Dream High

Title: Dream High
Genre: Romance,Comedy, Music
Episodes: 16 ( 1 Special Episode)
Language: Korean
Complete: 2011

A story of 6 high school students of Kirin Art High School who all have dreams of becoming the next K-Pop Stars. Along with harnessing their singing and dancing skills they also need to face all the possible struggles that they need to overcome in order to succeed. Despite the test of friendship, trust and loyalty, their young minds grew maturity. With their strong will and heart, as a group, they were able to soar high and reached their dreams.

There are just so many reasons why I love this series. It's overflowing with positivity and good vibes. It’s well casted, well written, fast paced and extremely entertaining! It would make you smile, cry, fall in love and most of all dream… dream high!

The cast!  Aside from the fact that there's a special participation of my first korean idol Bae Yong-joon, the entire casts were just adorable and splendid since they're so fitting their characters. They look so fresh and radiant onscreen. They have the chemistry that makes each roles fit each other perfectly. It’s my first time watching Kim Soo-hyun and I sure love him! He can make you laugh but when he cries, it’s hard not to cry with him. He’s just perfect! And Ok Taecyeon was seriously handsome in his mysteriously bad boy yet selfless and kind role. Suzy was equally fitting her role being the coldhearted, arrogant yet softhearted fighter same with Eunjung. IU and Wooyoung... awww.. they make my heart flutter! They look so cute and lovely!!!

Since it’s a musical, the musical score didn't fail me at all. The theme song “Dream High” is so addicting like I can repeatedly listen to it all day. All songs were just perfectly blended and soothing to the ear. This is my first time listening to IU sing and I should say, her voice is that of an angel. I super love her voice especially with the song “Someday”, it’s just perfect!

The story line, it’s well written and well-paced. I just thought that the story is really crazy funny and interestingly entertaining. The conflicts that every character has to go through just validates all their reactions to their characters. The consistency of the story and the usage of the golden "K" amulet makes this story even more delightful to watch. There’s never a boring episode. After finishing one it’ll make you look forward to the next one. I love how the story was able to clearly portray the evolution of each and every characters from being lost innocent dreamers to being matured and bright stars. It’s entertaining and fresh to my senses that this is probably one of the most enjoyable Korean series that I have watched.

The ending. It’s mixed emotions. I was excited as to what the ending would be that after watching the last scene, I sat in front of my laptop, thinking did I love that ending? Did it satisfy the 16 hours I spent watching this series? I think I did. Yes, I am convinced that I am. It stimulates your mind making you create an ending of your own. There’s a lot of possibility of a good ending given the premise and this story sure didn't fail to do that.

I would rate this 10 out of 10!

The Truth About Forever : Book Review

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Of the many I have flipped the pages of, the book “The Truth About Forever” by Sarah Dessen has had the greatest impact.  The book, to me, depicts its characters as more “human”. Almost everyone if not all, who read this can relate to it.  I have always believed that forever is eternity.  That the world should be about rules and sticking to it.  Then I read this book & it changed a whole lot of my perspective. 

These lines, “It's all in the view. That's what I mean about forever, too. For any one of us our forever could end in an hour, or a hundred years from now. You never know for sure, so you'd better make every second count.” &  “It's just that...I just think that some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It's the universe's way of providing contrast, you know? There have to be a few holes in the road. It's how life is.”, are ones that struck me most.  It made me realize that I can either sit and wait for things to happen, or I can gather all the courage in me to do something & make every minute count.  I can choose to try out new things & stop saying “I don’t like that” or “I don’t think I can do that”.  To sum it all up, the book was screaming at me saying “Live your Life, now!”. 

-By Mimzie Fernandez

Baby And I : A Movie Review

Baby and I

After a very agonizing week I decided to browse through Korean Comedy Dramas and came across this movie. This is starred by no other than the strikingly sexy Jang Geun Suk.

Oh by the way, before I continue writing I must say that I need to be careful in the choice of words in this review especially when writing about JANG GEUN SUK (that’s me giggling and screaming while writing his name) cause I have a very good friend who might UNFRIEND me if I continue fantasizing about JKS. For sure she’ll kill me because of the previous sentence but nonetheless here we go. This movie was watched with consent from her though. Ha!

It’s a comedy drama that revolved around the life of the popular but rebellious high school senior Han Joon-Su played Jang Geun Suk. Being an only son of wealthy family he has lived this carefree life until one day his parents decided to give up on him and run away from home. I mean come on if we get to the point of being rebellious I supposed it’s our parents who would kick us out of the house. But in this drama he was left alone in the house. Now that’s interesting, right? Ha!  His credit card was cut off and was left with nothing but a $100 to spend and a letter telling him that they would only be back as soon as he learns responsibility.

Jang Geun Suk as Han Joon -Su and Mason Moon as Woo-Ram

He thought freedom finally came for him until he met a six month old baby that was supposed to be his son, Woo-Ram, played by the adorable and the super duper cute Mason Moon. He’s such an angel and I love him, for sure you too will, Promise! With baby Woo-Ram, that’s when the twist and turn of the story starts. Will he learn to love the child? Will he learn responsibility? What would his challenges be as a young parent? I would love to answer all these questions for you but then that would be spoiling you from all the fun, right? And did I mention that I love the big reveal towards the end of the story? Ha!

Daddy and Baby sleeping on the train :(

Just imagine JKS as a father! A tragedy or a blessing. This movie talks a lot about the reality and struggle of being a single parent at a very young age when all you can rely on is yourself. It’s a heartwarming, feel good movie that would definitely keep you smiling and entertained until the end. A tear might fall, yes, but that’s part of the fun.

It’s fast paced and the casts were able to play their part really well especially the genius stalker/love interest of Joon-Su, Kim Byeol played by Song Ha-Yon. She may not be the type of lead girl for JKS but I love her pleasant character in the movie and it was able to complement well with him. It’s also starred by Ko Gyoo-Pil, Choi Jae-Hwan and Kim Byeong-Ok.

Kim Byeol and Joon-Su

I think I was careful enough with the review right? Not that bias with the lead star JKS? ♥ Ha!

I would rate this 9.5 of 10!

Click HERE to watch full movie 
 (Choose Playlist 1)

Rurouni Kenshin : A Movie Review

This for sure is the best anime live movie ever made.

I grew up admiring Kenshin Himoura in Samurai X and Rurouni Keshin just made me love him even more. I have always dreamed of watching the live version of this anime thus, this movie is a dream come true for me. With how the movie was created, the storyline line and the cast I can guarantee that anyone can relate to this from the hard core anime fans to the first time viewers.

Takeru Sato who took the lead role as Kenshin Himuora was able to bring justice to role. He sure did! Alongside the other casts like Munetaka Aoki as Sanosuke, Emi Takei as Kaoru and Yû Aoi  as Megumi they were equally great in portraying their roles. The main casts were able to bring to life the anime characters that we all grew to love. Just like how II imagined them to look like in real life. And the villain Teryuki Kagawa's as Kanryuu Takeda was as furious, brutal and insane as its anime counterpart. 

Takeru Satoh as Kenshin Himura

Kaoro , Yahiko, Megumi and Kenshin

If you’re expecting action then this movie won’t disappoint you at all from the opening scene up to the last fight scenes, it would keep you at the edge of your seats. The sword fights are just incredible. I am neither a martial arts nor sword fight expert but it was extremely realistic and visually entertaining to watch. Takeru's agility is just fascinating that he made me drool over the sword fight scenes. Simply amazing! The plot is well written and the pacing was just enough to keep your eyes glued on the screen.

I want to be as less bias as I can but I love Takeru Satoh, I love him! So I can’t help it. I just adore his eyes, his lips and his facial expressions that go with every emotion. I couldn't think of any Japanese actor that would fit the role other than him. I would say it was a perfect casting since they all looked and acted like their anime counterparts. And the chemistry between Takeru and Kaoro was just prefect!

Indeed Rurouni Kenshin is the best anime film ever released. With all the good elements combined  including cinematography, editing, the set of old Japan, the costumes, it’s just impeccable, a total package. Am I hoping for a sequel? Oh yes I am.

I would rate this 10 of 10! 

Click HERE to watch full movie
 (Choose Speedy Joe)

Chukumi : A Korean Dining Experience

With the growing Korean dining areas in the city you now have a wide variety of dishes to choose from. But to those looking for a taste of Korean experience that's just around the corner look no further than Chukumi Native.

This is located in Salinas Drive, Lahug right in front of USPF (University of Southern Philippines Foundation). Its homey ambiance would be a great dining experience for you and your friends.

The place is clean and tidy despite its limited indoor space and the staffs are very accommodating as well.

You may indulge in their famous Chukumi and Samgypsal combo at 450php per serving and can be shared by 2-3 people. That would already include a variety of side dishes like lettuce, cucumber, carrots sticks, steamed egg (I love this!) and Kimchi. However, careful in choosing as to how spicy you would want it since the look, smell and the taste may be too spicy for the weak in heart.

 Kimchi

Chukumi and Samgypsal

My last visit was a memorable one since it was a despida party for one of my dear colleague at work. And for the first time I got to taste the famous Sojo. How was it? It was goooood! And it was best paired with the Chukumi.

A Taste of Sojo

After Hours Appeal: This is open 24 hours so you can go there anytime. This is perfect for night shifters (like me) who crave for Korean dining so early in the morning. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.

Food Theme: Korean Cuisine

Must Try: You may try everything from their Chukumi, Samgypsal, Ramen and side dishes especially the steamed egg. You may neutralize the spice by adding a bottle of sojo in your menu.

Best Thing About This Resto: This would definitely satisfy your craving for Korean dishes without feeling heavy in the budget. With their fair serving this experience is best shared with friends over a bottle of Sojo and a great conversation. 

Werewolf Boy : A Movie Review

Love was the first human language he'd ever learned. - A Werewolf Boy


This is not your typical love story. This korean fantasy romance film would relate to the cruel reality for us mortals. It would remind us of Hatchicko and the length of time the dog endured waiting for his master to comeback.

It's well-written, well paced and the effects were impressive as well. The plot depicting their true friendship, sincerity and loyalty just blew me off. And I like the part that the director didn't dwell on outside element like their family finding out about them and just focused on the werewolf boy and the young lady's relationship.

Both actors Song Joong Ki and Park Bo-Young showed good chemistry and were really superb onscreen. I would like to commend Song Joong Ki for the perfect portrayal of the role. With just very few speaking lines, he nailed the role of being the werewolf boy with his strong and powerful emotions, his eyes and facial expressions. And Park Bo-young was equally great! Both actors made me cry!

The last part just broke my heart. Handing the letter and showing her the mended guitar. Then bowing down to have his head touched confirming that he did well just brought me to tears.

"No, It's the same hands, mouth, eyes. You're still beautiful. So much. I'm missing you so much."

I would rate this 9.5 of 10. :-)

Click HERE to watch full movie 

Codename Jackal : Movie Review

Codename Jackal

This is one movie that I have been wanting to watch not only because it stars Kim Jaejoong… but because, nah,  it’s all about Kim Jaejoong.

If you’re a big fano f KJJ then this is a must see. He wouldn’t disappoint you with his natural acting and funny antics. It was pretty hilarious especially when he was trying to prove that he wasn’t Choi Hyun and he tried singing off falsetto tunes and that dance move, it was just crazy funny.  I just burst into laughter when he showed his bloated tummy but nonetheless he was just oozing with sexiness.  (This part could be pretty biased since I just love him so much! Hahahaha)

But was I expecting more? Yes I was! I was satisfied with the performance and the plot was simple but I think they could have done better with the script. The actors did a good job portraying their roles especially the bell boy and the ajumma. They were just entertaining. So unfortunate that the good acting wasn’t tied with a good script. There were dragging scenes (Zzzzzz) they could have done better with that.

I was also hoping that they invest more on the main characters past especially KJJ to have a stronger plot that would justify the conflict of the story. Good thing they were able to build up a good twist that would keep you guessing until the end. 

I would rate it 7 of 10 all because of Kim Jaejoong. <3

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