K-pop Star Season 3: Jung Sae Woon

I am a big fan of this guy already..
I am dying to listen more of his voice
It's like when I first heard Akdong Musician's voice

I don't have much information to share about this guy
Except he is being known as 'Busan Guy' and 'Korean Jason Mraz'
He is just 17 years old (Birthdate: 31 May 1997)!
But for those who is dying to understand what he was saying
     during the audition
Well I have some rough idea of it..

He usually went back late from school (10 pm)
The 40 years-old uncle (ahjushi) who lives below his apartment
      don't like him playing guitar at night
He ask his mom if they can move out from there
Since the apartments are so close to each other
     everyone can hear everything
So he end up playing guitar at park or on the roof
Also, he found his father's guitar and took interest on it
He self-taught himself to play the guitar
He wish to have fun while playing music

[UPDATE: 'Something' was eliminated after the TOP 10 performances. Good bye Jung Sae Woon! Hope to see you again! (T_T)]

Download the song here!

As for the song: 'Mom, wait a second'
[SING}
These days, you are supposed to rap while playing guitar
Oh really..
It's probably because of Akdong Musician
Then maybe I should try rapping as well?
Even though I don't know how to rap
Let me first give it a try, I want to try
It's seems like fun

[RAP]
I think the rap part should start here
What do I do?
What should I say?
I don't know!
Even writing this lyrics took me 3 days
I really respect all those rappers
Oh right..
I remember what I wanted to say
I come home from school at 10 at night
The man downstairs has a sensitive personality
So I can't play guitar
Mom wait a second.. I have something to say

[SING]
Mom, I wish I could sing more at night
Can we move out quickly
Let's pray together
Mom, I really want to sing at night
Let's at least move to a 5-pyeong (=16.5 sq meter) apartment
As long as I can sing at night, I like it~


p/s: Click the label for 'Jung Sae Woon' to download his other songs.

Plan Trip to Korea (part 2)

Places to visit in Seoul Korea:

1. N Seoul Tower

2. Love padlock at N Seoul Tower

3. Teddy Bear Museum at N Seoul Tower

4. COEX Mall (Indoor aquarium and Kimchi Museum)

5. Gyeongbuk Palace

6. Ganghwamun Plaza

7. Cheonggyecheon  Stream

8. Yeouido Park near Han River

9. Banpo Bridge

10. Traditional Market (ex: Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, Insadong)

11. Itaewon (Multi-cultural zone)

12. Apgujeong Rodeo Street

13. Hello Kitty Cafe at Hongdae

14. Theme park (Lotte World, Everland, Caribbean Bay etc.)

15. Nami Island

Check out Visit Korea website for more info.

Plan Trip to South Korea (part 1)

"I really want to go to Korea!!!"

Here is a list of things that you need to think about when you want to plan a trip to Korea:

• What is your budget?
• How long are you going to stay there?
• Where do you plan to go? - Jeju Island? Busan? Seoul?
• Where to stay? - Guest house? Motel? Hotel?
• Where to go?
• What to wear? (depends on the season at that time)
• What to eat?

Does this list overwhelmed you? Not to worry.. You don't have to answer it right away. You have to plan slowly and carefully. 

This is my advice to you: Decide when you are going first! I mean.. What season? 

• Spring    : March to May
• Summer : June to August
• Autumn : September to November
• Winter   : December to February

Spring and Autumn are the two best time to go to Korea, I would say. It's not too cold and not too hot. Plus the scenery would be so picturesque during those seasons. Summer would be scorching hot especially in August. While during the winter season, it's exciting to do winter sports but not so enjoyable to go for sight-seeing (based on my experience). But I am not saying it's impossible to go sight-seeing. If you come from a tropical country (like me), you might be a bit uncomfortable with the cold weather. Your hand and face would freeze! But you are not going to die. Don't worry.. It's a good experience though. Besides, when else can you experience snow.

Second, make sure you have enough budget! 

It's hard to say for certain what is the correct amount you need to have. Sometimes you have to plan your trip based on the amount that you have. 

• No matter what, buy your two-way flight tickets first! If you have enough money to buy the flight tickets and still have a few thousand in your bank account, you are safe. Another thing you could do is save more money after you had bought the flight tickets. I bet you would have a few months of time gap before the actual vacation right?
• Then, choose where to stay. If your focus is just Seoul, you can stay at one place. If you are on a tight budget, opt for guest house. It's really cheap. But take note that some of the guest house required you to share the room and bathroom with other guests. Depending on your preference and budget, check out the guest house's website first. <A list of guest houses>  
• Now, the most exciting part would be to decide where are you going to visit. You can just Google to see the recommendations. Easy-peasy.. However, don't forget to check how to go to (and come back from) this places and check if there's any entry fees and what's the opening hours. 

It's not that bad.. Planning your own vacation is more exciting. Although it is a lot of work, it's worth it! This entry is just meant to make you get started. I'll be posting more stuff! ;-)

[Review] Master's Sun

I have to admit that I was not interested to watch this drama since there's ghost..
But..
I have a lot of free time in between this Monday&Tuesday and the next Monday&Tuesday
So I can't stay still.. I was anxious..
I end up reading Master's Sun recaps from Dramabeans.com
Then I tried watching episode 6 since the recap talks about some romance
Rule of thumb: Good drama involves love and romance
I didn't know the theme is romantic comedy!
I thought it was a horror drama
Plus the ghosts in the trailer ARE scary!

Cha Joong Won (So Ji Sub) is the CEO of Kingdom Mall. He was born with a golden spoon in his mouth. His father is rich and I am not sure since when they were rich. Cha Joong Woon's mother died from when he was little. Not sure when and what happened. Cha Joong Won has a past that still hunted him. His first love died from a car accident. All his marriage arrangements were 'disastrous'. People said it's his first love curse. Also, he has a prickly attitude that kind of explain what's the reason actually. He don't believe that dead spirit exist and he would just 'step on people' to get what he wants.

Tae Gong Shil or Tae Yang (Gong Hyo Jin) on the other hand had lived while seeing dead spirits. She starts seeing dead spirits after some accident happened and she was in coma for 3 years. Before the accident, she was considered a pretty and smart student. Everyone expect her to have a bright future. But now, she is even afraid to go out to the world. She couldn't get a proper job without being bothered by ghosts or being called a lunatic. The ghosts always come to her to ask for a favor and won't leave until she does it.

And then! This two characters' fate crossed.. On a rainy night, the CEO had just convinced a house's owner to sell his house and was on his way back to Seoul. Tae Yang was by the roadside. She needed a lift back to Seoul herself after she had done a favor to a ghost granny. The CEO refused to let Tae Yang to get a lift on his car and asked his Secretary to just keep driving. However Secretary Kim was surprised by a lightning and immediately stopped the car. Tae Yang thought they stopped to give her a lift. So she just jumped in the car. (What a shameless girl.. That's what make her so 'irresistible'.)

Of course she was being chased by another ghost then. The ghost was standing in the middle of the road. She screamed. Secretary Kim was startled and stopped the car. Ok, now the ghost is inside the car looking straight on her face! Gosh.. It's creeping me out. She screamed and touched the CEO by impulse. Puff~ The ghost is gone.. That's weird because that's the first time it happened. Ghost had never leave her alone even when she asked them to. The second time she encountered a ghost, the ghost disappeared again once she hold on to the CEO. The CEO didn't like it at all: people touching him. He abandoned Tae Yang at a train station (if I was not mistaken).

But then.. Taeyang starts to get a job in Kingdom Mall. Somehow, she gets to convince the CEO that she actually sees ghost. One ghost in particular, which caught CEO's attention. His first love, Cha Hee Joo. So, they have an agreement. The CEO becomes Taeyang's shelter while Taeyang provides information about Cha Hee Joo.

What makes this drama is so exciting is that the CEO initially play hard-to-get while he actually enjoys Taeyang being around. He's the bad-guy type of boyfriend. He started to care about Taeyang in a shy-cute-adorable way. Ahh~ Who wouldn't fall for it? Well, Taeyang has already had feeling for the CEO since the beginning. It's so hard to get this two together because they both said the wrong things and misunderstood each other. Gosh... Typically Korean drama that make us hooked!

Let's not spoiled the whole story. It's worth for you to watch and squeal..

[Review] Who Are You

The drama is a story about Inspector Yang Shi On (So Yi Hyun), who was in coma for 6 years and gained the ability to see the dead. She can't remember what happened to her 6 years before. I am not sure how far does she remember. That's the frustrating part. At least she remember her name and house. But she can't remember her own boyfriend.

Inspector Lee Hyung Joon (Kim Jae Wook) was Shi On's partner (and boyfriend). He was seen in the first episode when they where actually on a mission. He was shot dead by one of the bad guys. Shi On saw what happened but can't help out as she was chased by the bad guys. Two important points here: Shi On didn't see the face of the bad guys and her boyfriend was shot within a close distance. I don't understand why Hyung Joon didn't shoot the bad guy first. He has this surprised look on his face before he was shot. Why is that?

Cha Gun Woo (Taecyeon) is Shi On's present partner. They both work at Lost & Found Center. Gun Woo is sometimes mean, sometimes nice to Shi On. Everyone seems to know about what happened to Shi On (being in coma for 6 years). He keeps calling her 'crazy woman'. He has the ambition to go back(?) to the Special Force Unit. He is also forbidden from having a gun. Another mystery to be unfold I guess..

So... After having woken up from coma, Shi On was being interrogated by police officer about the incident that happened 6 years ago. Seriously she can't recalled a thing. When Hyung Joon's picture was shown to her, she said she can't recognize him at all. Not the slightest.. (T_T) U-ri oppa~

First case:
Shi On went for counseling and therapy since she lost her memory. She spent 3 months trying to meet people that she previously known but nothing 'ring the bell'. When she was walking inside the storeroom of the Lost & Found Center, she saw a tracksuit with a name tag 'Dan Oh Reum'. A ghost schoolgirl appeared and keep bothering her since then. She can't seems to avoid her so she decided to ask her classmates and family how she died. The record says she killed herself because she was dumped by her boyfriend. When ask the boyfriend (Kyung Min), he denied that he even in a relationship with the MUTE girl.. After that, he tried to kill himself. What?! Why? Luckily Gun Woo manage to stop him. Shi-On went to her psychiatrist to ask about disabled teenager mental state. Kyung Min finally start to tell GunWoo that he suggested to Oh Reum to seek help from a psychiatrist since she was not confident to be in a relationship with a non-disabled person. Only the psychiatrist ended up molesting her and killed her. Kyung Min saw it but couldn't say a word since the psycho psychiatrist is his own uncle. And guess what.. the psychiatrist is now with Shi On! GunWoo send a text to Shi On and tell her about the identity of the killer. Aaahhh... Too late already because Shi On is going to be his next victim. But our hero GunWoo came to the rescue! After what happened, GunWoo keeps bugging Shi On, asking how she knew it was a suicide case. Shi On keeps her lips zipped. She just said she was lucky. Huhu.. Even if she tells, would he believe? He already sees her as a crazy woman. Why worsen the situation, right?  

Second case:
A briefcase was claimed from the Lost & Found Center. A female ghost started to appear around Shi-On and the atmosphere always become very cold. Shi-On followed the ghost into the forest at night and found a hand was buried there earlier. Then, another separate news reported that a leg was found in a construction area. Prosecutor for this case was a bit fishy. Inspector Choi (GunWoo's sunbae) said that the prosecutor was a nice person until his fiancee called the wedding off. Shi-On found out later on that the ghost was the Prosecutor's fiancee. She suspected him for the killing. (I mean, I would too..) The ghost appeared again in the elevator but this time the atmosphere became very hot. Shi-On ask where is her remaining body now? So the ghost brought her to a cremation center. Shi-On caught the bad guy and he was being questioned later by the Prosecutor. Turns out, the Prosecutor's fiancee has a bad asthma problem. His mother was not keen to have her as a daughter-in-law. When his fiancee had an asthma attack, his mother didn't pass her the inhaler and let her die. She even hired people to get rid of the body. She send a text message to his son (using the fiancee's phone) telling him that the wedding is off and stop finding her (the fiancee). Evil mother-in-law! As for GunWoo, he was so frustrated because he's always a step behind. He wonders how Shi-On figured everything out.

Ok, let's get back to the main case. How Shi-On's boyfriend got killed. I'm more interested in that case now since her ghost boyfriend is starting to make an appearance (since the end of ep 3). Let's just called him 'Hyung Joon'. Hyung Joon is a bit different that the other ghost because he didn't always wander around Shi-On all the time. I think it is because he was an inspector before so he still act like one, even as a ghost. Shi-On seems to recognize him from somewhere but she can't recalled. At the end of episode 6, Hyung Joon helped her a bit by giving her some hint. The photo the police officer showed her when they interrogated her! Now she remembers! She even remember that she saw Hyung Joon was being shot.

There's something really fishy about Inspector Choi. He showed some weird expression starting from when Shi-On was being interrogated actually. As if he knows something  or trying to hide something. I would bet that he's under all those silver smuggling activities on the night Hyung Joon had been killed.

I think I can predict where this story is heading to. Just imagine when you can't remember your own boyfriend. But you see him as a ghost. After the case settled, then your memory will come back, only to realize that you was madly in love with this ghost before. He's a ghost now! He's dead! You won't see him again. You have to let him go and move on with your life. Ah~~ How heart-breaking that can be.. I wish I can see more of Hyung Joon (a.k.a Kim Jae Wook)  

Temuduga SPA Pegawai Sains Kimia Hayat (Gred C41)

First time going for the interview? Fret not! Because I will share with you some tips. Hopefully it will be helpful.

Actually this would be my second time going for the interview.

Preparation before interview:

• Make sure all the original copy and photostat copy are ready. You just need to bring one copy but you can bring extra if you want. Curriculum certificates no need to make any copy. Just bring the original one.
• Bring your interview letter or e-mail that you got from SPA. It's important! The first thing they'll ask for is that letter. It's for your registration.
• Read a lot about the current issue that's going on in Malaysia and overseas.
• Make sure you know about all the 'Dasar-dasar kerajaan'.
• Also, try to find the job description for Pegawai Sains Kimia Hayat. Which Ministry is it under?
• Lastly, it is safer if you could read back your notes in Biochemistry classes. Some of the interviewer do test your knowledge. You don't have to memorize the whole textbook. Just some topics. It's your pick.
• Decide and prepare the clothes that you will wear for the interview. Wear fully-covered shoes. Not too much make-up (for girls).

I would say it is very crucial for you to be prepared before the interview. You need to read, understand and memorize all the facts. Make a small note for you to bring while waiting for your turn. When you know you are well-prepared, you won't be nervous much during the interview. Be confident! They may provoke you, but make sure you stay calm. Watch your tone when speaking. It's a psychological battle. 

Just so you know, different interviewers have different styles. Some of them are serious, some of them are laid-back. Some of them would test your general knowledge, some of them would not. Some would ask you to speak in English, some would not. So don't blame me if you prepared so hard that none of the current issue or 'dasar-dasar kerajaan' are not being asked. It is better for you to prepare for the worst.   

Another important thing.. Are you an overseas graduate? Check if your BSc certificate has "Honors" written on it.. From my own experience, I would advise you to go to JPA (Tingkat 6) and get 'Surat Pengiktirafan' from them to prove that you BSc. certificate is equivalent as 'BSc with Honors' here in Malaysia. What happened to me is that the interviewers stop asking question when they realized that my degree is not awarded with Honors. [EDITED] Well, 'Honors' here means if your CGPA is 2.75 above, you are granted 'Honors'. If below 2.75, then your degree is just a general degree.  Honors degree is granted according to your college/university. In my case, the degree that I have is not in Honors program. So, I ended up getting brush off by the interviewers. Even after I went to JPA and get the 'Surat Pengiktirafan', SPA said I have to wait for next time because they can't give me a second chance for this year interview session. Aish~

I have to admit that I didn't get the offer for the job. I'm just merely sharing what I did wrong and hope to improve next time. The first time around, I think I talked a lot about unrelated stuff. I was just too chatty. Haha.. It's better for you to be straight to the point and act maturely (with less giggling). My second time around, I was 'kicked out' (just being over dramatic here) from the interview room because they said I'm not qualified for this job and my courses are mostly not Biochemistry. (T_T) Never knew that studying in overseas can be such hassle.

p/s: Good luck!

[Review] I Hear Your Voice

Aaaahhh!!! The drama surpassed the 20% viewer rating mark.. It's a bad omen for me. I've already promised myself NOT to start watching any Korean drama to curb my addiction for it. Aish~ So I did checked it out. At first, I just read the recaps posted by Dramabeans. It was not as thrilled as watching the drama itself but I did get some idea. In the end, I just couldn't stop myself from watching it! Muahaha~~

First of all, this drama has amazing actors and actresses line up. Lee Jong Suk and Lee Bo Young are definitely the eye-candy for this drama. Not to forget that their acting ability are excellent as well.

Lee Jong Suk as Park Su-ha



Lee Bo-young as Jang Hye-Sung




Yoon Sang Hyun as Cha Kwan Woo




Summary:

The story starts when Park Su-ha (Lee Jong Suk) and Jang Hyesung (Lee Bo-young) were young.

Su-ha was in a car with his father at night when a truck suddenly crashed into their car, hitting the driver's side of the car. Su-ha and his father were still alive but injured. The truck driver came to checked on them when Su-ha heard his thoughts, "That bastard is still breathing. I need to kill him in one blow". Su-ha urged his father to run away but his father was killed by the truck driver first.

Hyesung was being blamed for causing Seo Do-yeon's (Lee Da-hee) eye injuries while she insisted that she didn't do it. Do-yeon is her classmate and also her mother's boss's daughter. Her mother works as a housekeeper at Do-yeon's house. No one seems to believe Hyesung except her mother. Even Do-yeon's father (her mother's boss) asks her to admit for her wrongdoing. Her mother got fired thereafter.

Hye-sung tried to make Do-yeon tell her father what truly happened and admit it wasn't Hye-sung fault. But while they were arguing with each other, a loud crash stopped them. It's Su-ha's accident. They saw it when the truck driver hit Su-ha's father with a metal pipe. When the truck driver was going after Su-ha, Hye-sung took her phone out and capture a photo. But the phone announced 'Smile!' which caught the murderer's attention. Su-ha is saved but not Hye-sung. Hye-sung and Do-yeon ran away and hide. The murderer ran after them and warned them if they said a word to anyone, they will be dead. Luckily, the police came in time. *fyuuhhh~*

Inside the courtroom, Su-ha almost lost his case since there's no proof to go against the murderer. Su-ha can reads people mind. He said he knows what the murderer's thinking. The judge was unfazed.

Doyeon and Hyesung are both afraid to testify as they still remember the murderer's warning. However, only Hyesung went to testify and brings her phone as the proof. The murderer got agitated and he tried to attack Hyesung by strangling her. *Yikes!* He was stopped by the guard.

Outside the courthouse, Hyesung was seen crying. Su-ha came and thanked her for her help. However, Hyesung regretted her decision to testify since the murderer would be looking for her later when he's released. Su-ha assured Hyesung that he will protect her then. *Kyaaa~*

So, ten years later.. Su-ha is in high school while Hyesung is a lawyer. Hyesung was recently appointed as public defender. She was not interested in defending anyone because she doesn't want to go out of her way to prove someone innocence. It reminds her of the day when she burst into the courtroom as a witness for Su-ha. In a way, she was conflicted. Helping others has cost her; her own life.The only reason she applied to become a public defender is to pleased her mother (plus she owed her mother some money). Su-ha met Hyesung again when she had to handle the case for his classmate, Sungbin, who was wrongly accused for attempted murder.

Su-ha has this 'ridiculous' imagination of Hyesung as a perfect person. A person who would stand for others to revealed their innocence without asking for any pay (definition of a public defender). However, he learned that Hyesung was the opposite of whatever he had imagined before. She's just someone with a prickly attitude, I would say.

Su-ha can't seems to leave Hyesung's side since he found out Min Joong Gook was released from prison. *Yikes!* After a while, Hyesung found out about it too. They started to live together since there were signs that Min Joong Gook did try to get in contact with Hyesung.

Personal review:

The storyline is captivating and thrilling. I would say it was nothing typical about this drama. Each episode is full of twist and turn.

The beginning of the drama was exciting as the past was revealed little by little. The only question you are left with is "Why did Min Joong Gok killed Su-ha's father???" Also, there are some other mysteries revealed also. Judge Seo seems so uneasy when Hwang Dal Joong's name is being mentioned. Why is that? Even his wife didn't know about it? Hul~ I think Do-yeon is accepting the truth well. Finally I can see that she has a good heart. Actually I knew it before also when she said she regretted not testifying against Min Jong Gook 10 years ago. It's just the fact that she didn't apologize for wrongly accusing Hyesung 10 years ago that made me a bit hesitant to believe this girl. But hey! She did apologize to Hyesung after Hyesung saved her biological father. Hurray!!! I have to admit that sometimes it is hard to admit that you are wrong after some time. I am proud that she managed to do that.

This drama is not for entertainment only. I believed you can learn about law, life and love. I am rooting for Cha Kwan Woo character! He is just someone who you can look up to. He always sees thing in a bright side which I do wish such a person do exist in this world. When he has to defend Min Joong Gok for murder charges against the death of Hyesung's mom, I can understand how stressful and conflicted he must be. As a lawyer, he did a great job. As a boyfriend, it's a horrible thing he did. He did try to make up to Hyesung after that. I'm glad Hyesung understand his kind gestures and that she didn't hold grudge or push him aside. It's so strong of her to be able to do so. I don't know if I'll be able to do that if it was me.

As Su-ha and Hyesung relationship.. I'm just very envious. That's all I can say.. Haha.. They are trying to protect each other. Hyesung promised to her mom that she will not hate anyone or seek revenge while Su-ha promised to Hyesung that he will not seek revenge from Min Jong Gook. I guess 'promise' has a strong effect in this story. Moral of the story: Always keep your promise!

I would like to comment a bit about the end of this drama. Hmm.. I was not satisfied with the part when Min Joong Gok called out Su-ha just to make him a killer. I mean, I understand his point.. It's just that I think he didn't plan his mission thoroughly. Did he really thinks that Su-ha will come to the rooftop without any back-up? Shouldn't he has some kind of plan B? Isn't that what we usually see in drama where the villain plan everything so thoroughly that it was almost impossible to catch them. Hmm.. Maybe his plan B is trying to get both him and Su-ha killed. Yeah.. That's it! He just don't have any motive to live on anyway.. So whether killing himself or getting lock up in the prison doesn't make any different anymore. I pity him. He has a weak heart. Blaming someone is easier that blaming yourself, you know. I know how unfair it was for him when his wife's donor heart was taken away. It's a painful moment for him. But that doesn't justify you have the right to kill someone. Moral of the story: Once you commit murder, your reason for seeking revenge become void. You are just a murderer, regardless.

I hope you guys had a great time watching this drama as well. I know I did. I read a lot of comments saying this is the best drama they had ever seen. *Well, some thing along that line* I'm not sure why are you reading my review. Haha.. Just let me know if my review is good enough or if there's anything I missed out.

[Review] Gu Family Book - part 2

Finally.. The drama has ended! T_T

My overall thoughts:

• I love Yeol Wol character! From the beginning, she knows that she or Kang Chi would die if they continue their relationship. Yet, she still follow her heart. I was really touched when she stand up for Kang Chi despite knowing his divine sides. She even remind her father, "There is no bad people but only people who are trapped in bad circumstances. And Kang Chi is in one of them!" Waahh~ *clap clap* 
• Kang Chi was so outgoing when he didn't know who he really is. He still is.. Only with the help of Yeol Wol. Yeol Wol is the only reason he wants to become human anyway. Poor him.. All the people that he loved, left him.. Lord Park, his mother, his father, then Yeol Wol.. It was so heart-breaking to see that.
• I pity Cheong Jo because I know she still love and care about Kang Chi. But it was a big mistake for her when she threw stones to Kang Chi as he showed his divine sides. How heartbroken must Kang Chi felt at that time.. But I do understand that she was full of fear at that time. Fear that she'll lose her brother, who is her only family left..
• I respect Admiral Lee Soon Shin character. He has this aura of a great leader. A very charismatic character. The way he plan strategy and all, was very impressive. He was able to confront challenge with patience. At the beginning, when he sent Kang Chi to Jo Gwan Woong for murder, I can't really predict how he's going to save Kang Chi. But he managed to manipulate the situation and turn things to his advantage. Remember when Jo Gwan Woong killed the 11 listed people? I did expect that actually.. Hehe.. But as I was saying, Admiral Lee Soon Shin knows how to manipulate situation.
• I also like Master Gong Dal character from the first time he appeared. He is a funny guy. Full of wit and wisdom. 

The last episode:

• It was a sad ending and I seriously didn't expect it that way. I thought there would be another twist to the story. Something that can nullify the fate that they have. I guess the monk prediction will always come true. Just like what happen when Lord Park died. 
• The scene when Kang Chi and Yeol Wol were near the river was so heart-breaking. I almost cried.. Plus the lyrics from the song really portrays the feeling Kang Chi was experiencing. T_T

"My tears, my sad memories

My love, whom I miss

I draw your face out, under the same sky

I live in pain like this"

• The future.. Haha.. I was happy to see Ma Bong Chol again. That crazy fella.. And Gon!!! I miss you! It's a pity you never get to express your feeling to Yeol Wol. I was hoping that you might end up with the Mistress, instead. Hihi.. 
• Since Kang Chi met Yeol Wol near the peach tree with the moon on top, would their fate be repeated like last time? Well, I hope not.. But what's the significance of showing that they met near the peach tree again? Can their fate be changed?
• But at the end, where is Gu Family Book? Would there be a sequel? Hmm.. 

Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie

I know how hard it is to pronounce the name of this bakery & pastry shop. But it was worth a visit.

I went there with my colleagues last week, after work.
We stopped at a Petronas station for prayer @7:25pm and continue our journey @7:45pm.
Since we used Federal Highway, it was a looooong journey with the slow traffic.

The shop closes at 9 pm!!! What?! Oh no!
We were in front of MidValley @8:15pm.
Hmmm.. Should we abort our plan and go to MidValley instead?
Luckily, our driver didn't lost hope so he still drove us to the shop.
We arrived there at around 8:30pm, I think.. *fyuuh~*
They said our order would be the last one since the kitchen is closing soon.
That's good enough for us.. =)

From left: Strawberry Yoghurt Cake, Pavlova, Assorted Macaroons

                     

TomYam Spaghetti - Mine!

Chicken Aglio-Olio Spaghetti - The best!

The foods and desserts were nice, plus the atmosphere..
I wish we could have come earlier so we could enjoy our foods slowly.
Definitely would come again soon!

Confession of a K-drama Addict

I am not a licensed medical doctor or a psychotherapist. So please don't quote me okay?

This symptoms are just based on my own experience. If anyone having the same symptoms as me, please pick the one that really relate to you and comment below.. =)

1. Once you start watching the first episode of a drama, you keep on watching the next episode until its your bedtime.
2. If the drama is ongoing, you will find another drama/variety show to fill the gap or you will check for the updates 24/7.
3. You can finish watching a 16-episodes drama in 3 days (at least).
4. If you're a student, you keep postponing your assignments and projects until the very last minute. To the extent you hold an all-nighter to finish your assignments and projects but still end up watching drama/variety show.
5. You want to manage time better, so you only allow yourself to watch one episode while eating/break but you tend to watch 4-5 episodes.
6. You become so angry to yourself for not doing your assignments/projects, but you end up watching drama some more to relieve stress.
7. There's not even a single day which you fail to watch Korean drama or variety show.
8. Whenever you are stressed out, you watch funny drama or variety show to cheer you up. And since the effect is temporary, you'll watch it all day long.
9. After awhile, you can understand Korean language a bit. You even use phrases like 'Aigo~', 'Omo!', 'Ottoke?!' etc in your daily life.
10. You start to crave for Korean food that you watch on drama. (I craved for beef when I was watching 'My Girlfriend is a Gumiho')
11. You know almost all the actors and actresses in the drama and even their plastic surgery scandal.
12. When you can't seem to get over a drama, you watch the BTS or NGs posted on Youtube.
13. When you can't get over an actor/actress, you seek for their profile details or trivial.
14. You start watching a drama which have your favorite actor/actress or because the hero/heroine is good-looking.
15. When people suggest you get some help, you refuse because you don't think it as hazardous as alcohol/drug addiction. (Honestly, it's the same in a way..)
16. When you want to curb this addiction, you can only last for maximum a day only.

My symptoms might be different from others. I believe there are other people who are more extreme than me.. Share with me some of your symptoms that I may not list down.

I'm putting this list up NOT because I am proud of myself. It's something that I resent because I lost control of myself. I would like to seek help but I don't know how. Watching drama is not a problem but I need to limit it so that it won't interfere with my academic life or daily life. I learn to procrastinate because of this addiction as well.

My fight against this addiction is something I want to achieve this year, as what I wrote in my Priority List 2013. Do you think I'll be able to do it?

[Review] House of Gu/ Gu Family Book

THIS IS A TOTALLY MUST WATCH DRAMA!

The storyline was so AWESOME and THRILLING.. I just couldn't get enough. Seriously!
Hmm.. Should I give some summary? This is what I've watched so far.. Till 6th episode.

Choi Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) is half human and half gumiho. His mother was a run-away state slave while his father was a-thousand-year gumiho. Both of his parents had passed away because of some circumstances (you need to watch it yourself) and he was adopted by a noble man, named Park Moo Sool. Lord Park was asked by a monk to take care of Kang Chi until he reach the age of 20 and never to take off the bracelet Kang Chi's wearing. The monk promised Lord Park  that he will be rewarded with huge fortune for his kindness.

As Kang Chi has grown up, he become a trouble maker to the house but still pure at heart. He likes to fight with people who creates problem to Lord Park's Hundred Years Inn. Lord Park's wife is not really in favor of Kang Chi. They have two child of their own; Tae Soo and Choong Ju.

Suzy (Miss A) acted as a daughter of an officer who previously saved Kang Chi's mother's life, named Yeo Weol. She was assigned by his father to report any incident caused by Bo Ji or also known as Joo Gwan Woong. Joo Gwan Woong was the person who framed Kang Chi's grandfather of treason. And now he framed Lord Park and his family for kidnapping his people while the truth was that his people was trying to assassinate Lord Park.

Seems like the story revolve around how Kang Chi is going to take revenge for his mother, grandfather and Lord Park's family. For now, Kang Chi does not have any idea who he really is.. He'll struggle to live as a normal human being.. Yeo Weol will be around as his support system, I think. We'll see what will happen from here on.. I can't wait for the next episode.. Hihi..

One more pointer I would like to reveal is that most of my favorite actors are in this drama!
Choi Jin Hyuk!

Lee Seung Gi!

Sung Joon!

What more can I say? I am totally hooked! Kekeke...

Ending in Part 2

Heart vs Brain

"I decided to forgive and forget.. But why does my heart hurts?"

"I decided to stop liking him.. But why do I keep thinking of him?"

Emotion.. is not something we can control with our brain
No matter how many times you ask your heart..
 to stop feeling a certain way
 or to just keep calm
It just won't listen..

In fact, our heart is like a rebellious teenager
As you ask them to listen..
They'll do otherwise..
They'll cause you so much pain
They'll cause you so much distressed
Until in the end, your 'brain' have to give in

Emotion.. is not something you can rationalize
It acts on its own
You can't meddle in with it's business
Persuasion won't work against it
And don't even think of compromising..

Although, it is blind and deaf..
It makes you realize something
What your true desire is..
What your life experience had taught you..
And what makes you, just YOU!

Thus, believe in your heart..
It may waver at times
It may cause pain at times
But over time, it will mature up and become stronger

Insha Allah.. =)

Go Dok Mi's Diary

Taken from K-drama 'Flower Boys Next Door'. I love you, Park Shin Hye unnie! Fighting!!!

Episode 1: 'I steal peeks at him everyday'

How timid and delicate unrequited love is?
Even though unrequited love finds its own way in..
It's a love that gets trapped inside..
Unable to find an exit.

Even though I'm the one who started it
Without knowing a thing..
If he leaves my sight one day..
It's a love that ends vain without it ever having a purpose
Never even having had the chance to bud or bloom any flower
A love that can never bear fruit.. like a seed left forgotten..
That is.. UNREQUITED LOVE

Episode 2: 'Leave me alone.. Please!'

That woman's mouth is like a broken faucet in a mountain village
Not a single drop comes out when it's needed..
But it's like a faulty faucet that only works in the silence of a night
All the words that she wasn't able to say at that moment..
Comes pouring out after the moment passes
"Next time, I'll make sure to respond like this"
"This is how I'm going to retort to the comments"
This.. she always vows to herself
That woman.. always speaks the most impressive lines when she's alone in her room

Episode 3: 'First love is painful and unrequited love is heartbreaking'

People who thinks that happiness is something that's always within their reaches..
I wonder how happy they must really be?
That woman.. always gets nervous when she finds herself to be too happy
To that woman.. happiness is like blow bubbles we used to play when we were little
The moment she touches the bubbles carrying the lights of rainbow around her..
They burst!

Episode 4: 'Are there no such things as white lies or kind lies?'

"What is your truth? Tell me honestly."
Whenever someone asks her that, she would always keep her mouth shut
Truth is something that appears like sweet piece of candy or chocolate
When it's outer wrapping is peeled off..
Just like skin is needed to protect the blood and flesh underneath
A lie was needed in order to protect the truth
Rather than to remain honest and reveal all her wounds
Pasting a bright smile on her face and lying..
Felt safer for her

Episode 5: 'I'll make up a thousand excuses just to run into you by chance!'

Whenever she steps out into the world, that woman often becomes an invisible being
She gets shoved around and stepped on
And when she gets mixed amongst the crowd..
I don't think she's visible to other people
That's why that woman hides in her room
Her small room feels cozy to her, like a cage feels cozy to a bird with broken wing
And in that room, she can breathe freely
She never dreamed of the world outside or missed the world out there
At least, until now..

Episode 6: 'The key term for meetings are 'Fated' and 'Ill-fated''

That woman believes fate is a string..
That quietly connects her heart to another
Following that invisible string to feel even the slightest vibration is what connects people..
To feel and understand each other
When one person's heart suddenly gets mixed with so many other hearts..
It starts to make that woman's heart feel uneasy
So, fate..
Please stop tugging so hard at my heart to pull me in

Episode 7: 'Pride and prejudice and misunderstanding'

That woman's scars are like.. sinking underwater
Spectators, who don't know how deep that scar is..
Simply advise her why she can't escape from it
There are too many people who are rude to other's scars
That woman didn't want to hear such empty words
At least not from this one person..

Episode 8: 'There is a dangerous tunnel area waiting in front of you'

To someone, love may be like a medal or like a trophy
The result of victory
And to someone, love is endlessly waiting for their loved ones
A truthful and sincere course
To that woman, love is a secret that she, herself, may not find out about.

Episode 9: 'I love you as much as I know you.. I know you as much as I love you..'

After the person whom she suspected would only be a casual acquaintance left..
Sometimes she still has feelings left behind
Only after he left, she realized the depth and weight of the relationship
That woman believes that repeating the belated regrets is how the life goes.

Episode 10: 'If you know about your enemy, see things from his eyes, not yours'

That woman's door had not opened for a long time.
In front of her dusty door, there were 2-3 invitation cards.
He who came as a fresh breeze..
He who is like a shield that blocks stormy wind..
She is afraid of her desire to open the door for the first time

Episode 11: 'Can I go back to being the old me?'

As humans are not factory-made machines and toys,
We are special and complicated
What our purposes in lives are..
What our hearts desire..
And even the weak spots..
We are unique and have different qualities.
You can only tell by looking at them for a long time.
So, that woman doesn't believe in fated love
She didn't believe in it..

Episode 12: 'The wind is blowing.. I like you..'

The sunflower looking up to the sun and smiling becomes a small sun
On top of the seashells that play with water all day..
You see sweet wave marks
Those who are dear to each other become like each other
That woman is finally starting to understand a bit

Episode 13: 'Should I dream a new dream?'

The wind and waves are breaking down the sand castle
That man can love the wind and the sea
That man says that the sand castle didn't break down
    but it got infused
That man knows the method of healing

Ep 14: 'Your feeling for me are like a shower.. It will pass by'

How many meanings could the word 'sorry' have?
Sadness and wounds..
Misunderstanding and reflection..
Regret and reconciliation..
There are countless of emotions inside
He believes that you cannot express your feelings with just a word
"Will you come to Spain with me?"
He was speaking love to me..

Ep 15: 'Love sometimes seeks a further path'

I try to copy his smile
I try to see the world in his eyes
I try to think from his heart
To him, love is..
    to see the world deeply from two people's heart

Ep 16: 'Love your neighbor'

Enrique:
Love is when you give half of yourself
And in that space, fill it with half of the other person
That woman, the half that she wanted to give
   was dark and shy, so she pushed love away
That love is when two halves that were lacking join
   and become a whole
That woman has finally realized

Go Dok Mi:
Love is a wind-up clock
When it is new, it lets you know the exact time
As time passes and you forget to wind it up..
The clock breaks and stops working
That man, in order to keep the clock going
Even when time has passed, has started to wind it.

Review: Queen In Hyun's Man

I started watching this drama after I found out that the two main characters ended up dating!
I thought it would have a real feeling to it. Besides, the actor confessed publicly to the actress until it became headlines.

Summary:
The story is about a scholar from Joseon Dynasty named Kim Bung Do, who would travel through time every time he is in danger (i.e. he can escape death) after he received a talisman from a Gisaeng named Yoon Wol. Whenever he travel through time, he would end up meeting an  amateur actress named Choi Hui Jin. Kim Bung Do was perplexed at first but discover that it all happens because of the talisman. He also found out that he could go back to Joseon Dynasty by reciting the letter written on the talisman. Choi Hui Jin and Kim Bung Do started developing feeling for each other but there's a lot of obstacles ahead of them.

Personal review:
So, the story went quite fast and has a bit too much of conflicts, in my opinion..
Firstly, I was surprised that Choi Hui Jin (played by Yoo In Na) already kissed Kim Bung Do (played by Ji Hyun Woo) after only meeting him for a few times. Seriously she has a very impulsive manner. Good thing that the guy didn't mind and started to have feeling for her too. I guess it's just a wonderful fantasy that everyone wish for.. that is to have mutual affection towards someone we like. Oh.. well.. I'll be more lenient about it since it's just a fictional drama..

Then, there's also a lot of twist and turn to the drama. The talisman, which helped Kim Bung Do (KBD) to travel through time, suddenly was ripped and stolen. This caused KBD to lose memory along with everyone around Choi Hui Jin. After that, the talisman also has caused some rumors to emerged. It almost cause the death of the real Queen and KBD himself. I cried when CHJ thought KBD was really dead as she found out from the annals. Yoo In Na cried realistically! It was so heart-breaking to see her like that.. T_T Just imagine when you love someone so dearly, and suddenly you heard him died far far away from you that you couldn't even have a look at his dead body. Sob.. sob.. T_T

It was also sad to find out that Yoon Wol and the Master Buddha had died.. So the talisman had no use.. He couldn't even explain anything to her! He just disappeared without his own accord.. And CHJ was waiting and always anxiously waiting for him to come back.. It's so sad to see them separated like that.. T_T

So, in the end, with a heavy heart, KBD burned the talisman after writing a love letter to CHJ. CHJ has no memory whatsoever after that. But she started to feel something weird after she saw the love letter that has become an artifact now. Somehow she feel connected to KBD. The ridiculous thing is, she called KBD's phone after she started to remember those memories, and KBD's phone did ring! Even though he is 300 years apart from CHJ! Haha.. Ridiculous but I'll look pass this..

Of course there are a lot of cute, envious scenes too.. Actually I love all their kiss scenes!!! Keke~~ It's so romantic! And moreover, Ji Hyun Woo is defenitely my type of guy! =P He's probably not that very good-looking (for some people, i guess) but his smile is just so charming.. It makes my heart melts~~ Plus, I like tall guys.. Keke~~ I truly feel that they are actually really kissing.. Especially after I knew that they had feeling for each other while filming this drama.. Ji Hyun Woo seems like a really mature guy in real life, which is why I love him more..

Anyway, congratulation to Yoo In Na unnie and Ji Hyun Woo oppa!!!! Hope both of you have a really long and blissful life together!!!