed to shoot a goal, Captain Park kicked Kwang Soo's ass.

Kwang Soo was finally benched and when asked how it felt to play in the field, he gagged. It was not only tiring, he said but Park Ji Sung was also scary and he even yelled at him. Poor Kwang Soo. It's alright, you'll catch a break. You did well anyway. Haha!

It's finally Haha's turn. He had this Iron Man shirt beneath. He's really a fan huh. I want to see him wear this with his Iron Man cap. I wonder if he has an Iron Man pants?

Just before Haha enters the field, Captain Park scores the first goal! In an awesome way of course. (cue music, bambarambarambabarabam)

Haha enters the field, replacing Min Ho (Shinee). *cue pororo theme song*

VJ Kwon Ryul took the chance to make Jae Suk more nervous than he is by asking how he feels. Kwon Ryul even asked him to make sure JS shoots a goal. Oh VJ Kwon Ryul.. 

These athletes are cheering on Haha to kick the PK. Look at their mocking faces, so funny.

Another Ji Hyo moment that I can relate to. "Don't bully our Haha oppa!" Because everyone was making Haha kick the PK. All I can say is "aww." In these moments, we see how close they've all become in Running Man.

Another concerned family, LKS. "Don't bully our hyung!"

Just when everyone was making Haha do the kick, YJS enters the field. Now, Haha points his finger to Jae Suk and even though JS just entered, he has to do the PK. Ji Hyo again is panicked. I was too, if you must know. It was really a nerve-wracking scene, with the background music and stuff.

Yoo Jae Suk kicks the ball. What could these reactions mean? YJS didn't have his glasses on, the rain was pouring, and the pressure is huge. YJS kicked the ball, and hadn't it hit the goal post, it was a perfect goal. And so the "too bad" faces.

The screen cap above shows YJS and Haha doing a high-five. Did they score a goal? No. Did they assist in scoring a goal? No. But they succeeded in passing the ball from Haha to JS. Although, JS lost it to the other team. The other Running Man members were mocking them telling that they didn't deserve to do a high-five. Haha! They just wanted to acknowledge their passing skills..

Aaand an athlete scores a second goal for the JS friends team!

This calls for a chant! "Daehanminguk! chachagchachagchag!" I always feel the patriotism of Koreans whenever they do that chant. What's weird is that I feel like a part of their country too, whenever I hear that. Must be my sentiments going for them.

The Asian Dream Cup 2013 in Shanghai ends with a score of 2 - 0 in favor of JS friends team! Yay for Running Man! 

Park Ji Sung thanks all those who participated in the dream cup. *claps*

That ends episode 154, with a roller coaster of emotions. This has got to be one of the best Running Man episodes so far where you can see their closeness, Monday Couple goodness, fun games, nervousness, and pure laughter! 

Next week's episode is a summer horror special, which is in a high school/reunion setting. The guest is Suzy from Miss A. Suzy has been a guest in Running Man for how many episodes now? Anyways, I'm looking forward to next week's Running Man.

P.S.

I told myself that I would be collecting screen captures of only the highlights of the episode but it turns out that every corner of the show is worth talking about. And so the result is this looooong post. 

K-Mondays: Falling in Love with 2NE1

You ready? You ready?

Are you ready? You ain't ready.

Touch me over here, touch me touch me over there..

Touch me over here, Touch me over there..

As a non-Korean speaker, I can only trust on the little English lyrics that K-pop song writers thoughtfully insert to K-pop songs. This time around, the whole opening lyrics in 2NE1's new single, Falling in Love is in English! Well, enough about that. The Falling in Love M/V above was released last July 7th. It has been since getting into the top of the charts in Korea. Furthermore, 2NE1 will release a few singles before fully coming out with their new album. So, I'm done with the facts. Why indeed did I mention something about the few English lyrics in the song? I don't understand Korean (just a little..some phrases is all) but I love K-pop songs. Why is that? At first, because of the beautiful guys singing pop songs (Super Junior, perhaps?). However, time has passed and I still am an avid fan of K-pop. I don't have a particular favorite music genre, so if it sounds good, I'll like it. It doesn't matter what the lyrics are. In fact, I only care about the lyrics if the music is not at par to my taste. In this case, I like Falling in Love alright. It has an upbeat, reggae feel to it but it still has the low bass beats that I need. The lyrics? Well, I haven't looked up the translation yet so I don't have any comments on that. 

Finally, the music video. The concept is good, and I'm sure the story has something to do with what the lyrics say (about falling in love I guess?). The summer feel, the bright, easy-to-the-eyes colors, and beautiful boys fit well with the music I hear. It's perfect for a summer release. There are two things (no, not things. It's not right to materialize men either haha just kidding) that I love further other than its whole summer feel. That is Lee Soo Hyuk and Hong Jong Hyun. These two are gorgeous models/actors. I especially love Hong Jong Hyun because he's so charming in Dating Agency: Cyrano! Enough about the men alright. Although a bit different from their usual "bad girl" style, it's still a refreshing comeback.

Nevertheless, the most awaited comeback of the year is here so I wouldn't dare say anything bad about my girls. I'm thankful enough for their comeback this year. 2NE1, nolza!

The Uncanny Adventures..

of a Professed Fangirl.

I just found a blog with the same name as I have here. I admit that I didn't think much about this blog name and so I want to change it AGAIN. I think I'd have to include my name on it so that it would be really unique. AHH, fickle fickle me. If only I didn't come across that blog with the same name.. Nonetheless, I really want my blog name to be unique so as not to cause confusion. 

In fact, while making this post, I'm thinking of new ideas to replace my blog name again. And now I'm back! After an hour of thinking, looking things up, thinking again, I've reached a decision. I will change my blog name once I finalized making my banner with my lame PS skills again.

Tah-tah!

Welcome gift from Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Hi, Hello!

As a newly appointed Global Seoul-Mate, I received a little something from the Seoul Metropolitan Government as a welcome gift. They didn't announce what it would be before they asked for everyone's addresses, so basically it was a surprise. One hot day in Dubai, I got a call from my dad asking if I bought something again from Korea. 

The package!

You see, I used my dad's work address to receive the gift because we don't have a home P.O. Box and sadly, if you don't have a P.O. Box in the U.A.E., you wouldn't be able to receive any parcels from the local post office. I didn't want to put my address in the Philippines because first, I'm not there to receive it and second, I want to see it immediately. So, I put my dad's work P.O. Box. Something terrible actually happened before when I used our home address here and didn't write a P.O. Box number when I received a parcel from Korea (again). It was when I bought my Bigbang Alive Tour in Seoul DVD from YGE's ebay account. My parcel got shipped back to Korea because of incomplete address! Can you believe that? I was devastated. I had to pay for another shipping fee just so they could ship it again to Dubai. And oh, the cost of the shipping fee is not cheap and I bet all online shoppers (especially fangirls!) like me would be able to empathize.

Moving on, I opened the parcel and tah-dah! A jacket from New Balance came out.

                  

Unfortunately, it doesn't fit. It was a free-sized jacket, but tailored for Koreans. Koreans basically have slender bodies and so it didn't fit me. In that photo, my sister wore the jacket. Guess who gets to use the jacket now? Yep. Her. I found the jacket cute and very Korean in terms of design and it has high quality material.

Finally, I want to thank the Seoul Metropolitan Government for the lovely gift and I will continue on writing good stuff about not only Seoul, but also the whole Korean culture that I love.

Bingsoo ya, Patbingsoo ya.. (My Version of Patbingsoo!)

This song is by Yoon Jong Shin, which is about Patbingsoo. The beat is refreshing like summer right?

Patbingsoo is a popular summer snack in Korea, which is made mainly from sweetened azuki beans, shaved ice, fruits, and small pieces of rice cakes (tteok). Other varieties of Patbingsoo include different types of fruits like banana, strawberry, etc. Ice cream can also be added, depending on taste. "Luxury" kinds of Patbingsoo include lots of fruits, variety of ice cream flavors (green tea please), cereal, and so much more. To complete the delicious snack, sweetened condensed milk is added. 

There definitely is a Filipino counterpart of Patbingsoo, and that is Halo-halo. Halo-halo's name is from the Filipino word "halo" meaning to mix. Halo-halo also by itself means "mixed" or "of different types." Halo-halo, in contrast, has many ingredients (about ten more or less) of different varieties ranging from beans to fruits. It is also sometimes topped with ice cream and completed with evaporated milk. As a Filipino, I explained Patbingsoo as the Korean Halo-halo to my family. Since summer time is slowly approaching in countries that have 4 seasons (like Korea) and it's also getting hotter in Dubai, I decided to make Patbingsoo. I actually didn't have the idea to make it until I went to the grocery and found this wonderful bag of red beans (azuki beans). 

(photo taken from Google)

I don't usually cook, but I always find myself making Korean food at home. However, the timing was right and I have been craving since I re-watched an episode of Running Man where they ate Patbingsoo at a market (deliciously, if I may add). Maangchi (Korean food blogger) has always been my guide when I suddenly crave for Korean food. In fact, here's the recipe I followed in making Patbingsoo. I had to adjust the measurements though, since I decided to cook all of the beans in that 340 g pack.

So here's my own recipe of Patbingsoo.

Ingredients (for sweetened azuki beans)

340g Azuki beans (roughly 1 and 3/4 cup)

6 cups water

1 tbs vanilla

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 ts salt

I followed Maangchi's instructions to boil the beans on low heat and let it simmer for an hour until the beans are crushable. Drain the water then add vanilla, sugar and salt. Mix over low heat for 5 minutes. Let it cool.

This is the leftover sweetened red beans after making 2 servings.

I didn't get to take pictures of the process so I only took photos of what's left in the end. Now to make the Patbingsoo itself..

Since I made this without much planning, I just shaved the ice through a blender. I added the sweetened red beans, banana, and apple on top of the shaved ice and finished it off with skimmed milk. I put skimmed milk to lessen the sugar content and because the Azuki beans are already sweet, it makes up for the flavor.

Here it is, my version of Patbingsoo perfect for summer.

This Patbingsoo is my humble version of the snack, without rice cakes (tteok), which makes it very Korean. I hope someday, when I pass by a Korean mart, I can buy tteok and put it in my Patbingsoo!

Helter Skelter and The Garden of Words (Japanese Movies)

Warning! May contain spoilers.

Movies are the audio-visual representations of stories, be it fiction or not. Videos are the most widely used art form in our life today. It communicates not only through our sense of sight, but also through our hearing. I therefore consider it the best art form in terms of its convenience in imparting the audience its purpose or meaning. 

Now, I want to talk about how these two Japanese movies, which gives off seemingly different or even contrasting vibes, relay to its viewers (mostly me) their messages or in other terms, what they both have to offer. I would like to say that both these movies have their own charm that I can't seem to get enough of. They're not just there to deliver a story which is made possible with the plot, climax, dialogue, etc. They have proven that movies these days are not just trivial, but also have the right to be called an 'art form' despite being created to be able to make money and not entirely for "art's sake." I find these two movies especially visual appealing although overall, it really is unique.

The first movie is Helter Skelter (ヘルタースケルター).  The title itself is quite charming, considering its meaning; from being a The Beatles' song, to some people giving it a different meaning. Although, its main definition could be just "haphazard" or "quickly, with no sense of order." Indeed, this movie tackles the short-lived fame of the main character.

The screenshot above shows the main character on the left, Ririko (or Lilico), in her bedroom full of her black and white portraits placed on her rose patterned walls. The setting for this movie is so pleasing to the eyes. I guess the locations are also speaking its purpose, with the story being about a woman who had gone on a plastic surgery to be "beautiful" according to the Japanese society's standards. Ririko is admired by many people, most of them being the teenagers who want to be like her or at times, be her. 

This one above here is Ririko's living room, one of the main locations in the movie. I love how it has a gigantic red lips floating in what seems to be the sky. I swear, every part of her flat is beautiful.

This corridor is in Ririko's apartment, and was shown like once or twice in the movie but still, its colors are so appealing to the eyes that it made an impact on me. I wonder if there's an apartment complex like that in real life?

This one is a scene from a carnival/amusement park. The park was so pretty with all the fairy-tale like things like these floating houses. It's pretty that it seems impossible to believe that those really exist...

Moving on.. Fame oh, fame. This is quite a good screenshot, which represents the blinding light of fame. Just to hold onto that light and be unrecognizable anymore to those who matter to you, you sacrifice everything.. That's sad.

Ririko and her younger sister. We can conclude that Ririko looked like her sister (which is not pretty as society judges her to be) before plastic surgery. Ririko in this scene shows her true self, prior to becoming the "Ririko" who everyone loves. She is still the Ririko who is affectionate and caring to her family despite the fame.

Ririko is a walking time bomb in a sense that her beauty will not last long enough. When she got that surgery, it is essential to maintain it. In fact, the clinic where she got her surgery apparently makes their customers beautiful, but the catch is that they won't be able to stay so without maintenance. That's reality though. Once you invest in something, be it good or bad, you won't be able to get away from it. It also embodies the concept of beauty having an expiry date. No matter how much money or time you have, you would always carry the consequences of what you did. And for this movie, it's plastic surgery.

This strawberry with an eye is one of Ririko's hallucinations. She resorted in taking a strong drug in order to maintain her beauty and so she saw things that are not quite normal. She saw many creepy things which involved blinking eyes from everything that she sees (like the gigantic strawberry). I believe that part shows her vulnerability to everyone's judgements. Everyone is looking, while she's there, almost losing it. What would become of her when she's not beautiful enough?

Time to face the judgements. Ririko is up for a press conference. And what did she do? Did she fulfill the reporters' desires to make fun of herself? Everyone knew already. That she had plastic surgery. That  the beauty she possesses was fake. That what they admired the most about her is not really hers. She unfortunately didn't say anything. At the end of the movie, she was gone, as if she hadn't really existed. Rumor has it that she didn't really exist at all. But what do you know.. She's still there, alive and kicking.. with her people still close to her..

My descriptions and commentaries don't do justice on this movie. It's a beautiful, modern day tale that imparts everyone of its viewers to think about how our society is like right now, and what is out there that everyone seems to know and treasure yet not think twice about what it really is. Nonetheless, it's up to people to watch it and have our own opinions about it.

The other movie is The Garden of Words or Kotonoha no Niwa (言の葉の庭). It is an animated film by Makoto Shinkai, who is also known for his other works, one of which is also a favorite of mine, "5 centimeters per second." He is popular among Japanese anime geeks like me and Kotonoha no Niwa does not disappoint.

The first movie that I introduced was like a social commentary, filled with dark vibes, well because of its somewhat dark theme. In contrast, Kotonoha no Niwa is a movie which is guaranteed to make one nostalgic about his/her youth or just feel all fluffy and warm inside. Although, it is not like those recent trivial love stories which starts and just ends when the movie ends. 

It centers on two characters who were brought together by the cold drops of rain in the day. Perhaps a week day, since both characters are expected to be either at work or at school yet they're not.

Takao, our hero, noticing that in his place of serenity and happiness, there's another person who has come to appreciate it.

In this gazebo in the middle of a park filled with greenery, the two of them met. Strangers who seem to have a connection from the first time they met. The scenery is so beautifully drawn that it appears to come to life.

The good 'ol gloomy rain. Both Takao and the older lady seem to enjoy the rain and can't wait to meet each other. They would wish for it to rain just to skip school/work and stay at the gazebo.

It's funny how two strangers meet and hit it off instantly. Perhaps this is what fate decides it to be? That it's better for these two to know about each other in a place that they both find comfort in. Takao's dream is to become a shoemaker. Everyone close to him seems to deny him the support he needs to pursue his dream yet this stranger appears to understand his desire and eagerness.

And finally, the big reveal. Who is this woman? Her being a young teacher at Takao's school didn't stop him from liking her. Apparently, Yukari-sensei (the woman) is having student troubles in school. Beer and chocolate are the only food that she can actually taste, perhaps meaning that she's turned numb on other feelings like happiness and only has bitter-sweet sensations when it comes to her outlook on life.

Takao's sincere feelings towards Yukari was appreciated by her. By treating him not a mere child who doesn't know any better, these two come to have a deep understanding of how they really feel about each other. The two forget the things that come between them and seized the moment. 

The moment didn't last long though. They can't run away from their responsibilities and from themselves. They both have to become who they want to become first before becoming each others'. A part of life is growing and the two of them must grow apart in order to grow together. In this scene where the park is covered in cold, white snow, I believe that like how the seasons change, after this winter comes the new beginning.

After describing these two movies that had both moved me, I think that I am not convincing enough to tell these stories in just screenshots and words. Helter Skelter and The Garden of Words are two contemporary Japanese Movies that are both worthy of being praised and being considered as valuable pieces of our time.

That tiny secret drawer.

At night, I make sure that I am always occupied. I keep myself busy, watching Korean dramas, movies,  talking to my friends through Twitter, or even just going on Tumblr. Why is that? It's because I'm afraid that when I give myself some time, my mind would dig up that tiny secret drawer that it has on the corner, which contains the reality of having to think of what's ahead of me. It's just that when I open that drawer, all I see is either a blinding light or complete darkness. It makes me feel uncomfortable and eventually that thing inside that drawer would occupy my entire mind and wouldn't make it rest for one bit. The sad part is that I don't even know what those blinding light or darkness are. It's something that is a part of me that the present me wouldn't know unless I try to find out. That's the hard part though- the trying to find out thing. I'm not entirely sure which step to take that's why it always ends up occupying my mind for hours and it's not good. Once I try and make a decision, it always ends up being rejected or being questioned again each time that drawer is opened. Sometimes I'm the one who opens it, sometimes other people. It's much better if I open it though, because when other people gets involved, I will undoubtedly question that light, which always seems within reach when I'm the one controlling it. With other people, I just feel helpless and mad.

I wonder why no matter how little that drawer may seem, it still makes everything appear irrelevant. Making myself busy from practically playing with my computer and getting the most out of it, will undeniably not help me from uncovering the mystery that is the little drawer but provide me with inspiration to go face the thing that I'm afraid of, which holds the path to knowing what's really ahead of me..

Seoul's Heritage.

I like Korea's cultural heritage!

Tourists and locals alike come to visit the beautiful palaces which have been a huge part of Korea's history. This photo was taken just now and the photo of the gate leading to the palace (Gyeongbokgung) was taken by me last December 2011 during my trip to Korea. This post will be about what I like about Seoul as my first mission being a Global Seoul-Mate. 

Seoul has many things to offer, be it to foreign visitors, or to locals. However, one thing that really amazes me about this city is its history. Seoul, or Hanyang (back then), not only boasts modern architecture but also medieval ones. It is so amazing to think that these palaces are where Korea's royalty lived their whole lives in the past. People like me should feel very honored just by being able to walk by, soak in its beauty and immerse in its aura thinking what it felt like during those days where not just anyone could enter the place. Furthermore, this palace is in the (still) capital where development is apparent. Amidst the evolution of Seoul where skyscrapers are increasing as time goes by, cars taking up all the roads, and mobile phones becoming smarter than people, the palace is still intact, preserved by its people, and still admired by many. I cannot help but commend Korea's dedication in upholding its extraordinary heritage.

In essence, I view Seoul as a fusion of modernity and heritage. The palaces are just one of the many examples that I can give to prove that Seoul, or the Korean society, as I see it, is a wonderful fusion of now and then.

Triple Treat: Historical K-dramas, Spring 2013.

I love K-dramas. Although, I am not much of a fan of historical type Korean dramas or sageuk dramas back then. After watching The Moon Embracing the Sun, I fell in love with Korea's historical culture, especially with the Joseon era which is mostly the era portrayed in Korean historical dramas. After The Moon Embracing the Sun, I watched Sungkyunkwan Scandal and then Rooftop Prince, which are historical dramas. (Although Rooftop Prince is not much of a historical drama) And then it started.

Now, I want to get into the spring "fever" (or frenzy) and have a breath of fresh air, so I picked up three new K-dramas this Spring 2013, all of which are historical ones. First up is Gu Family Book which stars Lee Seung gi and Miss A's Suzy. This drama is a story about a son (Lee Seung gi) of a mountain spirit and a human who is destined to meet and fall in love(?) with a woman who is very skilled in martial arts (Suzy). 

Amateur doodle of my Gu Family Book feels.

Firstly, I like it in terms of its plot. I am currently on episode 6 of Gu Family Book and it is getting more exciting. The first two episodes were like the prologue, the story which happened before the real story. All I can say now is that this drama is beautifully pieced together, I can see that every scene leads to another, smoothly. On the other hand, it teaches me a lot about the Joseon Dynasty. And especially now that the distinguished Admiral Lee Soon Shin made an appearance in the drama, I can feel that I will learn a lot of exciting things about Korean history.

Next one is Jang Ok Jung, Living in Love which stars Kim Tae Hee as Jang Ok Jung or more popularly known as Lady Jang Hee Bin, a famous Royal concubine in the Joseon Dynasty (or as an antagonist in most dramas tackling her life). This drama is however more concentrated on her life as a fashion designer and how she met and fell in love with the king (which she became concubine of), King Suk Jong.

Yet another doodle, inspired by Jang Ok Jung's dress in episode 1.

What I love about this drama is how it's close to reality, to what really happened in Joseon. Jang Ok Jung as I've mentioned earlier, is a popular person in Korean history and I really am interested in her and would like to know more about her through this drama. Also, the pretty Hanboks caught my attention because they are just too lovely and one of a kind. I would like to own one just to know what it feels like wearing it, especially now that I'm so into sageuk dramas. Another reason for watching this is Yoo Ah In. I've been looking forward to this drama ever since it was announced because Yoo Ah In is just too gorgeous in Sungkyunkwan Scandal and I couldn't contain myself in just thinking that he would play the King in this drama.

Last but not the least is Mandate of Heaven, which stars Lee Dong Wook and Song Ji Hyo. This drama is about a father (Lee Dong Wook) of a sick daughter who becomes a fugitive after being accused of poisoning the king.

Lee Dong Wook & Song Ji Hyo in Mandate of Heaven.

I'm still in episode 2 of this drama so I can't really say much. In fact, I just reworded the synopsis I found for this drama in the paragraph above. It's actually a spoiler for me because I haven't even gotten into the part yet where Lee Dong Wook was accused. Although, the first part of the first episode shows that he became a fugitive. Anyways, I will continue on watching this as I'm looking forward to both Lee Dong Wook and Song Ji Hyo's performances.

On another note, I am really into this app for iPad called "Paper," which I actually used in drawing these (not so amusing) doodles. I'm looking forward to downloading the coloring thing in this app so I could make my amateur drawings more pretty and easy to look at.

2013 Global Seoul Mate.

When I got home today from a get-together with my high school friends, I opened my e-mail accounts and noticed that I received an e-mail with the subject "Notice of appointment of 2013 Global Seoul Mate." My eyes widened and I was so excited to receive the news, be it good or not so bad. The e-mail was empty (I couldn't wait for the photo to load) so I don't know if I that's good or bad. Next thing I did was to visit the Notice page of the Seoul Metropolitan Government website regarding the acceptance of 2013 Global Seoul Mates. I didn't get my hopes up because all news that I've been receiving are not that good these days that I was guessing that I won't be able to get a spot. However, I was shocked to know that I've been recruited as an official Global Seoul Mate!

My bronze medal/badge as a Global Seoul Mate.

So what is a Global Seoul Mate? Simply put, they are people (foreigners!) recognized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, who spreads their love, passion, and affinity for the wonderful city of Seoul through blogging and social media. Of course, if you do a good job in becoming a Global Seoul Mate, the Seoul Metropolitan Government might just recognize you and give you things or opportunities that you have been waiting for! For more info, visit this.

Personally, I find this strategy of having Global Seoul Mates really wise and useful. As Seoul is a really popular travel destination nowadays, it is indeed effective for their tourism to make use of the internet to gain more love from the public. It is really important that the world not only knows about Seoul but also knows it as a "place they'd rather be" on a vacation or even forever.

My Pledge:

I am a person who loves all things related to Korea and that's why I became a Global Seoul Mate.  Making use of my strange(?) fondness for Seoul, I would be able extend my feelings and thoughts to the people in the internet. I will also make sure to pitch in ideas on how to further make Seoul as appealing to the world as possible.

Seoul, My destiny.

Girls just want to have fun.

I come home in the morning light,
My mother says "When you gonna live your life right?"
Oh, mother, dear,
We're not the fortunate ones,
And girls,
They wanna have fu-un.
Oh, girls,
Just wanna have fun.

The phone rings in the middle of the night,
My father yells "What you gonna do with your life?"
Oh, daddy, dear,
You know you're still number one,
But girls,
They wanna have fu-un,
Oh, girls, just wanna have..
That's all they really want...
Some fun...

Cyndi Lauper's song Girls just want to have fun not only is pleasing to hear, but also tells a truthful story.

As I am entering my 20's, I am slowly realizing how life is not always easy to fathom. Like in Ms. Lauper's song, her parents keep asking her what she plans to do with her life. I, admittedly, am also bombarded with that question. I said earlier that life itself is not easy to understand. I say that because there's so many things that I want to do and yes, one of them is to have fun like what Ms. Lauper continuously informed the public with her song. Girls just want to have fun, but that doesn't mean that people will leave us girls alone and let us have all the fun. Unfortunately, not all we want will be understood by many. Nevertheless, the main thing that this song imparts me is that people could (badly!) judge our decisions but it is up to us to have fun, to just not care about what they think and move forward with our lives.

On a slightly different yet related note, I have finished the first season of the HBO series Girls. Lena Dunham, the creator, writer and star of Girls, once mentioned in an interview that Girls is not like Gossip Girl or Sex in the City. The series itself is unique because the story that it tells is what happens between Gossip Girl (teenage years) and Sex in the City (adult-ready-to-get-married-years). The series tackles the "quarter-life crisis" which many young adults go through especially after graduating from college and starting their careers. Girls (the series) communicates to its audience the crisis these young adults (especially women) like me go through and how they cope with it. It portrayed the issues in a hilarious way yet you can feel its weight on the characters. 

My thoughts: Not all of us has their own future planned. Some might do so, but it is not guaranteed that it would push through. There is no guarantee that what we want ourselves to be would be there in just a snap. There is no guarantee that what we planned to do next will be what we really do next. Sometimes the world just plays with us just a bit to shake us, to temporarily prevent us from looking forward to our goals. However, it is up to us to be strong and not let the world have its fun of ruining our plans and permanently erasing our real intentions from our hearts and minds. To end this entry, I present to you a photo of us Girls, having fun.

Don't open, dead inside. (A "The Walking Dead" Post!)

I recently finished all three seasons of The Walking Dead. Reasons for getting into the bandwagon? My  parents watch it and my sister was also curious. It's too creepy for me to watch alone on my computer so it's much better watching it on TV with my family. My parents won't also argue with what I watch because they also watch it! Haha. So, I finished it for a week and I am hooked. What sort of woman would not want Daryl Dixon? And may I add that he's wonderful archer? You see, I have a thing for people/characters who holds them bow and arrows. 

Would you look at that? Mm-hmm. (Photo from Wikipedia)

What I love about the series is how it depicts the modern society using the "post-apocalyptic" life. Even though the way of life has changed dramatically, the issues that we are facing currently are quite the same as what they're going through, except for the walkers. Another thing that made me hooked is the zombies/walkers/biters. I am not much of a fan of zombies although I found Zombieland and Warm Bodies awesome. I kind of find the idea of zombies intriguing. In The Walking Dead, zombies die completely when something pierces through their semi-dead brains. These types of ideas get me more and more curious. Many ideas or information about walkers were tackled in the show and I got more into them. And well, basically, Daryl. (Kidding! But really..)

Finally, one question that is lingering on my mind after watching The Walking Dead is how the hell did it start? What the fugg happened while Rick was in a coma? I hope I can find out on the next episode/season of The Walking Dead!

The K-drama Effect.

As an avid fan of Korean Dramas, I have to admit that these dramas have really affected me in one way or another. Yes, they affected me a great deal while I was watching but after I finish the series, I am always hungover. After watching, these dramas affect me in such a way that I would be incorporating new things into my life just to live like they lived in the drama. I expect that many avid K-drama watchers like me can relate. Although, not only K-drama fanatics would be able to relate, I suppose. Let's take for example those people who do "Cosplay." They are a perfect example because they are putting into "real life" their favorite characters from a game, comic book, anime, or TV/film. Like me, rather than putting on a costume and acting like my favorite character, I would for instance buy the food that they ate in the drama not only because I craved for it after watching but also to feel like I was with them somehow..

If I had made a drama for example and it was a huge hit, I would be ecstatic to find out how people have been affected by what I made. I have been thinking about this especially when I watched Marry Me, Mary (the protagonist, Mary, is an avid K-drama fan). I thought about how these dramas affected me and how this came to be. What sort of characteristic do these dramas have that it made me, for example, want to become a doctor? I had those questions in mind but really, it's just hard to answer by myself. I even came into a point that I want to make a drama or something that could affect many people just to realize the answer to my question. But really, that is the better way.

In this entry, I want to tackle about how some of these K-dramas have affected my way of life, interests, and wants. For starters, the general one. I, being the most amateur foodie that I am, now love Korean food. It's not that I didn't like it at all but I did have this traumatic experience in my childhood with Kimchi. I didn't like its smell though my mom really likes eating it. It stinks and the whole fridge stinks of it whenever my mom decides to buy a jar. But now, Kimchi is my best friend. I've tasted different sorts of Kimchi and so far, I have found a favorite brand of cabbage type Kimchi. 

This one is available in 1004 Mart in Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE

I am definitely in love with Korean food. I eat it. I cook some of it. I influence my family and friends to eat it. (and succeeded!) I've tried Korean foods like Jajangmyun, Ramyun, Doenjang Jjigae, etc. all because of dramas like Fantasy Couple, Big, and Marry me, Mary (consecutively). Just this afternoon actually I've cooked my second try on Ttukbeokki or Spicy Korean Rice Cake. I put in (together with rice cakes) fish cakes, hotdogs, and hard boiled eggs. 

It looks savory but don't be fooled-- it's spicy as hell!

I'll stop talking about food now. The drama to blame for the next one is My Girl. I'm actually re-watching some episodes of it just before writing this that's why I thought of it first. I started collecting snow globes after re-watching it back in 2007. Although 4 isn't much of a number for a collection, I consider it a huge addition in my interests. Snow globes are quite pricey and being a poor student (and now a poor bum), I didn't have much money to buy many. However, when I'm at a store, my eyes always go to those round and sparkly things.

My cramped room. Snow globes are to be found on the right just across my laptop.

Next drama would be Full House. I won't be elaborating on this. When I went to Korea last December 2011, I included the set ground of Full House in my itinerary. For further info click here. I've also included The Coffee Prince Shop although I haven't really finished the drama but here's a photo~

The popular painting and me all covered up.

This time it's My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. I was so into that drama and I found the drumstick plushie super cute and cuddly that I begged (yes, I did) my parents to buy one for me from Ebay.

Here is haggard me with the huge plushie. And oh look at the lower left corner, snow globes! Photo dates back to 2011.

Then we have Dream High! I learned the dance, practiced and practiced until I got used to it. I'm not good at dancing but I know how to copy the moves so why not. I also taught my friends how to do it so we danced it together but I'm not going to share the embarrassing video. Haha!

The next thing that I can think of was my ringtones/message alert tones. The ones that I had for long were Gumiho's ringtone in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (the one about Korean beef) and the other one was Ha Na/Yoona's ringtone and message alert tone. 

Lastly, my high school senior prom dress was inspired by Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress. This was because of Goong. I found all their dresses so beautiful~

Would you look at that peace sign? And the uncoordinated aqua blue bolero.

Those that I've mentioned above are just the physical types of effect to me by Korean dramas. They have also affected me mentally, emotionally and intellectually if I may say. They imparted me with wisdom, and other times nonsense. I believe that without these K-dramas, I literally wouldn't be who I am right now.

Blog Header.

Excuse my poor photoshop skills. I just want to change my header and I don't know what to do so I made a yucky collage of my few travels. I'll be changing it once I brainstorm of a beautiful idea and improve my PS skills.

Ciao.

EDIT: I just realized how shabby that was so I changed it again to a much less shabbier than the previous. Heeheee

Hairstyle Change.

Picture taken at Dubai Miracle Garden last March. Excuse the fake-happy face and look at the long hair. Imagine it staying for another month before I decided to cut it.

I've been planning to cut my hair since last February because I felt that I could use a change of "hair." Get it? air = hair. Whatever.. Anyways, I had this look on me ever since I had my hair digitally permed last April 2012 so could you imagine how my hair looked before I cut it? It was so dry and could barely breath if it was a person. Also, I've had that long hair since high school and never really got a hair cut (except for trimming, you know, for maintenance). So last weekend I decided to take a leap of faith (haha!) and change my hair. I've had like 2 folders containing photos of hair cuts and hair colors that I want and I finally decided the night before that I'm getting just my curls cut, a brown-brown hair color and red tips. I did not get my hair bleached though because I just wanted to try it out and avoid ruining my hair more because the perm really made my hair dry and my scalp couldn't anymore take the length of my hair. I am however planning to get my hair bleached once it's recovered.

It's time for before and after pics!

Before. Yes, it's a bathroom pic and it was my last day as an intern. Check out the dryness. Ugh.

After. Yes again, it's a bathroom pic at home. Bare faced and ready to sleep!

On the result:

I will rate my satisfaction from 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. Badummmm-tss! It is an 8! I did not expect much on the tips since I did not get it bleached but I am quite satisfied on the results seeing that it came out stronger than the brown base color. And well, the length is good since it's not that short and has volume. I gave it an 8 because it really isn't the what I imagined it to be (because, no bleach!) but I'll patiently wait until I get pissed-off of my hair again and I'll be ready for a hair bleaching by then~ 

Blog name change?

I was going through my previous posts and I noticed that my posts are mostly about my numerous fandoms, travel, and life realizations. Now I'm thinking if I should change this blog into a fangirl related one. Being a fangirl is something that I am known of among my friends and I believe that "you can take away the fangirl from the fandom but you cannot take away the fandom in the fangirl." Did that make sense? Well yeah I know, I'm spouting off nonsense. I love the variety of fandoms that I'm in and I'm thinking whether that's enough to run this blog. I could make another one but I'm afraid I would have nothing much to put in here. I guess I'll keep thinking about it after this post and I'll change the blog name (not the blog adress) if I decide to or maybe I'll keep it. Let's see.