I know this drama has been released years ago, but I only got the chance to see it today. I liked the premise of the series and so I added it to My List on Netflix. Because it's a Friday today and we are all still in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), I decided to spend the afternoon watching the first episode.

Sung Duk-mi, our heroine in this series, is not just any other fangirl, she was born as one (there was even a few-second homage for 동방신기 when she arrived home wearing a red Cassiopeia jacket 💗) She's a fansite admin that takes airport photos of her bias member using that high-end DSLR. She is an expert in her field! She even brings a ladder with her so she could get a good angle of the artist amidst the other clamoring fans. I super loved that scene in the airport where she was the only fan observant enough to expect Sian (the kpop idol) to exit in the other gate instead of the one where all the fans were waiting. The result: she got exclusive photos of him upon his arrival.

And remember, take photos in Burst mode!

I super related with that scenario because I've had my share of being a media representative for KPOP fansites. They would usually ask us if we were available to go to the airport to document an idol's arrival (of which I never got to do because uhm I didn't have the time). I share the sentiment of Duk-mi when she felt all giddy when her airport photos got thousands of likes in social media. Previously, I had the chance to cover a KPOP concert and one of my tasks then was to post photos of the event in the fansite's offical Twitter account. I felt so happy when hundreds of people liked and retweeted the photos I took. 💓Although it could be an exhausting process (because it involves countless of hours in front of the computer), I super enjoyed looking through the photos I took and selecting which one to edit and to publish. Aaah I miss going to concerts and taking photos!

🎨Her full-time job is being a curator of a museum. I'm super loving her power outfits in the office! I would never think that this formal woman is actually a fangirl at heart. I suddenly remembered an actual experience wherein I saw the president, of the previous company I worked with, in a KPOP concert. When I approached to greet her, she laughed so hard when she saw me, and I think it was an unexpected meeting. She was with her amigas and I guess she was also a bit embarrassed that I got to see the fangirling side of her. 😅

🎵The official soundtrack took me by surprise. Help Me by (G)I-DLE is in my Spotify playlist for some time now and I didn't know it is from this drama. This is a good sign that I would really be enjoying this drama. 😀

🌸Whenever I see cherry blossoms, it instantly lights me up. There's one painting that was shown in this episode (although for a few seconds only) and it really made me happy. By the way, happy first anniversary to my cherry blossom tattoo!

🗲I found it amusing that they used the term Muggle (머글), which has a Harry Potter context.

🤶👩 I see familiar actors in this drama: the mother and the best friend. I can't remember which specific drama I already saw the mother actor, but I am 100% sure her role was also a mother there. 😂Meanwhile, the last time I saw the best friend actor was in the drama Encounter (though upon googling, I learned that she also appeared in Hotel Del Luna, but just a cameo in an episode).

👯How fun it is to have a friend whom you could fangirl as hard as you? Well I got to actually have that kind of experience with my sister. Our trip to Seoul in 2015 is still one of my best memories with her. I found the scenes in the hotel suite so hilarious -- every fangirl would be able to relate to their pilgrimage activity, especially the part of recreating the idol's photos. 😂

🗋 One of our heroine's first dilemma is her boss. The takeaway? Never accept decisions done verbally. Everything should be in writing!

Episode Rating: ★★★★★
And this is just the start! I am so looking forward to the next episodes! I am curious how the love story would blossom, given how obnoxious the male character is so far. 🤔

This event happened four months ago, but for fans who attended this event (yep, including me!), the feelings of happiness and excitement will always stay in our hearts.

Before the event began, I was able to do small talk with some other media peeps who were also covering the event. I saw danilofactor there, one of the concert photographers I follow on Instagram! Unfortunately, the introvert me took over at that moment. But I did DM him on IG after, and he replied! Really, next time (if there would be one!), I will approach him to say hi. 😊


This fanmeeting is something special. Finally, after decades of waiting, fans in the Philippines get to meet their idol! 😍 I know exactly how that feels because that's how I felt when I finally met Kim Jaejoong. 😍


It's also a delight to see that the fans that were present in the event come from a wide age range. This just shows that Seung Gi's popularity never ceased through the years. I have to highlight the fact that the admins of his official fanclub here in the Philippines are all unnies already. This just means that his fans grew with him as he journeyed with his career in the industry. I could just feel in the venue's atmosphere that they're all so happy to finally see him. There were fans who even cried. I feel them (although luckily I didn't cry with Jaejoong. Meh, I didn't want to look like a mess when I was so near him HAHAHA as if he saw me 😅). Since it was a fanmeeting, there were lots of interactions with the fans. Some lucky ones got to shake hands with him, hug him, and even stare into his eyes. I laud these girls for holding themselves properly on stage. If it was me, I would melt helplessly after hugging him. 😍

Can I just point out something? Seung Gi is so damn handsome in person! What's with these Korean stars, really?! They already look perfect on photos and videos but my mind just couldn't absorb that they could present themselves even better in person! I think it's their skin.... there's that glow on their skin that the photos and cameras would never capture (exhibit A: Jaejoong, exhibit B: Donghae). 😎🌟

Aside from the fan interactions, Lee Seung Gi also treated us to performances of ballad songs (most of which I was unfamiliar... 미안해요!). His vocals suit slow songs very well! Talk about perfection. 😀


He also talked about his ongoing Netflix series at that time, entitled Vagabond. He's in a love team with Suzy yet again! Just by the way he talked about this series and his work in general, I could sense that he really has a good working ethic. He has passion for what he does, and he cares for his fans.

For more details of what transpired during that fanmeeting, check out the article here that I wrote for KPOPChannelTV!

I was so happy and honored to be part of the audience that night. Attending this event made me remember the reason I like KPOP -- it's not just about the craft... it's also about the bond between the artist and the fans that makes these fanmeetings so so special. 💓'Til we see you again, Seung Gi. 사랑해요!

Sometimes dreams can span years before being materialized. You'll just have to always keep the faith.




Happee Sy is one of the main brains of Pulp Live World. One of the reasons why I am so happy that they are the promoters of this concert is that she is a fangirl herself. She understands how important this event will be for all the fans. Maybe it also helps that she is close friends with Kring Elenzano-Kim, one of the founders of Cassiopeia Philippines, TVXQ!'s official fanclub in the country. With this, she gets further insight of what would make the fans happy for this concert.

"Over a decade of anticipation."
This sentence right there holds true on how long Filipino Cassies have waited to finally see the men (yes Yunho and Changmin already are!) they adore so much. This blog is witness to how emotionally invested I am to this group (a quick search will unveil all of my oldest posts about them 😅).

I got to know this legendary KPOP group during the height of their lawsuit with SM Entertainment, their agency, in 2009. Although their future as a group was very uncertain at that point, it didn't hinder me into wanting to know more about them. Youtube served to be one of the greatest sources of information for me for their past interviews, music videos, and other content. When the three members (Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu) decided to leave the group, I was in a rollercoaster of emotions. For the years that came, I still tried to support all of them in their activities.

But still, the longing ensued. I have asked this question in 2013 - when will I see TVXQ! in the flesh? It was already a given that I won't be seeing them as a five-member group, but still I wanted to at least see each of them live. Two years ago, that dream came true, as Kim Jaejoong visited the country for a fanmeeting. My happiness was beyond me. It was such an eerie experience seeing his face in real life. It was really fulfilling seeing 1/5 of the group that really gave me happiness especially during the latter years of my college life. I guess it's an understatement that this group saved me. With what I know now about my mental health, I could have suffered breakdowns during those times. It was perfect timing when I got to know their music because it sure served as a healthy distraction from my own destructive train of thoughts, of which helped me get focused on my goals amidst all the stress and pressure of acads.

I'm planning to see the show together with friends whom I share the same passion of loving this group. My happiness will be multiplied to infinity because all of us will share this feeling that finally, we'll be able to see Yunho and Changmin live on stage. 😭 This will also tick off another item from my 2012 Christmas wishlist.




If all goes well, I'll accomplish seeing 3/5 of the original TVXQ! members. Unfortunately, it will be impossible to see Park Yoochun because he has already retired from the entertainment industry (which is very controversial at the moment). Which brings Kim Junsu as the only one left on the list. He's my bias in the group. So, save the best for last, I guess? :D

Aaah I really can't wait anymore! But first things first, I'll have to find a red lightstick to bring to the concert. Wooh~ See you Cassies! Always keep the faith!

Dreams do come true, always keep the faith.



Until now, days after these all happened, I am still feeling incomprehensible emotions. Did it really happen? Was I not dreaming? Did I really see Kim Jaejoong live? It still hasn't really sank in, but the photos and videos that I have captured are the things I hold on to remind myself that yes, it all happened. Yes it was real, I really saw Kim Jaejoong, at long last. 💓

I've been a fan of TVXQ since 2009. As much as I want to talk about my fangirling history to make you (if I have actual readers, 안녕!) realize how much this event meant to me, I want to talk more about this fateful day that I finally saw Kim Jaejoong live. (you can read about my fangirling journey here and here).

I'm not actually sure how to start. Let's just say I believe the Universe have arranged this meeting so that I'll be as close as possible to Jaejoong, to able to understand him more, and also to take home the best memories possible with me. I decided to take risks for him, and I am forever grateful to friends and connections that made me experience this concert the best way possible.

I already know basic Korean (recently took formal classes!).
I invested on a better camera.
I upgraded to the best seats in the house.
I received a media pass.

I think subconsciously, I was actually preparing to finally meet him. He's 1/5 of the guys that I loved since I was in college. And to finally meet him up close? IT REALLY FELT SURREAL. I HAVE NO WORDS.

The first few seconds that I saw him on stage was in slow motion in my head. My stomach ached and I couldn't breathe. HE'S ACTUALLY STANDING RIGHT THERE. 😮After a few seconds of being in a trance, I slapped myself out and started to shoot photos and videos (ehem I had some tasks to complete for KPOPChannel. 😉).

Not Just a Concert, But A Reunion of Friends
For us mga lumang tao ng KPOP (as host Kring Elenzano said - long-time fans of KPOP), this event is a milestone in our lives. As early as 2004, there already have been local fans doing simple meetups spazzing about TVXQ (this is pre-Youtube days guys). They can't follow their favorite groups' activities in real-time, unlike what's possible today. It's really the fans' connections to each other that held their fandom alive. As the years passed, people have graduated out of TVXQ's fandom and moved to other more active groups (sadly TVXQ's disbandment and each member's military enlistment hugely affected their presence in the KPOP world).

But tonight, I saw a lot of people excitedly hugging and greeting people they passed by. I observed this not only while I was outside the venue but also when I got to the audience area inside. It was really indeed a reunion. For my case with my friends, I initially recognized them by face only... l had to ask them what their names were coz it's been years since I last saw them😅). Even before the fanmeeting started, the atmosphere was so happy because friends have reunited here again because of their love for Jaejoong.

fangirling friends (they're the same people from my DBI family)

Ms. Kring: Perfect Host for the Night
That night was also extra special because it was Ms. Kring who hosted the event. I'm so glad she was the one chosen to do it, as we can't really have anyone else do that precious role. She's a fellow fangirl that has been with us all these years, so she has all the right to have the honor to be on the same stage with Jaejoong.

Look where 7 years worth of keeping the faith brought her. 💗

The Fanmeeting Program
I'm not fond of attending fanmeetings (I'm 100% a concert girl), but this is Jaejoong so this is definitely an exception. So what exactly happens in a fanmeeting? Well for this one, there's an activity part and a concert part (yaaay!). In the first part, Jaejoong gets to interact with fans through games and Q&As.

Jaejoong chose selcas sent by fans and answered questions written at the back.

He also played charades with chosen fans on stage.

There's also a "guess this song" game wherein the audience had to guess the OPM song Jaejoong was humming.

I also realized how much he loves drinking. During the segment where he tried our local pulutan (food to eat while drinking beer), he really loved the San Miguel beer. He even recognized the taste. I think Jaejoong would be a cool drinking buddy. 😊

During the concert part, I realized that I really loved the musician in him over everything else. When he started to sing, that's when he got me under his trance. I always loved his vocals. To hear him sing live was heaven to my ears.

Superb Fanclubs - Thank you!
Of all the KPOP concerts I've been to, this is the first time I experienced raising lightsticks and also participating in a fan project. With that said, I am very thankful to the fanclubs that went above and beyond to provide these merchandise for the fans (these are the only items I got hold of, so if there are other fanclubs that arranged something, thank you also!)

JYJ PH provided lightsticks and banners

This is another item checked on my fangirling bucket list. One down, four to go. #alwayskeepthefaith

Thank you 재중! It was a memorable night for us. If you still can, please come back again. We'll always wait for you. 💗

Love is sweeter the second time around.

My sister and I used to joke around about EXO. As KPOP fans who got attached to the music of the second-generation idols (i.e. TVXQ, Super Junior, Big Bang), there was a stage in our fangirling life that we didn't like the newer and younger groups that overtook the thrones of popularity of our favorite groups. We felt that way towards EXO. I've asked myself the question - if ever I see EXO live, will I get to like them? I have this tendency to get to admire every artist I see perform live. One specific example is Epik High. I never thought I'd enjoy listening to them, but after their concert, I found myself nodding my head to the beat of their songs.

Well true enough, after seeing EXO live last year (big thanks to Kit Kat!), I have gotten to love the group. It was a rare opportunity to get invited to their concert for free. It's even rarer to experience it twice! Last time it was for a product promotion, this time it's for media coverage (Universe, thank You for these... You rock!).



Pre-Concert Media Duties  
This is the first day of the two-night concert. This is my first time to cover an event with Minsei, a staff from KPOPChannelTV wherein I'm a global correspondent. It's not my first time to do media coverage though, as I've did it a couple of times for Konda Korea in the past. This was one level-up from what I used to do though. We had to shoot footages of the fans outside the coliseum, interview them, and host Facebook lives while waiting for the show to start.


Since we were attending the concert officially as part of media, we had our own queue outside the coliseum. There were also other media people waiting there. I saw two guys with gigantic DSLRs (like guns!) mounted on tripods. I recognized one face within that crowd - I finally saw Jonathan Hicap from Manila Bulletin!

(left) Minsei, Jonathan, and me - while waiting outside the coliseum entrance (right) the media ID we received during the event

Inside the Venue: Time to work!
Media people had a designated place in the coliseum within the lower box area - that spot has the perfect angle of the stage - perfect for media photos!

I spotted Happee Sy near the control booth. For those who don't know her, she's the heart and brain of Pulp Live World, the producer of tonight's concert. KPOP fans are very fond of her because she closely connects with them through SNS.

It was my first time to use my 50mm lens to shoot a concert. I risked using it because I know it works best on low-light sceneries.


Well the lens did deliver. However I had one huge problem - the stage was too far from where we were. Good thing Minsei had another lens with her. I was not familiar with that lens (it was a huge one also, like this one). I was not confident to use it actually (I was not able to practice beforehand). So my plan then was to use the 50mm lens first for the wide-angle shots, then switch to that lens after I've taken enough photos of the stage as a whole.

Because we had media pass, we are allowed to take photos using professional cameras for the first three songs only. Apparently SM Entertainment is very strict on this policy. There were bouncers in every section of the venue waving large placards with signs that taking photos and videos using  professional cameras is not allowed. Only phone cameras are allowed to be used.

See them bouncers? They're all over the place!

The intro video has Filipino subs again. 😂


The fans screamed loudly when their bias' face flashed on screen. The crowd roared even louder when the EXO members finally went on stage! They started the show with the song MAMA.


I was right, the 50mm lens did well even when the stage was low-lighted. However, I was fixed on shooting that same frame only. Half-way through the song, I decided to switch lenses. The process was a bit stressful, as I had to do it in the dark (ehem sorry, still an amateur) and I'm switching to a lens that was unfamiliar to me. I was really put on the spot.😂 Feeling time-pressured and while crouched down in a very uncomfortable position (and damn, my injured knee was slowly getting in the way), I aimed and started to shoot away.

Here are results of my hard work.


There were lots of blurry and underexposed ones, but I was thankful I still managed to capture photos of them wherein they're still recognizable. 😂 Seeing their faces clearer because of the lens' zoom, I eventually noticed Chanyeol and his.... uhm hair? What happened dear?

Chanyeol became my bias after seeing him in concert last year (he looked so swag dj-ing inside that sparkly spaceship or whatever that's called). He just looked different during this concert, but he's still very jolly! He's so energetic as always - he was all over the stage that night!

This time I finally saw Kai and Xiumin dancing! I remember last time they were injured so they just seated for the whole duration of the concert. I saw how Kai is such a dance machine! And the way he looks seductively towards the crowd, it can really take anyone's breath away (well he did for me 😍). Unfortunately, Lay was not able to come to the country again for this concert, due to schedule conflicts.



During the ment part, I noticed that the members conversed more in English compared to last time. They told the fans that they really missed the Philippines. They even sang some lines from Hawak Kamay again, a Filipino song that they performed during their first concert here.


Well what a show! Thanks EXO for coming back for your fans here in Manila, not just for one, but for two concert nights!

See below the video report of KPOPChannelTV for that night's concert! I also contributed an article for their website on this coverage!