Memory 12: The 2011 Idol Drama Hit Enters The Philippine Television Scene

When I first heard about this drama on www.allkpop.com, I immediately looked for it on the internet and researched about this idol drama, Dream High. Since my favorite JYP talents were casted in the show -- Jang Wooyoung, Ok Taecyeon, IU, Suzy and Ham Eunjung -- I asked for a friend for a copy (for personal use and no plans on distributing them). I watched it and fell in love with the whole drama and casts. Also, I fell in love with the songs in the drama.

Here are my favorite songs. Hope you like them. :)

A Goose's Dream - Originally by Insooni, Sung by Suzy (Go Hyemi) and Ham Eunjung (Yoon Baekhee) as a duet for the Kirin Arts School auditions

My Valentine -  Sung by Ok Taecyeon, Nichkhun & Park Jin Young. This was a live broadcast in one of the biggest music programs in South Korea. 

Someday - Sung by IU (Kim Pilsuk) with special appearance from Jang Wooyoung (Jason). MY FIRST FAVORITE DREAM HIGH COUPLE! :">

Winter Child - Sung by Suzy (Yoon Baekhee) in one of their master classes in Kirin. She dedicated it to her childhood friend Ok Taecyeon (Jingook). THEY ARE MY SECOND FAVORITE DREAM HIGH COUPLE! :">

So if you want to see more of Dream High, you can easily search their videos on YouTube. And for Pinoys, watch Dream High on ABSCBN Primetime Bida after Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 4. :) ENJOY!

Memory 11: Something To Be Proud Of

Don't know why I am into arts but one thing's for sure, I love to express myself in any way possible -- song, dance, acting, writing, and even texting. :)) But for this Thomasian and Filipino designer, he's not just to express but also to impress people with his craft -- fashion design. 

Now that he's entering the international scene thru America's Next Top Model, we Pinoys should be proud of him. Francis Libiran will bring pure Filipino talent into the world. As a fellow Thomasian, I'm proud that I came from the University with him. He's my sunbae (senior in Korean). Hihihi.

Here's the video of the photo shoot and interviews with Michael Carandang (Producer, America's Next Top Model), Anne Curtis, Francis Libiran, and the people who worked hard for this project.

Memory 10: My KPOP Triumvirate

WARNING: This post is all about my top three guys in the KPOP industry. You will see how extreme my interests are; in short, how weird I am. Hihihi. :"> Their personalities are very different but they all share the passion to entertain not just their fellow Korean citizens but also the whole wide world. Anyway, you have been warned. KPOP fans and those who share the same sentiment with me, hands up! :)

KIM YOUNG WOON a.k.a. KANGIN of Super Junior

One of SJ's baritone vocals, Radio DJ (Chinhan Chingoo with Kim Taeyeon of SNSD), Host (of various broadcast programs), SJ's Appa, & Korea's No. 1 Handsome Guy (according to him).

KWON JI YONG a.k.a. GDRAGON of Big Bang

Singer-songwriter and producer of Big Bang, tagged as the Kwon Leader, Fashionista, & One of the highest earners and property owners in the KPOP industry 

OK TAECYEON of 2PM

2PM's mascot because of his body built, One of the rappers who has an appealing low voice, First to enter the movie scene among 2PM members, Acrobat, Fashion Disaster, Sexy voice especially when he speaks English, & The spokesperson of 2PM

So ELFs, VIPs, Hottests, what do you think? Hit the comment box and let me know! :)

Memory 9: Photo Essay (A Day In A Life of A Gun Instructor)

Like what I posted in Memory 7, I always enjoy taking pictures. It gives me a different happiness whenever I hold a camera and take pictures. I don't stick with one subject. Most of the time, I take pictures of random objects. Hihihi. But here's a photo essay I did with my friend for our requirement for Print and Photojournalism. We used a Canon 1000D from a friend for this plate.

Our subject is my father who works at ARMSCOR as a Gun Instructor. He's been working for this company for many years now. He was a PATTS Aeronautical Engineering graduate but opted to pursue what he really loves to do and that is practical shooting.  But the opportunity to teach people about proper firearms use and safety paved way for a long term career for him. I am proud of my father. :) I didn't get the hang of practical shooting like him but to share his talent with my friends for this photo essay meant a lot for me.

So here's the photo essay I'm talking about...

Credits: Tubera & Saguiguit, 2011

My father assisted us all throughout the shoot. We followed the rules that are strictly imposed in their company. We even signed the waivers. Don't worry. We went through a screening before the shoot and the firearms that we used are licensed. :)

Memory 8: I'm a PANKYSTA!

I was thinking of what to post today; something that would show my preferences particularly in music. I was checking my timeline when my favorite rock star tweeted and I decided to share something about her since I'm a fan... I'm a PANKYSTA! :)

So here's my history of being a Pankysta for 6 years and counting...

(Credits: Panky Trinidad's Facebook profile)

Mariangela Soleil Frias Trinidad, also known as Panky, was a Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1 scholar. Being one of the singer-songwriters in their batch, she showed great potential to become a versatile singer. Her personality left an impression to the audience and even with her mentors in the Academy.

She was criticized for her strong personality and physical appearance. But she silenced the criticisms with her powerful vocals and great stage presence. Every week, she proved that she deserves to be in the Academy. She made it in the Top 6 and ranked fourth. I was able to watch the Dream Night with my mom and a friend. I was really happy to see her sing live for the first time. :)

A cut from the duet of Panky and Chad "Gemini" 

Top 6 scholars (From R-L); Chad, Panky, Ron, Yeng, Irish, and JayR. (Credits: PEP)

DREAM NIGHT (December 16, 2006) @ The Araneta Coliseum. Panky received her diploma from Head Master Jimmy Paredes.

AFTER PDA

As part of the privileges of being a PDA Scholar, she was given a chance to be part of the ASAP stage and perform with the other scholars. I was happy that I'll see her perform every week but after some time, ASAP changed their line ups/segments. I didn't know what happened to her and the rest of the scholars after that.


I remember she did the Dragonna theme song where Shaina Magdayao was the lead character. Also, she was part of CEBALO, a product of PDA Season 1, who sang Pinoy Ako for PBB Celebrity Edition 1. CEBALO also collaborated with fellow scholar and Grand Star Dreamer Yeng Constantino in her debut album for the song "Time In."

I think it was early 2011 or late 2010 when I saw her with a band in Umagang Kay Ganda. I literally jumped and squealed at 5:30 in the morning when I saw her on TV, It's been a long time and I'm just happy to know she's doing fine with her band VERSION 4.0.

♥ ♥ ♥

I've always been a fan of hers because I know she's a very talented artist. She never fails to amaze me with her powerful vocals. I hope she gets a chance with her band to be on the big stage again. I believe she will inspire more singers like me. :)

Here's my short fan girl story... I was looking for her profile on Google when I saw how active she is with her band through her twitter account. Also, she lost a lot of weight and she looks really cool. :) But what really made my smile was when I started following her on twitter, she re-tweeted some of my tweets and even replied several times. I was enjoying my fan girl moment that time. I told my cousin about it and we decided that when we're both free, we'll see Panky and Version 4.0 live soon.

MY FAVORITES....

Panky's version of Adele's Rolling In The Deep with Version 4.0 @ Strumm's

Panky's version of Hold The Line with Version 4.0 @ Strumm's

Panky's version of Turning Tables with Version 4.0 and Ivan on keys @ Strumm's

(Credits: SuperRockGodess on Youtube)

Watch these videos and listen to her powerful vocals. Let me know what you think and leave a comment. :) Thank you!

More about Panky here... http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=742927245&sk=info, www.twitter.com/pankyrocks, and http://www.youtube.com/user/SuperRockGodess

Memory 7: Click, click, and voila!

I've always been fascinated with photography. When we had our Print and Photojournalism subject on my junior year, I was excited to take pictures and collaborate with my classmate since our professor required us to work in pairs. We didn't use DSLR in our first few plates. We used a range finder and the printing made us exhaust all our savings. We used films and that reminded me of the old cameras. It was a good training but I'd prefer DSLR. We had a chance to use an digital camera for our final requirement. It was a fun experience for me to take pictures of whatever subject. I just feel happy whenever I hold a camera. I don't own any camera as of now but for sure, I'll have one someday.

Here are some photos that I took using my cousin's DSLR with prime lens. It was tricky since you can't just shoot and shoot. You have to adjust the zoom and make it sure to get the right focus. This was all taken during our two-day reunion with the Madrid family!

 "THE SESSION" 

"Playing with Mickey Mouse Cards" 

"With the Camsibatah Babies"

"Sequel ng Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin Paglulutuan Pa Rin Kita Ng Kanin" 

"Lolo Openg"

 "Our very own Santino" 

"I just can't stop loving you..."

Credits to Lester Ibañez

Memory 6: 5th of July 2010 (Roller Coaster)

I wrote this on the 17th of July 2010, 12 days after he entered the army. I was really sad to know that he'll be away for two years. I was worried about his family that time. He went through a lot of controversies and maybe enlisting in the army will be the solution for him to learn his lessons. I believe he learned a lot now. 

Before anything else, I am a huge KPOP fan especially Super Junior since the release of Don't Don (2008). But I'm exposed to Korean culture since Stairway to Heaven and Endless Love, two of the best Korean drama series was dubbed and aired here in the Philippines. When I started to be more curious about Korea and being the music lover that I am, I got interested with KPOP. So to cut the long story short, I noticed Kim Youngwoon, famously known as Kangin of Super Junior and the rest is history.

TODAY MARKED THE END OF HIS TWO-YEAR MILITARY SERVICE. KANGIN'S BACK!! WELCOME BACK MY LOVEY!! :)

WARNING: This was a product of my intense admiration for him. Hihi. I really felt sad when he decided to enter the army. Yes, I'm one of the ELF who really cried when he finally entered on July 5.

I want to give up. I want to give up on you. All of these are just my imaginations. If there’s a slight chance for it to be real, I am risking my life.

I want you. I love you. But love is not enough for it to work. I am alone. One-sided love, that is.

Could you make time for me when we meet? Could you look at me when I professed my love? Would you accept me? Reject me? Would you give me the chance to be with you? Would you?

I want to give up my feelings but you are attached to my heart too tight. I divert my focus to other things, but at the end of the day, I still go back to you. You are like a drug. Damn it. I am addicted to you.

No one owns you; neither I. For sure, when I step on the land of your country, I am just nobody. I cannot compete with them. They know you too much and I don’t. I just love you. Would that make me stand out among the rest? I love you. I love you. Isn’t it enough?

A lot of things came up. I don’t know what to believe until they released an official statement. So it’s true? I felt numb for awhile. I didn’t want to believe them. Could I just hear it from you?

You came out with your head bowing down so low. I cried, my love. Just smile for me. I understand how you feel.

A wave of pain struck my heart. My love, please give me the chance to comfort you. Don’t cry. Please smile again.

I drowned myself with liquor. The tears I cannot suppress anymore. It’s just too hard to bear. Sorry. I am too weak.

My friends embraced me saying that it will be alright. I am positive you’ll be alright. You’re strong, aren’t you? But me, who sees beyond your smiles, feels that you are not really okay. If I could take away your pain and make it mine, I will do it for you my love.

It’s been nine months. Still, the feeling lingers, but I won’t get tired of waiting for you.

When I see you again, please wear that smile I love. I will feel better when I see that. I will be happy. All I want is for you to be okay and I will be fine.

It’s a roller coaster for me. To love someone like you, it’s not new to me. I am an expert in one-sided love. But for you, it’s different. I have given a lot and I know it’s not good. You’re my only vice; the vice I won’t give up now.

HE IS MY SUNSHINE. He inspired me to write this.

You came back, as promised. I held onto his words and he's back!!

KANGIN HWAITING~ SUPER JUNIOR HWAITING~ ELFs HWAITING~!!

Memory 5: It's been awhile, isn't it?

Wrote this on graduation month; March 16 to be exact. I think this would be a closure for what happened on my last semester in college. It has been a roller coaster ride and at first, you try to enjoy it even if you have motion sickness (In reality, I don't enjoy amusement parks that much. I have motion sickness). But at the end, you will feel dizzy and tell yourself, "Sometimes, you don't need to ride. Most of the time, you prefer seeing others enjoy the ride and find satisfaction just by looking." 

I think whatever you'll read below will explain further what I'm trying to say. Here you go...

It's been awhile since I last posted something. A lot of things happened to me on the last month of 2011 and continued till February this year, 2012. But now, I can say I feel much better. I am the happiest. :)

When something happens in your life, do you run away from it? Or do you face it with all courage? As for me, I ran away. I thought that was the best thing to do but at the end of the day, the problem's still there and tomorrow won't be just another day; it won't change a thing.

I tried to face my fears, my problems, everything. I thought I was doing well in adjusting and that I was coping. Was. I realized that I need to be real. I needed to be myself and from there, everything will fall to place. And so I did.

I didn't care if they ask what happened. I just know I'm doing something for myself; something that I haven't done in awhile. I did what I wanted to do, though there would still be awkwardness at first, I didn't mind. It's part of the process; the process of moving on and eventually, becoming mature.

I prayed a lot during the times that I felt helpless and lonely. God never left my side. I did. I left Him and never really acknowledge him for awhile. I would speak of Him but not of faith but because I needed to cheer up or support someone. I was doing a lot of "for someone" rather than doing it "for myself." At the end of that bitter past, God changed me gradually into a better person. I just needed to be angry and bitter for awhile. I just needed to be real of what exactly I feel that time. I was pretending. Was.

Now, I can say I don't have bitter feelings anymore and the anger is gone. I guess people just need time to reflect about themselves, seek God, and everything will be okay. I made mistakes that brought me here where I am now but those mistakes made me a better person. I learned a lot of my experiences. I am still learning and I won't stop here. It's a process, lifelong...

I just have something to share to everyone, "People don't always grow together. Sometimes, or most of the time, they grow apart." We just need to value the people that we love and who loves us as much as we can, with the time that is given to us. Life is short. We just have to make the most out of it.

I lost a lot of good and sincere people in my life and yes, I paid the price of not appreciating and respecting them. But I realized, I needed to experience that for me to learn, to see the bigger picture, and to know who I really am.

My professor in Sociology told us on our last meeting, "YOU SHOULD KNOW YOURSELF" and I believe she's right. Enough has been said. I already closed that chapter of my life. I am now enjoying this new journey that I'm in. Let's build new memories, either good or bad ones. This is the purpose of my blog. Good or bad memories count because they serve as life's lessons that will guide us to our journey through life. :)

Sorry for the vanity. Just want to share this picture with you. ^___^

Memory 4: Getting In Touch With Insanity

Been hooked with Korean culture since I watched Full House, Stairway To Heaven, and Endless Love on TV. But what really made me stay in love with Korea is their music which they call K-POP (Korean Pop). I familiarized myself with the different boy and girl groups, shows, series, and even their language. At some point, I indulged in the world of RPG where imagination really takes you to a lot of places. Of course, moderation is advised.

I always say "My heart is in Seoul (South Korea)!" Here's my perspective on RPG.

CHAPTER 1

In the world of RPG (Role Playing Games), you can make the impossible, possible. You create your own realities in your own sphere. Thru imagination and creativity, you reach different places. The power of your mind will take you somewhere.

But just a reminder: Don't forget that fine line between reality and imagination. You might barge into imagination too much and you forget how it really works in reality.

The real world has a lot of uncertainties. We experience everything from the happiest to the most painful situations of life. Sometimes, we want to escape from all the problems that come our way. We want an easy way out of all the trials that test our characters.

But life is not like that. We cannot escape the complexities of life. All we need is to do, even if it costs a lot of sacrifices and pain, is to face and conquer it.

I must admit, I enjoyed both worlds. It's fun to live in a world where anything is possible. You can be whatever and whoever you want. Personally, all of my frustrations are made possible in my RPG world. I felt like somehow, I redeemed myself. But sometimes, having everything will not give us the true happiness. You can still find happiness in having less and enough. I learned to be contented for whatever I have. Indeed, contentment comes with happiness.

Imaginary and real world... How can we have two worlds at the same time? How do we draw abstraction from reality? How can we understand reality thru abstraction? I don't have the answers to these questions. I only have my experiences to share.

As we conquer these two worlds, our minds unconsciously work in between. We weigh things inside our heads. Even our hearts are involved in the process. How can we motivate ourselves not to be that attached to our fantasies and still maintain that connection with reality? Can we still distinguish imagination from reality?

I had moments in my life that I would tell myself, "Life would have been better if everything is within our reach. I wish RPG world is real," and "Reality is reality. Dealing with it may be hard but this is where we live. We'll face it no matter what it takes."

I presented imagination and reality in my perspective. Now, let me take you to a different side of RED STRINGS. In her world, everything seems to fall perfectly to place. But in truth, the behind stories complicates her world. Will she continue to live in that world or deviate herself back to where she really belongs?

Memory 3: Till We Meet Again

A relative died November 7 last year. I couldn't look inside the casket. I wasn't afraid but I’d rather remember the faces of the dead when they were still alive. But besides that, what really caught my attention were the faces of our other relatives. I felt the grief and saw how much they wanted to have more time with her. But, they just let God continue with His plans for He knows what's best for everyone.

Here's what I think about death.

  

One should not fear death. It is just a separation of the soul from the materialism of this world. One must realize that in the next lifetime, everyone will be reunited in His graces, in His kingdom. One day, you and your loved one will meet again.

I entered this hall and quietly found a seat. My senses were awakened by the smell of the fresh flowers that filled the room and the sight of the pretty little pots neatly arranged infront with the lights on the side that made my eyes squint as I recognize the object at the center.

My mind wandered in the four corners of the hall. How can you find beauty in death? How can these flowers look so alive while they are placed next to a lifeless person? How can death be celebrated in this manner when after the days of mourning, the dead will remain dead? These questions lingered in my mind as my eyes observe the hall.

Death is not a bad or ugly thing. We lose our loved ones physically but their memories will remain with us. Either good or bad, it is still worth remembering.

As I look into the flowers that are beautifully arranged in front, I realized that it represents the life of a person. God planted the seed and nourished it till it’s full bloomed. But as time goes by, the flowers will reach its maximum beauty, and in that time, God will harvest it.

People come and go, wrote their names on this some form of log book outside the hall, stayed for a few minutes or even hours to express condolences to the family. A simple thing for some but it meant a lot to the family suffering a loss, or worse, losses.

Memories were recalled, relived and remembered as people try to cope from the loss. Is it enough that you had good memories with the person who died before you? Do good memories help you move on from the absence of the most important person in your life?

Right then I realized, yes, these people who lost their loved ones are grieving. Crying is one way of showing your emotions. But these people, they opted to share the memories of their beloved to their relatives and visitors. Their beloved lived a good life and rightfully deserves a celebration. Not death, but living a wonderful life.

It is painful to lose the one you love physically. Like what others say, you can never cope with the loss. You just get used to the pain. The absence of that person will only make it hard to cope but it’s not bad after all. Everyone is prepared for the next stage of our lives. God laid out His plans to us and we are given this life for us to cherish and value. One or two will go before us and that’s a fact. We just have to value this life as much as our beloved celebrated the wonder of God’s gift of life.

As I leave the hall, I took a short glance inside and sighed. I may not have the courage to see you for the last time but I will have the courage to say, TILL WE MEET AGAIN.

Memory 2: My Love, My Kiss, My Heart

Wrote this last year, November 5. I was browsing cover songs on YouTube when I realized that my dream to be a singer didn't die. Yes, I was focusing on my future career as a writer especially that time that I'm cramming for our thesis and other requirements. I was so into finishing all the paper works given to us and one day, I missed my music life. I missed MHX jammings or just singing in our bathroom with my player on. I did set aside my dream to become a singer for practicality. Singing is a profession but I think that I should do something else. 

So here's my reflection last year...

Dreams don't die. As long as the passion is there, dreams will continue to live on.

I didn't let my dreams die while I finish my Journalism course. I didn't let music behind the back seat for nothing. I will wait for the right time.

I always wanted to be a singer. Ever since I was a kid, I would perform in family reunions. I would sing or dance just to entertain my family and relatives.

As I grow up, my interests have changed but music will always be with me. Music is my comfort zone. It is something that eases my heart from pain and my mind from bad thoughts. Music is everything to me but I had to set it aside to try something else.

For me, writing is second to music. It's a hobby. My cousin suggested trying something out of my comfort zone. And so, I pursued Journalism in college. It gets tougher and tougher every semester and the doubts kept bombarding me. There was a time that I wanted to shift to another course. I told myself, writing is not for me.

I tried to catch up and did my best but my flaws in writing cannot be denied. During OJT days, my fear intensified. I may not be able to pass since I will be working in a refutable publication. I did my hardest and even if it meant having no proper sleep, I gave my best. Fortunately, I was able to finish my internship, maybe not with the best articles, but with pride that I made it. Also, I learned to be independent. I went to different places, most are new to me, and that taught me to be the modern day "Dora The Explorer" (hahaha!).

Now, I felt like I've devoted a lot of time for writing. Still, music is everything to me. It is my refuge. I consider it as my friend who is with me during my ups and downs. It comforts me and assures me of a good day ahead. Even if I set it aside and it remained at the back seat for four years, it will always be right here in my heart.

Now that I'm in my last semester, I thought about music. After four years in Journalism, shall I give music a chance now?

Memory 1: Waves Of Pain (Blue Heart)

I wrote this two years ago after listening to some "emo" music. I was thinking of a dear friend and suddenly felt an urge to write about what I feel for him. Yes, I admired my friend and developed feelings for him. I liked him more than a friend and this was a product of my innermost feelings for him. I never had the courage to tell him right away. It took me two years before I finally gave my confession letter on our graduation day. Also, I think this would be a perfect reflection of me, growing up. I always boxed myself and never really risked anything. I was always afraid of something when I was young. I still have those fears but I think I can handle them better now. 

So here's a bit about my childhood and my admiration to a dear friend "blue heart."

Heart's laid on the palm of the man she adores, wishing he takes her into his arms and love her. But, that doesn't happen all the time; some things are not bound to happen. No matter how hard you push yourself, if he won't take you in, you cannot do anything about it anymore. 


A woman then unveils her mask and a face of a hurting child is revealed. Love caught her off guard again and again; there is nothing else she can do but break down. Despite everything, you will always see her smiling as though nothing happened, as if she never felt any pain. A face of a hurting child is kept once again as she puts back her mask and deceives everyone that surrounds her with an endearing smile.

Pain agonizing her each time she put up a face opposing her real self. It is against her will to be someone else but the world is pushing her to the limits. She is weak, too vulnerable to fight back. She has been battling with herself and another war is too much to bear. She draws strength from the mask she wears. This mysterious and powerful mask keeps her distant to all that surrounds her. The mask must be more than just a glitterati or odd one. Did she sell herself to the devil? Questions will only be questions unless someone answers it. 


Yowling with pain as she mentions the name of the one she loves brings a wave of pain in her heart, mind, soul and every bit of her. She surrenders the moment she speaks about him. There is no one else that removes that mask but him. The reason why she cannot win the battle within herself is because her heart is not with her, metaphorically. The man, who rejected her heart, is where she left it. She expects nothing in return for she is already satisfied with the rarest encounters she have with him. But, when will it come to an end? The waves of pain come like a snap of a finger. This fight will not end unless she takes one step forward and end it herself. 

Probably, she is confused by her own words. She is a battleground where she battles with her heart and mind. Her heart is where the child dwells, where the truth and pain hand-in-hand resides, the purest and truest of her. Her mind is where the mask overpowers her, cradling her superficial imaginings, disappointments and frustrations, the feelings she cannot suppress. The cure is within her heart. If she cannot find it, it may be the end of her.

Love is just one side of her and yet it takes her all in. How can love overpower her this way if there is no concrete reason at all? Everything she draws from abstraction. Is the man she speaks about only a product of her imaginations? What is real? What is unreal? I am now disoriented with her thoughts. With this, I give up. Would you take a chance and explore her story?