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#SuJu Made Me Do It | My Super Junior ELF/Fangirl Story

March 18, 2020 • ,


It was mid-October 2019 (YES I AM A NEW ELF, THEY'VE BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR 15 YEARS AND I JUST STARTED STANNING THEM -- HOW COULD I😭😭😭), sometime after my birthday when a good friend (an ELF and a Cloud) of mine shared on facebook that Super Clap dance practice video.  The video immediately caught my attention because, sometime in my dark abusive past, when K-Dramas were the only thing that saved my sanity, I went head over heels for Siwon in She Was Pretty.  
I have a thing for second leads soo... and hello CHOI SIWON!
I swear, that 3:30minute dance video opened a whole new world for me (*cue Kyuhyun&Charice's version* )  That Choi Siwon in plain white shirt and jeans brought me to google and I started searching for anything with him in it.


At first, I could not believe that Kim Shin-hyuk was Siwon of Super Junior. I remember watching "Sorry, Sorry" on MYX when it was released and me saying "13? 13 sila? Ang OA sa dami" --- I mean, forgive me, I grew up listening to Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, so a 13 member group looked a little bit off to me.  So instead of focusing on him being in the group, I watched another drama of his -- Revolutionary Love.  That drama he was in with Kang Sora who was LeeTeuk's partner in We Got Married and you know --- haha! I won't dive in these details anymore. If you're an ELF, you know how that feels!


When I finished the drama, it just felt like it wasn't enough anymore and so I started accepting the fact that he was in that 13 member group -- Super Junior.  I started researching and got sucked in deeper and deeper.  Before I knew it, I had a whole playlist in Youtube (I freaking went premium so I could play it without interruptions) and I had already ordered a Time Slip Album in Siwon's version. 


Siwon being my bias lasted about a month until I came to know the Universe Star that is Kim HeeChul!  I have a thing for drummers -- I grew up listening to rock music in general, so a man that could play the drums (and bass guitar) well has my attention 100%.  I fell in love with HeeChul when I heard that clean & crisp double peds-drum break for Sorry, Sorry & Mr. Simple. 


What do you think? Don't we need more of long hair HeeChul on drums? 

Anyway, as I was getting sucked in to the black hole that is Super Junior, I manipulatively  influenced my bestfriend, Ferrai.  She is whipped for HYUKJAE! And because I kept sending her a lot of HyukJae/Eunhyuk related stuff, I came across a lot of EunHae photos/videos that naturally brought Lee Donghae to the front line.  Sometime mid November, I started focusing on Donghae and by the time tickets were released for Super Show 8, Donghae was my ultimate bias.


On the day of the ticket release, we decided to get Lower Box tickets, but just a few days after purchasing them --- few days meaning A LOT of EunHae videos & photos influencing us on ticket selection --- we decided to sell them and get VIP tickets.  Before the selling and purchase, we decided to watch a few videos of the past Super Show 8 concerts to check where EunHae will be staying the most.  After our research, we decided to buy Standing F tickets.  We were supposed to buy online again, but we saw a listing on Carousell and decided it was a better deal and I shared that story in my first vlog (7:00 minute mark)

Super Show 8 WAS A BLAST! Not only because it was Super Junior (well, that's enough reason as it is) but also because of the set up, the show flow, everything was just WOW! Me and Ferrai both working in the events and production industry made us appreciate every single small detail of the show from start to finish.  Here's an edited video of (almost) all the fancams we took:


We didn't film much because we just really wanted to enjoy the show.  Also,  the boys just being a few feet away from you --- it's so hard to take a decent video because you'd really just end up looking at their beautiful faces (and bodies.. ehem Leetuek - ehem Siwon - ehem Donghae) I KID YOU NOT, THEIR ABS ARE REAL! NOT PHOTOSHOPPED. REAL!


After Super Show 8, Ferrai and I thought that it was the end of all the wallet cardiac arrest caused by extreme fangirling.  Lo and behold, it only got worse from there.   We found out that Donghae had his own street wear clothing line, Tempus Studios.  He also had his own cafe, Haru&One Day.  We also found this instagram account (@camiwoon) that posts of all their outfits!

Both Ferrai and I weren't the type to buy posters or photocards.  It's probably because of our age? Or the fact that we have kids and it's going to be quite a challenge to shield that type of collection from them little monsters -- don't get us wrong we buy albums (and other SJ official merch) also to support the boys, but we were more on having the stuff/clothes/shoes they have --- ONLY THE ONES WE CAN AFFORD.  I mean hello, I cannot afford Shindong's Goyards, Donghae's Gucci or Leeteuk's Givenchy's and even if I could --- lugi sa 13 boys na mayayaman! Haha!

Anyway, when I started learning about the local Korean Streetwear brands they wore and finding out a way to order them, we started buying them bit by bit.  And that is when we made our official SuJu Scammer hashtag #SuJuMadeMeDoIt (It was from Chicosci's song The Devil Made Me Do It ) 





How and where we order, I will share on the vlog soon.  But I did share one already -- it's Part 1 of my Tempus haul and I will be uploading Part 2 sometime this week.

A lot of people ask me/us what we get from all this.  I remember my brother coming into my room (I was playing my SuJu playlist at the time) a few days ago saying "pinapakinggan mo talaga sila noh? ano nakukuha mo sa kanila? bakit bigla mo sila pinakinggan? ano nangyari? From Nirvana to Super Junior?"

 Here's the thing - and a lot of people don't know this --- listening to Super Junior felt like LIBERATION for me. Some of you would probably say "ANG OA NAMAN." --- You see, I came from a really bad place (I did mention that at the start of this blog.)  Back then all my movements were checked, criticized and judged.  From the clothes I wear to the music I listen to. When I finally got out of that 6-7 year relationship, it still felt like I was still in that cage.  I was still very careful about what I show other people in the fear of being judged and criticized by my partner and it was still like that even after a year of being single.  It was a very tiring and frustrating time because even when I was no longer with him, it still felt like he was watching me and just waiting for me to make a mistake.

When Super Junior happened to me, I suddenly realized that 'HEY! I'm no longer with him! I could do anything I've always wanted now or STAN any group I wanted without being criticized!"

 I could listen to Nirvana without him saying "ang ingay naman ng sounds mo baka kung ano sabihin ng pamilya ko," I can watch my brother and cousins's gigs without someone saying "Sino kausap mo? Lumalandi ka na naman?" and I could listen to ANY MUSIC I FREAKING LIKE without anyone telling me "tigilan mo nga yan ang baduy"

 For me, it wasn't just about stanning them.  It was about them, helping me realize that I CAN DO THIS. I can re-construct and run my life and live it the way I'm supposed to. ❤❤❤

 ALSO, the best part of it all, me and my 4 year old bond over Super Junior!





And then, the millon dollar question people always ask...Is it magastos / expensinve being a fan girl? YES. I also tell them this --- Is it fun and fulfilling? HELL, YES!

At the end of the day, it's about setting your priorities.  If you can't afford it, don't OR work for it. That is why there is the term "iponing" (saving up) that they use.  Also, there are other (non-monetary) ways to support -- it's not all about us fan girls paying for expensive stuff.  Don't judge. And honestly, if it makes you/us, happy and as long as your fangirling doesn't affect or hurt anyone -- WHY NOT COCONUT! ❤❤❤

Wahh! It actually felt great sharing that! How about you? Are you a fan girl too? Share your story with me! What groups do you stan? I plan on listening to (more) EXO and Day6 next.  Any groups you's want to share with moi? Comment below! ❤❤❤ 

***
PS. Stay indoors everyone! COVID19 cases are going up and we're not really sure up until when this will disrupt our normal lives. Please be safe! 
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#SuJu Made Me Do It | My Super Junior ELF/Fangirl Story

March 18, 2020

Life Lately | Vlog, Lockdown & New Work

March 16, 2020 • , , ,


It's true what they say that when you start doing vlogs, you will barely have the time to write on your blog.  Also, just when you thought that blogging & vlogging are almost the same --- they're not.

I recently went into vlogging because I thought it was easier to share my hair coloring routines and other stuff --- and that's true.  However, I miss the free flowing process of just typing away on your blog vs. editing and re-watching videos over and over until you get the kind of output that you like.  Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy them both.  Blogging is something that I do for my self and vlogging is too, BUT, I enjoy the fact that I can do it with my friends and my daughter! --- watch out for videos with Avery, because I tell you, she has wayyy more vlogging skills than Mommy. 

 Here are 3 new vlogs I have uploaded in the past few 2 weeks.






I originally planned to upload at least 2 videos every week, but who am I kidding? I'm a single mom, I have 2 online shops and a day job (see how's that is a challenge for me?) and speaking of jobs ---

I'M FINALLY BACK IN MY ARENA! I just started working in the advertising industry again and I must say that being out of it for more than 6 months has made me realized how much I love this (toxic) industry! Haha! So, if any of ya'll need an events team, video production house or any below the line services, send your girl a message!

AND NOW, as I am writing this --- the President is having his presscon regarding the "enhanced community quarantine" because of the COVID19 situatuin in our country.  I am not a political person and I am not saying this because I know stuff, but I am saying this because I am a Mom and I want a safe environment for my child --- PLEASE STAY INDOORS.

Let's all be safe. Sanitize our surroundings, wash your hands regularly and use alcohol.  Stuck up on vitamins too!  I hope that we all get through this together PILIPINAS!
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Life Lately | Vlog, Lockdown & New Work

March 16, 2020

FINALLY LAUNCHED MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

February 27, 2020 • , ,


FINALLY!

After much encouragement and convincing from family and friends for years --- I have finally decided to put up my own channel.

It was such a struggle to finally decide on this since I had so many questions in mind like --- how am I going to do this? How should I do this? Should I act in a certain way? Should I be myself? What if people hate me? and all those other questions at the back of your mind when you're venturing into something new.  Until finally, just a few days ago, I said ---- Whatever. I'll just do it how like how I talk and act when with friends and family. And with that --- I was finally able to publish my first VLOG.

ENJOY WATCHING!


Don't forget to subscribe!

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FINALLY LAUNCHED MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

February 27, 2020

Sunday Currently | 22

October 13, 2019 • ,


Reading
Stuff about crystal healing.

Writing
A skeleton for the last pitch deck I'm doing --- was what I said in August, when I was still working in an advertising agency.  Now -- I accepted a new job back in September --- I'm still doing pretty much the same thing.  Only know I'm doing it for one brand. I wish I could share how excited I am about what I'm writing this, but can't. BUT, I really am and I can't wait to share it with everyone when the time comes. 

Listening
My brothers playlist. I don't know the song title, but its poppy and lively and gay. Love it. 

Smelling
BREWED COFFEE. DARK ROAST. Hah! Finally! One of the few thing I love about going back home with my siblings. --- Yep, I just moved back in yesterday! 

Wishing
(and praying) that all our friends, loved ones and everybody else in Japan are safe.  I've seen the videos and it's scary. 

Hoping
I could finish all my pending presentations before Friday because the family leaves for Baler!
Thinking
Thinking and coming up with plans on how I can finally launch my hair business venture Bighari.  I originally planned to launch it back in August , but things just didn't add up and I lost the time to do it. :(

Wearing
My favorite GOO band shirt and some rag looking boxer shorts. :P Goodmorning!

Loving
The fact that I'm back living with my siblings.  I love it that Avery's close to her titos and tita again.  I'm more at ease now when I leave her for work. Also, I just miss the noise and dog smell of the house. Haha!

Wanting
A new pair of vans. Veggie Tan Leather Nude. Please.  ---- STILL
And that Hufflepuff Luggage and Hogwarts Duffle bag! --- STILL
And those new Nightmare Before Christmas vans!
 -- and this list will probably just get longer and longer

Needing
A new phone (you should see my screen, I don't know if it could survive another fall) and a new comforter!

Feeling
A little hyped and inspired to do MORE. <3 A little bugged out that I just turned a year older, but happy and thankful nonetheless.

Clicking
My checklist for the week. Need. To. Get. Stuff. Done. Before. Friday. Alex. Please. Focus.

~
How's your sunday? Does anybody read this? Haha! Let me know!
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Sunday Currently | 22

October 13, 2019

Dear You... Love, Me. | Frances Avery | 7

• ,


Dear Frances Avery,

Baby, it's really true when they told me to spend as much time as I can with you, because time flies really fast.  I can still remember the day my doctor said you needed to come out earlier than expected, because Mommy lost all her water and that you may not be breathing anymore if you'd stay a few more hours longer inside me.  And now, you are 4!

It's been 4 years since I fought the anaesthesia to make sure you were ok.  It's been 4 years since I received the greatest gift I've ever had in my life, YOU.

Happy Birthday my little princess! 

One day, when you're older, I will remind you that your 4th birthday party was actually a surprise!  Your Mita called me on a Wednesday afternoon (your birthday was a Friday) asking if we had any plans.  We were supposed to have a sinigang and crabsticks party at home like you wanted, but lo and behold, Mita had already reserved for a McDonalds party for you! Mommy only had 2 days to invite all our family and friends and we are very lucky to have the sweetest people in our life because almost all of them showed up despite the short notice.

I want you to take a look at these photos and remember how many people loves you.  No matter how hard the challenges are that you go through while growing up, always remember that you have a family that loves you and will always be with you every step of the way.


Stay as sweet and as intelligent as you are. Mommy loves you with all her life, always remember that.

Love,
Mommy

***
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Dear You... Love, Me. | Frances Avery | 7

1/50: 50 Things to Blog About | 2019

August 07, 2019 • , ,


1/50: That thing that happened in high school that pretty much changed your life forever

For 9 years (kindergarten to first year high school), I've studied in an exclusive all girls catholic school.  And in that 9 years, the only idea I have of what a school look likes or what we do in school is what I have experienced there.

 On my second year in high school, just a few days before enrollment period, I found out that the family business wasn't doing as well as it used to and everything is about to go kaput.  I didn't feel the gravity of the situation until it was a choice of who was going to stop schooling, me or my brother.  I didn't know then how much it would affect me, but since I was the older sister, I decided that it had to me. 

 The school year went by and it was a mixture of all sorts of feelings.  Feeling a little free that I didn't have to wake up at 5:00 in the morning to get ready, a little sad that I had to wait until 4:00PM before I could talk to my friends again.  Feeling a little left out that everyone had soiree's and I had to wait for my 8 year old brother to go home from school while watching Home TV Shopping on a television that only had 3 channels. 

 Come next school year, I knew I no longer had the heart to go back to my old school and be with another batch.  I also knew that we no longer had the capacity to pay for such school and so I transferred to a small village in Bulacan (with my Aunt) and on that village was a newly built private school.  I studied there for a year and thought I would be able to adjust, but no.  The place and the school was never and will never be home.  After that school year, I went back to Marikina.

 As soon as I got back, I realized that I will never have the chance to go back to my former school . OR ANY OTHER private school .  --- We just couldn't afford it at the time. My Lolo, being the captain of the ship, decided I study in a public school.  Yep, in a public school and it was a reality that a girl from an exclusive catholic school had to take at 15 years old.  

Now, how did that change my life? I'll tell you why.
  1. My first day in that school, students kept looking at me from head to toe.  It was when I learned that right at that moment, I was just like the rest of them and acting all high and mighty won't get me anywhere. --- Not in that school and NOT IN LIFE.
  2. The comfort rooms were BAD,  the fabric of the uniform was kind of itchy, the spacing of chairs in the classroom were non existent,  canteen food was ~_~,  teachers' past time is to sell you stuff you can buy outside for the half the price ----- This my friends is REAL LIFE TRAINING.   You never know what life will throw at you, but you always have to be prepared for the worst.
  3. During my first year there, a student was stabbed by someone from another class. YES. STABBED. INSIDE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. A SCHOOL that had more than 1,000 students had ONE (1) Guard.  I never found out if the student survived, but one thing I learned for sure, you'll never know when it's your time.  CHERISH EVERY MOMENT YOU HAVE.
How'd my life change? It changed A LOT.  Don't you think?  

I would like to believe that this is exactly what you call --- HARDENED BY TIME. 

Sounds harsh, doesn't it? It was, but it all worked out in the end. In all fairness to that sh*thole public school that has enjoyed putting me into the limelight for being the private school girl that lost all her family money -- It was a fun experience where I was able to see who my real friends were (from the former school) and met new friends who became a part of my life.

Blog Cover Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

***

50 Sweet Ideas: Things to Blog About by Fat Mum Slim
One sunny day, I was sick and stuck at home.  I was staring at my blog for sometime and then found myself googling "Blog Ideas" and saw A LOT, but this list from Fat Mum Slim's Blog is my favorite as its the kind of things/memories I'd like to lock in this blog. 

Hence, a promise to my blogging self was made --- finish all 50 for 2019!

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1/50: 50 Things to Blog About | 2019

August 07, 2019
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