Sunday, December 9, 2012

Happy 21st Birthday, SHINee Minho!

"My name is Minho!"

This was the line from SHINee's hit "SHINee World." 


Minho as the high jump gold medalist Kang Taejoon
in the drama To The Beautiful You

Well, I didn't like Minho before. But because of his drama "To The Beautiful You" with his co-labelmate Sulli from f(x) I started to like his role as Kang Taejoon. Thus, I became a Flamer (Minho's fan club name) besides being a Blinger (Jonghyun's fan club name). After his drama had aired on SBS from August 15 to October 4*, I'm watching his drama prior to the Korean version of Hana Kimi which is "Salamander Guru and the Gang", which I still have 2 more episodes to watch (I'm now at 9th episode).

I realized that besides his flaming charisma and his talent in singing, dancing, hosting, acting, and rapping, I found him sexy and handsome. 


Minho in Cosmopolitan Korea magazine May 2012 issue
Today is a very special day for SHAWOLS most especially Flamers because it's Choi Minho's 21st birthday! I wish him continuous success as an actor and a singer. Hope he enjoys his special day.


  

Friday, November 30, 2012

My First Anniversary as a KPop Fan

It's been exactly a year since I was a certified KPop fan because of Mnet Asian Music Awards. I watched the main show on YouTube. I tweeted what's happening: from performers to the winners. Though I wasn't familiar with some of the presenters, the whole show was incredibly awesome.

Super Junior's Mr. Simple and Girls Generation's The Boys were my favorite KPop songs that time. But their performances stood out. Girls Generation dressed up as beautiful goddesses and performed the Korean-English version of The Boys. On the other hand, Super Junior wowed the audience with the medley-remixed version of their hit songs Superman, Mr. Simple, and Sorry Sorry.





This year, the Mnet Asian Music Awards will be held tonight in Hong Kong, Top contenders from KPop were nominated like BoA, Super Junior, Psy, SHINee, f(x), Big Bang, and Beast. Who will win this year? Who will grab most of the awards? Find out tonight live stream on Mnet's YouTube Account (and other channels to be broadcasted live).




Sunday, November 25, 2012

Smile and Style: The Azta Way

"Ms. Christine..."

Well, it's been a month and a half since my staff calls me that. I can't believe that I made it.

My job is kinda routinary but based on situation. I hold cash (receive payment and give change) and manage front desk. That's all. You think it's easy. But no, it's not. In addition, I do multitasking inside the branch. I failed many times but at least I avoided those mistakes and tried my best not to do it again in the future. And I learn because of those mistakes.The more important is that I'm happy with my work.

My training period was from October 10 to November 10. I started at Eastwood for two weeks then deployed at SM City San Lazaro for further weeks. I took series of training plus seminar at L'Oreal Academie. My training ended last November 20. That was six weeks. I received job offer last November 22 after I submitted requirements.

I noticed something on dates that I mentioned. All were birthdays of celebrities from Taiwan, Korea, and United Kingdom.

  • October 10: Wu Chun - a Taiwanese Brunei-born actor and a former member of Fahrenheit; Kangta - a Korean solo artist under SM Entertainment label
  • November 10: Calvin Chen - Fahrenheit member and MTV VJ 
  • November 20: Aaron Yan - Taiwanese actor/singer and Fahrenheit member
  • November 22: Ben Adams - A1 member from London
I think it was a coincidence.

For 37 days, I received total allowance of 9,250. I'm still at probationary period, but at least I will get monthly salary. I also had my hair cut and relaxed, even my eyebrows threaded and my face had make up done. Next time, I will have scalp treatment and ombre hair color.

"We liberate style."

This slogan means a lot. Distinct hairstyle shows unique personality of an individual, whether it's cut, styled, relaxed, rebonded, permed, colored, and/or treated. 

As they said, "Customer service consistency and continuous improvement is our driving force. Customer feedback is our fuel." That's Azta Urban Salon.




Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Fahrenheit's Aaron Yan Turns 27

A cute boy of Fahrenheit became a mature man. Aaron Yan Ya Lun represents winter and has released 2 solo albums.


Aaron Yan as Xing Yi Cheng

I watched his dramas. My favorite role he played was Xing Yi Cheng (in manga: Shinpo Ichi) in the drama Love Buffet. When it comes to love teams, I liked GuiLun the most. He paired with former Hey Girl member GuiGui in the drama Mysterious Incredible Terminator.


with Gui Gui in Mysterious Incredible Terminator

I can't believe that he's all grown-up. He accepts mature roles in the drama that has bed scenes. Well, I'm not used to it, but I guess he's in right age to play those challenging roles.


with Serena Fang in Gloomy Salad Days
I was a Pudding in a short time, from Love Buffet until his first solo album titled The Next Me.


The Next Me -- Japanese album

Though I'm not a Pudding anymore, I wouldn't forget that today is his 27th birthday. I wish him good health, happiness, and continuous success in his career. I'm hoping that he and GuiGui will collaborate again in drama or movie. Also, I'm hoping that he and the rest of Fahrenheit members (including Wu Chun) will reunite again for fifth album.



Thursday, November 15, 2012

Etude Makes My Eyes So Happy


Whether I just visit any Etude House shop for checking or buying, it was nice to talk with their sales staff for information regarding of a certain product. I already visited 6 branches: SM City North EDSA The Block, SM City Manila, SM City Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, Eastwood Citywalk 2, and Market Market. 

October was an amazing month for me because I was hired on the position of store operations officer of a salon branch inside a shopping mall near our house. As a token of my hardwork from my new job as an assistant manager for the first month, I’ve decided to buy PhP 2,000 worth of products to have a special gift from Etude House. My first target was SHINee Diary.


To be sure for a shopping splurge of PhP 2,000, I searched the official site of Etude House Philippines to check their products and their prices. Then, I noted the items that I want using Microsoft Excel spread sheet for easy computation. When it’s done, I printed it few hours before I went to a shopping mall that has Etude House shop.

It was November 7th and it was my rest day. After I went to PhilHealth office in Manila for membership enrollment, I proceeded to SM City Megamall located at Mandaluyong City as my first shopping destination. I entered at Etude House shop. As I expected, the employees greeted me, “Welcome, My Princess!” I checked their gift section and SHINee Diary wasn’t available. I left the shop with hope. Few minutes after, my friend sent me a text message that she was in SM City North EDSA, Quezon City with few friends. I asked her if she went to Etude House shop found inside SM City North EDSA The Block. She informed me that the store has SHINee Diary. I thanked her and quickly went to SM City North EDSA The Block via MRT.

I arrived around 4:00 in the afternoon. Similar with those Etude employees in SM City Megamall, the Etude sales ladies in SM City North EDSA The Block welcomed me. I asked one of the staff that I will avail SHINee Diary after I purchased PhP 2,000 worth of products. It was hard for me to choose because some of the items listed on my paper were out of stock. After an hour of walking around and deciding what I could buy, finally I purchased a total of five items:
·         Open Your Eyes Mask Sheet – PhP 148
·         Tear Drop Liner #1 – PhP 328
·         Mint Cooling Eyes Cream 6.5g – PhP 428
·         Proof10 Auto Pencil BK802 – PhP 348
·         Lash Firm 3 Step Volume Cara – PhP 748


In addition, I had my first gift from Etude House: the SHINee Diary! Well, I deserved it as SHAWOL and as a loyal customer of Etude House for more than a year besides having my pink membership card. But I noticed something: all items I bought on that day were for my eyes! I’m sure my eyes will look happier. In fact, I spent exactly PhP 2,000. Next target would be either a Kiss Note or a Play Etude tumbler. As of now, I already have 62 points. 


Now that I am using the products I bought, it seems that my eyes look different and prettier. Etude really makes me happy. So see you next time, Etude!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Fahrenheit's Sunshine Boy Turns 32

Sunshine boy and Fahrenheit member Calvin Chen who represents spring turns 32 today. This day is very special for Fahrenheit fans most especially Cupcakes.


I am a Fahrenheit fan since 2008 when Hana Kimi Taiwanese version was aired in ABS-CBN on that same year. But I became a cupcake last 2009 when Calvin cut his hair for Fahrenheit's third album called Yue Lai Yue Ai (Love You More and More).



My favorite drama was Love Buffet. Calvin played Xing Da Ye (in manga: Shinpo Daiya). I never forget his line when he entered the wrong room: "Hello! My name is Xing Da Ye. Nice to meet you all. Is it my turn to say Shakespeare? Well, Shakespeare said 'To be or not to be, that's a question.'" Actually this Shakespeare line was said by Calvin as Wang Ya Se in the drama KO One.

He had a latest drama called When Love Walked In with f(x) member Victoria and Super Junior-M member ZhouMi and he currently hosts an MTV Taiwan show titled Ri Han Yin Yue Feng (Japan Korea Music Craze), now on its third year.


He has an apparel business called Factoryse7en (pronounced as Factory Seven), formerly WOW Designs. Its products are t-shirts, jackets, caps, and socks. Going on its 5th year, it continues offering expensive yet high quality clothes.

I wish him continuous success in his career and happiness in his life. Hope he will find his perfect girl who will complete his life.  

Monday, November 5, 2012

BoA @ 26: My KPop Queen, My Unnie

A KPop queen, truly a total performer debuted in 2000 under the label name SM Entertainment.



BoA Kwon started her career very young. She's very popular in Korea and Japan and tried her career in USA. For 12 years in entertainment industry, she's a girl on top, received numerous awards.

Why did I idolize her? Besides she is smart and can speak fluent English, she's really a pop star who can sing and dance at the same time. Her MVs were amazing, either pop, RnB, hiphop, and ballad. My favorite songs were Everlasting, Girls on Top, Copy and Paste, Hurricane Venus, and Only One.

I started idolizing her when I saw her MV called Gils on Top on Channel V. Years after, on my birthday, Calvin Chen of Fahrenheit introduced BoA's song Hurricane Venus on his MTV show called Ri Han Yin Yue Feng (Japan Korea Music Craze) in Taiwan. After she became a judge, representing SM Entertainment, of SBS KPop Star Season 1, she had released her 7th album called Only One. Its MV had two versions: the dance and drama versions. I liked the drama version more than the dance version.

Girls on Top MV

MTV 日韓音樂瘋 10.05.2010 Episode
Start at 4:44

Only One MV (Drama Version)

She's still one of the judges for the second season of SBS KPop Star. Plus, she has a Hollywood movie called COBU 3D. Then she will release Japanese version of her self-composed song Only One.


Today is a special day for Jumping BoAs because it's BoA's birthday! I wish her continuous success and blessings even happiness in her life. Hope she will find her Mr. Perfect who will love her unconditionally. From a talented girl to a glamorous woman, she's indeed a global star with humility, and knows in her heart that her fans are number 1 and only one who will support her until the end.  


Happy Birthday, BoA unnie!

생일 축하해요, 보아 언니!



Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Trick or Treat! It's Halloween!

Children knock on doors and dress up scary costumes as they shout "Trick or treat".


It's Halloween!!!





Besides kids are busy knocking to people who will give them candies and chocolates, there are other things to do in celebration of Halloween. In the Philippines, some shops put Halloween decorations such as spider webs, jack-o-lanterns, and spooky masks. Some people like watching horror and suspense films and TV shows.

I don't like watching horror films, unless they're produced by Asians. There's a film that I would never watch -- Paranormal Activity. When I watched its teaser, I don't like to watch it because of unexpected scenes for me to scream so loudly.




Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is the best song for the Halloween. When I hear it during Halloween season, I feel like Halloween is just around the corner.




We celebrate Halloween during 31st of October. But remember to visit the graves of your loved ones and pray for them.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

My Sweetest Love for Etude


"Hello, Princess!" said the sales clerk of Etude House whenever I entered inside. It felt like I'm a real princess. Etude House became my favorite shop since I got crazy and fell in love with Hallyu and KPop fever. 



The Cutest Tagline

"Wanna Be Sweet? Play ETUDE!"
This is the cutest tagline I've ever heard, especially when SHINee's Jonghyun said this line three times for Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream CF. I would answer him, "Yes! I wanna be sweet because Etude House is my playground."




The Branches

Etude Sta. Mesa (cr: Etude PH's official Facebook page)

When I go to shopping malls, I always look for Etude House branch or its kiosk found inside the SM Department Store. Well I visited some Etude House branches in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA The Block, SM Manila, SM Mall of Asia, Market! Market! Mall, and Eastwood Citywalk 2 Mall. As an Etude House shopaholic, I often check those available products and their prices. If I want to inquire something regarding the product, I ask one of their staff who is near to me. Either I just visited the store without buying or entered the store to buy what I need, the Etude staff always welcome the customers and call them as their princesses.




The Products


High quality but expensive variety of products imported from Korea, from face to feet, they have all beauty products: shampoo, perfume, cosmetics, moisturizers, masks, lotions, and nail polish. Well, I completed the 
SHINISTAR collection (clear pact, clear BB lotion, and lip balm). I also bought 3 Petite Darling nail polish (base coat, natural coat, and RD106 Red), a Dear My Deep Color nail polish (DGR701 Tint Mint), cotton swabs, #2 Extra Power Nail Remover. There are products that I want to buy soon like Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream, Dear My Blooming Lips Talk OR206, Lash Perm 3-Step Volumecara, Skin Malgum Moist and Missing U Hand Cream #02 Honey Bee Story (Acasia).



The Brand Ambassador


2NE1's Dara was the first reason why I liked this brand. Dara was a simple Korean girl who became an famous celebrity in the Philippines after winning 1st runner-up in ABS-CBN's Star Circle Quest. Because of her 'krung-krung' personality, she was loved by Filipinos. I was surprised when she became one of the members of KPop group 2NE1 with their song 'Fire'. I was very happy for her because her dream came true and she's living it. Now, she's the brand ambassador of Etude House together with shining boys of SHINee.



Actually, this is my second blog article about Etude House because I am in love with this brand. I bought products worth PhP 500.00 to avail the pink membership card last June 07, 2012. As of now, I have a total of 22 points. Like me, a certified pink member must be an Etude shopaholic princess. In addition, I'm interested with its joint venture because I want to have my own Etude House branch located at SM City San Lazaro. If that happens, I will not a princess anymore but a queen who manages a royal business like Etude House. 
"I want to be sweet so I'm playing ETUDE!"



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

A 10.10.12 Celebration

October 10, 2012 -- 2 years after the 10.10.10 -- Today, I should watch out these new projects from my idols plus these famous celebrants share birthdays. 


Movie

This Guy's In Love With You, Mare
A new movie under Star Cinema starring the ultimate multimedia star Toni Gonzaga, the phenomenal box-office star Vice Ganda, and awarded TV host and actor Luis Manzano. A different romance-comedic film directed by Wenn Deramas.


New Japanese Album

SHINee - Dazzling Girl [Limited Version A]
Dazzling Girls is a title track from the new Japanese album with the same title after Sherlock. This is SHINee's first Japanese original song.



New Game Application

SHINee My Love
This shining handsome guys of KPop had new game application, together with the release of their Japanese album 'Dazzling Girl'.



Birthday Celebrants

Kangta
A former member of H.O.T. now a solo singer and actor under the management SM Entertainment turns 33.



Bae Suzy
An awarded newbie actress from dramas 'Dream High' and 'Big' and a member of KPop female group Miss A turns 18.




Wu Chun
A former Fahrenheit member who starred in Taiwanese dramas 'Hana Kimi', 'Romantic Princess', 'Hot Shot', and 'Sunshine Girl', now a movie actor under Fu Long Entertainment also turns 33.




Erik Santos
A grand champion from the singing competition 'Star In A Million', and now The Philippines' Prince of Pop turns 30.




Sen. Chiz Escudero
A former member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Sorsogon's First District, now a member of Philippine Senate since 2007 turns 43.



Jun Lana
A Filipino playwright and a two-time FAMAS award-winning screenwriter for the movie Jose Rizal who recently directed new indie film 'Bwakaw' turns 40.


New job!


Well, this is what I'm waiting for! I was just hired! I was very happy. Well, I don't know what SOO means, but I know my job will be Assistant Manager of that branch. Today was my first training day. ^^


Happy 10.10.12 everyone! ^^

Friday, October 5, 2012

Korean Drama Review: To The Beautiful You

To The Beautiful You was the recent live action drama from the manga Hanazakari no Kimitachi e. It aired last August 15th and ended yesterday (October 4th) on SBS. Apart from the manga's previous live adaptations from Taiwan and Japan, this Korean version had detailed story from the start until the end. Though it had additional characters that wasn't included from its Taiwanese and Japanese versions, it made the teenage comedy cute with a strong storyline and a slew of handsome cast members.


The manga


Hana Kimi or For You In Full Blossom was created by Hisaya Nakayo. It centered on a girl who lives in the United States. One day, she sees a track and field competition on TV, and becomes attracted to one of the high jump competitors. She begins to idolize the young athlete and eventually transfers to that country to attend the same school that he attends. In order to get him close, she must disguise herself as a boy to enter.


Taiwan vs. Japan vs. Korea


This Taiwanese version was the first to air in 2005. But I watched it in Tagalog-dubbed twice in ABS-CBN; first was 2008. It starred former Fahrenheit member Wu Chun as high jump athlete named Quan (Brian), Fahrenheit member Jiro Wang as Xui Yi (Wesley), and SHE member Ella Chen as Rui Xi (Joey/Joelle).


Three years after, the Japanese version of the manga aired. I also watched its Tagalog-dubbed version last 2008 at GMA 7. It starred Oguri Shun as Izumi Sano, Toma Ikuta as Shuichi Nakatsu, and Maki Horikita as Mizuki Ashiya.



This year, the Korean adaptation was recently aired. It starred Lee Hyun Woo as Cha Eungyeol, SHINee member Minho as Kang Taejoon, f(x) member Sulli as Gu Jaehee.

The soundtrack


I only knew To The Beautiful You OST. SM artists from The Grace, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, and f(x) participated in the album. Kyuhyun and Tiffany had a duet titled "Rise and Shine". Sunny and Luna collaborated in the song "It's Me". Jung sisters sang their hearts out with "Butterfly". Super Junior KRY flew high with their song "SKY". Dana, Onew, Taemin, and Taeyeon recorded solo songs titled "Maybe", "In Your Eyes", "U", and "Closer". But the main theme song stood out with the song "Stand Up" by J-Min.


Best characters

I prefer the main cast (Taejoon, Eungyeol, and Jaehee) of To The Beautiful You. In addition to that are Song Jong-min (played by ZE:A's Kwanghee),Taejoon's rival Min Hyeon-jae (played by Kang Ha-Neul) and Jaehee's brother Daniel Dawson (played by Julien Kang. When it comes to its minor characters, it's different. I picked Mei Tian (played by Tang Zhi Ping), a gay and a school health official from the Taiwanese series. Also, the dorm leaders from Hana Kimi Taiwan were memorable as they played by Danson Tang (Dorm 2), Wang Tian Si (Dorm 1), and Oscar (Dorm 3).


Best version


Among of East Asian versions of the drama, I liked To The Beautiful You the most. Though its first episode was almost the same as the Taiwanese version and its climax was almost the same as the Japanese version, the Korean adaptation tackled the detailed story from beginning to end. Also, when it comes to ending, I liked the Korean version the most wherein Taejoon followed Jaehee in America, compared with Taiwanese and Japanese versions. In Taiwanese adaptation, Rui Xi stayed in Taiwan. In Japanese adaptation, Mizuki was in America when she received the news that her dorm-mates will be having a vacation in America.

Closer In Your Eyes: The TaeHee Love Moments


When I found out that SHINee Minho and f(x) Sulli will be starring in the Korean version of Hana Kimi, I was very excited. That time I was already an SMTowner (fan club of SM Entertainment artists).

I am a Shawol (SHINee World) but not a fan of Sulli's group f(x). When the drama aired last August 15th, I tried to watch it. Then I liked it from its pilot episode until its finale. As it was airing, I fell in love with Taejoon (Minho's character) and Jaehee (Sulli's character).

Here are some picture moments of this drama between Taejoon and Jaehee:










But among of these TaeHee moments, this was the most touching and memorable scene from Episode 15:

Goo Jae Hee: "I'm actually a girl."
Kang Tae Joon: "Thank you that you come into my life. I already knew that you are a girl."
Taejoon cried and said he knew for a long time and just hold it.
Then he said "and then , Goo Jae Hee, I Like You"
Jaehee looked at him, still crying and then they hugged each other.



Now that the Korean version has ended, I want to congratulate Minho and Sulli. Because of this drama, I just shipped to MinSul pair! I will miss Taejoon and Jaehee so much.



Source: To The Beautiful You (Facebook Page)