My Top 12 K-Drama Shows To Watch
October 25, 2017 • DIY | Tips | Lists, Gong Yoo, KDrama, Korean Dramas, Nam Joo Hyuk, Park Bo Gum, Song Joong Ki
If you read my previous post, then you would know that I was jobless (and sulking) for 3 months. Since I became a mom, me sulking consisted of late night binge watching while the baby is sound asleep, a bottle of water and countless bathroom breaks. Since I've watched A LOT of K-Dramas over the past 3 months, I thought it was worth a post and sharing it to other beings like me who as they said are "nagpakain na sa sistema" :)
So, let me share with you my K-Drama list which consists of both new and old shows. Enjoy!
BTW, I'm bad with reviews-- forgive me, so I wouldn't share much as I might give too much to those who haven't seen it. Hihi.
12. Big
When I was thinking of sharing this list, I told myself I had to start with a Gong Yoo drama and so first on the list is GY's 2012 drama, Big. I wasn't big (pun intended :P) on the plot. For me it was kind of Freaky Friday meets Never Been Kissed. The whole show had a good build up, but somehow went down the drain towards the end. It's still a good watch though, specially if you're a GY fan because his charm just dominated the whole show. I mean come on, who wouldn't want a fun and reckless acting Gong Yoo? The lead female character played by Lee Min-Jung, is also very relatable, specially for those in their quarter life crisis stage because her problems and struggles are as real as they can get. Plus, watch out for a shirtless Gong Yoo during Episode 1. Hehe!
11. Cheese in the Trap
The only reason why I was interested in watching this show was because of my (current) ultimate Oppa, Nam Joo Hyuk. First few episodes didn't get me hooked, again I was really just watching it because of NJH. Somewhere in the middle though, you will grow to love the characters. I have never seen a K-Drama with that big of a cast (after The Heirs) and each one actually had a story. The main characters (Park Hae Jin, Kim Go Eun, Seo Kang-Joon and Lee Sung-Kyung) really had strong interesting characters and that ending... oh my, that ending.
10. The Bride of the Water God
Here's another one from my love, Nam Joo Hyuk. I believe this was his second lead role after the Weightlifting Fairy. The same K-drama which NamLee fans accused as the reason of their break up, which most fans believed was fake and was just done for the publicity and ratings of this show. Oha, updated ako diba? Anyway, it's kind of your typical Korean human-deity love story with a little bit of a twist. The story line did have draggy and "ugh" parts, but I kid you not, the times Nam Joo Hyuk was shown topless (even naked in the first episode) makes up for it. Haha! Plus, I love Krystal Jung in this show. It was the first time I've seen her with that persona and kinds of put her in a whole different light from her previous roles. Also, I am no fashion person, but the female lead, Shin Se-Kyung's wardrobe throughout the whole show is my life fashion peg. If only coats and blazers can be worn everyday in the Philippines...
9. Weightlifting Fairy: Kim Bok Joo
This drama was a breath of fresh air. It's a coming of age drama set in a university with student athletes. It gives a glimpse of how they overcome their struggles to becoming adults, experiencing first love, break ups, jealousy, priorities, dealing with the past, friends and family. It was also in this drama that I realized that Lee Sung Kyung was actually a great and dedicated actor --- she used to annoy me with her maldita roles. Her weightlifter role was a big jump from her usual antagonistic roles and she actually gained weight for the show --- which she lost immediately towards the end of the show. Talk about dedication and hard work. Nam Joo Hyuk's character, Joon Hyung is (almost) every college girl's dream --- a swimmer with a compassionate and sensitive character (almost too good to be true po) If you want something light and just for good vibes, this is for you. Be warned though, I finished this in one seating the first time ---- yes, the first time because I watched it 3x. Haha!
Most people watched this because of Lee Min Ho, I didn't. Believe it or not, I watched it because of Jun Ji-Hyun whom I first saw in Drama # 6. She played a mermaid who went all Ariel because she saw Lee Min Ho's character who was a con-artist. Turns out, they were actually lovers in their past life... and the story goes on. Jun Ji-Hyun who's already a seasoned actress in South Korea and is 35 years old! --- guys, 35 years old and she looks like that! Ano ba! ---- is one of my favorites. I like her when it's a serious scene and even more when it's a funny one. Out of all the Korean actresses I've seen, I love her humor and acting style the most. It's a modern day little mermaid story wrapped in Korean folklore. The plot and characters were great, although if you are a major K-Drama fan, you'd probably think that Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Min Ho in one drama is an oversell. Nevertheless, if you're in it for the kilig and feels, this will not disappoint.
7. Love in the Moonlight / Moonlight Drawn by Clouds
I was head over heels Song Joong Ki (Descendants of the Sun) and was endlessly searching for videos of him online. I came across his Domino's Pizza commercial with Park Bo Gum which brought me to watch this drama. This drama delivered. Not only with the plot, but also the characters, the set, the wardrobe, etc. It's the coming of age story of the Crown Prince played by Park Bo Gum who fell in love with a girl, played by Kim Yoo Jung who was pretending to be a man throughout the drama. Why? You have to watch it to find out. The story which involved friendship, love, family, betrayal and even politics was well written. It was serious and fun to watch all at the same time, plus Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung together is just so cute and lovely to look at.
6. My Love from Another Star
I believe this was released about 4-5 years ago here in the Philippines, but I only got to watch it now and it is one of my absolute favorites. Jun Ji-Hyun plays a famous actress who by the powers of destiny moved in next door to the character played by Kim Soo Hyun. Kim Soo Hyun's character was an alien who was living on earth since the Joseon Era. The story had so much twists and kilig feels that will make you finish the whole drama in a day or two. Both Soo Hyun and Ji-Hyun were amazing actors, together they made the show magical.
PS. Do not watch it right next to Legends of the Blue Sea. You'll know why when you see both dramas.
PPS. A proof the that Kim Soo Hyun is a really amazing actor, watch his movie, Secretly, Greatly. You won't regret it.
I am currently re-watching this NOW and it's the 6th time I've seen it. Need I say more? Haha! This is a classic. Released in 2007 with an amazing cast and great plot. It's not your typical rich boy - poor girl story as there is are more twist in the plot than you'd expect. It's fresh, fun and very addictive. Again, the whole show was dominated with Gong Yoo's awesomeness, but all the characters made had their own distinct personalities which you'll grow to love.
4. The Heirs
There are probably more high school themed dramas with a better plot, but the reason why this is in my list is because of the cast. It had such a big cast that you'd think it was trying to convey a really complex story, but no. It was just a straight up rich girl tangled in the world of rich boys, but still gives you the feels nevertheless. You might find the first few episodes slow paced, but it'll build up eventually. Aside from my two favorite girls, Kim Ji Won (Descendants of the Sun) and Krystal Jung (Bride of the Water God) you gotta watch out for Kim Woo Bin. He has such strong character that he sometimes steals the spotlight from Lee Min Ho. The Heirs is a perfect introductory drama to the world of Korean Dramas.
3. Boys Over Flowers
Who doesn't love the drama that brought Lee Min Ho to the hearts of Filipinas? I could no longer count the times I've watched this drama. I actually downloaded the whole thing and had it saved in my external drive for emergency purposes --- and by emergency I mean lazy days hehe! I originally watched this because it was the Korean version of the sensational Taiwanese drama, Meteor Garden, but eventually I loved this more because it was Meteor Garden 1 and 2 rolled into one plus the ultimate and original Oppa of my life, Kim Bum was playing So Ji-Yung, the playboy. I watched the last 2 episodes more than the rest of the episodes since Kim Bum and Kim So Eun (lead female's bestfriend) had more air time in those. If you're an old millennial like me, who grew up watching Dao Ming Xi, San Xai and the rest of F4, I'm sure you loved this drama just as much. And, I forgot to mention, the lead female character, Jan Di (Ku Hye Sun) had the most amazing wardrobe of hoodies and shoes!
Trivia: This show was so controversial when it was released in 2009 because the main cast (F4 and Jan Di) all had minor car accidents before and during filming the series (My oppa, Kim Bum actually had 2 car accidents!) Also, one of the characters that played Sunny (a mean girl that bullies Jan Di) Jang Ja Yeon, committed suicide during the filming of the series due to depression. --- Sad, I know. SO kids, that is why we don't underestimate and make fun of depression, OK?
I don't even know if I have the right words to describe how sensational and great this drama was. Not only because the goblin was played by the ultimate pamnbansang (and parang hindi tumatanda) Oppa, Gong Yoo, but also because the rest of the cast was amazing. Top it with a well written story line, amazing effects and great cinematography. Gong Yoo being a goblin erases all your childhood vision of a green version of Freddie Kruger then add up a grim reaper with Lee Dong Wook's face. My goodness. I also loved the 2 female characters played by Kim Go Eun (Ji Eun Tak) and Yoo In Na (Sunny). Eun Tak annoyed me at first, but you'll love her after the first episode pa lang. I loved Sunny's character right off the bat. Their pairings were amazing and it will give you that pa-cute level of kilig when you're older. You know that kilig feeling you're trying to suppress because you think you're too old for it? That's it. WATCH THIS. You will not regret it.
1. Descendants of the Sun
I have seen this more than 10x. I swear. I was so hooked that I actually felt like I was in the series, no joke. I wanted to be friends with Song Hye Kyo's character! Play episode 1 and I assure you that you will get hooked immediately. I especially loved the scenes that focused on Song Jong Ki --- watch out for the helicopter, emergency room and Urk arrival scenes and you'll see what I mean. AND GUYS HELLO, who wouldn't fall for a romantic series where the two main characters actually fell in love in real life and ARE GETTING MARRIED --- this weekend. DIBA???
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There goes my Top 12! If you read through this, I'm sure kinain ka na din ng sistema like me, so comment down if you have other recommendations! I'm on the look out for the next show to binge
watch!
Hello, I'm Back. AGAIN.
October 24, 2017 • Life Lately, Thoughts
I could no longer count the times I had to say "hello i'm back" in this blog. I've been in and out the blog-loop since I started this thing and every time, I find a reason to explain why I was gone. May it be work, motherhood or what have you, I always had something else that kept me busy, thus the absence. This time, I can't think of any --- or I probably just can't think of the appropriate words to use to describe what has transpired in my life for the past 9 months.
I'm really not sure as to how I can share it without sounding like a whiny pathetic adult, but the first 6 months was really because of work. Work that literally did not just take my time, but also took all my happy mojo away. I was stuck in a job I didn't like and got insulted professionally and personally in more ways than one. Almost a year into that job, I couldn't just take it anymore and left. No, I wasn't acting all millennial-ish saying I deserved better and all that. I was literally hired to be in this particular position, then when the big boss didn't feel like I should be in that post anymore, she demoted me and my salary too! --- mind you that's illegal! Labo diba? It's kind of hard to expain because it was kind of a special set up that just went kaput somewhere. Get this, the company owner was my Aunt's personal friend, so you can just imagine how that went down.
The job fiasco was more than 3 months ago. For 3 whole months, I had nothing (except for my little girl, of course) and I had to rethink my whole life plan. Deep, noh? By nothing, I meant I felt like I was going nowhere. My birthday was fast approaching then, meaning that's another year older, but not wiser experience for me. I was a soon-to-be-has-been in the corporate slavery world and I was jobless.
I tried applying to 6 jobs on Jobstreet and NO ONE CALLED ME --- that was a first time! Imagine how bad I felt that time. During my early 20's - mid 20's job hunting was a breeze. I'd apply online to 3-5 jobs, and all those would call me for an interview, I'd get 3 offers out of 5 and you know the drill. Now, there was nothing, nada. I was lost. I suddenly remembered my Mom telling me "hindi ka in demand habang buhay, pag tumanda ka, marerealize mo na iba na ang competition sa work force" and it's true. You are not as in demand and as fresh as you were when you were fresh grad and just had some years of experience. Sure, I have more experience and that should be an edge, but it could also be a hindrance since company's know you charge more. So, alam mo yun, sometimes being old and experienced could be a bad thing when job hunting. More than that, if you're really lost emotionally and mentally, it's really hard to get a job or any other thing in your life for that matter. Technically speaking, if you don't know yourself, you also tend not to know what you like --- AND I think that's where my problem lies.
After my birthday and 3 jobless months, i'm back to blogging... Have I got everything figured out? NO. That's a loud and clear, NO. I think that's probably why I am back here. Blogging and reading blogs has always given me a wider perspective and look at things. I guess I was thinking that if I make papansin here again, I'll get smart and wiser opinions on things OR maybe I just needed this as an outlet.
So yeah, that's pretty much it. Hello AGAIN guys, I'm back. <3
PS. Any suggestions for any new series I can do on the blog?
PPS. I am no longer jobless, just in case any of you is concerned, hihi. I am back in the advertising and events world. Yes! Want to work with me? Click here!
PPPS. Another thing, support Mainline Clothing Co. will you? THANK YOU! Will be doing a giveaway soon!
Review: Dead Sea Mud Acne Removal Mask Set
January 13, 2017 • Products
What better way to welcome the new year than a "proper" blog review post. It's been awhile since I posted a decent review, so I decided to do one at the start of the year (thinking it might actually make me do it regularly for the rest of the year)
I Am Born Kids Apparel x Bebe Bottom
December 04, 2016 • IAB Kids Apparel, Momma Diaries, Products
If you've been following me on instagram, you'd know that I am cloth diaper user and a fan of unique prints. Ever since I was pregnant, I have been researching the what nots and slowly creating a stash for Avery.
When she was about 7 months, my CD buying and hoarding got out of hand (I literally spend more on cloth diapers, than my own clothes) and so I thought of creating my own diapers. I though it'd be cool because I'd get to design all of Avery's diapers and I could also sell some under I Am Born Kids Apparel. After months of research and learning and sourcing out the materials, I finally gave in. I may have the skills to design and layout them, but I definitely do not have the skill (and time) to sew/make them. I know I could've just hired someone to make them, but then I think it would lose that "love" and "personal" touch that you get when you order from work at home moms (WAHM)
A few weeks back, I found out about FabrikaMNL. They were the biggest answer to my prayers! FabrikaMNL is custom fabric printing online shop that prints on ready cloth diaper cuts fabric. So I had a layout printed and I sent it one of my favorite WAHM's, Mommy Mel of Bebe Bottom.
While talking to Mommy Mel about custom printed fabrics and having them sewn etc. nauwi kami to talking about having a collaboration. I put up my designs and sell them and she sews them! And now, all my ideas and layouts/designs won't go to waste!
Our collab prints are now uploaded in the Bebe Bottom group. Here's a peak to the collection:
I will also be uploading some other IAB Kids Apparel exclusive designs and layouts which you can order and may be shipped to you or a WAHM of your choice. :)
Haayyyy... Have I known about FabrikaMNL and that this set up will actually work, I would've released the prints a long time ago. Hihi! Oh well! It's never too late.
Join the group today or Like I Am Born Kids Apparel on facebook to join the first batch of prints on January!
A few weeks back, I found out about FabrikaMNL. They were the biggest answer to my prayers! FabrikaMNL is custom fabric printing online shop that prints on ready cloth diaper cuts fabric. So I had a layout printed and I sent it one of my favorite WAHM's, Mommy Mel of Bebe Bottom.
Our collab prints are now uploaded in the Bebe Bottom group. Here's a peak to the collection:
I will also be uploading some other IAB Kids Apparel exclusive designs and layouts which you can order and may be shipped to you or a WAHM of your choice. :)
Haayyyy... Have I known about FabrikaMNL and that this set up will actually work, I would've released the prints a long time ago. Hihi! Oh well! It's never too late.
Join the group today or Like I Am Born Kids Apparel on facebook to join the first batch of prints on January!
Sunday Currenlty | 19
November 13, 2016 • Sunday Currently
Reading
I just bought the whole
Writing
My comments and recommendations for this company where I'm doing freelance HR consultancy services at the moment. My head hurts and my progress is slower than I expected, I swear. I haven't been working in the HR industry for more than 3 years. Kalawang na lola mo.
PS. Tomorrow is my deadline for all my progress reports. -_-
Listening
Barking dogs all over the village -_- and Avery reacting to funny scenes in Toy Story
Smelling
My sisters shampoo. Too strong it hurts my nose.
Wishing
I could finish the last phase of the consultancy work I'm doing. I need cash.
Hoping
For a better week ahead. Last week
Thinking
Thinking about a few things actually: (1) Like how I saw someone I know showing interest in one my friends when she's actually dating another friend already. Labo sister! (2) Thinking of new designs for Mainline Clothing's 2017 release (3) Most importantly, I'm thinking: "How long does my Jollibee delivery take to get here? I'm PG already!A worn out shirt and yelllow Beavis and Butthead boxers.
Loving
These new pictures I took with Irie. Irie's the son of my bestfriend, Ferrai. Irie never takes a picture with me because I have this love-hate relationship with him (and his Ate) Hihi! I always (intentionally) make them cry for fun and then make lambing when he's crying already. Last night though, he didn't cry and he actually played with me!
Wanting
To finish a lot of things that has been in my checklist for ages. I have been so busy with so many things that my backlogs started piling up. It actually pains me to see my checklist. So much things I want to finish!
Needing
An eyebrow thread. Need. Badly.
Feeling
Hungover. I am no longer friends with alcohol. #TitasofManila #LolaMode
Clicking
Vans.com :P
Hey you, how's your weekend? Share 'em below!
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