How can one's life change drastically in less than two months?

I sure know how. It's crazy and I love it. :)

Faith: Afterthoughts

I am unabashedly a LMH fan. But in the most unbiased way possible, I actually loved all his drama after BBF (Note: To me, BBF is not a drama; it's cartoons, it's ridiculously lovable, and he was just a kid.). For some reason, all dramas he was in got heart. Lots of it. Having a heart is different. Let me put it this way: QIHM is cute. Faith is heartfelt. So when it ends, it leaves a big "aaaaww" and then you just miss it. But it's not all about romance because that big "aaaaww" moment for me in City Hunter was not LYS and KNN smiling at each other, but the scene which showed a memorial wall bearing the name of Jin Pyo and the other 20 soldiers who were finally recognized for their sacrifices during the 1981 sweep mission.

Faith has that same impact. I have read a lot of criticisms about Faith, mostly about poor execution (directing and editing) and the boring politics. But there's no denying that it's got wit and heart. And Choi Young is just badass when he mighty swings that sword. Damn.

To my memory, it has one of the best dialogues (particularly of Gongnim and Choi Young) and the best character development. It's not actually a light watch for it dealt with profound issues on faith, loyalty and leadership. It fell short of epic expectations, but I'm happy with what I saw. I am going to miss the characters whom I've grown to love all through the 24 episodes. As I mentioned in one of the forums, this is one drama where almost all characters stand on equal ground. Everyone had their moments. How Faith was able to do that? Only writer Song Ji Na knows.

Looking back, I think Faith is still epic. It got me with its quiet epicness very few dramas could even come close to.

(Now for the really unbiased comment, I really wished Dr. Jang shined more and more medical scenes/conflicts like the 21st century-ancient medicine conflict, plus a grander ending for our king and queen. Lastly, I think I said this before, but Ryu Deok Hwan? I'M A FAN!)

Missing Seoul

I loved every minute of my Korea trip. Until now, I can't believe I did a cross country. Every penny spent was worth it and the memories and pictures are just overwhelming. I am surely going to tell this to my grandkids.

I loved Gwanghwamun Square. Definitely one of my favorites in Seoul. Once you've had your picture taken there, it's like a stamp of approval (after the immigration stamp) that you've arrived in Korea. Why? Because on this spot, you get to see four main Korean landmarks one: 1) Gyeongbokgung Palace (hidden behind the statue), 2) King Sejong's statue (1st king of the Joseon Dynasty; hidden behind the statue), 3) Admiral Yi Sun-sin (a famous naval commander during the Japanese invasion in the1500s; seen in picture), 4. Bukhansan (or Mt. Bukhan; seen in picture).

Dramalog #6

1. Princess Hours/Goong

2. Lovers in Paris

3. Save the Last Dance

4. Three Dads with One Mommy

5. Cinderella's Sister

6. Personal Preference

7. City Hunter

8. Boys Before Flowers

9. Mackerel Run

10. Protect the Boss (6 episodes only)

11. 49 Days

12. The First Shop of Coffee Prince 

13. Flower boy Ramyun Shop

14. Iris 

15. Queen In Hyun's Man

16. Faith ((just finished - and it's kinda special because I watched the the last 6 episodes in Korea; the 23rd in front of the Gwanghwamun Square where a scene in Ep 2 of City Hunter was shot, and Ep 24 here at the Incheon International Airport)

South Korea: The cross-country adventure

How could I not possibly update this blog with stories from Korea? After six months of planning, I finally conquered (and is still conquering) autumn in Korea.

Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do; behind me is the Nakdong River

Very pretty autumn scene at Jukjeon's Cafe Street in Yongin City, just right outside Seoul

Biking by the Han River

Sitting at the doorstep of my traditional Korean room at Hahoemauel, Andong, Gyeongsabuk-do

Posing beside a soldier at the South-North Korea border (DMZ)

Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds with the view of Mt.Bukaksan

Sanggojae!!!

For one thing, I feel like watching again the dramas which I've seen filming locations of. Second, I want to do this all over again. Where to next?

I wish to write a more detailed blog of this adventure. But I'm anticipating the loads of work that awaits my return to the Philippines. Nonetheless, I am sure that the mental snapshots of my Korean autumn adventure are here to stay with me for a long time.

I hate you

Dear Korean Embassy, 

I hate you for making me worried-sick for a week! But anyways, I'll see you in 3 weeks!

Me