a little bit blue

argh! you know what day today is? today is my car's first 1k (or 1 month whichever comes first) checkup. it's also exactly 1 month since i got my new car (march 27).

and guess what? tonight, going home, was my first fender bender! damn!! it was already 7.15pm when i went to the parking. my parking slot is at the 5th floor. i'm normally a safe and slow driver, esp going down 5 floors. there's one particular corner in every floor that is so tight (masikip) that i'm always careful when i'm turning.. tonight, i was also careful (i usually even half-break while turning corners) but i guess blame it on being tired and sleepy (been out of the house for 11 hours) that i made a mistake. as i was turning, i suddenly heard a loud BANG! i was shocked at the sound but then i couldn't stop and assess the damage because a car was right behind me and another car was coming towards me at the opposite direction. all i could do is move a little bit towards the right and go on down until i reach the ground floor (i was on the 2nd floor when i hit the post). the whole night on my way i was so worried. it was a large sound so i knew it's got to be big. i tried looking at the side mirrors but it was so dark that i couldn't see much, except that it looks like there's no dent (whew!)

i finally arrived home almost 9pm, i quickly went down and checked the right passenger door. my heart sank. the door itself has no dent but there are huge blue streaks and even some cement (the post is color blue) but luckily, the white paint of the car was not damaged. however, at the lower part of the door, the one near the wheel has a slight dent (inward). argh :( this is what i get as a monthsary gift? bummer!!!!

i've already told my brother and mom, they said it's okay, don't bother trying to fix it.. they're sure it won't be the last dent i'll have (hehe). another friend recommended that i try rubbing to see if the blue paint can be cleaned off (how i wish!!). it's another lesson learned for me (so now im sure i'm going to panic every time i pass by that post every day!)

and look at the bright side, at least i didn't hit anyone (on my first solo drive, i hit my driver's side mirror against some pesky people crowding to get inside a jeep in makati) or another car (i almost had a similar experience with a jeep along shaw last monday.. i barely missed the jeep as i turned the corner).

will post a pic of the damage tomorrow when i can take a pic in broad daylight.

ps. shucks, just realised i never took a proper picture of my car when it was brand new. now it has a blue paint and a dent! damn!

true blood

i think that true blood has one of the most creative promos and teasers out today..

some season 3 promos:

i love watching true blood because it's unlike anything currently being shown on tv today.. yes, it's about vampires but it does not tackle the cutesy teenage love-angst like in twilight or vampire diaries. it talks about adult love and relationships. it has everything you'd want in a story.. drama, comedy, horror, mystery, suspense, sex, romance, etc.. everytime i watch an episode, it makes me feel like im in another world..a very different world where anything can happen. i love the characters, except for sam (whose storyline is a bit boring).. tara is sometimes annoying, but i love her bitch-cousin, lafayette. sookie as the main character, is so-so for me, but i love her interaction with bill and eric. i love bill, but sometimes i feel like he's too nice and conservative. i hated eric in season 1.. aside from the awful hair, he just didnt seem likeable. but his character changed big time in season 2.. now he's one of my favorites.. he's dangerous but fair, cruel but has a sensitive side (storyline with godric).. i love how he likes sookie who hates him back.. im curious to see how the love triangle will work out in season 3 (though it seems like sookie will have another love interest - a wolf, while eric will be involved with a fangtasia dancer)..im not sure if sookie is only sexually attracted to eric because she drank his blood (one of my fave scenes, eric was just so naughty to trick sookie!) or because she really is starting to feel something for him too.

season 3 starts in june 14.. can't wait for episode 1!! am thinking of reading the charlaine harris novels too (i heard it's a bit different from the movie but just as good)

illogical

i was so excited to listen to hyori's new album, h-logic.. it was delayed for more than 6 months, and i loved her last album.. now i'm so disappointed to find out that 6 of the songs were plagiarised!!! wtf!!! 6??? hasn't she learned when "dark angel" from her 2nd album was caught sounding too similar to britney spears' "do something"? and now 6 songs. i listened and compared them to the original.. and wow, im really speechless.. everything's the same except that hyori's singing in korean.. what a letdown!! to think that hyori's team was bragging that she personally was involved in all the songs.. she didn't even bother checking whether her composers were giving her original compositions or not! maybe that's why when i listened to her songs, they were good but they all seemed disjointed.. like most of the songs in the album sounded too different from each other, like there was no connection.. i guess it's because they came from different artists (annie lennox, jason derulo, cookie couture, mikis theo-something, lil insane)..

i feel bad for her and for the fans who waited for her.. :( at least, her title track, chitty chitty bang bang is original (or maybe that's why they released this song coz they know it's the only original track).. can she just pull out her album from the shelves and stop promoting her album? but i think even if she did it, she can still be sued.. or maybe she can just stop promotions and come back in another 6 months with a mini album filled with original songs? stay tuned!

kissing me

Hello nae-minun ib-sul nae-rikkan Hello sarang-suron-ae-gyodo
i-jenun sexy haji anha

Hello narul kkae-u-nun ajime Hello naman para-bonun niga
chogumshing budamdwe

nun-chi obshi saranghanda ma-rhago amu-ttaena kiss
tang-hwang-su-re nal man-dulgo
su-re chwihyae saranghanda chonhwaro
ul-mokkori-nun noropgo ba-raeda chugo

kurae-to naniga sarang-surowo nae-dungdwiye ungkurin
chogun okkae bodumko / ba-mha-nul barabomyon haeng-bo-khan
usumi hul-lo na-oji

onjena ggong norul ji-kyo-chugesso
yoyurob-jin an-hji-man nae-ge him-i dwae-junun
dumchi-khan namja-il-kke onjena
naman mid-ko kissing me!

sae-chim-hage nunul kkalgo kuyangi cho-rom dodohan
cho-umye niga kuriwo
yonghwal bomyo ji-chi-ulda nae-morup-pae-go
chamidun / noye mosubul momyo

kurae-to nan niga sarangsurowo supo wiye chamidun
werubgo gin balgarak / sarangsuron ne mosub-kyoteso
nae-ga jikyo chugo shipo

nado niga nomu sarang-surowo
choyong-hage ji-kyochun song-shi-rhan noye
mosub-mocharan narul sarang-hae-chunun
nol mido Kissing Me


- Alex Chu, Daniel Henney ft Uhm Jung Hwa

daniel henney has no time to date

I think this article is a bit old since it still mentions Three Rivers, but still an insightful read about Daniel Henney.

WITH his towering 1.88m frame and chiselled good looks that make women go weak in the knees, you'd expect Daniel Henney to be an expert in the field of dating.

But the 30-year-old model-turned-actor - born in the US to an ethnic Korean mother and American father of British descent - is no Casanova, or so he claims.

And it all boils down to his hectic schedule.

In a phone interview with The New Paper to promote his new US television series Three Rivers, Henney lamented: 'I don't date a lot of women, primarily because I don't have the time to do so. If I do, I will probably go on more dates.

'I'd very much like to find that special someone in my life... it's been a while.'

The hunk, who became a household name in Asia after snagging a meaty role in the 2005 Korean comedy series My Lovely Sam Soon, revealed candidly that he has been unattached 'for three to four years'.

He broke up with his last serious girlfriend after he started working actively in Korea.

If he had the time, what sort of girl would he date?

Henney said it would be 'someone whom I can laugh with'.

'I know it sounds like a cliche but it's about the personality; it'll be great if she has a sense of humour.'

He added that he is 'generally attracted to people who are relaxed and natural'.

Sporty gals who 'love hiking and outdoor activities' are a draw too.

'I don't like girls who put on too much make-up,' he said.

'As much as they look good dressing up, I like them when they dress casually in T-shirts and jeans.'

On Three Rivers, a US medical drama that puts the spotlight on the emotional complexities of organ donors, he plays Dr David Lee, a womanising surgical resident.

The 13-episode series, which also stars Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin and US actress Katherine Moennig, opens next Wednesday at 10pm on Sony Entertainment Television (mioTV Ch 20).

Unfortunately, the first season of Three Rivers ended its run last November in the US and the series has been cancelled.

Henney was speaking to us from Los Angeles, one of the many cities his burgeoning career has taken him to.

He is constantly on the move and that has proven to be the biggest hindrance in his bid for a stable romantic relationship.

'I'm kind of like a gypsy, never at the same place for more than couple of weeks,' the star of the 2006 Korean movie, Seducing Mr Perfect, said laughing.

'In this (entertainment) business, it's really hard to maintain a lasting relationship.

'As soon as you get comfortable with another person, you've got to tell them you have to leave the country for a few months.'

That often becomes a problem.

'Girls don't like that at all,' he said.

Prince Charming looks

With his dashing Prince Charming looks, it is no surprise that he has been romantically linked to different actresses over the years.

Henney, who made his Hollywood debut in last year's superhero flick X-Men Origins: Wolverine as the villainous Agent Zero, was reported to have dated Hawaii-born actress Maggie Q, 30, back in 2004.

Following that came his alleged courtship of his MyLovely Sam Soon co-star, 28-year-old Korean singer-actress Jung Ryeo Won.

The two have been photographed at several red carpet events together and even shared a passionate smooch for a fruit drink advertisement.

The actor has not spoken out on any of his rumoured liaisons. But one thing's for sure, his perceptions of the opposite sex have changed.

'Before the age of 18, I dated only Caucasian women,' he admitted.

'I grew up in a mainly-Caucasian area in the States (Carson City, Michigan) and hardly spoke to Asian females.

'But I've been based in Asia for 10 years and my perception has since switched 180 degrees; I'm definitely more attracted to Asian women now!'

Ironically, while he plays the non-committal, slightly cocky Don Juan-like Dr Lee on Three Rivers, he has no qualms playing second fiddle to co-star Moennig when it comes to capturing the hearts of female audiences.

Before Three Rivers, the androgynous-looking Moennig was a regular on lesbian-themed drama The L Word, which earned her a huge female fanbase.

'Not for one second do I think I'm hotter than Kate,' said Henney, chuckling.

'She's way hotter than me, she has a bunch of great tattoos and a really cool attitude.'

If he could have his way, he'd love to have his character 'hook up' with hers on the show.

Moennig plays rebellious surgical fellow Dr Miranda Foster, a colleague of Henney's Dr Lee.

At one point, the producers were exploring the idea of developing their relationship as a story arc, he said.

But it eventually failed to materialise.

'Somehow, it's still kind of taboo for doctors to hook up onscreen,' he said.


Source: AsianFanatics and The New Paper

king and queen of Kpop

this april in seoul is a big month in music as the king and queen of kpop, Rain and Lee Hyori, are back with some new songs!

Rain was the first to release his new mini album and the title track was unexpectedly a ballad, "Love Song". The MV features the very pretty Han Ye Seul. The video shows some sweet scenes between Ye Seul and Rain and some hot dance moves from the man himself. At first I was disappointed that it was a love song, but then I swooned when he started dancing. I don't know why, but I have a love-hate relationship with Rain (as if!). I think he's overhyped (one of Time mag's most influential person, really?) but then I listen to his songs and watch his live performances and his movies/dramas and I get sucked into Rainism. He may not fit the standard stereotype of a kpop star, but his charisma and appeal makes up for his lack of handsome looks. Plus I saw him in Inkigayo recently standing besides 2PM's Taecyeon, Wooyoung and f(x)'s Sulli and wow, Rain made the 2PM kids.. look like.. kids! He really is the original beastly male!

Rain's Love Song MV (english subs) HD

Rain's comeback performance in M!net Countdown

Lee Hyori (as I mentioned in my previous post) is one of the original idol stars. Similar to Rain, she may have average vocals and dancing skills, but totally rocks every stage she performs! Some people have criticised her songs but then lots of idol stars have tried to sing her songs and I've yet to see someone who can actually sing her songs well or better than her. For her new album, h-logic, she may have taken some cues from Lady Gaga with her outrageous outfits, wigs and makeup, but she stamps her own Hyorish style.

Lee Hyori's sad "Swing" MV (english subs) HD feat Gaeri from Leessang

Lee Hyori's hip "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" MV (english subs) HD

And what do Rain and Lee Hyori have in common? Both of their videos, Love Song and CCBB, were recently banned by KBS because of.. guess what?... traffic violations (WTF!). In the intro of Love Song, Rain was seen running across the street while in CCBB, Hyori was driving the truck without seatbelt on and dancing in front of the truck and on the streets. For a country whose idol stars are seen doing pelvic thrust dances and chest popping moves, shameless tshirt ripping and super short mini-dresses, banning a video because of "traffic violations" seems odd. 

bangkok!

i had a blast during my weekend stint in bangkok with my good friend L. we went food tripping, shopping, river cruise and sightseeing.

on our first night, we went to a restaurant near our hotel called Cabbages and Condoms (http://www.cabbagesandcondoms.com). 

The place was beautifully made, with lots of mannequins dressed in clothes made of condoms. 

There were also a lot of signs promoting safe sex.

L and I were so excited to try authentic Thai dishes (and we were so hungry) that we ordered lots of food. For starters, we ordered spring rolls and pomelo salad.

Then we ordered pandan chicken and chicken and prawn noodles.

L then ordered red wine while I settled on the summery pina colada

The place was packed with lots of people though we didn't notice them since L and I were happily chatting the night away. We haven't seen each other since Boracay (Dec 09) and it was our first time to be on a trip together (aside from the Corregidor day trip) thus we had a lot of catching up to do!

Sadly, we weren't able to finish everything (we were so full!). We were also supposed to go to Suan Lum Night Bazaar but then it was a bit far from our area and we were tired so we just decided to go back to the hotel and rent a dvd. We ending up watching Sorority Row (a passable slasher flick) and fell asleep.

The next day, we got up really early and headed to Chatuchak Weekend Market. The place was so big that by lunch time, we were tired from walking and from the heat that we went back to the hotel to rest. Before going to JJ, we were ecstatic coz everyone told us it was the place to go, so we ended up disappointed when we were only able to buy a few things (I bought denim shorts and couple of tshirts while L bought a nice dress and a cute necklace, couple of shirts and some tamarind for our family). Later back in our respective countries, we found out that there was a separate JJ mall which was air conditioned and were selling better stuff (Too bad - but at least next time we know where to go). I also found out that the Pullip dolls that I wanted were also being sold in JJ Mall! (but that's okay, I didnt bring money to buy the dolls).

On our way to the hotel, we spotted some hawker stalls just outside the hotel. We decided to try them but then we wanted to rest already, so we bought the street food and ate them inside our room. It was so cheap that was very filling. We bought fried chicken, beef and chicken balls, vegetables and shrimp fried rice and 2 coconuts! Yummy!

We stayed in the hotel for the rest of the afternoon, mostly just chatting while watching tv and surfing the net. The protests were still ongoing during these period so we were also selective on where we want to go. We learned from L's colleagues that Suan Lum Night Bazaar were now filled with protestors (Whew, good thing we didn't push through there last night!).

By late afternoon, we started to get ready for our dinner river cruise. We reserved seats in the Grand Pearl Cruise (www. grandpearlcruise.com) the day before. The cruise will stretch across the Chao Phraya River, with dinner buffet, live music and a Thai musical show while taking in the beautiful sights of Bangkok at night.
On the way to the pier, we saw a lot of red shirts hanging out in the streets, cheering and waving at every car that passes by.

Here's a pic of our boat and some of the food offered in the buffet.

 Me and L with our welcome drinks (a very sweet four seasons)

Some of the popular sites in Bangkok that we came across during the night. Too bad, both of us only brought our point and shoot cameras (not that we have better cameras.. hehe) so our pics were kinda blurry and the pics did not do justice to the lights and sights we saw.

During dinner, a guy was serenading everyone with some old songs. After that there was a short Ramayana skit that was played out. Then on our way back, a girl (who we suspect is definitely Filipino) sang a lot of dance songs and the audience were happily dancing.

Overall, we had a great time at the cruise. We were luckily seated on the open area so it was refreshing to just sit back and relax the whole night. We got back to the hotel around 10pm. We were talking about our itinerary for tomorrow. It was our last full day before I go back home while L goes back to work. At first, we were not planning to do some sightseeing (I just wanted to go to the Palace but I heard that the red shirts were in that area and I was that keen on going to countless temples) but after the cruise, we decided to take our chance and go to Wat Pho - with the giant Reclining Buddha and was right across the Grand Palace in the morning then all out shopping at the Centralworld.

Day 3 and we left the hotel at 8am. First stop, Wat Pho. The place was quite big, there were several buildings, statues and trees around the complex.

It took us a while to go over the area but we finally reached the Reclining Buddha..and were amazed by how big it was!! Like a giant that they tried to hide in a big house.

After the walk along the hall, we paid THB20 and got some coins that we had to put in each of the pots. We had no idea what this meant, we just thought it was a donation and we can make a wish. I dont remember what I wished though (hehe) but i'm sure it was about my family, friends and world peace.

Next stop was walking across 2 blocks to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha. While walking, the guy in a tuktuk stopped us and asked us where we were going. We told him we were going to the Grand Palace. To our surprise, he said that because it's Sunday and some Buddhism stuff, it was closed this morning. We thought it was weird because we checked the internet last night that it opens at 8.30am. He told us instead that he's willing to take us first to other nearby temples (lucky Buddha, standing Buddha and whatever Buddha he can think of) and then he'll bring us back to the Grand Palace by 1pm. We were already skeptical and not buying it because we didn't care about the other buddhas (we didn't have time, we wanted to go shopping in the afternoon) but he was only asking us for THB 400 for the entire trip. But then he listed down that he will also take us to some jewelry and flower store that we knew he was just joking us so I flatly told him, "No". I think he was a bit shocked that I was very direct with him but at least he left us alone.

We continued walking to the Grand Palace (we had to walk a few blocks to get to the right entrance) and when we got there, there were already so many people.. and yes, it was open! (that sneaky tuktuk driver! and i thought Buddhists were nicer). We felt that the entrance felt a bit like Disney (hehe) hence L's happy smile.

Turns out the Emerald Buddha is also located inside so we paid the entrance and went in. Again, there were so many structures and statues on the way to the Emerald Buddha.

We did not get a tour guide and we didn't read the brochure so we had no idea what these all were!

We finally reached the Emerald Buddha and at the front entrance, we had to pour the holy water on my head before going inside. No cameras and food were allowed inside so we couldn't take pictures of the Emerald Buddha and there were so many people and there was a cord in front we weren't able to get close to it.

We left the Emerald Buddha and walked towards the Grand Palace. Wow, it wasn't what I was expecting! It looked a bit more British colonial. No one was allowed inside though.

We left the Grand Palace by noon and head to MBK shopping mall. We were so hungry that we just went in the first restaurant we saw. It was a casual dining Thai restaurant but we were so tired that we didn't catch the  name and just ordered our lunch.
We first shared a (really!) spicy chicken dish and ordered refreshing drinks.

L ordered the rice toppings while I opted for a noodle dish (with the soup on a separate bowl).

After lunch, we proceeded to walk around the mall but we were both disappointed because MBK looked like Harrison Plaza (the description in the brochures were more like Greenhills). So we took the MRT and headed to Centralworld. We ended up staying there til around 7pm.

For dinner, both of us craved for Korean food so L remembered that were a lot of Korean restaurants near the hotel so we ended up in a Korean restaurant. It was our last night in Bangkok and we were famished from all the walking and shopping we did that we just ordered a whole bunch of food!

By that time, I barely had enough bahts left (didn't make sense to withdraw from ATM since the ATM will be charging THB 150) so L kindly offered to pay for the entire bill (Thanks L!). So I promised to treat her to a nice meal when she's back in Manila :)

At night, L fell asleep early (because she had an early day tomorrow -- back to work) while I was busy packing my luggage.

The next day, L left for work while I was still asleep.. I left the hotel before lunch and just stayed in the business lounge until my flight.

Overall, we had a great time in Bangkok! We are looking forward to going back in the near future!