Want to win an iPod Shuffle and Etude House products worth 382 USD?

IAmBabyPanda is having another giveaway and this time it's a thanksgiving giveaway!

The winner will get the following items:

Pink 4th Gen iPod Shuffle

all twenty-four (24) shades of the Etude House Dear My Blooming Lips Talk Lipstick

Etude House Sun Prise Fresh Sun Powder SPF 50/ PA +++ 

Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream 

Etude House OMG Dry Shampoo

I think there are only two days left before this ends so hurry and join now if you want to get these cool products!

To know more about IAmBabyPanda's Thanksgiving Giveaway, you can read her post here.

SiHae in Manila

I HAVE NEVER SEEN A MALL SO PACKED BEFORE.

I couldn't imagine how the people managed to squeeze themselves in the Trinoma Activity Center. I knew a lot of fans were coming but I still got surprised when I saw all the floors filled with people waiting for K-pop superstars and Bench's new models, Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae.



After hearing the news about their "fanmeet" here in the Philippines, I told myself that I would go and see them no matter what happens. So August 15, after work, I rushed to the train station and when I got to Trinoma, I ran as fast as I could hoping that I could still catch them (my friend texted me while I was on my way that the event was moved an hour earlier - from 5pm to 4pm). When I went inside, hundreds of people were already there. Luckily, the show hasn't started yet and I was relieved because that means I still get to see SiHae.

The crowd was wild! They were shouting and screaming the whole time (even before the show started). The shouts and screams got louder as soon as Siwon and Donghae made their appearance on stage at around 5 o' clock.

I knew the event won't be long. It was only for an hour. And for thirty minutes, they were just talking (in Korean of course so I didn't really understand them, actually I couldn't hear them because the people were SO LOUD). For the next thirty minutes, Bench had a giveaway and Siwon and Donghae were asked to sign some shirts and posters for some lucky lucky fans (lucky fans are those who won in Bench's raffle). Other lucky lucky lucky fans even had the chance to pose in front of the camera with the two heartthrobs (I AM SOOOOOO JEALOUS OF THESE PEOPLE).

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. I bought a camera but I did not have enough free space on my memory card (for high quality photos) and I couldn't really take their picture because the people in the area where I was (especially those who were in front of me) were taller than me. And I am 5 feet 4 inches tall

I was able to make my way to the front though (thanks to those who pushed me and others) so I got a better view. I could only see their side profiles (of course I would, I was staying at the right side of the stage!) but I caught a glimpse of the boys' faces from time to time (THEY LOOKED SO BEAUTIFUL OMG ;_;)

Before we knew it, the show was over. Siwon and Donghae said goodbye but I think they said that they would be back. I wish they have another concert here ("SS5! SS5!", the fans chanted during the event). Super Junior fighting!





Some pictures of the event (from Twitter):

Fans waiting outside the mall as early as 7am.. WHOA!

Thank you Mr. Ben Chan for bringing Siwon and Donghae to Manila!

SNSD, EXO confirmed for 'K-POP Fantasy' concert in PH on January 2013

Filipino K-pop fans are getting worked up with the news of SNSD (short for So Nyeo Shi Dae 소녀시대), also known as Girls' Generation, coming to the Philippines next year. (Read original article here.)

EXO, SM Entertainment's newest boy group, was also confirmed (by Happee Sy in Twitter) to be coming with their noonas/sunbaes.

It is also rumored that 2PM, Infinite, CN Blue and B1A4 will be joining the said concert. (SIX K-pop groups in ONE concert? OMG IT'S LIKE WATCHING MUSIC BANK/MUSIC CORE/INKIGAYO LIVE)

I still don't know if this is true (although there is already an article written in Korean and someone who works in a production company has already confirmed it) and I don't want to believe this yet because there is no official statement from SM and other entertainment companies.

Nanananana S-P-Y

What kind of song is this?

Buy the repackaged album and listen to the other new songs: Outsider, Only U and Haru (they're really nice)

It's very different from what I expected. When I saw the teaser, I honestly thought it was going to be super cool. But when I heard the audio, I was like, "Is this a joke?" (seriously)

The intro was so funny. Donghae, Eunhyuk and the nursery rhyme/circus background music. Lol so cute. And the maknaes in monotone, WTF they cracked me up (especially Ryeowook HAHA sorry bias). Also what's up with Leeteuk's hair? O_O

I really like the teneneneneeen (spy movie theme sound) + "I got you little runaway" though. It is my favorite part of the song. I actually thought that it would be the overall melody, but it wasn't. Still, I like the song. Although it is bipolar, as one Youtube user described it, it's funky and catchy.

The MV was just released last week and the dance version was uploaded yesterday.

They're still in boxes but I think this one's a bit different; maybe it's because of the effects used (heart shots lol)

The dance was... okay. It was not as cool as their other dances but it's good.

There is another video for smartphone usage (I don't get this):

I C NO DIFFERENCE (from the original music video)

Song Joong Ki's A Werewolf Boy

It doesn't look like a new movie; Joong Ki looks so young!

Reminds me a bit of Twilight (maybe because of the scenes shot in the woods).

When does this come out?

KCC Movie Screening: Sunny 써니

Yesterday I went to the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines to attend the movie screening of "Sunny".

Movie poster

I actually had no idea what the movie was about; I just saw the post in KCC's Facebook page and I decided to register since I wanted to go out. Luckily, I got booked. Since I left work around 5pm, I thought I was not going to be late for the event (it starts at 6:30pm). But I was. I thought it was still early so I walked around the mall and when I looked at the time, it was already past six. I rushed to the bus terminal but when I got there, I didn't see any buses; only a very long line of people waiting. To cut the story short, I was late and wasn't able to watch the first part of the movie. But I still enjoyed it. There were a lot of funny scenes as well as dramatic ones (if only I weren't in a public place, I would've had cried a river). It was a very touching story. It reminded me of how nice it is to have girl friends who you can count on during the good and the bad times. Also, when I saw the Sunny members together, I remembered my mom and thought, 'Are my mom and her friends like that too?' (lol) Anyway, I'm recommending this to her (she also likes watching Korean dramas and movies!) and to everyone who believes that friendships can last a lifetime :-)

Movie trailer

Phil-Kor Culture Exchange Night

I wasn't able to go to the Hallyu Fest and see Boyfriend last month but I had the chance to attend one of the last events organized by the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines for their first year anniversary celebration.

Last Friday (August 10), I went to KCC for the Culture Exchange Night and saw a lot of performances by both Filipinos and Koreans. I came late because I left work late and I (kinda) got lost (it was my first time commuting there). When I arrived, a Filipino group was performing. I think they promote Philippine folk music because they were using native musical instruments. There was a game afterwards, and it was called "Action Speed" (not really sure because I didn't hear it clearly). It is similar to charades but it is also quite different. According to the host, this game is popular in many Korean variety shows. Here's an example:

This is not from a Korean variety show but I think it's the same game

I took some pictures but they're not high quality (I should get the camera fixed soon).

Hadiya Ladip is this year's Pinoy K-pop Star!

I can't remember the name of their group but it's in Korean...

...and they're from De Le Salle University

Some Koreans were asked to go up on stage to play Calamansi Relay

Group 2 wins!

Short interview with the members of Boys On Fire, the grand prize winner of 2012 K-pop Cover Dance Festival

They performed a remix of 2NE1 songs including I Love You, Fire and I'm The Best

KCC volunteers

I also have some videos of the performances, but I think there' something wrong with the video uploader here so I'll just upload it maybe next week.

Anyway, I'm happy that I got to be part of this event. More power to KCC! :-)

Want to win K-pop albums and Korean beauty products?

IAmBabyPanda is giving away YGE and SME gifts & beauty goodies this rainy season!

You can choose between two gift packs.

The YGE gift pack includes:

• 2NE1 Album by 2NE1
• Alive Album by Big Bang
• Innisfree Eco Natural Green Tea BB Cream SPF25/PA++ 
• Makeup Forever HD Blush Microfinish Cream Blush in Fuchsia
• Nyx Soft Matte Lip Creams in Monte Carlo, Addis Ababa, Abu Dhabi, Instanbul, Amsterdam 
• Etude House Highlight Me Body Glam SPF 50+/  PA+++ 
• Dolly Wink Liquid Liner in Black 
• Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara

While the SME gift pack includes:

• The Boys Album by Girls' Generation
• Sexy, Free and Single Album by Super Junior
• Innisfree Eco Natural Green Tea BB Cream SPF25/PA++
• Makeup Forever HD Blush Microfinish Cream Blush in Fresh Pink
• Nyx Soft Matte Lip Creams in Monte Carlo, Addis Ababa, Milan, Tokyo, San Paulo
• Etude House Highlight Me Body Glam SPF 50+/  PA+++
• Dolly Wink Liquid Liner in Black
• Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara

To know more about the contest, you can visit IAmBabyPanda's blog here.

My Kind of Spy(s)

I've always liked spy/secret agent/detective stuff because they are sooooo cool. And they (the spy/secret agent/detective) are so smart, I envy admire them (I wish I could be one!). And just so you know, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible) and Jason Bourne (Matt Damon in the Bourne trilogy) are some of my favorite agents.

But I think I have found my ultimate spy crush(es). Watch this video:

SJ 007

Recently, it was announced that Super Junior will be releasing a repackaged album with a title track called 'Spy'. In today's M! Countdown, the boys had a special stage and they performed the song, together with Mr. Simple and Sexy, Free & Single.

"Because I'm naughty naughty, hey I'm Mr. Simple" who is "sexy, free and single.. and ready to bingo!"

Looks like this one's inspired by James Bond

So what do you think about the unofficial teaser?

(Credits to Excentrique1106 for the videos)

Areumdaun Bamiya Iya!

It's been almost a week since BEAST has returned with their newest song, 아름다운 밤이야, also known as Beautiful Night.

When I first heard the audio, I was surprised; it was different from what was on their Midnight Sun teaser (it wasn't the teaser for Beautiful Night after all). But then I thought that that would be how their latest single would sound (I'm actually curious to what the song would be like if it was the same as the one on the teaser). Aside from that, when they released Midnight, I thought that it was the actual title track so I didn't expect that they would be releasing another song afterwards. I was not disappointed though, because I liked Beautiful Night after watching and listening to it the first time!

Unlike most K-pop music videos (which are filmed in a set/studio), BEAST's Beautiful Night MV was shot in the streets of New York. Pretty cool, huh? They flew to the States just to give the fans a new sight. I liked how there were a lot of colors in the video, not to mention on the boys' hair and clothes too! I wonder how Junhyung thought/felt about his new hairstyle (because I personally dislike it and I feel sorry for him). Poor Junnie!

Although I am happy for the other members, especially for Kikwang. He got better in singing (which is why I think he had more lines now). I noticed that Doojoon has also more singing parts than before. Yoseob and Dongwoon look good with their new hair. And Hyunseung, uh, I don't know what happened to him. The stylist must be mad because his clothes were horrible.

I was expecting to see the actual dance for the song in the MV but it was not shown. Good thing Prepix Haw uploaded the practice video on his Youtube account.

If you haven't seen it yet, here is the official MV of BEAST's 아름다운 밤이야 (Beautiful Night):

I hope you like it!

INFINITE's Cheese Bag... I Mean She's Back

I just discovered this song two days ago. I saw the PV teaser on Facebook and I decided to check it out. I liked it instantly so I watched the original (Korean) version. When I saw the full PV on my news feed this morning, I clicked it right away.

There were slight differences between the Japanese and Korean versions but I didn't mind; I still liked it! It's a nice song and it makes me happy. It reminds me of summer and I love how the boys are having fun in the video.

For those who haven't watched/listen to it yet, here are the videos:

Korean version

Japanese version

Super Junior's 8th Win

I know I just wrote about Super Junior's Triple Crown win yesterday but here's another update on the boys' winnings.

After getting first place for three weeks in Show Champion and M! Countdown, Super Junior has won again today on Music Bank. For the second time, the group has topped the music show's K-charts. One more win and they will be receiving another Triple Crown. Yehey!

Shortly after the announcement was made, #SexyFreeandSingle8thWin began trending worldwide on Twitter.

Again, congratulations to the boys!

'Miss Panda & Hedgehog' Teaser

FHASDVHSABFHSDSAGGHSADLKJKLASJ FHNLJK HASKHSA OMG DONGHAE WHYYYYY ;A;

15s & 30s Preview of SBS New Drama 'To The Beautiful You'

15s

30s

Taken from SMTown's official Youtube channel

'To The Beautiful You' will start airing on August 15.

KFEST 3

This weekend is truly going to be a memorable one to all Hallyu fans in the Philippines because aside from KCC's Hallyu Fest 2012 tomorrow, the 3rd Annual KPOP AND CULTURE FEST (organized by KFest Manila Events Management) will be happening on Sunday at the SM Megatrade Hall 2 in SM Megamall.

The 3rd Annual KPOP AND CULTURE FEST official poster

There will be performances from various K-pop cover groups and special numbers featuring previous KFEST IDOL winners, cosplay event, fanchant battle, games, eating contests, exhibits and booths. Also, exciting prizes will be given away! Some lucky VIPs may even get to win tickets to Big Bang's Alive Galaxy Tour concert on October 24, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

So what are you waiting for? Don't miss the chance and attend this year's KPOP AND CULTURE FEST!

Calling All K-pop Dancers!

The Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines is looking for young and talented dancers who are willing to train and be part of their K-pop Dance Team.

Read more about the audition here.

KCC Celebrates Its First Year Anniversary

In celebration of their first year anniversary, the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines have prepared a series of events for those who wish to know more about Korea's culture.

First on the list is the Culture Caravan which was held last July 10 at the Division Office in Pasig City. Students from 28 city public schools learned about Korean traditional games, traditional music and the basics of Korean language.

More photos can be found here

In cooperation with the Korea Ceramic Foundation (KOCEF), KCC has launched "Living Ceramics: The Modern Touch of Korean Heritage", an exhibit on Korea's ceramic tradition.

Here are some of the ceramics that were featured during the inauguration last July 13:

 

If you want to see more photos, you can look at them here or you can visit the Korean Cultural Center and see these treasures for yourselves! The exhibit is still ongoing and it will be open until October 12 (Friday).

Three days ago, the finals for the Pinoy K-pop Star 2012 took place at the Hallyu Wave Hall in the Korean Cultural Center. It was originally scheduled last Saturday (July 21) but because of the bad weather, they had to postpone it. Twelve aspiring candidates were given a chance to show their talent and prove to the judges that they deserve to be the next Pinoy K-pop Star winner and represent the Philippines in the K-pop World Festival in Korea on October.

The Pinoy K-pop Star 2012 finalists and winners with the judges

Tomorrow, KCC will be holding another fun-filled event for all the Hallyu fans out there - Hallyu Fest 2012!

Aside from the K-pop Cover Dance Festival, two other contests will also take place during this event: the Koreanovela Cosplay Contest and the My Best KCC Moment Photo Contest. In addition, Boyfriend will be coming as a special guest! (I'm sure A LOT of fans are going to be there tomorrow.) Furthermore, attendees will have the chance to bring home prizes from games and raffles. And if I'm lucky, I might be one of those! (that is, if my friend and I decide to go and we get tickets) Admission is free but there will be tickets given away tomorrow for those who wish to attend the event, and yes, the tickets are limited. So for those who really want to go, I suggest you arrive at the venue early so that you can get those passes. You can also read about the ticket distribution here.

To know more about the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines, you can visit their website or you can check them out on Facebook. You can also follow them on Twitter!

#SexyFreeandSingle7thWin

Super Junior has once again proven themselves to be the king as they snatched the Triple Crown on Mnet's M! Countdown yesterday. For three consecutive weeks, the boys placed first at the said music show. This is the seventh time they have received an award since they started promoting their latest album, Sexy Free & Single. Earlier this week, they have also won #1 (for the third time) at MBC's Show Champion.

Looks like the boys will be celebrating this weekend.

Congratulations Super Junior!

Sexy, Free & Single... Let's Get Ready to Bingo!

If you're a super fan of Super Junior like me, then I guess you've already watched this video a hundred thousand million times. But hey, who could resist these sexy, free & single, not to mention good looking men?

So are you ready to bingo... again?

Annyeong! ^^

Hi!

So this is my blog. I will be posting about Korean stuff here (mostly K-pop). I will also try to do reviews on Korean products so watch out for it!