Taiwan’s HIM International Music, Inc. debuted a boy group named Fahrenheit (Fei Lun Hai) last December 28, 2005. It was composed by Wu Chun, Calvin Chen, Jiro Wang, and Aaron Yan, representing four weather seasons: autumn, spring, summer, and winter respectively. They’ve been dubbed as the predecessors of F4 (recently known as JVKV: Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu, Ken Zhu, and Vic Zhou which were famous in the phenomenal Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden and changed their group name due to confusion since Japan had its version named Hana Yori Dango).
They acted in series of television dramas: KO One, The X-Family, and Sunshine Girl to name a few. My favorite role of Chun was Jin in Romantic Princess. Love Buffet’s Xing Da Ye was my favorite character played by Calvin. Playing the role 007 in Mysterious Incredible Terminator was my favorite for Aaron. For Jiro, being the superstar Mars in ToGetHer was also my favorite.
Wu Chun as Jin in Romantic Princess
Calvin Chen as Xing Da Ye in Love Buffet
Jiro Wang as Mars in ToGetHer
Aaron Yan as 007 in Mysterious Incredible Terminator
They also released four albums: Fahrenheit, Two-Sided Fahrenheit, Love You More and More, and Super Hot. For each album, I have my favorites. In their first self-titled debut album, their collaboration with Hebe Tien titled Only Have Feelings For You. Existing For You was my favorite in their second album. Mo Mo, the closing theme song for Jiro’s drama ToGetHer, was my favorite song from their third album. In their fourth album, Sexy Girl was my favorite. Among these four albums, my favorite was Love You More and More because it’s the first album from Fahrenheit that I bought.
They became brand ambassadors of Coca Cola, Taiwan Tourism, C.C. Lemon, and Gatsby Hair Wax. Three members were also entrepreneurs. Calvin and Jiro opened their own apparel businesses named Factorysev7n and MJO respectively. Chun has his own business venture named Fitness Zone in Brunei with majority of the staff were Filipinos. Thru his gym business, he’s been helping the Philippines during calamities such as Sendong (Ondoy) and Haiyan (Yolanda) thru membership promotions and voluntary donations from members and non-members, and then he will send those donations he collected thru authorized Philippine non-profit organizations like Red Cross.
Wu Chun owns Fitness Zone in Brunei
Calvin Chen owns WOW brand in Factorysev7n line
Jiro Wang models his own apparel brand, MJO
Because of this group I met my best friends who were also a fan: Janella Geronimo, Therese Garay, Julie Pulmones, Aileene Saez, and Jaynee Michelle to name a few. We actively participated in Asian Expo event few years ago and had few meet-ups. Even though we rarely meet because of our personal lives, thanks to social media such as Twitter and Facebook, we are able to have a little chitchat.
from left: Aileene, Therese, and Gliselle
from left: Janella, me, Julie
A lot of controversies had happened with the group such as Chun’s departure in the group and Aaron’s revelation that he and Jiro and Calvin were not in good terms, even Chun’s most shocking revelation that he’s already married with children and Calvin’s relationship rumors with actress Joanne Zeng and Korea’s Miss A member Fei. The group had been inactive for years since Chun’s departure, but each member has been active in their solo careers. Chun was an actor in Chinese-produced movies. Calvin was still a TV drama actor and an MTV VJ in Taiwan for his own show title Ri Han Yin Yue Feng (Japan Korea Music Craze). Jiro actively participated in wearing character costumes in cosplay events as Goku in Dragonball and Batman to name a few. Aaron continued his acting career in TV dramas and released solo album The Next Me and other single albums.
Wu Chun with his daughter Nei Nei
Calvin Chen hosting MTV Ri Han Yin Yue Feng
Jiro Wang cosplaying as Dragonball's Son Goku
Aaron Yan's latest EP "Cut"
Even though in a rare time, I’m still able to read some news updates on what’s been happening about them through social media. For ten years, Fahrenheit still have their young. Each member achieved so much in music, film, and TV. We, fans, still consider Chun as part of the group, and still holding that hope for them to be in good terms as friends and to have a reunion soon just like what F4 did (performing in Chinese New Year celebration) few years back.
Music becomes a big part of our lives. We listen to it and read its lyrics, then sing-a-long with the singer/group who sang it. Nowadays, media play a huge role to promote every country's music: FM stations such as Monster Radio RX 93.1, Magic 89.9, and MOR 101.9 that our favorite disc jockey (DJ) plays songs we want to hear on the radio, and YouTube and music channels such as MYX, MTV, and Channel V that shows the creativity of directors in order to promote high quality music videos.
Here are my top 5 favorite music videos:
-5-
The Love of Silence
Fahrenheit
[HIM International Music]
I liked this music video because it's very simple. The members, namely Wu Chun, Calvin Chen, Jiro Wang, and Aaron Yan, wore outstanding suits, making them more handsome. It included the clips from the Taiwanese drama ToGetHer starring Jiro Wang, George Hu and Rainie Yang which it became the closing theme song of the said drama.
-4-
The Boys
Girls Generation
[SM Town Entertainment]
I liked this music video because of its choreography and its transition from each member's solo to group. The girls, namely Taeyeon, Tiffany, Seohyun, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sunny, YoonA, Sooyoung, and Jessica wore classy and sophisticated outfits, Plus, Taeyeon's hair caught my attention because of her three-toned ombre: black, blonde, and pink, then she became my first bias in the group.
-3-
Stay
Carol Banawa
[Star Records]
I liked this music video because it looked classic. The video used sepia and monochrome effects that made it vintage. I also love Carol's voice; she's one of my favorite female singers in the Philippines.
-2-
First Love
Utada Hikaru
[Toshiba EMI]
I liked this music video because whenever I hear this song, I'm having a nostalgia and I can't help myself but to sing-a-long, even though it's in Japanese. This was released in 1999, and was used as the theme song for the Japanese drama Majo no Jōken, starring Hideaki Takizawa and Nanako Matsushima. I can't believe that this song is already almost 17 years old!
-1-
Heart Attack
Demi Lovato
[Hollywood Records]
I really liked this music video because it's cool. Dipping herself in black ink and having her arms and hands full of black ink are my favorite scenes in the music video. Demi Lovato is one of my favorite international female artists because she's very inspiring and strong.
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.
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.
Almost all of us have our own favorite artists. But we cannot escape ourselves being a fan, and sometimes we wish that we will meet them soon or better that we will be their friends. I’m gonna share you on how I became a fan girl.
Boy bands and girl groups are very popular in the 90’s. That time I was a grade school student from University of Santo Tomas, seeing myself as one of the Spice Girls. Yes! I was a fan of Spice Girls. My favorite was Emma Bunton (a.k.a. Baby Spice). She’s so cute when I saw their music video “Wannabe”. I love their songs so much, either ballad or upbeat. One of my favorite songs is “Viva Forever”. I was so happy when they got reunited few years ago and released their singe “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)” after Geri Halliwell (a.k.a. Ginger Spice) decided to go solo. Because of Spice Girls, I became a pop music addict.
Spice Girls (from top-left: Mel C, Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Mel B)
Early 2000’s, a boy band named A1 called my attention. Their song “Living The Dream” is my most favorite. My favorite member is Ben Adams but I realized that I like Mark Read. I was so sad when they got disbanded around 2003. After that, they released “A1: The Best Of” album, consists of all their hits from albums “Here We Come” to “Make It Good”. The songs “High & Dry” and “You’re Not In Love” are my favorites from that album. Few years after, Ben Adams joined Celebrity Big Brother in UK and ranked 5th placer. Last year, they released their latest album “Take Me Home” but without Paul Marazzi. I’m happy that A1 still lives on and continues singing upbeats and ballads under their label Columbia Records – Sony Music.
A1 (from top-left: Paul Marazzi, Ben Adams, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read)
I was first year high school student in University of Santo Tomas Education High School (UST-EHS) when Sarah Geronimo won the singing competition “Star For A Night”. She was third year high school student at the same high school institution. Last 2003, our class president named Michael Lamaisri told me that I was going to represent our section for our acquaintance party and perform an intermission number. I wasn’t prepared because I hadn’t brought my minus-one, but he advised me to sing acapella instead. When the program had started, Sarah Geronimo, representing her section, first sang Lara Fabian’s “Broken Vow”. After few minutes, Michael called me and said, “You’re next.” I was so nervous that it’s my first time to sing onstage and entertain the audience. I sang “Stay” by Carol Banawa. When I finished the song, everyone applauded. I was so happy and because of that performance, I made myself very popular in EHS community, either ahead or beyond of me. I was nicknamed “The Next Sarah Geronimo of EHS”. I can’t believe that I see myself as Sarah Geronimo. She’s one of my favorite female artists in the Philippines. I had her albums from “Popstar: A Dream Come True” to “Just Me”. I still don’t have her concert DVDs and her latest albums “OPM” and “Music & Me”. Toni Gonzaga, Carol Banawa, and Juris are the other female Filipino artists that I also enjoyed listening to their songs.
Sarah Geronimo
Around 2003, ABS-CBN aired the Taiwanese idol drama “Meteor Garden”. F4 fever in Manila was on. That time, I enjoyed watching this drama, from the first episode until the finale of “Meteor Garden Season II”. I just wanted to watch their concerts “The Event” with Van Ness Wu and Ken Zhu and “Happy 50 TV” with Jerry Yan and Vic Zhou but I can’t because I had no enough money yet and I was sure that my parents wouldn’t allow me to go there. But being an F4 fan, I bought StarStudio magazines with F4 specials and their albums, even their solo albums (except Jerry’s and Van Ness’s, I just bought Vic’s and Ken’s). When F4 declined popularity, I’m not fond of watching their idol dramas. Because of F4, I love listening Mandarin pop music.
F4 (from left: Ken Zhu, Vic Zhou, Van Ness Wu, Jerry Yan)
I had a crush on a young boy named Jesse McCartney a year after. He is famous in US with his released tracks “Beautiful Soul” and “She’s No You”. I bought his albums except his latest album “Departure”. The song “Because You Live” is my most favorite. I also bought two magazines about his autobiography. I found out that he has already a girlfriend named Katie Cassidy. But, on the other hand, I was glad that at least he’s happy. Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Jonas Brother are also my favorite American artists.
Jesse McCartney
Summer 2008 entered. I finished my freshman year at University of Santo Tomas College of Commerce and Business Administration when ABS-CBN aired the Taiwanese idol drama “Hana Kimi”. Fahrenheit members Wu Chun and Jiro Wang starred in this drama. I found out that Jiro Wang was first seen in drama “It Started With A Kiss” before “Hana Kimi”. Because of Wu Chun, I got interested with Fahrenheit. I quickly searched on Google about them, watched their other dramas, and bought all of their albums online. I spent more than PhP 3,000, including the freight cost just to complete my collection. When Wu Chun and Calvin Chen visited Philippines for Romantic Princess Philippine Promo Tour last July 2008, I wasn’t able to see and meet them in person because I had classes and I was sure that there were a lot of Filipino Fahrenheit fans who will go at the ABS-CBN, but I had a chance to watch them on TV. They appeared at “Entertainment Live”, “Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Gala Night”, “ASAP ’08”, and “The Buzz”. I also downloaded their best pictures, either individual or group. For the first time of my entire life, I registered as a member of Fahrenheit-Globa1 Forum and Fahrenheit Family Philippines. Because of Fahrenheit-Globa1 Forum, I was updated about what’s super hot and latest about them – dramas, shows, albums, endorsements, music videos, and songs. And also, I became the fourth administrator of FahrenheitFacts on Twitter. I never thought that it’s been more than four years that I still like and love this Taiwanese boy band. I WAS BEING IN LOVE WITH CALVIN CHEN. He’s my most favorite Fahrenheit member. I had completed all four albums in CD+DVD album versions. But when Wu Chun left Fahrenheit, my interest in them got lessen in updating what's latest about them. Now, I just read and like posts in our group page in Facebook on recent news about them. However, I wouldn't forget that I've become a fan of this handsome boyband from Taiwan.
Fahrenheit (from right to left: Wu Chun, Aaron Yan, Jiro Wang, Calvin Chen)
I wasn't a pure K-Pop fan that time when I listen songs and watch MVs from Rain and BoA. I just liked them. When 2009 came, famous girl group from JYP Entertainment called Wonder Girls released their song "Nobody" and the large scale group from SM Town Entertainment called Super Junior went famous because of their song "Sorry Sorry". Then a lot of popular artists like FT Island, 4Minute, and U-Kiss visited the Philippines to promote their albums through mall tours and guest appearances in some shows on TV. The K-Pop fever went on fire when Super Junior set their first Manila concert named "Super Show 2". I didn't watch but I realized how K-Pop music is in demand until now. A lot of rookie groups introduced and knew because of MYX, the number 1 music channel in the country. When Super Junior released their song "Mr. Simple" and Girls' Generation released their song "The Boys", I wanted to play all over again and do the dance steps as I saw their MV on TV. Then the Mnet Asian Music Awards had simulcast airing in YouTube so I tried to watch it online and I was amazed with performances of popular Korean groups: Miss A, Trouble Maker (JS from Beast and HyunA from 4Minute), 2NE1, Girls' Generation, and Super Junior to name a few. Because of that, I became a K-Pop fan. Thus, I liked listening songs from several K-Pop artists such as 2NE1, CNBlue, and T-ara. When I searched on the internet, I found out that BoA, Super Junior, and Girls' Generation are from the same agency which is SM Town Entertainment, I started to download and tried to listen some popular hits from almost all SM Town artists until I liked the 5-member boyband SHINee, most especially their sexiest member, Kim Jonghyun. I highly anticipated their comeback last month titled Sherlock. Now, I like watching shows on KBS (Music Bank and Immortal Songs 2) and Arirang (Showbiz Korea and Pops In Seoul). Plus, I'm looking forward with the agency's latest projects: (1) movie titled "I Am" which featured behind-the-scenes and performances from SM Town Live in Madison Square Garden, New York to be released on May 10, (2) first leg of 2012 SM Town concert tour in Los Angeles, California, and (3) drama called "To The Beautiful You" starring SHINee's Minho and f(X)'s Sulli to be aired on SBS at the second half of the year.
From Spice Girls to SHINee – that’s my story. Whenever they were already gone or still existing in entertainment circle, the most important is their unforgettable songs and music videos that are being played almost every day. As a fan girl, those albums and other merchandises are worth expensive, but my happiness is still priceless.
Today is Valentines Day! Though I'm still single, I felt in love when I see onscreen couples either on TV or film. So I listed my top 7 team ups in Taiwanese and Korean dramas.
7. Jiro Wang & Rainie Yang
Fahrenheit’s rocker met a bubbly lady in Taiwanese idol drama ToGetHer. Even though I’m not a fan of its female lead, I still watched the drama and loved her character. It was because of the male lead why I liked the drama even more.
6. Lee Min Ho & Park Min Young
The sweetest MinMin couple in the biggest and most expensive Korean drama called City Hunter had found love each other last year. I wasn’t familiar with its female lead; but when I saw her in Philippine TV this year, she’s very pretty. Though their relationship lasted for six months, I had seen their eyes sparkle in this drama.
5. Calvin Chen & Reen Yu
A guy with sunshine smile and a girl with charming personality collaborated with a scent of magic in Taiwanese drama Love Buffet. Because the male lead is my favorite Fahrenheit member, I liked and loved the female lead when she replied four times in both Facebook and Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter. Thus, their drama was one of my favorite Taiwanese idol dramas I’ve ever seen.
4. Rain & Song Hye Kyo
The most talented Korean superstar and the most beautiful face in Korea made a mark in Korean drama hit Full House. These two were crazy in some funny scenes that viewers loved not only through its characters but also the story itself. I listed them as one of my favorite love teams in Korean dramas.
3. Park Shin Hye & Jung Yong Hwa
They first worked together in Korean drama You’re Beautiful. Because of fans’ demand, they worked again in Heartstrings: classical and modern music bonded by strings in their hearts. Because of this drama, I liked these two individuals on both music and TV scene.
2. Aaron Yan & Gui Gui
One of the most clicked tandems in Taiwan came from idol action drama Mysterious Incredible Terminator. The cutest member in Hey! Girl and the most talented member from Fahrenheit teamed up together and fans wanted to know the real score after they wrapped up the said series. As I became somewhat a fan of this team up, I felt that there’s something going fishy between these two, especially when they posted micro-blogs to each other in the Chinese version of Twitter called Weibo.
1. Wu Chun & Ella Chen
The most romantic pair made in Taiwanese TV from idol drama Hana Kimi that stole fans’ hearts because of their chemistry. Though they didn’t get together in real life, their fans still support them as the former Fahrenheit member continues to prove himself as a movie actor and SHE member will tie a knot with his Malaysian fiancé. Although I wasn’t really their fan, I ranked them first because of their mysterious connection between them from filming to promoting the drama.
It was 1997 when VJ Utt started in MTV Asia. He was the coolest VJ and one of the most handsome men in Asian television. Because of him, I started to watch MTV. I was saddened when I found out on E! News Asia that he’ll leave MTV after 14 years for his personal reasons. Now that MTV turned 30 years old and hailed as the longest music channel according to Guinness, I absolutely became one of its fans after winning merchandise in their movie contest, granting my music video collection, and featuring my name and comment in their new show.
26 October 2011 – It was a surprise! A delivery boy came to our house. He gave the package all the way from Singapore. That package was from MTV Asia! I won merchandise from the movie What’s Your Number? so I quickly opened it and saw 2 items: a set of 8 coasters and a notebook. I can’t believe it because I just tried to join the online contest before its scheduled deadline of sending entries. I haven’t watched the movie when it was premiered last October 5 in the Philippines but my brother downloaded it online. And I’ll wait for that time when will my brother and I watch that movie.
12 November 2011 – Well, this was a surprise when I opened my MSN mail. I tuned in on MTV on Thursday morning for the encore of my music video selection that I sent last October. I enjoyed watching while dancing and singing along. I saw my picture and my dedication twice. I regretted that I didn't watched it on its premiere timeslot, but at least I was very happy then when I saw my favorite three MVs playing on MTV. These were the music videos that I had chosen:
Song: SHERO
Artist: S.H.E.
HIM International Music Company's most popular female group composed of Selina Jen, Hebe Tien, and Ella Chen proved their fans that they are called Shero (female version of hero). In spite of negative issues, they remained stronger than their debut. This is my most favorite MV from them.
Song: Sexy Girl
Artist: Fahrenheit
Included in the group's fourth album Super Hot, they showed their sexy image. Taiwanese model Monica Yin paired up with handsome Calvin Chen. While I was watching it, I imagined myself as Monica, dancing in front of Calvin. What a wild imagination! And it's one of my favorites because of this line in the song: "You got my love, you are my sexy girl". It's also set as my mobile ringtone.
Song: Mr. Simple
Artist: Super Junior
"Because you naughty, naughty" at the beginning of the song and "blow your mind" after the song's chorus are from Super Junior's fifth album. Nowadays, Korean pop are very popular not only to Asians but also to Western people from North and South America even in Europe. I first heard this song when Super Junior performed in Music Bank then I got addicted on it. Kim Ryeowook's cuteness and handsomeness attracted me, even Choi Siwon's sexy chest on SuJu's fifth album cover caught my attention.
A personal letter to MTV Asia: Thanks a lot from What's Your Number merchandise you gave to my music video selection you played. Honestly I was an MTV fan before because I always watched MTV Most Wanted hosted by VJ Utt. When Fahrenheit's Calvin Chen started being a new host of a Japan-Korea music show produced by MTV Taiwan last year, I became an MTV fan once again and hoping you play Mandarin hits. I was very happy that you picked my favorite Taiwanese male group Fahrenheit as Mandarin Hits's artist of the month last December 2010. This year, I can't believe that VJ Utt is still in MTV and saw a new title of MTV request program, from MTV Most Wanted to My MTV. I think My MTV is better because you're playing 3 music videos of our choice. [excerpt from my FB note "I ♥ Music!" on 17 November 2011 at 11:04pm]
14 January 2012 – MTV Asia has a new show entitled “The MTV Show” last January 7. It’s an interesting show so I watched its first episode on the day it was aired. Few days after the pilot episode was aired, I followed the show’s Twitter account and liked its fan page on Facebook. I tweeted twice and posted a comment on its fan page what I can say on that show. Second episode had aired and I was surprised when VJ Rich read my name and comment on the show’s fan mail segment. It was exactly what I posted on the show’s fan page. VJ Rich replied on my post that the show don’t have enough time to tackle everything about Asian pop. So I responded him that it was okay and at least they will feature some famous artists from the music category I mentioned. Tomorrow is Saturday again and it’ll air its third episode.
MTV Asia is one of my favorite cable channels. Hope they will continue playing good music videos from Korea, the Philippines, USA, UK, Taiwan and other countries.
