Foodie Goodie | Spaghetti Aglio Olio.

Weekends are for watching old Korean dramas. At least that's what they are, for me. And the past weekend saw me finishing 'Pasta' - all twenty episodes of it. This hit romantic comedy series, which aired in 2010, revolves around the life of Seo Yoo Kyung (portrayed by Gong Hyo Jin) and her dreams and struggles to become an elite chef.

Lee Sun Kyun and Gong Hyo Jin in Pasta.

After watching this drama, I was prompted inspired to do two things - have my ears pierced near the cartilage - in the style of Gong Hyo Jin,  and cook Spaghetti with Olive Oil and Garlic ala Choi Hyun Wook (the male lead, portrayed by Lee Sun Kyun).

Now I have three piercings on my left ear. :)

I've never cooked Spaghetti Aglio Olio before, so I did a bit of research and came across this recipe from the Food Network. The ingredients are pretty basic, and this dish takes very little time and effort to cook. It's perfect for days when I'm in the mood for pasta but don't want to go through the whole process of chopping and slicing and prepping ingredients, lol.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Ingredients:
500 grams spaghetti
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsps flat-leaf parsley, chopped
pinch of red pepper flakes
kosher salt to taste (plus 1 teaspoon)
zest of 1/2 lemon
parmesan cheese, grated

Procedure:
1. Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously.
2. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally until al dente, tender but not mushy, about 8 minutes.
3. While the pasta cooks, combine the garlic, olive oil, the 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes in a large skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until the garlic softens and turns golden.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink, reserving about a 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
5. Add the pasta and the reserved water to the garlic mixture. Mix well.
6. Add the parsley and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
7. Transfer to a large serving bowl or divide amongst 4 to 6 dishes. Serve topped with grated cheese, if desired.

Shared with Food Friday and Food Trip Friday. 

UFC Fight Night | Chael Sonnen for the win!

Talk like a gangster. Fight like a boss. Win like a champion.
That's exactly what Chael Sonnen did in UFC Fight Night 26, when he beat Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua with a first round submission.

In front of more than 12,000 fans in Boston's TD Garden, Sonnen proved that there's more to his trash-talking and unpredictable shticks. Using his impressive wrestling skills, he took Rua down early on in the round, and they pretty much stayed on the mat the entire time.

Rua, a former light heavyweight champion, managed to defend himself and got back on his feet. And just when you thought the odds have turned in favor of the Brazilian, the American Gangster got a standing guillotine, brought it down, and locked it tight. And at 4:47 of the first round, Rua (who happens to be a black belter in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), tapped out.

Photo credit: Jared Wickerham / Zuffa LLC

After the fight, Sonnen dedicated his win to his grandmother, to his friend Alaina, and to all cancer patients and survivors. Of course, no interview would be complete without his witty remarks, and this time he picked on another Brazilian. "Wanderlei Silva. 6 feet tall and 205 pounds, but until I met you, I didn't know they could stack crap that high," said Sonnen, quipping a line from Full Metal Jacket.

He was a bit 'tamer' however, in the post-fight press conference. When asked how he felt about snapping his two-fight losing streak, Sonnen answered, "It feels good because it's Shogun."

Check out the pink ribbon!
Originally posted on my Instagram. :)

He went on by saying, "The guy's a former world champion. He's going to be in the Hall of Fame. He's beaten [Chuck] Liddell. He's beaten Forrest Griffin. He's beaten [Lyoto] Machida. He's beaten all these guys. He's beaten guys I've known and looked up to, from the Kevin Randlemans and Mark Colemans of the world. So yeah, it feels good."

And boy, do I feel good.
And why not? I am perhaps the biggest Chael Sonnen fan in this country, if not the world. So yeah, my happiness is beyond the stars.

Congrats Chael Sonnen!
And to all the other winners in UFC Fight Night 26 - Travis Browne, Urijah Faber, Matt Brown - kudos to you, too! You've all made me a happy fangirl. :)

Chan Sung Jung, and throwback to UFC 163.

Last Saturday, 'Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung battled it out on the octagon with Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And while the odds may not have been in favor of the Korean contender, the fact still remains that Chan Sung Jung is the first Asian to headline a UFC main event and fight for the championship title.

Photo credit: MMA Weekly

A native of Pohang, South Korea, Chan Sung Jung made his professional debut in June 2007. He made his debut in the UFC four years later, in March 2011 at UFC Fight Night 24. Chan Sung Jung's ability to fight aggressively and withstand heavy blows from his opponent has earned him several accolades in the UFC, including the 2012 Submission of the Year and 2012 Fight of the Year awards.

UFC 163 would be the biggest day in Chan Sung Jung's career as a mixed martial arts fighter, and in a pre-fight interview, the Korean Zombie said that he felt great physically and mentally, and will do his best to beat Jose Aldo.

Photo credit: Fighter Fashion

When asked as to how it felt to have reached the pinnacle of his MMA career, the 26-year-old Taekwondo black belter said, "It's been my goal and dream for several years now, so it means the world to me. I know that it would push MMA in Korea to the next level if I win, so a victory would be that much more important."

Unfortunately, the Korean Zombie dislocated his shoulder during his match against Jose Aldo, which brought about a TKO loss in the fourth round. This would be his first loss in four UFC fights.

Photo credit: MMA Fighting

"...when I separated my shoulder, I tried to put it back in myself, but it didn't work, and I think Jose noticed my shoulder was out, and he kicked me three times really hard. So unfortunately, the shoulder was not able to be put back in," said Chan Sung Jung during the post-fight press conference. Thankfully, the medical team was able to pop the shoulder back in and the Korean Zombie was able to speak before the press (together with his translator) - arm sling, bandages, and all.

Would the Korean Zombie ask for a rematch?
"As far as the rematch goes, I would love to get a rematch," he answered. "I would love to ask for a rematch, but I think there are other people that are waiting in line, and I probably have to get a couple more wins in the division before they'll give me another shot at the title."

Sure, the Korean Zombie would have to work his way back up to the Featherweight ladder, and even he knows that for a fact. Here's hoping that he gets better soon - last I heard he also has an orbital fracture on top of the dislocated shoulder. His fans in and outside of Korea (including me!) will be looking forward to his return to the Octagon, and hopefully, for another shot at the title.

SHINee Designs for Skechers.

KPop idol group SHINee has taken their modelling stint with Skechers to the next level. Now, they are not just brand endorsers, they have become designers as well.

Onew, Taemin, Jonghyun, Key, and Minho met up with the design team of Skechers to brainstorm ideas, after which they made drafts of their favorite themes individually.

According to a Skechers representative, "The 5 members of SHINee actively participated in the design process from start to finish, and left the staff feeling stunned. The designs will focus on SHINee’s unique sense of style, so we believe that we can definitely produce something that will reflect on each member’s personality."

This project was done in collaboration with portal website NAVER, where the caps and shirts designed by SHINee will first go on sale. International Kpop fans can also avail of the 'Why So Serious' collection via YesAsia, where preorders can now be made.

Make Way for the ICON!

Singer, actor, and former TRAX member No Min Woo has a new name. He will now be known as ‘ICON’, and he has formed a three man band together with drummer Monster and DJ Disco. The band will be releasing a new single album, ‘Iconic Oh Disco Rockstar’ with the song ‘Rockstar’ as its title track.

The teaser MV for the said track has been released, with ICON showcasing his impressive guitar skills, akin to that of Japanese 'samurai guitarist' Miyavi. Aside from being a guitarist, bassist, and vocalist, ICON was also greatly involved in the making of their single album, where he was also the producer, composer, lyricist, and arranger.

ICON will be releasing the title track ‘Rockstar’ on July 1.

Also posted on Korea.com.

A Secret Revealed | Tony Moly Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream.

Just when you thought you've seen it all when it comes to BB (blemish balm) creams, cosmetic innovators from the Land of the Morning Calm (ergo, South Korea) have come up with an offshoot and decided to move to the next letter of the alphabet.

Enter the CC cream, otherwise known as the 'color control' or 'color corrector' cream. Created and developed in South Korea, the CC cream not only acts as a skincare product but also gives the skin a more effective, natural-looking coverage.

Sells at Php 948 each. :)

This (and more) is what the Tony Moly Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream does - and it has finally made its way to the Philippines. The product - dubbed as the 'Celebrities' Secret' was officially launched last Tuesday, at the Tony Moly branch in Market! Market!, Taguig City.

The event was hosted by Ms. Bianca Valerio, who was also the makeup artist for the day. She did a makeup demo, where the attendees got to see the Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream in action.

And where we got to see the seven key features/benefits from this smart, all-in-one cream. These features include: color correction, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, whitening, UV protection, improves complexion, and conceals imperfections.

With the many skincare issues the Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream can address, it's no surprise that this product sold like hotcakes the first time it landed on Philippine shores. It's almost always out-of-stock whenever I drop by Tony Moly stores and attempt to buy one, haha!

And now, let me end this post with some eye-candy.

Yoochun is love! :)

Many thanks to Tony Moly Philippines for inviting The Rebel Sweetheart to this event. ;)

Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung Announce their Wedding.

Much has been said about the relationship between Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung, and just recently they have announced their upcoming wedding. Lee Byung Hun’s agency, BH, made the announcement last Wednesday stating that the couple are to tie the knot in August, with the ceremony to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul.

Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung have been a couple since August 2012, and are set to get married exactly one year later.

Also posted on Korea.com.

KPop Invades the Philippine Concert Scene.

Music breaks language barriers - so goes an old saying. And this timeless adage holds true even in this modern day and age. Case in point, Korean pop music.

Language is certainly no impediment for Kpop fans. Idol groups, idol stars, and the music that they create continue to be in the spotlight, with their fame extending throughout Southeast Asia and across the globe.

The Philippines is no privy to the Kpop phenomenon. There are legions upon legions of Filipino Kpop fans who share the same passion as I do. Sure, not every fan can speak Korean fluently or has a good grasp of the Korean language, but these fans know how to enjoy good music and appreciate musical performances.

And with all these personalities coming to the Philippines this month and the next, there is no doubt that the Kpop music scene will once again be the rage in the country.

YouTube sensation and guitar wonderboy Sungha Jung will hold a two-day concert for his Philippine Tour. He will be performing at the J Centre Convention Hall in Cebu City on June 14, while on June 15 he will be serenading fans at the Resorts World Manila.

CNBlue will be coming to Manila for the first time, as part of their Blue Moon 2013 World Tour. This event will be held on June 15 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Former UKISS member Xander, aka Alexander Lee Eusebio, will be celebrating his birthday in the Philippines! His fan party in Manila will happen on July 27 - the same day he turns 25!

And then there's our City Hunter, Boys over Flowers star Lee Min Ho, who will return to Manila on July 6 for a one-night only concert. The Manila leg of Lee Min Ho's 'My Everything World Tour' will take place in the Mall of Asia Arena.

If you're a Kpop fan, be sure to catch these performances. And I'm certain all the die-hard fans out there wouldn't miss out on these events for the world!

Lee Min Ho | My Everything World Tour Updates.

By now, most of you Kpop fans know that Lee Min Ho will be in town for a concert come July 6. It's a one-night-only event, and it will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Now just to keep you all updated, here are the ticket prices for the concert:

VIP - Php 7,500

Patron - Php 5,400

Lower Box A - Php 5,400

Lower Box B - Php 3,675

Upper Box - Php 1,575

General Admission - Php 525

And here's the seat plan: (Click on the image to enlarge.)

Lower Box A will cover seats 201-202/221-222 and rows A-E OF 203-207/216-220. Lower Box B, on the other hand will cover the 6th row onwards of 203-207/216-220.

Tickets can now be purchased at SM Tickets. For VIP seats, you may contact (02) 374 9999.

This event is made possible by Bench and Wilbros Live.

Lee Min Ho Live in Manila! Again!

Hold your undies, ladies! Your favorite flower boy (and I say your - because my favorite is Kim Hyun Joong, lol) is coming back to Manila for a solo concert!

Oh yes, you read it right - concert. Dubbed as 'My Everything', this one-night only event will be held on July 6, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This concert is part of Lee Min Ho's promotional tour of his forthcoming album titled 'My Everything'. The said album is scheduled for release on May 22, 2013.

Ticket prices will be announced soon. Follow Wilbros Live for more updates!

Spazz Saturday #20 | G-Dragon releases music video for MichiGO!

After much anticipation from fans all over the world, the music video for G-Dragon’s latest single has finally been released. At exactly 12 midnight today, April 20, ‘MichiGO’ made its premiere on Big Bang’s official YouTube channel.

In an earlier statement, YG Entertainment said, “G-Dragon’s ‘MichiGO’ will not be released on any music website in Korea or in other countries. It was planned to be shown only during G-Dragon’s world tour and ‘LINE’, but since many fans asked for it, we decided to show the music video.”

MichiGO was first unveiled last March, during the Seoul leg of G-Dragon’s One of a Kind World Tour. The concert tour is currently in progress and will cover 13 cities in 8 different countries.

Also posted on Korea.com.

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.

What Time is It | 2PM Press Conference in Manila!

It's not everyday that Korean boy groups and idol stars come to the Philippines, let alone see them in the flesh. And so when I received an invitation from Hoopla Inc. to attend the exclusive Press Conference for the 'What Time is It' Live Tour in Manila, I was floored. Without thinking twice, I said yes, and confirmed my attendance to the said event.

I may not be the biggest 2PM fan (you know I will always and forever be an ELF and a VIP), but I will never in a million years pass on the chance to breathe the same air as Wooyoung and Chansung. Haha!

2PM! 

With eager anticipation and a giddy heart, I commuted all the way to Manila yesterday, March 1. I arrived at the Manila Hotel around 2PM (no pun intended). I wasn't surprised to see fans complete with placards and cheering goods loitering outside the hotel. I probably would have done that, too, if I were a hardcore Hottest. (That's what 2PM fans are called, by the way.)

After going through the usual security procedures at the entrance, I went to the Registration Area, signed the attendance sheet, and got my Press Kit. There I had the chance to meet Mica, EON Account Executive and the person who made my 2PM PressCon experience possible. :)

Press Kit + Media Pass.

We were told that food will be served prior to the PressCon proper, and by 3PM we were all gathered outside the Tap Room Bar for snacks and coffee.

Bread + Bread Spread from McCormick.

These were a big hit amongst the attendees, too. :)

Cheated on my diet and had coffee, haha. 

Manila Hotel's yummy ensaymada.

There was chicken at the buffet table, too. 

Fried Chicken, KPop style from McCormick.

And they came in all four flavors of the McCormick Fried Chicken Recipe Mix.

Bulgogi, Soy Chicken, Kimchi, and Spicy.

After our tummy fill, we were ushered to the second floor all the way to the Sampaguita Hall. Security began to tighten by then as the fans, who were now inside the hotel, grew by numbers.

Hottest, a throng of them! :)

Inside the hall, I realized how intimate this gathering was. (Like, there was less than a hundred people inside the room.)

This is it! :)

And how lucky I am to be included in this crowd of media practitioners, and seated three rows away from the main stage at that. The boys didn't keep us waiting, and within minutes, this happened.

I had to stifle a scream, lol.

The boys - JunK, Nickchun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho - appeared before us, looking dashing and dapper in white suits. Yes, Chansung wasn't there. As per Taecyeon, he's still filming for his drama (that's Level 7 Civil Servant, which I'm buffering as I write), but will definitely be there at the concert. So boo hoo. No maknae for me. :(

Now what really caught my attention was Taecyeon. I couldn't believe how fair his skin is! TV sure can be deceiving, as his skin looked olive to me when he starred in Dream High and Cinderella's Sister.

"First of all, the view is great. Just look outside the window of my hotel room..." Taecyeon began.

And boy, his English sure was impeccable. I was impressed!

Cheeky Taecyeon.

I knew beforehand that Nick can speak in English (and Thai, and Korean, and Japanese, and Chinese for that matter), and that he has this irresistible, boy-next-door charm. So it's not surprising that he's the new poster boy for Bench.

Oh Nick, you're so adorbs. :)

I loved how Nick and Taec were smiling throughout the duration of the PressCon. Wooyoung was a bit more reserved, smiling lopsidedly every once in awhile. But I love him nonetheless.

Wooyoungie!!!

I love him too much more than the others, I guess. Because as I went through the photos on my Galaxy Note 2, I realized that almost two-thirds were Wooyoung's solo shots. Haha!

"Our upcoming album will be very great," says Taec.

The boys promised to give their best effort for their concert (which is happening like, right now) - their first in Philippine soil.

As for their messages to their Filipino fans, Jun K said, "Mahal na halo-halo! Mahal ko Filipinos! Mahal ko Philippines!" From Wooyoung, "Mahal kita, salamat po." (Yes, Wooyoungie, Noona loves you, too!)

But nothing can beat Junho's adorable, though grammatically incorrect "Miss you kita!"

The boys of 2PM and their alabaster skin. :)

Ah, the most surreal thirty minutes of my life as a Kpop fan. This noona is happy!

One happy fangirl!

Big, big thanks to Hoopla Inc. for inviting me to the Press Conference (and for the gifts, too), to Big Daddy Entertainment for organizing the 2PM Live Tour, and to JYP Entertainment and CJ E&M for bringing 2PM to the Philippines!

Sending out thanks to McCormick as well - this loot is just what I needed as I have chicken wings stored inside the fridge. Haha!

Loot from McCormick!

Fried Chicken Mixes in all four flavors.

Gifts from Hoopla Inc. :)

More photos from the 2PM Press Conference uploaded on my Facebook page! And I warned you about the Wooyoung overload! :)