Spazz Saturday #19 | Let's Go Birthday Party with Lee Joongi!

In celebration of his upcoming birthday, actor Lee Joon Gi will hold a special event on April 14 at the Yonsei University. Dubbed as ‘Let’s Go Birthday Party’, this birthday bash and fan meeting will be attended not just by Korean fans, but also fans from Japan, China, Hong Kong, and other neighboring countries. Tickets for the event were sold out minutes after the registration went online.

According to IMX, Lee Joon Gi’s agency, the first part of the event will feature talks and interviews with the actor himself, while the second half will be the concert proper.

Lee Joon Gi, who officially turns 31 on April 17, is said to be reviewing scripts for his next project on the small screen.

Also headlining on Korea.com.

Spazz Saturday #16 | Lee Joongi's C+B+C!

No, that is not a Math equation. It's the title of my Lee Joongi's fourth mini-album, released simultaneously in Korea and Japan last January 29. The album created waves as soon as it was released, debuting at #2 in the Oricon chart.

C+B+C album cover.

C+B+C, which stands for 'Case by Case', showcases Lee Joongi's versatility as a singer as it contains five songs with varying genres. The title track 'Lost Frame' has a techno-industrial vibe to it, with its hypnotic synthesizer sounds, explosive drum beats, and powerful guitar riffs. Also included in the album is the Japanese title track 'Tonight', a sweet, easy-listening love song which Joongi penned himself. (And my most favorite track in the album.)

A preview of what's inside the album cover.

The album also features photos of Joongi sporting the smokey eye look - complete with heavily-rimmed waterlines. I know some fans are not too pleased, which kinda reminds me of the same 'WTH' reactions towards Joongi's J Style album cover. I, on the other hand, love how Joongi looks smoking hot despite all the quirkiness.

I can't wait to get my hands on the album and show you Joongi's pretty pictures. My copy of C+B+C will arrive together with Big Bang's 2012 Alive Tour in Seoul DVD - spazzing to the extreme and fangirling at its best for The Rebel Sweetheart! :)

Project Lee Joongi | Sweet Memory, finally!

Today - just like yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that - had been crazy. 

And quite stressful. 

I've been having issues lately with the little man's crazy antics, temper tantrums, and emotional quotient. 

All these boils down to him being the first grandchild great grandchild. 

A spoiled rotten great grandchild. 

The stress is starting to show on my crow's feet, for crying out loud!

The heavens must have sensed that I've incurred 

more than a month's worth of stress within the past five days. 

Hence, I got this reward. 

Found it waiting for me at our doorstep this afternoon.

It's Lee Joongi's Sweet Memory 

CD+DVD+Photobook! 

My ahjussi / kkonminam has found his way home again! To me! Haha!

I can't contain my excitement, obviously. Especially after realizing that (if I'm not mistaken) 

I'm the first one on the Philippines to own this album. 

This is the Korean version, by the way. I was originally planning to get the Japanese version, too. 

But dang, the price is just... inhumane! LOL! Almost all Japanese releases are. 

Now it all boils down to three words. 

ONE. HAPPY. FANGIRL.

Thank you, YesAsia! 

And Lee Joongi, 

YOU. 

ARE. 

MADE OF AWESOME. :)

Sharing with InstaFriday, PhotoStoryFriday, Pink Friday, Pink Saturday, Happiness Is, and Mom & Me Monday.

Happy Birthday, Lee Joongi!

It's my kkonminam's (Hangul for 'pretty boy') birthday today! 

(Actually it's nearly over since it's almost midnight in Seoul.)

Think of this birthday greeting then, as saving the best for last. 

Saenghil chukhae, Joongi oppa!

Much much much much love! 

Project Lee Jun Ki | Virgin Snow.

Oh yes, his name finally showed up on my blog again! With all these giveaways, sponsor spotlights and product reviews going on in my blog, I didn't even had the chance to spazz about Deucer and Joongi's promotional activities in Japan.

Coming Back, March 16-20, 2012.

Joongi-ssi, if you're reading this (and I hope you are!), mianhe. Chongmal mianhe. I may not be writing about you as often as before, but that doesn't mean I'm not keeping tabs with what you're doing. I'm even trying to figure out the ropes of Weibo, just to fulfill your birthday wish.

Anyway, on with this post.
This came in the mail about two weeks ago.

Latest addition to my Joongi filmography! :)

My very own DVD copy of Virgin Snow (insert fangirl screams here) - Lee Jun Ki and Japanese actress Aoi Miyazaki's film from way back 2007.  This is the limited edition Korea version, which I got from where else but YesAsia. It's a rare find; so rare that the moment I checked my order out, the Korea version ran out of stock. That's what I call 'The Last of the Mohicans'.

Virgin Snow (Hatsuyuki no koi in Japan) is the story of Min (played by Jun Ki), a Korean boy who migrates to Japan because of his father's work, and Nanae (played by Aoi), an aspiring painter who goes to the same school as Min. It was love at first sight for Min, and despite the language barrier (and awkward conversations), a warm friendship blossomed between the two.

Oh, Min! :)

The plot thickens when Min had to fly back to Korea because of his ailing grandmother, without Nanae even knowing. As soon as his grandmother recuperates, Min returns to Japan with hopes of rekindling his relationship with Nanae. Unfortunately, Nanae was nowhere to be found.

The DVD. 

Min's frantic search for Nanae was futile. He returned to Korea empty-handed and broken-hearted (I really hate it when girls make my Joongi cry, lol.).

The back panel.

Okay, okay, I won't spill the beans anymore. If you're a Joongi fan, you better watch this movie for yourself. The plot is pretty simple - a no-brainer, actually - but that's what I love about this film. Its simplicity makes it truly heartwarming.

But then again, I could be biased because it's Lee Jun Ki. Haha! :)

Sharing with Happiness Is and Wednesday Whites.

Today's Look + Avon Smoke and Mirrors Limited Edition Collection.

I fell in love with Smoke and Mirrors the moment I saw it on the pages of Avon's 'Hello Tomorrow' March 1-15 issue. For those who are wondering, 'Hello Tomorrow' is a supplemental magazine to every Avon campaign. And like the regular brochure, it is also published bi-monthly.

Every issue of this magazine is filled with ideas, tips, and offers exclusive to Avon representatives. As you may know, I'm not just an Avon costumer, I'm an 'Avon lady' as well. Being one has its perks, with the Advanced Try Me Offer as my most favorite Avon lady privilege. This is the opportunity to purchase and try the newest items before they are made available to the public. Of course, when we're talking about new makeup releases, expect me to seize each and every opportunity I can get.

Smoke & Mirrors Limited Edition Collection.

And because Smoke & Mirrors (1) has a pretty purple packaging, (2) is intended for the smoky eye look, and (3) sounds very Neil Gaiman, I knew I had to get that eyeshadow palette. Plus the lipsticks and eyeliners that are also part of the Smoke & Mirrors collection.

As I've promised earlier, here are the swatches from the entire collection. First up, the eyeshadow which I got for Php 309.

Clockwise from top left: Island Breeze, Gray Illusion, Perplexed Purple, Nude and Infused.

The greens and the purples in this palette compliment each other beautifully. The autumn-toned colors are warm, rich, and very sophisticated. Highly-pigmented and guaranteed long-lasting, these shades can be worn  day or night, or even from day until night! For instance, you can create a subtle, office-appropriate, daytime look which you can tweak and retouch later on for that smouldering, nighttime, smoky eye look.

From L-R: Island Breeze, Gray Illusion, Nude and Infused, Perplexed Purple

And you know how much of a fan sucker I am when it comes to smoky eyes. Especially when there's purple / a touch of purple going on with the look.

Now these gel eyeliners (Php 189 each) are something new to me, as I am more familiar with the conventional eyeliner pencil and liquid eyeliner.

Golden Fawn.

Blackberry.

Blackberry (left), Golden Fawn (right).

These are actually my first gel eyeliners ever, and I'm amazed at how easy it was to work with this product. Unlike liquid eyeliners (which actually took me a long time to get the hang of it), the gel eyeliners glide smoothly and for someone with wobbly hands, these babies are quite easy to control. They don't smudge or flake, and are pretty long-lasting, too. 

Golden Fawn (left), Blackberry (right).

But it's the unique and intense colors of these Avon gel eyeliners that I love the most. Golden Fawn is a metallic pewter shade with gold undertones, while Blackberry has a brownish-slash-blackish plum vibe to it. The former is great for making your eyes appear brighter, while the latter is a gorgeous alternative to the usual black waterlines.

The lipsticks (also priced at Php 189 each) are just as stunning.

Apricot Mystery.

Apricot Mystery.

Apricot Mystery has a coral shade with orange undertones. It may look dark and intense from this point of view, but when worn it's actually light, creamy, and almost sheer.

Purple Hazed.

Purple Hazed.

Purple Hazed, as the name implies, is a purple lipstick with light pink undertones. It may look too pale or too frosted, but in actual, this product has a creamy yet glossy finish - characteristic of most Avon lipsticks from the Ultra Moisture Rich line.

Apricot Mystery (left), Purple Hazed (right).

I love it because it's purple, and its sheerness is just to my liking. It's the kind of icy plum shade that works best when you're sporting those dark, smoky eyes.

And speaking of which, here's the look I've created using the Smoke and Mirrors collection.

Gray Illusion on the lids, Nude and Infused on the creases.
Perplexed Purple on the outer V, Island Breeze on the brow bone / highlight. 

I love my cheekbones, lol. Pardon the narcissism. :)

I've been obsessing over Big Bang's Fantastic Baby these days, and I'm totally digging TOP's smoky eyes in the music video.

Fantastic Baby! :)

So yeah, this look was inspired by the best Korean rapper with the sexiest smoky eyes ever. (Sorry, Jun Ki! You come in second, though!) And yes, I was listening to Alive the entire time I was doing my makeup.

Smoke and Mirrors, success! :)

Capping off this post, here are the products I used for this look.

L'Oreal Base Magique Primer
Avon Healthy Makeup BB Cream in Light
Avon Ideal Luminous Dual Powder Foundation in Shell
Avon Ideal Luminous Concealer Stick in Almond
Fanny Serrano Eyebrow Liner in Dark Brown
Avon Smoke and Mirrors Eyeshadow Quad
Avon Gel Eyeliner in Blackberry
Avon Super Curlacious Waterproof Mascara in Black
Human Nature Love Minerals Blush in Pink Quartz
Jordana Lip Liner in Rose
Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Lipstick in Purple Hazed

The Smoke and Mirrors collection will be available to the public starting March 16, 2012. Better pre-order from your Avon reps now, as these goods will be out for a limited time only.

And now I'm off to remove all this gunk from my face and get me some sleep! :)

Sharing the purples with Color, Click, Capture and Artistic Tuesday.


A great euphonious in every box

Hallyu's Hottest | Lee Jun Ki, Choi Siwon, Big Bang!

If the sweltering heat of the summer isn't hot enough, then perhaps these flower boys would be more than sufficient to raise the temperature to a fever-pitch.

First off, the my quintessential kkonminam goes inside the studio to record his upcoming single album, 'Deucer'.

Photo credit: @JGshock

The album will be released first in Japan this month, while the Korean release is scheduled for April. Oh, and yes, I've already pre-ordered my copy. :)

Meanwhile, the bad boys are fizzling hot in their latest MV. Released yesterday (March 7), Fantastic Baby has caused a frenzy all over the worldwide web with its head-bopping beat and catchy lyrics (boomshakalaka is catchy enough, right?).

Photo credit: Korea.com

Big Bang's quirky and eclectic style doesn't go unnoticed in this video, either. I, for one, am totally drawn to TOP's smoky eyes and blue hair. They're totally, Fantastic Baby!

Finally, some homegrown news. And why homegrown?
Because these two are now endorsers of a Philippine-made, world-renowned brand!

It's official! Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae are the latest addition to the Bench family! And it won't be long 'til we see jaw-dropping, traffic-stopping billboards of SiHae plastered all over EDSA. Better yet, there is a huge chance of the boys coming to the Philippines for promotional activities. Expect ELFs all over the country to go ballistic all over again! Me included! :)

Singing (the) Blue | Big Bang Daebak!

I wasn't a BigBang fan. Until this came along.

Blue - title track of BigBang's 5th mini album

After I posted this yesterday, I got so curious about BigBang's comeback album that  I couldn't help but to Google it. Really, when you see something as quirky as this, you're bound to get curious.

Nebulizer masks FTW!

The next thing I knew, I was on BigBang's official YouTube channel, watching the Blue MV over and over until Yue began complaining about it. "Mommy, ang lakas naman ng tugtog mo! Hindi ko marinig si Pink Panther!" (Mommy, your music is too loud! I can't hear Pink Panther!) LOL.

I usually fall in love with the song first, before the artist itself. After being smitten by Blue, I decided to preorder a copy of Alive for myself. Just when I thought the only album I will be purchasing this year would be Lee Jun Ki's Deucer (single to be released in March, album in April), I found myself enamored by Blue - like I'm in a trance or something. Play the video above and perhaps you'll understand what I'm talking about.

And with that, I'm now making it official. The Rebel Sweetheart is now a VIP. :)

*VIP is BigBang's official fan club.

Not from Joseon, Not a Joseon Man.

"Is your husband Korean?" 
"Is your son half-Korean?"
"Have you been to Korea before?"

These questions I've been asked one too many times before. My ears have actually gotten used to it. I usually get asked by new acquaintances, distant relatives whom I've reconnected with through Facebook, or even strangers that we meet at the mall, the fastfood chain, or at the doctor's clinic.

Perhaps its his alabaster skin, doe eyes, Hallyu hairstyle, or his ability to speak a bit of Hangul that makes people think Yue is Korean, or has a Korean dad. I find it funny, at times flattering, whenever people refuse to believe that my husband is a Filipino, or that Yue is a full-blood Pinoy. I get the most interesting reactions from people each time I tell them they have it wrong.

My most interesting encounter, by far, happened just recently while at the supermarket. Out of habit, Yue and I would always swing by the imported goods section and check out the Korean food items on the shelves. (I was hoping I'd come across some instant jjajangmyun or instant bibimbap.) As the little man exclaimed at the sight of a Pororo milk drink, a very Korean-looking ahjumma (elder woman) came from behind and began speaking to me. In Hangul.

Happy penguin Pororo!

"Annyong haseyo!" she greeted. "Odiso oshiosoyo?" (Hello! Where are you from?) In my mind I was like, 'Oh freak, she thinks I'm Korean?! Because of Pororo???!!!' 

Sure, I understood what she said, and can carry out a decent conversation in Hangul. But of course, my knowledge of the Korean language is limited to the basics - most of which I've learned by watching Kdramas and the Arirang channel.

"Annyong haseyo! Chonun... pilipin... esseo wasseyo," (Hello! I'm from the Philippines.) I greeted back with a smile. At the back of my mind I was summoning the image of Lee Jun Ki in his Let's Learn Korean instructional video.

"De?" she asked. (Huh?) I was worried that I might have said the wrong word, or my pronunciation sounds funny.

"Uh... Yogi... Chonun... Pilipin-saram," (Uh... here... I'm a Filipino.) 'Jeez, my banmal is a mess!' I thought.

The ahjumma gave me a bright smile. "Oh! Kure, kure! Arasso, arasso!" (Oh, right! I understand.)

"Mianheyo, Hanguk-mal jogeum..." I said sheepishly. (Sorry, I speak little Korean.)

"Kokchongma, Hanguk-mal choa!" (Don't worry, it's good.) She glanced at Yue and said, "Adeun minami!" (Your son is handsome.)

"Omo, kansahmnida!" (Oh, thank you!) I bowed my head a little and was thinking if I should do it ninety-degrees ala Super Junior.

And then an ahjussi (elder man), standing at the end of the aisle, shouted "Yobo!" (wife). He was waving his arm, signalling for his wife to come over. I was relieved. I might run out of Hangul if she presses on for a full-blown conversation, haha.

"Kabwa! Kumapta!" (I'm going. Thank you!) And with that smile that never left her face, she sauntered off towards the ahjussi.

I was a bit dazed from what just happened. "Anak, anyare?" (Son, what happened?) I asked Yue. The little man, who was so engrossed with Pororo the entire time, answered, "Sabi nung ahjumma annyeong daw." And then he began singing "Annyeong ne sarang, annyeong ne sarang" - the theme song of Smile You.

Pororo and my little kkonminam.

I chuckled. "Tara na nga, at baka mamaya eh Hapon naman ang kumausap sa kin dito!" (Let's go now, or a Japanese might come next!)

Oh this association with all things Korean! Miccyeoseo miccyeoseo! (Crazy crazy!)


Note: Joseon is what Korea used to be called in the ancient times. This refers to South and North as a whole.


Sharing with 366, InstaFriday, Mommy Moments.

Project Lee Jun Ki | Episode 1.

Forget dessert. Here's something even more worthy of my now-elusive smile.

All the way from HK!

Today, I finally had the chance to get this registered parcel. Yue and I made a quick trip to the local post office before going to the supermarket. I had to personally claim this - complete with ID verification - because it's registered mail. I even had to pay an extra Php 40 because of this Customs Declaration thinggy.

Hmmm... movie disc. Take a guess at who is inside. :)

The parcel's claim stub actually came last Tuesday, but as you may have known, I had to attend to pressing (and depressing) matters earlier this week. After being down in the dumps for the past couple of days, this was a surefire way of putting the smile back into my face.

Ehem! Photo not too clear for you?

Episode 1... here we go! :)

That's Lee Jun Ki Episode 1- otherwise known as Lee Jun Ki's 1st Concert / Fanmeeting in Seoul. This Korea version DVD, released in 2006, is a rare find these days. I was lucky enough to find this on eBay a few weeks back; the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew I had to have this in my collection.

DVD, photobook, stickers.

This is my first Lee Jun Ki collectible, by the way.

Yue, the sticker addict, had cruel intentions for my kkonminam. LOL.

And it just so happens that this is also my first Paypal and first international eBay transaction.

J-style! 

Although a bit worried at first, (I was a Paypal/eBay international newbie, after all) the seller had been very accommodating and was quick to respond to my queries. I even got a discount for the shipping fee. :)

Awww... there's a crack on the cover. :(

I guess the only thing I can complain about is that crack on the cover, which could have been incurred while in transit. One layer of bubble wrap obviously wasn't enough to protect my Joongi. :(

Not a dibidi copy. Haha!

Thankfully, the DVD itself was safe and sound. And it's compatible with my player.

DVD + photobook.

I found happiness in those ninety minutes of nothing but Lee Jun Ki. And seeing these on top of my drawer makes me purse my lips to form a giddy smile.

My son, who has been complaining to his Dad that 'Mommy cries a lot', was delighted to see me smiling again. But I guess he was even more delighted with the stickers, lol. I hid them away as soon as I was done taking these photos. Otherwise, I might find Jun Ki plastered all over the place!

Sharing with 366, Happiness Is, Pink Fridays, Pink Saturday, Mellow Yellow Monday.