My Current Favorite K-Dramas

Hi guys!

It's been a while since I wrote on my blog. A lot of things have happened in the past year and there were a lot of times when I couldn't help but overthink. It's quite tough everytime my mind is bombarded with so many thoughts. So, to distract myself, I usually watch K-Dramas.

K-dramas have been very popular these days. I, myself, have been a K-Drama fan for several years already. I started watching random K-Drama episodes when I was young through local TV networks here in the Philippines, but when I was in college, I started taking interest in really watching. As of today, I've already watched 75 Korean Dramas -- these are ones that I've watched from episode 1 until the very last episode and out of the 75, I have my personal favorites. I can say that a K-Drama is my favorite if I always talk about it, or if I can't get over it right away after watching, or if I usually recommend it to others. There are a lot that I like but I can't share them all here because it will take long. So, for this blog, I chose 3, which I am going to share with you.


One of my favorites is Reply 1988.

Photo Credits: TVN

It circles around a group of friends consisting of Sung Deok Sun (played by Hyeri), Kim Jung Hwan (played by Ryu Jun Yeol), Choi Taek (played by Park Bo Gum), Sung Sun Woo (played by Go Kyung Pyo), and Ryu Dong Ryong (played by Lee Dong Hwi). They all live in a neighborhood in Ssangmun-dong, Seoul and the story tells us about their experiences and the significant events that happened in Seoul in the year 1988 onwards. 

Reasons why I like Reply 1988:

First reason is because it was very relatable. They showed how Seoul really was during the 1980s -- the trend, the fashion, the events, and the issues. And even if we're not from Seoul, they still showed real life situations which everyone from everywhere can relate.

Second reason is the cast. They were all so good and natural. The traits that their characters showed were also very typical that while I'm watching, I felt like I was also their friend or I was also part of their families.

Third reason is because it touched my heart. The story line was very simple, no exaggerations, just plain reality and yet it touched my heart because they showed strong friendship and genuine love of family.

Favorite Lesson from Reply 1988:

There were many life lessons that we can learn from this drama. I, personally liked the characters' strong friendship. They've shown that they were always there for each other no matter what but, what really touched my heart was the love of their families. Each family featured in Reply 1988 showed genuine love. Yes, they don't get along well sometimes but, at the end of the day, they were still a family who loves each other. Same goes with us. No matter what happens, we know that our family will always love us, accept us, support us, and have our backs.


Another favorite on my list is Prison Playbook.

Photo Credits: TVN

This drama is about a professional baseball player named Kim Je Hyeok (played by Park Hae Soo). He was charged with assault and ended up in prison after rescuing his sister from someone who attempted to rape her. Inside the prison, he will unexpectedly meet his best friend, Lee Joon Ho (played by Jung Kyung Ho), who he lost contact with and who is now a prison officer. Kim Je Hyeok will also encounter different kinds of people with different stories to tell.

Reasons why I like Prison Playbook:

First reason is because of the cast. This drama has so many cast. Some of them were already familiar to us like Sung Dong Il, Jung Hae In, and Park Hyoung Soo. Some of them were theater actors and some of them were K-Pop Idols such as f(x)'s Krystal and Winner's Kang Seung Yoon. All of them were so good.

Second reason is because of the story line. There were a lot of serious and deep issues especially when talking about the lives of the prisoners but, they also provided the audience with humor and a number of funny scenes. I also liked the fact that even though the main setting was a prison cell, the feelings and realizations of the characters were still very relatable and that those can serve as lessons to everyone. This drama was also very touching.

Third reason is their OST. They have a good song line up and my favorite song was "Bravo, My Life" by Eric Nam.

Favorite Lesson from Prison Playbook:

There were also so many life lessons that can be learned from here because they also tackled real life situations. I liked how the drama taught us not to be judgmental and that everyone deserves a chance to make themselves better but, what really touched my heart was the friendship. The friendship between Kim Je Hyeok and his cellmates were very heartwarming because they supported each other as much as they could while the friendship between Kim Je Hyeok and Lee Joon Ho showed the true meaning of friendship. The two have been out of touch for so many years already but, when they were suddenly reunited, even as a prison guard and a prisoner, it felt like nothing has changed. Lee Joon Ho helped and supported Kim Je Hyeok and in times when Kim Je Hyeok was about to give up, Lee Joon Ho never gave up on him. In real life, we also have friends whom we don't get to interact with that much but, we know that the friendship will always remain.


The last that I'm going to share with you and my current super favorite is Crash Landing On You.

Photo Credits: TVN

It tells a story about a South Korean heiress and a successful businesswoman named Yoon Se Ri (played by Son Ye Jin). She tried paragliding one day but, unfortunately, because of an accident, she crash landed in North Korea. There she will meet a North Korean soldier and captain, Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok (played by Hyun Bin).

Reaons why I like Crash Landing On You:

First reason is because of the story line. Even though it's the usual love story, they gave emphasis on a love between a South Korean and a North Korean, which is not that usual, and a love that is against all odds.

Second reason is the cast. I, personally, think that this drama has a great cast and that everyone played their roles well. I am fond of the ahjummas and Captain Ri's soldiers and I was amazed by how well they spoke the North Korean dialect.

Third reason is their OST. For me, their song line up was "on-point" and hits you right in the feels. My favorite song is "Here I Am Again" by Baek Yerin.

Last reason and I think this is also the reason why I super like this drama, is the Hyun Bin - Son Ye Jin love team. They really make my heart flutter and among all the K-Drama couples that I've watched, they are my top 1. They have a certain charm that really got me.

Favorite Lesson from Crash Landing On You:

The lesson from this drama that made an impact on me was the idea of fate -- what's meant to happen will always happen and they happen for a reason. There was also an Indian proverb, which Yoon Se Ri mentioned, that goes "Sometimes, the wrong train takes you to the right station". Same goes with life. Sometimes, unexpected things happen or accidents happen which makes us think that we are so messed up or that we are on the "wrong train". But, if we look deeper, these things need to happen to lead us to where we're supposed to be. This goes also with people. We're destined to meet some people to help us and stay with us or to leave us eventually but with a lesson learned in return.


To name a few more of my favorites, I also like Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, Andante, and Go Back Couple (and a few more).

Do we have the same set of favorites or do you have a different one? Feel free to share them with me. :)

Thank you for taking time to read my blog.

Keep safe, be happy, and God Bless!

My "Ang Huling El Bimbo: Musical" Experience

As a popular Eraserheads song goes, “Nakakaindak. Nakakaaliw. Nakakatindig balahibo.” These words are perfect to describe this wonderful musical, Ang Huling El Bimbo.

It’s past Mother’s Day already but I remembered that I still wasn’t able to give my mom a proper present yet. So while searching the internet to gather ideas, I suddenly came across some articles regarding an ongoing re-run of Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (Resorts World Manila). It is a locally produced musical here in the Philippines, which features the songs of the 90's hit OPM Band, Eraserheads.

My mom and I love watching musicals so I knew that this would be a great post-Mother's day gift and a good opportunity for us to bond. Plus, I personally love the Eraserheads! I can still remember when I was in high school, there were days when the only songs that I would listen to were E-heads songs.

May 25, 2019, 3 PM was our show schedule and we arrived at the Newport Performing Arts Theater about an hour early. 

Before watching the show, all I knew was that the story revolved around a group of friends who met each other during college. My friends who already watched before me didn't spoil important details that's why I was so excited when my mom and I finally arrived at our seats inside.

So, the show already started and right from the beginning, I was already mesmerized. Every beat of the E-heads songs made my heart beat a little faster. It was so nostalgic. As I watched the play, I got a clearer picture of the entire story. 

The story was about 4 characters (Emman, Hector, Anthony, and Joy) who built a strong friendship during their college days, but became distant as they focused on their own separate lives, and how they were suddenly reunited because of an unfortunate event. There were light and funny parts as they showed the great times in life and the memorable moments we spend with our loved ones, but there were also the serious and heartbreaking parts as the characters dwell with their troubles. Because they tackled the realities of the "rollercoaster events" in life, I started to become pretty emotional, especially towards the end. The story was quite deep and full of meaning, but people can relate to it because the musical presented matters that were really happening in our personal lives (especially regarding relationships with the people around us) and some issues in our society as well.

After the show, my eyes became a pit puffy, but I enjoyed so much! Congratulations to the whole cast and production team! It was, indeed, an incredible musical!

All in all, I laughed, I had a good cry, I was brought back to the 90's, I enjoyed listening to the Eraserheads songs sung live by such an amazing cast, and I loved every bit of this musical!

** Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical will be having another run (I heard it's their final run) on July 5 to August 18, 2019 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater - Resorts World Manila!

I recommend that you watch it if you haven't yet! :) 

AN AWESOME NIGHT WITH EXO | My Elyxion In Manila Experience

Up until now, I can still vividly remember everything that happened during that day: that day when excitement, nervousness, happiness, and all sorts of emotions were felt, that day which EXO-Ls, like me, have long been waiting for, that day when nothing else mattered, and that day when I just felt extremely grateful for being able to experience another once in a lifetime event! That day was April 28, 2018 and it was the day when EXO Planet # 4: The Elyxion in Manila happened!

EXO Planet # 4: The Elyxion is the fourth solo concert of the K-Pop group, EXO, and Manila has been lucky enough to be one of the few cities that were included in the tour. For those of you who are wondering, the meaning of the word Elyxion is “paradise”. It was set to be held at SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 28, 2018 at 6 PM. It was just going to be a one night only concert so my friends and I knew right away that ticketing day will be, somehow, a representation of “the war” (just like the name of EXO’s album). Ticket prices ranged from 3, 500 Php to 12, 500 Php (plus ticketing charges). Fortunately, my friends and I were able to gather enough funds to purchase a VIP ticket. All we had to do was to secure one.

Photo Credits: Pulp Live World

Purchasing of tickets was scheduled on March 4, 2018 and I tell you, that day was just intense! My friends and I sacrificed sleep and went to SM Sta. Mesa (where we decided to purchase the tickets) as early as we can. It was still very dark outside and the mall won’t be open until 10 AM but we were already in line together with a number of fans who were also going to try their best in purchasing tickets. I won’t elaborate anymore but upon entering the mall and while heading to the ticket outlet, things started to get fiercer and more intense. My friends and I already expected it and we just tried to stay as calm as we can. We knew that everyone, like us, were just really desperate to see EXO. At that time, we just need to keep two things in mind. One is to prepare for the worst and two, still hope and pray for the best.

When the ticket sales already started, everyone was even more hyped up, and with just a few minutes since ticketing started, they said that tickets were already sold out. Sadly, we weren’t able to get tickets during that first wave of sales. But we didn’t lose hope. We believed that ticket sales will re-open again and it did. It happened a few times: tickets were sold out – ticket sales system re-opened – tickets were sold out again – they re-opened the system again. But still, we weren’t able to purchase tickets. My friends and I were still very hopeful and no one wanted to go home. We knew that if we were meant to watch the concert, we will be able to watch it. True enough, after waiting for several more hours, we were able to purchase tickets! We were able to get VIP tickets (which is a major upgrade from my Gen Ad ticket 2 years ago when I watched Exo’luxion)!!

*Click here to read my --> EXO'luxion in Manila Experience ! :)

After more than 1 month of waiting, the concert day finally came! Even though the concert will start at 6 PM, my friends and I already arrived at the venue before 9 AM to get our straps for the queuing line (since we’re going to be in the VIP standing area). After getting the straps, we’re free to roam around and just go back in line before 3:30 PM. We used our free time to get some freebies and giveaways from fan sites, to meet up with some more friends, and to eat lunch.

  

Before 3:30 PM, we were already back in line and after a few more waiting moments, we were finally inside the MOA Arena! The place was huge and jam-packed with EXO fans. And though, we were standing a few rows away from the stage (because there were already a number of people who got in before us), we can still clearly see everything.

Random EXO songs were being played while waiting for the concert to start and at exactly 6 PM, the concert finally started! The Arena was filled with beaming lights from EXO light sticks and EXO-Ls started to scream their hearts out, including me! I told myself that finally, after 2 years, I will be able to see EXO again, but this time, closer…much closer! Unfortunately, Lay wasn’t able to join the group once again, but Chanyeol, DO, Kai, Suho, Chen, Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Sehun were all there performing right in front of us! And yes, they were so near!!!

Here is the complete set list for their Manila concert:

Opening VCR, Intro, The Eve, Forever, Kokobop, Growl, Xiumin and Baekhyun Stage, VCR, I See You (Kai Solo), VCR, Call Me Baby, Touch It, Chill, For Life (DO Stage ft. Chanyeol on the piano), Sweet Lies, MENT, Boomerang, Lotto, Ka-Ching, Sing For You, Playboy (Suho Solo), VCR, Hand (Chanyeol Solo), VCR, Cloud 9, What U Do, Tender Love, MENT, Walk On Memories, Heaven (Chen Solo), VCR, Go (Sehun Solo), Diamond, Coming Over, Run This, Drop That, Power (last song), Encore - Don’t Go, MENT, Final encore song  - Angel.

And once again, this night was, truly, A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! Aside from showcasing their remarkable dance moves and sweet voices, EXO also shared how much they all love the Philippines and how much they enjoyed spending the night with us.

*Chanyeol and Sehun revealed that they have been visiting the Philippines for vacation and would definitely want to come back with the other members.

I’m pretty sure every EXO-L present in that concert did almost the same things that I did. I screamed my heart out, sang along to every song, danced the night away, and loved EXO even more! EXO, truly, did not disappoint! EXO promised to comeback for another concert and with a new album!

After the concert, all I felt was extreme gratitude: gratitude to God for this wonderful experience, gratitude to my parents for being so supportive of my love for EXO, gratitude to the organizers for making this event possible, gratitude to my friends for sharing this awesome night with me, and gratitude to myself for always believing that life (through moments like these: moments that take your breath away, moments when nothing else mattered, moments that give you genuine happiness) is definitely worth living.

Chanyeol is really my ultimate bias but I am a supporter of each and every member. All of them are just too good! I, just, love them all and I hope I will be given another chance to see them again! Thank you so much, EXO! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! Surely, this has been one of the BEST NIGHTS EVER!

And as they say, WE ARE ONE! EXO SARANGHAJA!

*EXO's next Elyxion Concert will be held on June 2 and 3, 2018 at the Asia World-Expo Arena in Hong Kong.

Araneta Center Christmas Tree and Food Park

The air is colder, the nights are longer, and people are starting to crowd up in malls and shopping centers. Yes! It's almost Christmas time! And you know what happens during this season of gift giving? It's SALE almost everywhere, bazaars start to pop up, and events happen here and there.


In line with the Christmas season, there has already been a Christmas Tree lighting tradition at Araneta Center Cubao. This year, the lighting of the 100-ft. Christmas Tree (filled with almost 2,000 Christmas lights) happened last November 17, 2017. The night was said to be filled with exciting performances from local celebrities and the area was surrounded with different food stalls.


My parents and I were not able to attend the actual tree lighting but we were able to visit the food park recently. Upon entering, we were welcomed by the Giant Christmas Tree, which was so beautiful to look at. 

Giant Christmas Tree

They also have this Tunnel of Lights, which is 48-m long and was covered with almost 10,000 lights.

Tunnel of Lights

This is a good place to take photos. So when you visit, feel free to bring your cameras and take as many photos as you want. Just be careful of your belongings. J

Their food stalls offer a variety of choices such as street food, shawarma, fries, coffee, rice meals, bibingka, different kinds of fruit juice, and a lot more. 

Here are some of the food we bought (which tastes good, by the way):

Fish balls, Isaw, Calamares, Fried Shrimp

Bibingka, Puto Bumbong

Shawarma rice

And while eating, jam and sing along with the live bands.

The Christmas Tree and food stalls are located at the Times Square Food Park (Times Square Ave. corner Gen. Roxas Ave.; across Manhattan Park View and beside the old Araneta Center Bus Station).

WICKED! (For the 3rd time)

I watched Wicked for the 3rd time and it's still as amazing and wonderful as it was the first time I saw it back in January, 2014!

I wasn't really planning on watching Wicked anymore this year because I already watched it a couple of times in the past. (Also, for practicality reasons.) But, last Valentine's Day, I was thinking of a unique gift that I could give to my mom. Flowers and chocolates are so usual so I surfed the internet for some ideas. As I was browsing through, I came across a lot of Wicked posters because of their run here in Manila from February 2 to March 19, 2017. Even if I change sites, I always seem to encounter Wicked in one way or another, so after I browsed a few more sites, I have already decided to buy 2 Wicked tickets. Impulsive? Well, yeah, sometimes. Or maybe my theater heart was telling me that I just needed to watch it once again. And besides, my mom haven't watched any live foreign musicals yet so, this is her chance to appreciate theater as much as I do.

Wicked the Musical tickets

February 21, 2017

The day finally came! We're off to the Theater at Solaire to watch my favorite musical! My mom and I decided to go "matchy matchy" with our black and lace-y outfit.

Me and my Mom

Upon entering the theater, I can feel my mom's excitement and I have to admit that I was excited as well. Then, the musical started. My mom and I clapped hard every after song and we both can't hide the happiness in our faces. For me, it was a different feel because the ones who performed this year were different from the ones that I have watched before, but both were exceptionally good and cannot be compared.

Inside the theater

After the show, we spent time taking pictures. Thanks to my mom for being my "photographer". Hahaha. Also, we strolled around Solaire and bought food at their food court for our midnight snack and bonded all night long.

Beside a Wicked poster

Me and my mom

Bradley Jaded as Fiyero! Instant crush. :">

Trying to be Glinda. :p

Strolling around Solaire

Korean food for our midnight snack

We decided to go home at around 1 am with smiles on our faces and happiness and contentment in our hearts. It was a night well spent and an addition to the nights we'll never forget!

Wicked, you will always be my favorite musical and I will never get tired of watching you over and over again, here and abroad!

"Because I knew you, I have been changed FOR GOOD!"