October 15, 2016

K-Review: EXO's Lay Goes Solo With 'What U Need?' MV

1:43 PM


Just to belatedly celebrate this awesome person's birthday and his gift of talent for everything beautiful, I just need to do a post about it! Yes! How about we talk about Lay? Yes, you Lay! Zhang Yixing the beautiful unicorn man with the power of healing!

EXO's Lay is the first ever member of the idol group to debut as a solo act. He had early on promised to the fans that he would be making a solo album in the same year (and if I remember that was during a music awards ceremony when they won?). It seemed quite far-fetched just thinking about SM Entertainment and Lay being the only Chinese member left, but you know, Zhang Yixing keeps his promises. What he says, he does. And look how he made his solo act possible!

Anyway, if you come watch the music video below, you'll see what I am talking about. This boy has the talent. His dancing skill is such a killer, the video is too adorable you will surely put it in repeat until you memorize the cute butt-slapping step he does in the clip! I must also comment SM for making sure he has a quality MV for a first and that the song is truly catchy. I don't know about the rest of the world, but right now, surely, this is my kind of jam.

Watch Lay's What U Need? MV below!


October 14, 2016

Miss A's Suzy: Caffe Soo (카페 수)

12:40 PM
All aboard and let's go down south!

Seoul, especially, is heaven for all coffee lovers--for all the lovely themed cafe scattered around the city, but right now we're travelling a little bit farther to the south to give highlight on one of the prettiest faces', Bae Suzy, owned cafe in GwangjuCafe Soo!


The cafe is a gift Suzy gave to her family in 2013 (along with a new house and car that she gifted her family that year) and is being run by her own mother, who used to own a small Korean snack bar. After being able to save enough of her money, she set up this cozy cafe for her mother.





(Outside Caffe Soo at morning)




                                      (Outside Caffe Soo at Night)


Along with the nice interior, her mother has covered the entire cafe with picture of her and Miss A, surely making it a total haven for her fans that will come by, all the way from the city.


It is located far down south in Gwangju, some hours away from Seoul (if you are coming from there), but I am sure that with the inexpensive price (compared to that of the average costs in Seoul) and the Suzy vibe you will get inside the store, the trip would be all worth it. Who knows? You might also meet her mother... or maybe Suzy herself? (me and my wishful thinking :*)

More information about Caffe Soo!

Address: 14-25 Usan-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea / 북구 문흥2동 (면양로)

Open Hours:

Mon  09:00 - 22:00
Tue   09:00 - 22:00
Wed  09:00 - 22:00
Thu   09:00 - 22:00
Fri     09:00 - 22:00
Sat    09:00 - 22:00
Sun   09:00 - 22:00

Prices (range):

Americano    - 2,000won 
Cafe Latte     - 2,500won
Iced Tea        - 2,000won 
Smoothie       - 3,000won 
Herbal Teas   - 2,500won

Payment: Accepts credit card
How to get to Caffe Soo?

1. Take a train (Honam Line) from Seoul to Gwangju which is South-western part of Korea.


2. Take bus number 47 in front or back of Gwangju Station.
Bus Stop name: 광주역육교


3. Get off at the 6th Bus Stop (Bus stop name: 무등도서관). 
( not counting the Gwangju station bus stop )


4. Walk straight and turn left. Caffe Soo is located opposite GwangJu Library.


You will see here (the old) Caffe Soo across from the library

Sources: (1) (2) (3) (4)

[SM STATION] 'Runnin' with Henry x Soyou

1:57 AM

Henry is the next SM artist to star in a collaboration with Sistar's Soyou!

So far, this is SM Entertainment's first attempt into doing partnership with Starship Entertainment (Sistar's agency) and surely it has peaked fans interest, mainly because it was a collab between the two agency's very talented artists.

The track, titled Runnin', is a feel good song that mixes Henry's light, easy going voice with Soyou's sweet and sometimes emotional one. It brings out an RnB feel, with a nicely arranged background music that will surely make you fall in love. 

The song comes out as a sweet serenade song in the 21st century that you will undoubtedly put on repeat on your playlist for the rest of the day. Surely, the beats are addicting and something you would want to sing and dance along to while in the kitchen and cooking your loved one their morning meal. 

And in total, rating the song, Henry and Soyou's voice combined is a total heaven. It blended so well I might really ask for a part two.

Anyway, Henry is part of Super Junior's sub-unit SJM and already had his own solo albums released previously. He is known in the group as a great composer and lyricist of his own songs, not to mention his plausible talent for dancing. He gained popularity through his activities with the group, but became more well-known through his appearance in Real Men. Soon after that, he was given gigs on variety shows to showcase his talent and later on starred at a couple of small screen dramas where he showed both his adorable side and talent in serious acting.

Meanwhile, Soyou is known as one of the members of sexy girl group Sistar. She has had in demand collaborations in the past that made her rise to fame as an individual artist, one of which is the song 'Some' with Junggigo which became a sensation in the year 2014. Soyou has been known for great collabs and this fact made this new piece from SM STATION something to look forward to on a Friday.

SM STATION is the weekly project playlist that SM Entertainment started in 2016. It has showcased various collaborations from their artists with producers and artist from other companies in the music industry.  The project, for a while, seemed too ambitious for SM, but I guess with a company like that with great talents can make anything possible.

How did you find the collab so far?

Tune in for more of my blog updates here! :)


October 8, 2016

EXO's Chanyeol: CHAN by Hikoco (찬바이히코코)

9:28 AM

Howdy! Been a long while since the last K-travel post we had here on the blog, but miss me no more! Today's another day and another post to read on from yours truly, me me and me!

Anyway, since I am coming here to have a new start, I planned on featuring another idol stop! Guess What? *drum roll* Ladies and gentlemen, our latest feature will be another place owned by EXO's Park Chanyeol's family: CHAN by Hikoco! Hooray! *clap* *clap*. Sorry for the silly and exceptionally cheesy introduction, but let us begin. :)

Welcome to CHAN by Hikoco!
Here's the building (called 'Make A Good World') where Chanyeol's father's hamburger restaurant, CHAN by Hikoco is located at. At night it also highlights a performance cafe that serves avenue for good live music (from 8:30  to 11:30 PM KST). To all the fans out there, this is just one of two establishments that the Park family owns (the other one is Viva Polo).

 As a mini preview, the shop itself is a mixture of hippie, artsy and trendy style. There are tables and chairs set up where you can cozy up, keyboard, drums, guitar set in front for the live band performances, a bar at the side, you also have that fantastic menu with mouth-watering food that'll be served to you.
Check out the inside of the shop! Surely, you can't help but picture yourself being there, right?! Am I already getting to you? Visit and you might meet the owner and his son! ^^
Slick design right there, unique wall painting that'll definitely stimulate your creative brain, a collection of all types of tables and chairs, good ambiance that is perfect for chilling out at night.
You will surely enjoy the spirits and snacks that they will serve during open hours (do not forget that they are closed at Sundays) and at some weekends you could visit for the open mic performances. This will definitely be a total heaven for PCY fans since the vibe inside will surely make you feel closer and personal with Chanyeol and his family. Be sure not to miss it out on your visit and make sure to have it in your itinerary. Who knows? You might get a good glimpse of the star himself!

Hopefully when you visit, you will see this music genius!
Anyway, according to fans who had been there, food was great (although it might be a bit expensive and you have a very tight budget--still prices were said to be the standard when it came to pricing in the city), staff inside were really nice, and the performances were really to look forward to. So, if you simply want to chill at night with a mug of beer in hand or maybe with some fries to much on, please do check out CHAN by Hikoco!

You can of course check out the other treats in the store such as:





Other information about CHAN by Hikoco:


*The store is affiliated with Premium Coffee brand Hikoco

* Prices (range): 
              
                       Snacks: $15 | Spirits: $5-10

*Payment: Accepts credit card

*Address: 14 Yangpyeong-ro 12ga-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
                               (영등포구 양평로12가길 14. 103 Seoul, South Korea)

*Contact #: +82 70-4412-5700

* Open Hours:

Mon  18:00 - 01:00
Tue   18:00 - 01:00
Wed  18:00 - 01:00
Thu   18:00 - 01:00
Fri     18:00 - 01:00
Sat     18:00 - 01:00
Sun    Closed


How to get to CHAN by Hikoco?

Get there by METRO: line 2 or 9 at Dangsan Station







Sources: (1) (2)

Disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with the store nor am I getting paid for this blog feature. I am doing this mainly for entertainment purposes and because I love doing so.

June 6, 2016

The EXO Chronicles: Me's Theory on EXO (from MAMA - Lucky One & Monster)

11:10 AM

Everyone's out there typing down their own version of the story of EXO--I mean the characters, not the real life people. So, here I am laying down my own EXO theory. I am not that great with deduction but I love doing it. It makes me feel like this little fan detective whether it's a story or something like this I am trying to deduce.

Anyway, I speak in general terms. I haven't been that little detective who went into finding the smallest, probably most helpful clue in every MV or concept. I will just write here based on what I remember. I haven't skimmed the lyrics of their songs again so I am simply guessing (or probably already making a fan fiction out of  this. lol).

Well, here goes nothing:

I am not very keen about EXO in the beginning (take in consideration that I am from a different fandom), but for as long as I am watching their MVs and following them (last year I had this point when I watched all the MVs almost every freaking day *insert toothy grin here* and I am already following EXO for about one and a half year), I think I can say that the story of EXO originated from MAMA. Nothing is told backwards. The MVs, albums, and concerts are told in order of succession.

First, this marks the introduction, the beginning, to EXO--the LEGENDS;

all of this started from that story in MAMA, where they are some kind of legends with supernatural powers. I am not sure but because their world is threatened to be destroyed or was already destroyed--remember how their first tour is called 'The Lost Planet'?--they're sent to earth to do some sort of mission/preserve themselves/find if this world is a potential world to live in peace at (I have no clue what I am talking about, honestly). But then they will find this change in their life a little mocking, because life in this world isn't easy after all--what with all their powers vs. normalcy in this planet. They will see themselves as threat to the world and in What Is Love MV it is either 1) they are already here on earth travelling around to find clues on how to go back/do a mission/at least know why they are here; or 2) that was the time they're in their planet/world and that was them before their world was overcome by darkness.

In Growl/Wolf--suddenly they are a bunch of wolves/ wild beasts?!. But I guess it is just some sort of metaphor, like the powerful boys being compared to the kind of beast that they can be while holding such great power. In this time, yes, EXO probably knows about their power but they don't know yet how to control their powers well. It's either it comes when they lash out or not at all. They can't control it in their own will. 

And if you remember the EXO Drama MVs, we see Kris leaving and Luhan deciding not to come with him. Well, this is how I see it happen: the rest of EXO decided to live like a normal person although they know their nature (this is either because they found living in this world a nice thing or they just accepted that from then on they have to get used to the kind of life they have that they lived like how a normal human would) while Kris is determined to live it in another way, the savage kind of way, since he knew better that they can never have a normal life. 

And Luhan is a great friend, undecided in the beginning, but after meeting this human girl, saving her, he decided he can still have a purpose or that there is still some good in him that will stay and will help him suppress the powers in him. He transfers to the school the boys attend, and their bond strengthens. But then some shit happens, and Luhan wouldn't be able to control himself and lashes out, hurting Kyungsoo in the process. This will make EXO feel betrayed since Luhan's control couldn't be trusted, and they saw him, after all, as a threat to the normal life they are living. But then, something happens to Luhan and he needed their help, after all, so the gang comes to his rescue. And eventually they will still accept Luhan. 

At the end of the MV, we see his hair turn black (a normal color) after a tear from the human girl drops to where he wears his symbol like a tattoo. This can translate to his body finally realizing his power and that, actually, in can also be controlled. Then Kris, lashes out in the end, because he knew what happened to Luhan (it was like, by his body's acceptance, their bond crashes) and it's like he saw it as some sort of betrayal in the end, but he knew he couldn't do anything at that point. 

I actually have another theory about this, but it doesn't just make sense to me as of now, so let's skip that.

In Miracles In December, it is actually when we see them adjust to the life here. At that time, EXO must be well adjusted to the life here: they can do whatever they want, enjoy a normal life, find something or someone to love, but then, they just couldn't embrace all of this fully well because they know that this isn't their own world and they are far from being humans. They could try to be human, but they can never be one--and that is sort of an impossible problem. And it frustrates them, finds it quite unfair that they aren't human, that they are different, Then, we see Tao control time, stop it--he is the only one who uses his power mainly because all of them tried their best not to use their powers (if not use it to a minimum) in this world, and then we see those wistful looks on their faces, and them crying--their eyes filled with something like sadness, hope, love, a mixture of bittersweet feelings. It is winter, probably even Christmas, a meaningful day because it is probably one of the firsts they had here, and they are praying for a miracle--something like changing for the better, being normal, but of course, they know it is only wishful thinking that all they could do was to relish in the feeling of that moment.

In Overdose, we see them having those looks—the looks of someone under addiction (however you may want to call it). Listen to the lyrics connect it to the concept. It must be that one way or another each of them found a kind of love in this world, but because they know they are different, can never have the life they wanted so badly, can never be with this love because they could hurt them—the poisonous kind of love (because it keeps hurting them, and yet they keep looking for it, wanting it), it hurts to the point of self destruction that they wanted to call someone for help to repair them, to be normal—'someone call the doctor...' remember the lines?

Then EXODUS era--Call Me Baby/Love Me Right--comes. All I can guess about this, is that this must be the turning point to EXO. The time they are to choose what path they are to take--that they try to do everything to find a way to completely change themselves, of course, through their own interventions. I won't elaborate on this since I can't. Haha. This is the hardest to dissect for me, actually.

But let's focus on the Pathcode teasers :). Those are quite cryptic teasers. All of us tried to guess about them, for sure. And well, we noticed that the boys are in different places and seems like they lost their abilities or something. It's probably because, in my own theory, they decided it best to separate after Overdose, to lie low, try to control their powers. They don't want to be together because it is only much dangerous if they are together. By that time, people must already know about them--their true nature, that's why they are in different places anyway. They went to places where nobody knows about them--to conceal their true identity to the rest of the world, and it is after quite a long time afterwards that signs reemerges and the powers that they thought were gone/their bodies had forgotten about/didn't recognize anymore, tried to remind their owners of their existence in them, that they are perfectly still present. That after that, they go back together in the very place where it all started from.

Sing For You; they come back, try to be subtle and live in the shadows, without people knowing. But then fights/doubts/misunderstandings will happen among the members mainly because they know they aren't safe in the place where it all started from. But seeing the end of the video, EXO will probably come to an agreement, and will have decided on a final move that they thought will free them from the torture their powers and the people's unfair scrutiny brought upon them through all these years (which leads to Lucky One).

That in Lucky One, we see them in a lab. This is probably because while people already know how different they are, some of them—the doctors/scientists—either wants to experiment on them/know why they are much stronger than normal people/wants to kill them/or use them as some sort of subjects to create a serum that'll match their strength or will counter their strength or will make them weak/will determine if they can be of significant value ( a machine of destruction), that they will eventually come to EXO and convince them that they could turn them into humans—which is what EXO has been wishing to be after having a taste of this world. Only that, they are lying and just saying those to bait EXO for their own benefit. EXO of course, takes the bait, having this strong greed to change, this lust for a human life. But then of course, while in the facility, some of them will probably learn about the doctors' real intentions and they will try to escape. Some will do. Some will not—they might have been already experimented on. And Kyungsoo either doesn't know about this that he looked calm in the teaser or he knows but still wants to undergo the experiment.

Finally, in Monster, EXO will be able to escape, this will probably cause an uproar to the people though and they will try to fight EXO (or this maybe a simulation to test their ferocious strength). The boys, of course, tired of all the people's tricks, betrayal, cruelty, fight back and defeat the many people who tried to kill them. Again, Kyungsoo seems to have a cryptic character. We don't know if he was there watching because he has been transformed or he was just entertained to see the killings. We see Kai on top of the pile of bodies, signifying his morbid victory. For some reason, I find his character befitting since some hints were already dropped in the other MVs that Kai can be the most uncontrollable legend and this is him unleashing the uncontrollable savage in him. The mad beast. The unforgiving beast.

Also, in the Monster teaser, we see the screw, on their new logo, loosening. You probably are curious as well, why. I think it just only goes to show that after this fight, EXO will remain victorious, and that the screw represents the final thing holding them together, keeping them harmless to the world. And in it's loosening, EXO unleashes their real powers, their real monsters.

And if you will try to connect that concept to the title of their 3rd concert tour, The Exor'dium (I have read that it means beginning), you will realize how strong the connection of each is to one another. In Monster, we will see them unleash their powers, they will become much stronger after all that they had been through before (this gives a double meaning—to their real life story and the story line of their characters as supernaturals). And through the revelation of their strongest form is the start of something much powerful from the group. Something much explosive. Havoc. Chaos. A promise of something more powerful from the legendary beasts. Our monsters.


There! All of this will probably look stupid to you as you read them, but it's fine. I am just trying and well entertaining myself by doing some deduction. This may really sound stupid compared to all your theories, but I did it anyway. lol. Not to have lots of views but to stop myself from itching to share something that has been piling in my brain and is about to burst out if I don't write it down. 

This made up story may change after I watch the two MVs on June 9. Haha. But I'll probably re-write my deductions after a year, lol, Just to be sure.

See you on my next blog post!





Do not copy anything, hotlink my pictures, or steal anything. If reposting, please put proper credit. We all deserve some respect.




October 29, 2015

Passion. Dreams. First Step.

9:04 PM


It was like hearing the snap of a twig and then getting myself back to reality all of a sudden after I had heard someone tell me, "Perhaps you should try applying as a contributor somewhere or something." out of randomness last night, during bedtime. I have actually thought about trying it months before, but maybe I pushed the thoughts aside because I wasn't confident and probably desperate or needing enough to give myself a good push to try something new once in a while. 


It's just that at this point, suddenly all my dreams and aspirations before are actually starting to lose its color. I'm feeling like I have the passion still burning inside me to want to start something but I'm losing the motivation because I'm too afraid of the world outside the four corners of my safe haven I call home.


A lot of people may not actually know this since I'm not a very vocal person, and most of the time I'm the listener than the talker, but under the skin of a happy-go-lucky, whatever-floats-your-boat, couch-potato, friends-with-the-internet-forever girl that I can be is a scared girl. Like many people would say, probably persons with the biggest smiles also have the the deepest and most painful cuts, and I guess I am just like everybody else. I may not seem like it, but I guess I've shown too many smiles and had put up too many happy fronts that I just got tired, felt the need to let go of it once and for all, and make myself understand my sad feelings better. Hence, came that day that I did understand how such a pessimist I am behind all those cheering up of myself, staying positive, and thinking positive. After that was the unhealthy train of making it a habit to find faults in myself which I know, sadly, isn't going to be a help at all especially now that I'm in a bigger world. A trickier, more diverse, more demanding, more complex, and harsher reality.


To top everything, I hate it how sudden realizations just dawned on me like a total slap on the face recently. 


One, I realized that I don't want to be in the field I chose and took for four years in college (and worked my way just to pass a very important exam and finally earn my license) and I just sadly realized it after months of contemplation. I mean, yes, while I was still in school and studying its concepts I had tried my best to love the path I had taken, and yet during my graduation day I wasn't still sure if it's the path I want to take and if I finally learned to love it. If I did, will I be able to go through it and take the hardships that will come? It was tough for me even though that should be a trivial matter for some.

I'm not really a person who has a structured mindset, and has a vision of what her future or her dream job will be so school was still like a playground to me. I just studied, fooled around, did whatever I wanted whenever I have time, stayed awake even at wee hours just to pamper myself with the things I couldn't do when the sun is still up, but at the end of the day I make sure that I ace anything in school. I know that it's a well used praise that 'grades shouldn't define you' but with the pressure that I have to do great like my siblings, with the expectations from my professors and my parents, and the confidence my classmates and friends have with me made me want to push myself even harder. So, despite the huge amount of time I use to lax around, I still bow to the pressure of doing well. That probably made me the over-thinker and huge pessimist that I am now.


Two, I never knew what it felt like to be the least favorite or highly disapproved of by our parents, out of four children in our family. They always supported me in everything I did because I always made them proud. I was always on cloud nine whenever my mom would praise me for doing a great job. Never mind the pricey rewards other parents give their children for doing great because I don't receive them and the compliments my mom would give me are enough. And even if I don't say it out loud, I feel quite proud whenever my dad would go up the stage every recognition day and would wear the medal I earned around my neck after a school year's worth of hard work finally paying off, because he seldom did it for my other siblings. According to him I am his favorite, and although I always tell him that I don't believe him, deep inside I feel warm because he always tells me that.

However, in the present, it's as if the wheels have turned and suddenly my mom disapproves of my choices and I feel like my dad is disappointed of it too just because I told them that I want to write. I want a job where I can practice my passion and feel happy at the same time because I know it's the thing I want to do and the thing that I know I will enjoy doing. Yes, maybe that's too impractical with the life we have and maybe I would earn less, but then what would be the point of doing something you dislike no matter how much well it pays? It'll probably only be suffocating, and it will only leave me more regrets to think of in the future. It'll probably give me a more secured future, but will leave me no space to grow as a person. Life's just too short to regret so many times and live like as if you're not even living at all, and I don't want to end up like that.


Three, I have been passionate about writing ever since I was a child, and I still remember it up to now how I wrote my first English story about pigs when I was just five, how I still remember and hold on to what my fifth grade teacher told me about being a writer someday and her being the first one to read my published books, how I used to buy notebooks and write on them the stories I have in mind and how I still do it until now (just that there is the internet and netizens as my audience). 

Truth is that I love to write and maybe I live and breathe for it, but I just hadn't thought of it before ever becoming my dream job in this future. To me it was a mere hobby that I just wanted to idly do at any day that I am in the mood for it. But then as I grow older, maybe even more mature, and probably wiser, I realized that I can also use my talent or skill in writing to profit while improving it through getting a job related to what I actually envisions myself being involved in. 

I get that it's a good thing that I know where I want to be, but it's just that I am not too confident to take a huge leap going to that path. Maybe because I am over analyzing things that a job requires me to do and I am clearly downgrading myself and my own talent. Because no matter how much other people say about me being good at writing, I still have my own self doubts. I am always not too sure of myself.

I have great passion but with only little fuel to work on it and take a bigger responsibility.


Four, the bigger world out there and people around me saying discouraging things, no matter how much I try to talk myself that I shouldn't listen to them, makes me feel as if I'm not cut for the job I want, despite my heart and mind shouting at me that it's the thing I want to do and the job I can dream myself being at. 

I often hear people say it'd be hard to find a job because the course I took was too far from being related to the path that I want now, and the qualifications of certain writing jobs just sounds too grand to me just because I don't have so much I can put in my resume that would make it look impressive in the eyes of an employer. I often over think about these things that I always end going back to zero no matter how many times I try to take the first step.


Then with coming down to reality after being stuck on a certain page for such a long time I realized today, after reading some personal testimonials of people who started from scratch, from small things that looked like futile steps before in reaching their dreams, that chasing after what you want in life is not about having the perfect resume, or the right education to pursue a path that you want so badly, or with having the approval from people around you, and being the best at what you do. It's not about all those things at all. 

It's about you being brave, having the guts to take the small steps that you need in order to make the smallest difference in your life that will probably create a bigger difference in your future. A future that I'm starting to see clearly again because of the strength I earned from finding the lucky odds out among the more complex reality that is there.

'Dreams are not meant to stay dreams, for dreams are meant to be turned to reality', I've always heard that and although sometimes I tend to forget it along the way, at the end of the day it would always be one of the few things that I would remind myself of in order to overcome my fears and take the small steps I need to fish out the most precious jewels this world can offer.


I want to see how far I can go with the path I chose and is still choosing now, that I want to take the big leap. Perhaps, like what that person had told me last night or from what I had read about today, maybe I will try something new. Something that will bring me out of my comfort zone today, tomorrow, and in the days to come.



Wish me luck! :) 







October 23, 2015

A Closer Look At SM Entertainment

5:57 PM
SM Entertainment is a premiere entertainment company in South Korea that has established a name for itself through the years with the discovery of great talents and the creation of idol groups that has captured the hearts of many and is continuing to spread Hallyu Wave around the globe.



SM houses great talents such as Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls Generation, SHINee, f(x), EXO, and Red Velvet that are still widely known nowadays and is taking the world by storm with their great concepts, sophisticated dance steps, astounding vocals, unparalleled visuals, note-worthy songs and music videos. 

There's just no room for disappointment with SM's artists!


In order to get to know them better, of course (and I can tell you're quite excited about this~) and to feel even a bit closer with our favorite SM artists, let's first take a peek with how the place they would often hang out at look like! SM's office!

New SM Building in Cheomdamdong

About a few years back, SM moved it's office from Apgeujung to their new building in Cheomdamdong which is considerably pretty larger than their previous office. It has a much modern look and facilities. The building has two underground levels and eight levels above the ground. The ground floor houses the lobby, that is decorated with much modern and chic style, and has an enormous LED screen. The top floor is designated as the "Sky Lounge" where you can actually get a nice view of the Han River (Han Gang) through its wall space lined with glass.

Except for the lobby and the 8th floor, the rest of the building is assigned for office space which houses Global Business, Marketing, Foreign Marketing, and other departments.

Other than that, they also employs full-time baristas who serves coffee and other pastries at the company's expense.








Now, you're probably curious what actually happened tot he old building in Apgeujung, right?

Well, after moving to the new office in Cheomdamdong, SM started to renovate the old building and turned it into their "Global Artist Training Center"

SM's old office before renovation (Before)


SM Global Artist Training Center (After)


How can we get to both destinations?


*SM new office in CHEOMDAMDONG:
          
#By BUS
           
Take the bus 143, 362, 240 or 4318 and get off at Prima Hotel. Cross the street. Go into the alley next to Baskin Robbins. You'll see a four way intersection. Go straight to the alley next to JYP entertainment building. Walk straight and pass by two alleys on you left and turn left and turn right at the four way intersection. You'll see a park in front of you. Do not cross the street. Turn left and walk a little more. It's on your left.

#By METRO

Bundang (Yellow) Line, exit #3. Walk straight down until you see a bus stop in front of a Chinese restaurant. Take the bus 143, 362, 240 or 4318 and get off at the next stop (Prima Hotel). Cross the street. Go into the alley next to Baskin Robbins. You'll see a four way intersection. Go straight to the alley next to JYP entertainment building. Walk straight and pass by two alleys on you left and turn left and turn right at the four way intersection. You'll see a park in front of you. Do not cross the street. Turn left and walk a little more. It's on your left.


Address: 106-16 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Contact Number: +82-2-6240-9800


*SM GLOBAL ARTIST TRAINING CENTER (APGEUJUNG)

Get off at Apgujeong Rodeo station on Bundang Line and take Exit 2. Walk straight out of Exit 2, and in a minute or two you will see it right on your left. (You could also take Exit 3, in which case, walk straight, the same as Exit 2, but the building will be across the street from you)


Address: 521 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Contact Number: +82-2-6240-9800

        




_________________________________________

sources: (1) (2) (3) (4)

September 15, 2015

BLOGGYS 2015

1:06 PM



The Philippines’ premiere blogging awards event is finally here!


The hunt for the best bloggers and blogs out there continues as Bloggys 2015 opens the opportunity for them to be recognized. Organized by essays.ph, the Philippines’ biggest network of freelance writers who’s giving everyone the chance to showcase their talent in writing while earning at the same time, and who’s currently celebrating their 7 years of providing winning contents locally and abroad.


The nationwide blog awards event is opened for all Filipino bloggers residing in the Philippines. It aims to spread the consciousness in online blogging by giving highlight to commendable blogs and bloggers in the country and in spiking the interest of others into blogging. All are encouraged to send their picks from different blog categories, ranging from arts and entertainment, beauty and fashion, business and finance, computers and internet, corporate and brand, family and relationships, food and dining, fiction and literature, health and fitness, lifestyle and hobbies, nature and environment, news and events, personal or diary, photo blog, society and politics, sports and recreation, technology and gadgets, travel and places.


A notable roster of judges, that will take the task of finding the finest out of the best blogs out there, will be composed of many of mass media’s well respected personalities and most influential bloggers who will determine the one at the top of the list. Some of the confirmed members of the panel include Ms. Maria Ressa, founder and CEO of online social news network Rappler, Mr. John Nery, editor-in-chief of INQUIRER.net, and Mr. Donald Lim, the Chief Digital head of ABS-CBN.


In order to take part in the said event, anyone can nominate their own blog or someone else’s blog. Nomination started on September 1 and will end on September 30, 2015. Winners will be awarded on the event’s Gala Night on November 21, 2015 at the SMX Aura in Taguig City.


Send your nominations, and find out more about the event through their website at www.bloggys.ph.


April 25, 2015

Super Junior's Kyuhyun: MOM House / Cafe

8:44 PM

The busy maknae of Super Junior is more than what you think he is. Other than his singing prowess, sharp tongue, good looks, and populairty, he's a very filial son. Generous, and obedient. Kyuhyun, and his parents have ventured on various businesses. From KONA BEANS, to his father building a Korean Language School in Taiwan, to his parents putting up a guest house & cafe in Myeongdong, also known as MOM House.

Cho Family and Fans!
MOM House is located in Myeongdong, in an accesible site to places tourists would usually want to go to whilst staying in the guest house. It's a few steps from Myeongdong Subway Station and a 16.3 kilometer away from Gimpo Airport, (but there's nothing to worry about it's distance from the airport since the Airport Limo Bus Stop is just a few walks from there to.). From there it is also very convenient to go to other attractions such as in Namsan, Namdaemun, & Dongdaemun.


The guesthouse, according to those who had already tried booking in, said that the place is cozy, though the rooms are small, it felt like home. 

The fact that it also has a cafe (MOM Cafe Deete Espresso) in the first floor where someone could simply spend a nice time satisfying their caffeine craving is even more appealing. The cafe is indeed spacious, many customers wouldn't feel too stuffy inside since they have enough space to move in. With comfortable chairs to sit at, they can enjoy the time looking around, as several of Kyuhyun's photos and memorabilias are there displayed everywhere. It would surely be a total heaven for his fans to spend even a quality time in the said cafe with their friends, since the star comes in the cafe/guesthouse often, either announced or unaanounced. In addition to that, they have actually installed a big screen inside where fans can watch Super Junior's videos. Special limited items are also available, so you might want to check them out too.
MOM Cafe Deete Espresso
KYUHYUN's Shrine!!!
The cafe serves organic, healthy, and tasty food and beverages so you don't really have to worry that you'll even get disappointed. The cafe is not only available for the guests who booked, but also for anyone who came by. It opens at 8AM - 11PM.



The guest hotel comprises of 6 floors with the 2nd to the 6th housing the 62 rooms for the guests & the 3rd and 6th floor with the shared kitchen where tourists can use their water purifier, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine (from 7AM - 11PM KST). Each room has its own toilet and shower booth. It also has a rooftop where a beautiful garden has been arranged--wooden benches are provided, so guests can actually use them to rest or just have a quality time enjoying the night view of N Seoul Tower. A mailbox is also provided in the floor, where fans can actually leave fan letters for Kyuhyun. Other than that, his hand statue can be found there too, and you can snap a picture of yourself shaking hands with it. :)

Free modelling from the owner's son :)
Rooms + Bathroom
Shared Kitchen
Rooftop (Garden, hand statue, mailbox)
Interior

Other amenities, such as television, air conditioning, elevator and free Wi-Fi are also available in the guest house, so you don't really have to worry that you will miss out on the outside world upon flying to Korea, if you stay here. :)

The whole place is known to have friendly and approachable staff, so feel free to ask anything. Additional to that, they speak, Korean, Chinese, Japanese and English so you don't really have to worry that you'd get tongue tied finding it hard to communicate with them.


Mom House, guarantees that guests from around the world that they will have a very memorable stay!



How to get to MOM House?

1. Take the subway to Myeongdong Station, and then go out from Exit 2 or Exit 3. 

-Exit 2, you will need to climb the stairs up.
-Exit 3, you can go up through escalator.

Option 1: Exit 2

Climb up the stairs, go straight about 60m, when you see the below shop (Alpha) right in front of you, immediately turn right into the alley. Continue walking straight, the slope is a little bit slant, but it’s just a short distance, walk another 60m you will reach MOM House.

Option 2: Exit 3 (recommended)

Take the escalator up, then make a u-turn on you left, then walk straight, around 30m you can see Exit 2. Walk another 40m, when you see the below shop (Alpha) right in front of you, immediately turn right into the alley. Continue walking straight, the slope is a little bit slant, but it’s just a short distance, walk another 60m you will reach MOM House 

2. The guest house is just before "Myeongdong Eco Guesthouse"


Other Information:

Address: 11, Twigyero 22gil (Namsan-doong 3ga 13-21), Myeong-dong / Namsan, Seoul, South Korea (서울특별시 중구 남산동3가 13-21)

Telephone: 02-779-0000

Fax: 02-779-5544

Price Range: $71 - $151 (For the rooms)

Check In/ Check out: 2PM/11AM

Facilities:

-24-hour front desk
-BBQ facilities
-coffee shop
-concierge
-elevator
-family room
-luggage storage
-shared kitchen
-tours 

-ALL NON-SMOKING ROOMS

Top attractions in the area:
  • Myeong-Dong Gyoja (0.2 Km / 3 min walk)
  • Myeong-dong (0.6 Km / 8 min walk)
  • Lotte Duty Free (0.7 Km / 9 min walk)
  • Namsan Park (1.0 Km / 12 min walk)