Wow...the London Olympics sure have gotten off to a rocky start. There were a couple of upsets within the first couple of days alone.
Swimming icon Michael Phelps didn't win gold in the Men's 400m Individual, he didn't even get on the podium! His team mate, Ryan Lochte, took home the gold.
Jordyn Wieber, the favorite amongst the U.S. women's gymnasts, had an off start with little mistakes on beam and vault. She was ousted from going to the all-around individuals final. Teammates Gabby Douglas and quiet warrior Aly Raisman will be representing the U.S.
But what I thought was the most embarassing, lucky, and newsworthy event of the first couple of days, was the "DQ" (disqualification) of South Korea's aquatic hero, Park Tae Hwan.
In a qualifying heat for the 400m on Saturday, Park swam his best, clearly out-swimming everyone else in the pool. As he was waiting for the times to post, he was given the bad news that he was disqualified for a "false start". Ok, what?
Immediately, footage of the start rolled and again, the question, "what?" From my point of view, and I'm sure most others, it was a clean start.
The South Korean's immediately contested the ruling, which I am so glad they did, and FINA, the sport's global governing body, overturned the ruling.
How embarrassing for the officials watching the event. But that's the Olympics for you.
Park advanced to the final and went on to win Silver, just behind China's Sun Yang.
Jja, Park Tae Hwan, lucky they have video these days.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Check check...
Wow, no views today. Makes me sad. I guess either I bored people with my last post or people are concentrating on the Olympics.
Blog ya later!
Blog ya later!
Nations Unite
(Olympic Fanfare blaring segueing into Call of the Champions)
For the next 17 days, the frenzy will be over the London Olympics. Did you know it is one of the highest viewed events in broadcast history? The last summer Olympics, in Beijing, was the highest viewed event, ever.
Countries from all over the globe will compete for gold. For the love, honor and respect of their country and the world. But what's most important, is that we will be putting all differences aside in the spirit of sportsmanship. Why is it that it's so easy to do that for this, but not everyday?
To all the nations- may the best man or woman win!
(Fade in Summon the Heroes with voice over) Dreams of gold. The ultimate test of courage, strength and agility. Fierce competition culminating in victory for one...
The London Olympics. The world is watching.
Cheesy, I know. Part of my line of work. Wonder how the opening ceremonies will go?
For the next 17 days, the frenzy will be over the London Olympics. Did you know it is one of the highest viewed events in broadcast history? The last summer Olympics, in Beijing, was the highest viewed event, ever.
Countries from all over the globe will compete for gold. For the love, honor and respect of their country and the world. But what's most important, is that we will be putting all differences aside in the spirit of sportsmanship. Why is it that it's so easy to do that for this, but not everyday?
To all the nations- may the best man or woman win!
(Fade in Summon the Heroes with voice over) Dreams of gold. The ultimate test of courage, strength and agility. Fierce competition culminating in victory for one...
The London Olympics. The world is watching.
Cheesy, I know. Part of my line of work. Wonder how the opening ceremonies will go?
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Rappers Can Sing?
I've thought of rappers as just, well, rappers. They can't dance, they can't sing. They just rap.
Imagine my surprise when I came across the likes of Song Seung Hyun of FT Island. He not only raps, he also plays guitar, and...he sings! Take a look at the video below. He comes in for the second verse. (Note that I do not own this video. This is off of a scabiosa's site on Youtube.)
I was so shocked, but at the same time, I could feel a wide smile grow even wider on my face. I am so used to American rappers looking all "gangsta" and be essentially tone deaf when it comes to singing. I am so used to seeing them punctuate their words with quick and hard hand gestures.
When I came across this video of FT Island on a radio show performing "Like A Doll", it was like the heavens opened up above me. I was that impressed and blown away.
Granted his vocals were not as gripping or as strong as other singers, but his tone, oh the tone of his voice. It made me melt. (Sorry Hong Ki, don't worry, I still love you more)
Till this day, whenever Song Seung Hyun sings, it makes me smile. A rapper blew my pre-conceived notions of a rapper out of the rapper. Awesome...
And now...this rapper is in a musical showing off more of his vocals in "Jack the Ripper". Totally awesome.
Just for the heck of it, here is Song Seung Hyun "rapping" in FT Island's "Like Birds" (Sadeul Cheoreom). (Again, I do not own this video. This was off of jihyun0505's site on Youtube. Credit goes to FNC Entertainment who originally produced this video)
Imagine my surprise when I came across the likes of Song Seung Hyun of FT Island. He not only raps, he also plays guitar, and...he sings! Take a look at the video below. He comes in for the second verse. (Note that I do not own this video. This is off of a scabiosa's site on Youtube.)
I was so shocked, but at the same time, I could feel a wide smile grow even wider on my face. I am so used to American rappers looking all "gangsta" and be essentially tone deaf when it comes to singing. I am so used to seeing them punctuate their words with quick and hard hand gestures.
When I came across this video of FT Island on a radio show performing "Like A Doll", it was like the heavens opened up above me. I was that impressed and blown away.
Granted his vocals were not as gripping or as strong as other singers, but his tone, oh the tone of his voice. It made me melt. (Sorry Hong Ki, don't worry, I still love you more)
Till this day, whenever Song Seung Hyun sings, it makes me smile. A rapper blew my pre-conceived notions of a rapper out of the rapper. Awesome...
And now...this rapper is in a musical showing off more of his vocals in "Jack the Ripper". Totally awesome.
Just for the heck of it, here is Song Seung Hyun "rapping" in FT Island's "Like Birds" (Sadeul Cheoreom). (Again, I do not own this video. This was off of jihyun0505's site on Youtube. Credit goes to FNC Entertainment who originally produced this video)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Nichkhun's Regret
Although I just posted about how great soju is, I felt the need to speak my mind about an accident involving 2pm's Nichkhun recently.
If you haven't heard, Nichkhun was involved in a minor accident when his car had bumped into a motorcyclist.
I don't think it would have been sensationalized so much if it weren't for the fact that he was an idol.
Apparently, he had just finished having a couple of beers with his group members and company staff and was driving home to his dorm not too far away when this happened. The motorcyclist is in the hospital with minor injuries and Nichkhun had his license suspended.
My questions are... If he was having drinks with people from his company, and they knew he would be driving, why in the world would you offer a drink to him? And if they had seen him drink, why let him drink another beer? And why wouldn't they have someone make sure he was ok to drive?
To me, it's not entirely NichKhun's fault. (note: his company did take part of the blame in this) He shouldn't have been put in such a situation in the first place. What is his company doing? They are not taking care of their stars properly.
As a result of this, Nichkhun is being edited out of commercials and shows.
Now I understand it's bad PR, and I'm not saying he should get off scot free without consequence, but isn't this a little extreme? He's human, he makes mistakes and he's really sorry. He's playing it low and reflecting on his actions, and his company is making sure the motorcyclist is recovering comfortably.
I hope fans stick by him through this. Poor guy. Best thing for him to do is learn from his mistake and not repeat it. Nichkhun hwaiting!
If you haven't heard, Nichkhun was involved in a minor accident when his car had bumped into a motorcyclist.
I don't think it would have been sensationalized so much if it weren't for the fact that he was an idol.
Apparently, he had just finished having a couple of beers with his group members and company staff and was driving home to his dorm not too far away when this happened. The motorcyclist is in the hospital with minor injuries and Nichkhun had his license suspended.
My questions are... If he was having drinks with people from his company, and they knew he would be driving, why in the world would you offer a drink to him? And if they had seen him drink, why let him drink another beer? And why wouldn't they have someone make sure he was ok to drive?
To me, it's not entirely NichKhun's fault. (note: his company did take part of the blame in this) He shouldn't have been put in such a situation in the first place. What is his company doing? They are not taking care of their stars properly.
As a result of this, Nichkhun is being edited out of commercials and shows.
Now I understand it's bad PR, and I'm not saying he should get off scot free without consequence, but isn't this a little extreme? He's human, he makes mistakes and he's really sorry. He's playing it low and reflecting on his actions, and his company is making sure the motorcyclist is recovering comfortably.
I hope fans stick by him through this. Poor guy. Best thing for him to do is learn from his mistake and not repeat it. Nichkhun hwaiting!
I Soju, We Soju
At the end of one of my earlier posts, I posted a pic of soju. Soju is a popular distilled Korean drink served in bars in Asian bars in the U.S. and certain restaurants in South Korea. It is usually drunk neat and always served in a shot glass to a companion. It has its own serving protocols to show respect to those older than you, but I won't go into more detail as that would be quite long to explain.
Soju can be made from different starches such as rice, wheat, barley and sweet potato and tastes a bit like sake (Japanese rice wine) or vodka.
It can be flavored with fruit, such as strawberry, watermelon (my favorite) or melon and blended with ice to make a slush. These flavored ones are the most dangerous as the fruity flavor takes a bit of the bite away from the alcohol in the soju. Trust me, I've seen many friends become smashed just by drinking a couple of shots.
If you ever come across the chance to try this popular drink, please do. But don't forget you have to be legal to drink it.
It's wonderful ice cold and drunk with a couple of friends. You never want to drink a whole bottle by yourself. It's that potent, no matter what it's mixed with.
Enjoy!
Soju can be made from different starches such as rice, wheat, barley and sweet potato and tastes a bit like sake (Japanese rice wine) or vodka.
It can be flavored with fruit, such as strawberry, watermelon (my favorite) or melon and blended with ice to make a slush. These flavored ones are the most dangerous as the fruity flavor takes a bit of the bite away from the alcohol in the soju. Trust me, I've seen many friends become smashed just by drinking a couple of shots.
If you ever come across the chance to try this popular drink, please do. But don't forget you have to be legal to drink it.
It's wonderful ice cold and drunk with a couple of friends. You never want to drink a whole bottle by yourself. It's that potent, no matter what it's mixed with.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Idols- to tweet or not tweet to?
Ok, something has been bugging me for quite a while.
I'm pretty new to the Twitterverse, so my hash tagging and my quotes are sometimes weird. I also live in a part of the world that's one of the last places to get news because of our time zone. When idols tweet at night, I don't see them in my feed until I wake up the next day. Hours later.
I follow a good part of the South Korean idols, actors, etc. that I like. And more of course. It's cool and exciting to see what they're up to. And the selcas (self camera shots) are funny sometimes, too.
My questions are: when is it ok to tweet to an idol? Like an "out of the blue when you feel like it" tweet? Do you only follow them and reply to their tweets? Is it ok to tweet stars like Lee Hong Ki, Lee Min Ho, CNBlue, Wonder Girls and more questions like "how are you?" or "what have you been up to?" as long as it's not too personal? And when is it too late to reply to a tweet? I feel embarrassed replying to anything more than a couple of hours old. It feels like I'm replying to no one because everyone else has said their peace and moved on.
I wouldn't want to go crazy like sasaengs, wanting to know everything about stars...But is it too much to do that? Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter open up communication. But is there some sort of unstated protocol?
Wildly curious...
And I definitely wouldn't want to offend...
I'm pretty new to the Twitterverse, so my hash tagging and my quotes are sometimes weird. I also live in a part of the world that's one of the last places to get news because of our time zone. When idols tweet at night, I don't see them in my feed until I wake up the next day. Hours later.
I follow a good part of the South Korean idols, actors, etc. that I like. And more of course. It's cool and exciting to see what they're up to. And the selcas (self camera shots) are funny sometimes, too.
My questions are: when is it ok to tweet to an idol? Like an "out of the blue when you feel like it" tweet? Do you only follow them and reply to their tweets? Is it ok to tweet stars like Lee Hong Ki, Lee Min Ho, CNBlue, Wonder Girls and more questions like "how are you?" or "what have you been up to?" as long as it's not too personal? And when is it too late to reply to a tweet? I feel embarrassed replying to anything more than a couple of hours old. It feels like I'm replying to no one because everyone else has said their peace and moved on.
I wouldn't want to go crazy like sasaengs, wanting to know everything about stars...But is it too much to do that? Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter open up communication. But is there some sort of unstated protocol?
Wildly curious...
And I definitely wouldn't want to offend...
Hungry for Soondubu
I can't believe it, but I am actually feeling chilly. I'm sitting in my living room with the door open for a little breeze to come through. It's the middle of summer and it feels like it's late winter/early spring.
Nights like this make me crave for some Soondubu Jjigae or spicy soft tofu soup.
It's a light soup made with spicy pepper paste, veggies like green onion and soft tofu. Sadly, even though it seems relatively easy to make, I haven't been able to try. Sigh...need to up this on my list of recipes to make.
Since I can't make it, when I need a fix, I go to my nearest Korean restaurant to order it. But you can't take it home! Like pho, it's best eaten at the table. With the usual sides of vegetables (banchan), of course. It comes in an earthenware pot, scalding hot, with all the bubbling soup sitting inside waiting to be eaten. Eat with some rice and the aforementioned veggies and you've got a light healthy meal.
Eat you soon, soondubu!
Nights like this make me crave for some Soondubu Jjigae or spicy soft tofu soup.
It's a light soup made with spicy pepper paste, veggies like green onion and soft tofu. Sadly, even though it seems relatively easy to make, I haven't been able to try. Sigh...need to up this on my list of recipes to make.
Since I can't make it, when I need a fix, I go to my nearest Korean restaurant to order it. But you can't take it home! Like pho, it's best eaten at the table. With the usual sides of vegetables (banchan), of course. It comes in an earthenware pot, scalding hot, with all the bubbling soup sitting inside waiting to be eaten. Eat with some rice and the aforementioned veggies and you've got a light healthy meal.
Eat you soon, soondubu!
Image courtesy of me, please ask before using.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sasaeng Fans
I came across this term within the past couple of days after reading a tweet from Korean actor Jang Geun Suk. He was warning these sasaengs (obsessive stalkers)to not interfere into his private life. And apparently, this wasn't the first time he was warning them.
One would think that after the first time, these fans would stop, relax and respect his wishes. In this case, they didn't. Perhaps some thought he wasn't talking to all of them??
In another instance, Super Junior's Heechul had been followed to work and home by these crazed fans. It had gotten so bad that he became very upset and closed his twitter account, @heedictator, and vowed he would spend the next year of his time in the military without tweeting.
This may not seem like anything for some, but if you absolutely adore an idol, to be cut off any form of communication from your idol is equivalent to never seeing them again.
I ask you, for what? A chance to take a whiff of his shirt? To perhaps touch their hair? Perhaps the odd chance they will fall in love with you?
Give me a break! Reign in your hormones! It's not worth the embarrassment or getting hauled off to jail for.
I mean seriously, how would you like it if the tables were turned? Would you want to not be able to walk to your car for fear of someone mugging you?
Give these idols a break! Sasaengs not only spoil the chance of keeping in touch with their idols, but they spoil it for everyone else as well.
I wish they would just stop it. And if any idol is reading this, remember the world is not full of sasaengs and that there are fans who truly want you to be happy.
One would think that after the first time, these fans would stop, relax and respect his wishes. In this case, they didn't. Perhaps some thought he wasn't talking to all of them??
In another instance, Super Junior's Heechul had been followed to work and home by these crazed fans. It had gotten so bad that he became very upset and closed his twitter account, @heedictator, and vowed he would spend the next year of his time in the military without tweeting.
This may not seem like anything for some, but if you absolutely adore an idol, to be cut off any form of communication from your idol is equivalent to never seeing them again.
I ask you, for what? A chance to take a whiff of his shirt? To perhaps touch their hair? Perhaps the odd chance they will fall in love with you?
Give me a break! Reign in your hormones! It's not worth the embarrassment or getting hauled off to jail for.
I mean seriously, how would you like it if the tables were turned? Would you want to not be able to walk to your car for fear of someone mugging you?
Give these idols a break! Sasaengs not only spoil the chance of keeping in touch with their idols, but they spoil it for everyone else as well.
I wish they would just stop it. And if any idol is reading this, remember the world is not full of sasaengs and that there are fans who truly want you to be happy.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Separating Pages
I need to separate some of my posts into different pages...I think I am missing something as I read through the instructions. Help?! I hope I can figure this out soon.
Sexy, Free and Single
Super Junior. <Insert screams from ELFs all over the world>
(Image courtesy of KimLegaspi)
I had to blog about them. A friend of mine is absolutely crazy about them. Especially, Heechul, I mean Eunhyuk! (Sorry, inside joke.)
They had recently come out with their new single, "Sexy, Free and Single", and what a title...I mean, these are young famous men, attractive "eye candy" men, may I add. Can I just say that there were probably all sorts of thoughts going through women's heads when the title was announce? LOL.
There are fans awaiting their comeback, and with members Kangin and Leeteuk switching in and out for mandatory military duty, the single was sure to generate a lot of hype.
But, I digress...other than focusing on how popular they are, the song also reminded me of how idols, like Super Junior, have many limitations.
To fulfill your dreams to become an idol, you have to go through rigorous auditioning, and, if you have that "it" factor, then you get signed by an entertainment agency.
The life of an idol must seem so glamorous. Jet setting from place to place, seeing thousands of adoring fans, doing TV commercials, magazine spreads, photo shoots, having endorsements, cool clothes. But I think sometimes we forget that they can never be normal again. Once you pen your signature, the agency owns you.
Grueling practices and schedules keep them away from friends. Having to live in dorms means they hardly ever see their families for months, sometimes years. Privacy? Yeah right. Girlfriends or boyfriends? Some agencies have a "no dating" policy.
Some don't get to have the luxury of even having their first kiss in private, but rather experience it on some variety show. It must be so hard.
Sexy? Sure, they have the best stylists in the world to help them look that way. But they also have to follow a rigorous diet and exercise.
Free? Yes, in a way. They are free to travel around the world.
Single? For now. Fan girls/boys, actual boyfriends or girlfriends hold on faithfully for their perfect someone. And likewise these idols hope their special someones keep the faith that one day, they will be able to be with them and the world will be ok with it.
So glamorous...yet, not. I give these idols a lot of credit.
Anyway, here is the video that inspired this post. I don't own this video. Credit goes to SM Entertainment and Youtube user "theOnlyAznNinja" for posting this.
Super Junior's "Sexy, Free & Single" with English translations and romanizations. Enjoy the hard work these guys put into this video.
Can't wait to see what they come up with next! Super Junior,
hwaiting!
(Image courtesy of KimLegaspi)
I had to blog about them. A friend of mine is absolutely crazy about them. Especially, Heechul, I mean Eunhyuk! (Sorry, inside joke.)
They had recently come out with their new single, "Sexy, Free and Single", and what a title...I mean, these are young famous men, attractive "eye candy" men, may I add. Can I just say that there were probably all sorts of thoughts going through women's heads when the title was announce? LOL.
There are fans awaiting their comeback, and with members Kangin and Leeteuk switching in and out for mandatory military duty, the single was sure to generate a lot of hype.
But, I digress...other than focusing on how popular they are, the song also reminded me of how idols, like Super Junior, have many limitations.
To fulfill your dreams to become an idol, you have to go through rigorous auditioning, and, if you have that "it" factor, then you get signed by an entertainment agency.
The life of an idol must seem so glamorous. Jet setting from place to place, seeing thousands of adoring fans, doing TV commercials, magazine spreads, photo shoots, having endorsements, cool clothes. But I think sometimes we forget that they can never be normal again. Once you pen your signature, the agency owns you.
Grueling practices and schedules keep them away from friends. Having to live in dorms means they hardly ever see their families for months, sometimes years. Privacy? Yeah right. Girlfriends or boyfriends? Some agencies have a "no dating" policy.
Some don't get to have the luxury of even having their first kiss in private, but rather experience it on some variety show. It must be so hard.
Sexy? Sure, they have the best stylists in the world to help them look that way. But they also have to follow a rigorous diet and exercise.
Free? Yes, in a way. They are free to travel around the world.
Single? For now. Fan girls/boys, actual boyfriends or girlfriends hold on faithfully for their perfect someone. And likewise these idols hope their special someones keep the faith that one day, they will be able to be with them and the world will be ok with it.
So glamorous...yet, not. I give these idols a lot of credit.
Anyway, here is the video that inspired this post. I don't own this video. Credit goes to SM Entertainment and Youtube user "theOnlyAznNinja" for posting this.
Super Junior's "Sexy, Free & Single" with English translations and romanizations. Enjoy the hard work these guys put into this video.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Need Peace
Sorry, I felt the need to express some thoughts I had after this morning. I woke up to find out a shooting had occurred at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight in Aurora, Colorado. A young man had taken a rifle and started firing at people in a movie theater.
I am a little freaked by this... For one, I have friends that live in that little, quiet town. I was checking with all of my friends and trying to call around to make sure they were ok. And that their friends were ok. I guess we were all blowing up their phones so they finally messaged everyone on Facebook that they weren't there and they were all safe.
Secondly, it's another seemingly senseless killing. What is this world coming to nowadays? Initial reports from the police are saying that the young man is "deranged". They are still trying to figure out what set him off.
Right now, all I'm thinking is what could have made this man do what he did? Were there any signs? Could any one have helped him so he wouldn't have gone this far? Are we really all that absorbed in our own lives that we can't see what's happening in other people's lives?
I think events like this should make us more aware of things that are going on with our friends and families. If we know of someone who is feeling down, cheer them up! If someone is going through an especially rough time, show them your support. And if anyone needs help, help that person for goodness sakes!
There's so much violence everywhere, we should show some love to everyone around us. Whether they be near, in our respective hometowns, or far. Filipinos, Koreans, Japanese, Americans, Chinese, Germans, French, etc...Let's show love and support each other!
I am a little freaked by this... For one, I have friends that live in that little, quiet town. I was checking with all of my friends and trying to call around to make sure they were ok. And that their friends were ok. I guess we were all blowing up their phones so they finally messaged everyone on Facebook that they weren't there and they were all safe.
Secondly, it's another seemingly senseless killing. What is this world coming to nowadays? Initial reports from the police are saying that the young man is "deranged". They are still trying to figure out what set him off.
Right now, all I'm thinking is what could have made this man do what he did? Were there any signs? Could any one have helped him so he wouldn't have gone this far? Are we really all that absorbed in our own lives that we can't see what's happening in other people's lives?
I think events like this should make us more aware of things that are going on with our friends and families. If we know of someone who is feeling down, cheer them up! If someone is going through an especially rough time, show them your support. And if anyone needs help, help that person for goodness sakes!
There's so much violence everywhere, we should show some love to everyone around us. Whether they be near, in our respective hometowns, or far. Filipinos, Koreans, Japanese, Americans, Chinese, Germans, French, etc...Let's show love and support each other!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Aigoo Aegyo
Aegyo...what is the meaning of "aegyo"? To me, it sounded like another expression of dismay, like "aigoo".
During my early years exploring Korean entertainment, I used to see a lot of girls (and some guys too!) being all flirty and cute with one another. It's as subtle as the batting of eyes towards the opposite sex, or as extreme as talking in childlike voices. I found out that these actions are what the Koreans call, "aegyo".
When done innocently and spontaneously, it is the absolute cutest thing, however, when overplayed, it can get really darn annoying.
I found this clip on YouTube of a pretend phone call between idols Lee Hong Ki of FT Island and Minah of Girls Day. (Note: I do not own the video and I do not know what show this is from. Credit to Youtube user "pinkyhachirou" for posting this cute video)
Let me say that since I have never had aegyo done to me, this is only what I would imagine it being like.
You be the judge- cute or annoying. =)
During my early years exploring Korean entertainment, I used to see a lot of girls (and some guys too!) being all flirty and cute with one another. It's as subtle as the batting of eyes towards the opposite sex, or as extreme as talking in childlike voices. I found out that these actions are what the Koreans call, "aegyo".
When done innocently and spontaneously, it is the absolute cutest thing, however, when overplayed, it can get really darn annoying.
I found this clip on YouTube of a pretend phone call between idols Lee Hong Ki of FT Island and Minah of Girls Day. (Note: I do not own the video and I do not know what show this is from. Credit to Youtube user "pinkyhachirou" for posting this cute video)
Let me say that since I have never had aegyo done to me, this is only what I would imagine it being like.
Monday, July 16, 2012
SMTown Flash Mob in Hawaii
One of the trends now are groups of people "spontaneously" dancing in public, aka "flash mobs". It's interactive, it's fun, it's attention grabbing.
I was excited when a friend of mine steered me to a page on Facebook promoting this flash mob at the Korean Festival this year. The idea was to show SM Entertainment, home to artists such as Girls Generation, Super Junior and TVXQ, that hey, Hawaii wants some love! Bring your artists to Hawaii! Bring any K-Pop artist to Hawaii!
I've always felt that the folks in Hawaii get passed by because we're stuck in the middle of the ocean. People on the continental U.S. don't even realize we're even one of the 50 states. No, really, some really don't know.
We see K-Pop groups performing in LA (such as the MNet Stand Up Concert featuring FNC groups CNBlue and FT Island, love them btw), New York and all over Asia. But not here in Hawaii. It's depressing, really...sigh.
Anyway, since this looked fun, I want to help the cause. I'm helping this video go viral!
(Note that I do not own this video. Credit goes to Youtube user "kpopinparadise" and the awesome people that actually endured the heat to record this.)
It was a nice touch at the beginning with an intro using "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" from Disney's Lilo and Stitch soundtrack before segueing into the first song in the mix. They danced to popular songs by Girls Generation, SHINee and Super Junior, amongst many others. So cool!
I was excited when a friend of mine steered me to a page on Facebook promoting this flash mob at the Korean Festival this year. The idea was to show SM Entertainment, home to artists such as Girls Generation, Super Junior and TVXQ, that hey, Hawaii wants some love! Bring your artists to Hawaii! Bring any K-Pop artist to Hawaii!
I've always felt that the folks in Hawaii get passed by because we're stuck in the middle of the ocean. People on the continental U.S. don't even realize we're even one of the 50 states. No, really, some really don't know.
We see K-Pop groups performing in LA (such as the MNet Stand Up Concert featuring FNC groups CNBlue and FT Island, love them btw), New York and all over Asia. But not here in Hawaii. It's depressing, really...sigh.
Anyway, since this looked fun, I want to help the cause. I'm helping this video go viral!
(Note that I do not own this video. Credit goes to Youtube user "kpopinparadise" and the awesome people that actually endured the heat to record this.)
It was a nice touch at the beginning with an intro using "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" from Disney's Lilo and Stitch soundtrack before segueing into the first song in the mix. They danced to popular songs by Girls Generation, SHINee and Super Junior, amongst many others. So cool!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Duk~Duk~Dukkbokki!
One of my favorite Korean dishes is spicy rice cake, or dukk bokki. I had it once at a Korean restaurant near my house and I fell in love with it's spicy goodness at once! (Photo courtesy of moi, me. A photo I took right before I devoured this dish with friends. If you want to use it, please ask.)
It's rice sticks simmered in a slightly sweet and mostly spicy red pepper sauce with anything from fish cake, green onion and pork. It's hearty and satisfying, great on cold blustery days in the winter. Note that there isn't actually a "winter" season where I live, however it does get pretty darn cold for our tastes.
I'm always looking to make new things at home for my family. I was really at a loss at how to make it until I found this YouTube video by a user named Maangchi. I've come across a couple of her other videos and like them and I thought I would give it a try. She's very detailed and takes you step by step through the whole process.
Let me tell you, it's delicious! I now make my own dukk bokki at home instead of buying. I usually put in some pork, extra dried anchovies (cause I love them) and more sugar (cause I'm a sugar-holic). Unless I'm feeling lazy that is, then I'll buy it at the nearest Asian market.
Most of the ingredients shown in the video can be found in Asian or Korean markets.
Mmmm, just thinking about it makes me want to make some now!
Click the link below to view the video!
Dukk Bokki Recipe
And after you're done eating, you just may want to indulge in some watermelon or some other flavored soju!
Photo courtesy of moi, me. If you would like to use it, please ask me)
It's rice sticks simmered in a slightly sweet and mostly spicy red pepper sauce with anything from fish cake, green onion and pork. It's hearty and satisfying, great on cold blustery days in the winter. Note that there isn't actually a "winter" season where I live, however it does get pretty darn cold for our tastes.
I'm always looking to make new things at home for my family. I was really at a loss at how to make it until I found this YouTube video by a user named Maangchi. I've come across a couple of her other videos and like them and I thought I would give it a try. She's very detailed and takes you step by step through the whole process.
Let me tell you, it's delicious! I now make my own dukk bokki at home instead of buying. I usually put in some pork, extra dried anchovies (cause I love them) and more sugar (cause I'm a sugar-holic). Unless I'm feeling lazy that is, then I'll buy it at the nearest Asian market.
Most of the ingredients shown in the video can be found in Asian or Korean markets.
Mmmm, just thinking about it makes me want to make some now!
Click the link below to view the video!
Dukk Bokki Recipe
And after you're done eating, you just may want to indulge in some watermelon or some other flavored soju!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
First Blog Ever
So, needing to find an outlet for my thoughts and interests, I decided to start my own blog site. A place I can say what I want, when I want. And maybe, just maybe, someone may be able to relate to what I have to say.
Why the title "Fabulously Filorean"? Well, stemming off of my strong, well, close to obsessive, addiction to anything Korean (music, drama, food, etc.) and the fact I am Filipino, I decided to go with "Filorean". It fits me very well. My husband is always saying I have an identity crisis. Maybe I do? And I am proud of it!
If you're reading this, welcome! Thanks for coming by and hope you'll stick with me. Look forward to many more posts from me!
Why the title "Fabulously Filorean"? Well, stemming off of my strong, well, close to obsessive, addiction to anything Korean (music, drama, food, etc.) and the fact I am Filipino, I decided to go with "Filorean". It fits me very well. My husband is always saying I have an identity crisis. Maybe I do? And I am proud of it!
If you're reading this, welcome! Thanks for coming by and hope you'll stick with me. Look forward to many more posts from me!
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