Today's topic: BINGE-WATCHING.
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| Source from Google Images |
This
cartoon strip perfectly describes what I feel when I'm getting too
interested or hung over with a series. "Just one more episode" I say, or
"this will be the last for today" but I end up binge-watching the whole
thing, and still feel like that!
So recently, despite being busy and stressed with academic work, I still found some excuse to squeeze in some time to binge-watch American TV series but at the same time, still manage to go out with my family. It's been a while since the last time I binge-watched. Although school only began three weeks ago, I feel like I've been studying for half a term now. That's how bad school work is, or maybe because it's just now that I'm starting to feel the pressure from my major subjects.
BUT this entry isn't about me ranting about school work. I've come to realize how much this superhero franchise has become this big! Not only dominating the box office charts, but also prime time TV. These superhero movies has generated so much buzz and talks around town and creating a big hype even more when production companies announced superhero movie line-ups good for the next five years!
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| Source from Google Images |
And while enjoying these movies on-screen, as mentioned, franchise companies has decided that it would be a great idea to penetrate cable TV. Honestly, I'm not a comic die-hard fan so being any other movie-goer, I was satisfied and pleased with just watching my fave heroes in cinemas. When The Arrow, the TV series came out, I thought I felt indifferent towards the show - well, more of "since when did superheroes had their own TV shows?" kind of feeling. I was already contented seeing them on the big screen or watching their animated series (yes, I admit to this one because my family is a big fan of superheroes and the reason why I grew fond of watching them). At first, I was convinced not to watch Arrow or any other live super hero series at that matter because I thought it would be too convoluted and even more, because crossovers are inevitable, but eventually, I ate my words and ended up even binge-watching the first season! But I kinda dropped it half-way because of Laurel Lance AKA Black Canary. I hate her character - it felt like the whole story was revolving around her because Oliver Green was too concerned, though I still managed to be kept updated through my dad (he practically spoiled the whole thing without me even asking).
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| Source from Google Images |
Netflix's Daredevil and CW's The Flash, on the other hand, is a whole different story. My friends kept on recommending me to watch The Flash, that it's really good and no doubt I would enjoy binge-watching it, but I kept on making excuses that the series is still ongoing and I would wait for the whole series to be completed. Same goes for Daredevil, though I heard that the build up was too slow and it took him the whole season before he got his suit and established his name. But eventually, I gave in and here I am now, just finished watching Daredevil and The Flash in more or less three weekends and still not over with what happened.
Would you believe me when I say I was rooting for Wilson Fisk - the Kingpin - while watching Daredevil? I loved how Vincent D'Onofrio portrayed his own version of Fisk as a character. I really felt like I understood Fisk's intentions, how his actions justify his purpose of the protecting the city, and even more when Vanessa, his love interest, came into the scene.
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| Source from Google Images |
Fisk's character interaction with Vanessa made me more sympathetic towards him and eventually, root for him, but of course, I don't agree with his methods of "having his own way" - the means don't justify the ends. This isn't the first time I'm rooting for the "bad" guy to win. Most of the anime I watch, I tend to like more of the bad characters (I don't know if this is a good or a bad thing but rest assured, I'm not into bad guys in real life HAHAHA). Nevertheless, it is inevitable for Fisk to be defeated by Daredevil but still, it was a good watch.
Unlike The Arrow and Daredevil, The Flash is lighthearted and enjoyable with not so much convoluted plot twists but the season ender was really a cliff-hanger. You just have to wait for the next season. Definitely, I felt the suspense and his "name" was established early in the first few episodes which I think is a good point. Crossovers with The Arrow wasn't surprising since they introduced Barry Allen's character through the series. Felicity with Atom and Oliver Queen at different occasions, cameo-ed in three or four episodes and inevitably, Dr. Caitlin Snow and Barry Allen in The Arrow.
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| Source from Google Images |
One point I want to share though is that I'm not fond of the love line between Barry Allen and Iris West. I don't exactly know if they did end up together in the comics but I prefer they date someone else or just not end up with anyone in the series. Now that I think of it, every superhero has to have a leading lady. Well, can't take that away from them, can we?
So to keep me from writing anything else that might spoil you, I'll end it here! I hope this entry can somehow motivate you from watching them (or maybe if you're just as hesitant as me in the beginning, a little push would just do the trick). :)
So to keep me from writing anything else that might spoil you, I'll end it here! I hope this entry can somehow motivate you from watching them (or maybe if you're just as hesitant as me in the beginning, a little push would just do the trick). :)
Disclaimer: I'm no reviewer nor critic. Everything written are based on my opinions and are purely subjective.
Amidst today's plans and activities, I was craving for this certain Filipino delicacy that I can't seem to buy just from anywhere. Googling it, I found myself time to try making something new - "Palitaw". Hence, I decided to make an appreciation post it and share to the world how good it is (and what you're missing out if you haven't tried it!).
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| Source from Google Images |
This is a famous Filipino flat sweet rice cake dessert that's quite easy to do, considering it's no bake as I couldn't resist myself from doing it myself. Notice from the photo above, Palitaw is usually served with coconut gratings and mascuvado (raw sugar), topped with white sugar and sesame seeds.
How to make Palitaw:
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan. Add the sesame seeds. Toast until brown.
- Combine sugar, coconut flakes and toasted sesame seeds. Set aside.
- Combine glutinous rice flour and water until a dough is formed.
- Take about a tablespoon of the dough and shape it into a ball then flatten the middle of the dough with your thumb.
- Boil water in a pot. Drop in the dough in boiling water; wait until dough floats.
- Remove and set aside. Allow the dough to dry out and cool down.
- Roll the dough in coconut mixture. Serve and Enjoy!
The dough that was actually made during the process is the same dough we use in mochi, a Japanese rice cake, and in the black sesame rice ball, a traditional Chinese dessert. See photos below.
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| Japanese Mochi Source from Google Images |
Note that the outer filling is the rice dough. You mix it with different food colorings as well.
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| Chinese Black Sesame Rice Ball Source from Google Images |
You can read more about the Chinese rice ball dessert in detail here:
Personally, Filipino desserts have this standing-out flavor compared to others. I find it sweet yet bland (I don't understand it myself either), but it makes me crave for it sometimes. Aside from Palitaw, I really recommend trying out puto bumbong, a very distinct purple dessert, usually eaten during Christmas season.
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| Source from Google Images |
This Filipino delicacy is cooked in a very unique steamer. It is usually a metal kettle, shaped with protruding tubes on top of the base to hold the "bumbong".
Check out the recipe here : http://www.pinoyhapagkainan.com/puto-bumbong/
These two top my must-try Filipino desserts. And if you took notice, both are best eaten with muscavado (raw sugar). Yes, I love the muscavado taste! It has this different texture and leaves off a different flavor compared to white and brown sugar. Now that I think of it, maybe I crave for Palitaw and Puto Bumbong just so I can have a taste of muscovado, but, nah, the desserts themselves are really good! It's just that the muscovado enhaces the flavor. *wink wink*
Of course, there's still lots of Filipino good food out there but this ends my first food post. Good day! :)
When thinking of usernames or passwords, we always try to use numbers that have some sort of meaning to use like birthdays and anniversaries. And believe it or not, numbers play a very important role to Chinese culture. Studying the dates when is the best time to get married, when is the appropriate time to have a child, picking which combination/s will bring luck or fortune, even sometimes as simple as cellphone numbers and house numbers is quite common. I don't know if this can be considered as superstitions but as far as I'm concerned, Chinese are very well-involved in this kind of practice.
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| Source from Google Images |
Okay, so starting off with the lucky numbers! Zero (O) or 零 (líng) in Chinese is considered lucky because it is an even number and often associated with money (cha-ching!). Well, how really, I don't know it came to this. Maybe because of the number of zeros in money denominators (10s, 100s, 1000s, and so on).
The number two (2) or 二 (èr), 两(liang) in Chinese is a lucky number as there is a Chinese saying that goes "good things will come in pairs". It's very common to encounter this symbol 喜which stands for happiness though in Chinese weddings, it's more often written like this 囍 which actually still means and pronounced the same way, but if you notice, it's written as pairs to symbolize the happiness of the marriage.
Three (3) or 三 (sān) , on the other hand, is considered lucky as it represents the "three" stages in life - child, adult and elderly or birth, marriage and death (it goes the same way).
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| Source from Google Images |
Now, more so often before, the number six (6) always appear in three's in Western horror/scary films that brings misfortune and symbolizes the devil or hell; however, in Chinese culture, it's an extremely lucky number - the more, the better, even - because this number or 六 ( liù ) has the same sound which also means flow or smooth. Chinese think the number six (6) is a great number to represent businesses, with a mindset that fortune would flow in and business would operate smoothly.
The luckiest of the lucky numbers is the number eight (8). This number is greatly valued that there's a mall in Binondo, Manila (considered as the Chinatown of the city) called 888 Meisic Hall. It's so special because eight (8) or 八 (bā) has a very similar pronunciation to 發 (fā) which means to be wealthy. Moreover, if you turn 8 to the side, it becomes an infinity symbol; hence, infinite wealth!
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| Source from Google Images |
Fun Fact: The opening ceremony in Beijing Olympics held on August 8, 2008 (08-08-2008) precisely started 8:08:08 pm or 8 minutes and 8 seconds past 8pm. LOL!
Moving on to the unlucky numbers, this is quite self-explanatory. Four (4) or 四 ( sì ) is very bad luck to Chinese. This number has the same pronounciation of 死 (sǐ) which means death. No one wants anything associated to death so it's natural Chinese would avoid this number at all costs.
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| Source from Google Images |
It's common belief that the number thirteen (13) is just bad luck. For the Chinese, if you add 1 and 3 together, it brings 4 which means death as mention. Hence, explains why most buildings always skip the thirteenth floor. But believe it or not, the unluckiest number of all is the number fourteen (14) because one (1) can be pronouced as ( yī ) or (yao). Yao has a double meaning of the number one or "want to" so when you combined 1 and 4 together, it could mean "want to die"!
If you're a superstitious person, you might believe these stuff, but I honestly grew up with this kind of practice so I already got used to it. So, this ends my post! Write soon!
Have you ever felt this feeling after finishing a certain TV series or Kdrama (Korean Drama), you're just not yet satisfied - the feeling of "What that's it? What now?!" - that you want more?
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| Source from Google Images |
I'm sure everyone has experienced this at least once. Well, welcome to the world of fanfiction! Indulging in fan written stories (fanfiction) is a whole new world to get into - the world of which is sometimes, crazy and overwhelming yet a wonderful way to satisfy all the hanging "what ifs".
I remember the first time I was introduced to fanfiction. It was during high school when my friends who were really into anime finished watching Gauken Alice (Alice Academy), a popular must watch to their watch list and they can't stop shipping MikaXNatsume OTP (one true pairing).
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| Natsume and Mikan from Gauken Alice (Alice Academy) Source from Google Images |
They were so into the show to the point, they aren't even contended with the happy ending. Despite the anime having a manga (comic) version, it was yet to be completed at that time, hence, their desperation, the discovery of fanfiction.net alas! But for the record, this wasn't my first fanfic. Funny enough it was on Boys over Flowers' Yi Jung and Ga Eul, played by Kim Bum and Kim So Eun respectively.
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| Kim Bum and Kim So Eun on Boys over Flowers Source from Google Images |
This is one of those cases where I got to like the supporting characters (couple) better than the protagonists. It felt like they didn't get enough screen time and I was wanting for more. There comes fanfiction to the rescue! (*Note: Because fans really began shipping this couple, the pair bagged a cellphone advertisement together though I kinda think it's fan service. Click this to check it out!)
So what does fanfiction really mean?
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| Source from Google Images |
Fanfiction, sometimes called fanfic or FF for short, picks up where the "reality" of the show leaves off. This encompasses all types of shows - movies, TV series, anime or manga provide actual canon or the official truth or facts on which the work is based on. Canon may be set on a normal life or could be as fantastical as can be, giving the stories more plot twists and making it more complex. But honestly, this is the hardest part - writing the fanfic. I admire those writers who are able to express their imagination in writing, convey and share their ideas to the world. It could be as grounded and as loyal to the original show - "loyal to the canon" - and more so if it isn't the sky's the limit and imagination is the only boundary.
To dwell on this topic more, get started with a help of a quick cheat-sheet below on what to remember!
AU (Alternate Universe)
It is one of the popular categories of fanfiction wherein the "universe" was changed - meaning characters are brought to a completely different world and/or timeline or transforming them into different species. For example, Benedict Cumberbatch as an 18th century prince or My Girlfriend Is A Nine-Tailed Fox's Gumiho became Justin Bieber's girlfriend.
A/N (author's note)
It's a disclaimer, explanation or preface from the author usually at the begining or end of the written work.
Angst
Genre with a heavy depressing, emotional, hurt-heavy themes as characters experience suffering, depression, break-ups or death.
Beta (beta-read, beta-reader)
It is to edit or comment on someone's work; or one who does the editing or commenting as requested by the work's author.
C&C (comments & criticism)
This pertains to the readers feedback, usually placed at the end of every chapter or section.
Collab (short for collaboration)
Basically, a fanfiction written in installments of different authors (a story written and divided among two or more authors)
Crossover
A genre wherein fanfic interacts or straddles between two different universe (two complete different series/characters/worlds) or fandoms
Drabble
These are short vignettes (more or less around 100 words only) usually written in POVs (most of the time first POV) for the author just to express his thoughts and ideas on the topic.
Fluff
This is a light-hearted genre and feel good themed stories. Stories revolving around sweet nothings and courtings usually.
OC (original character)
A fanficion created with an orginal character created by the author.
OOC (out of character)
Fanfiction characters undergo a complete turn of personality or attitude (behaving differently, non-canon way)
Fanfiction characters undergo a complete turn of personality or attitude (behaving differently, non-canon way)
OTP (one true pairing)
This is what you call your ultimate bias or favorite pairing of all time regardless whether canon or not. *In my case, my first OTP would be Yi Jung and Ga Eul from Boys of Flowers*
Ratings
Authors would rate their work according to content or theme of their work, ranging from G to NC-17 (mature) - in fanfiction.net's case, from K to M.
RPF (real person fiction)
Stories about real people and how they are paired up
R&R (read and review/rate and review)
A call for an R&R are usually noted at the A/N either at the beginning or end of their work.
Ship, shipping
(short for "relationship","relationship-ping")
Author or story's main romantic bias with a fan couple name together (i.e. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Brangelina)
So now you know the 101's of fanfiction, go ahead and try reading one!
It usually starts with just one, then comes another one. "It's not yet enough. I could do better." Three, four, five, and soon, you'll just keep on wanting more; hence, where the collection begins. Collectibles could be anything, from wine to coins and stamps to comics and figures to bottle caps and personally, I admire collectors; their dedication is really something. I honestly envy how they have this passion. You could really feel their commitment and enthusiasm towards it especially when you start talking to them about it. They won't be having any trouble expressing their feelings about it and could go on for hours talking about it without missing a beat!
Collections could be as small as stamps, but could go as big as furniture. But what's your reason for collecting? Where does it all start? In my opinion, to reminisce the feeling of nostalgia, to support a new hobby or interest, to quench the thrill and challenge of finding, to have something others don't, or to deem it as a future investment are the five main motivations to start a collection.
A kitty with a red ribbon - first thing that comes into mind? Of course, Hello Kitty! I have known this character as far as I can remember and I'm sure some people have grew with this character. It's design has been in the market since. The franchise has become a billion dollar business for Sanrio, the Japanese company who created Hello Kitty. Although originally designed to attract female pre-teens to teens, the brand has climbed it's way up and has become popular throughout all age brackets. Hello Kitty designs can be found in a wide variety of products from cars, school supplies (notebooks, pencils, erasers, etc.), fashion accessories (bags, hair clips, bracelets, etc.), jewelry and many more, to the point it has released its own animated series and video game. Because of it's wide spread popularity, it's no surprise people have started to collect Hello Kitty products. Some probably did because of the popular trend (joining the bandwagon) that spiked an interest towards the character, but some have started collecting in order to relieve their nostalgia of the character.
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| Natasha Goldsworth and her Hello Kitty Collection Read more about it here |
Luckily today, Hello Kitty establishments are located all around the world to cater the fans and for their collection, but besides the nostalgia, it's still a challenge tracking them down. Most collectibles are not only hard to find, but expensive as well. It satisfies and gives you joy but nonetheless, puts a hole in your wallet. Bragging rights just come right after the hard work (and thrill) of finding the items that you have something others don't, but I think there's more to it; this isn't enough for them to be motivated to start their collection in the first place. Collectors should have basic interest towards the topic and starting a collection would definitely widen and deepen their curiosity.
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| Hello Kitty Land in Japan Source from Google Images |
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| Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae, Korea Source from Google Images |
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| Hello Kitty store in Japan Source from Google Images |
Besides the reasons of nostalgia and just interest as a hobby, a collection could do a good profit. Usually, collectibles increase value as time pass by because of its "antiqueness". As much as people would like to think that they are collecting for fun and out of their hobby, I'm sure at the back of their minds, they would secretly hope their collectibles would someday sell for big bucks, but it goes that not all collectibles would do so. It would, of course, depend on the market (supply and demand) and the condition of the item. Like cars and comics, for example. No matter what happens, cars would definitely sell less for second hand, considering the condition as well, regardless of how old. Comics, the way I see it, isn't any different though I know there are some exceptions to it. Plus, it would be harder to sell because of the saturated market it is into and the availability of soft copies in the internet wouldn't do any good to the seller as well.
In the end, collectors are starting their collection not for the sake of others, but for themselves. Gaining profit is besides the point. Collecting is for them to enjoy and feel happy about it!
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| Source from Google Images |
Coffee Lingo
- Coffea Canephora (Coffee Robusta) - a coffee bean variety of what we more commonly known as "canned coffees". It's cheaper than the Arabicas because of less flavor and for it's bitter characteristic from excessive caffeine content.
- Coffea Arabica - a coffee bean variety that we brew for "premium coffee"
- Roasting coffee - what produces the flavor of the coffee
- Espresso - the base of specialty coffee drinks; concentrated coffee beverage brewed quickly using hot water under pressure
- Doppio - double the shot of espresso
- Lungo (Cafe Creme) - cup of coffee brewed the espresso way but with a larger amount of water
- Ristretto - an extra strong espresso with half the amount of hot water than a regular one
- Coffee cupping - coffee tasting technique to evaluate the flavor and aroma of the coffee
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| Source from Google Images |
The acidity pertains to the sharp taste. Usually, acidity is the most crucial part of the tasting - the burst of flavor. This is where the flavor of the coffee comes out and is best tasted when the coffee has slightly cooled down. The smell of the coffee grounds is the true aroma of the coffee, but, of course, the roasting and brewing fragrance are considered as well. The "mouthfeel" sensation is the "body" where the richness, density, thickness and viscosity are measured. Lastly, how long will the taste last on the palette. The after taste tops off the coffee tasting experience with the lasting impression of the coffee.
No doubt will you see a list of variants of coffee to choose from upon entering any coffee shop. Americano, Cappucino, Latte, Machiatto, Mocha, there's so much to choose from, served iced or hot, but aside from having espresso (the base for specialty coffee drinks), do you know what makes them different from one another?
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| Source from Google Images |
A rich dark roast coffee which is brewed quickly using water - around 1 to 1.2 ounces a shot
Espresso Machiatto
A single shot of espresso top with a dallop of foam
Cappuccino
Comprised of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steam milk and 1/3 frothed milk
Cafe Mocha
Comprised of 1 shot espresso, 3/4 ounce of chocolate syrup and 4 ounces of milk
Iced Caramel Machiatto
Comprised of 1/3 espresso, 4 ounces of milk and an ounce of caramel sauce
Caffe Americano
A single shot of espresso serve in 6 ounces cup filled with hot water
*NOTE: hot water should be the espresso machine
Caffe Latte
An 8 ounce drink made with a single shot of espresso, filled with steam milk and topped with a dallop of foamed milk
The Coffee Experience
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| Source from Google Images |
Specialty coffee shops has become a trend nowadays and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In the Philippines, opening a specialty retail coffee business is seemingly a good profit (of course, considering other factors in opening a new business). Coffee shops are a good consumer demand as coffee drinking has become a popular activity in social circles. For a night out, some people would rather settle for a good coffee in a cozy coffee shop instead of alcohol. Not only that, people who are working and/or studying find these shops to be convenient for a group study or for a meeting place for morning or afternoon business, especially with WiFi enabled shops.
Check out coffee shops for hanging out in Manila! 10 Best Cafes for Hanging Out in Manila
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| Source from Google Images |
Airport fashion was already in the fashion scene since what, maybe when celebrity/entertainment news was created. It makes me curious though that upon googling airport fashion, there isn't an exact definition. The way I see it, the world assumes it's common sense; what's not to get. There's nothing to complicate about it. Airport fashion (noun): what choice of outfits people wear going to the airport. Simple as that. It's just that it becomes a big deal since it involves famous names and celebrities.
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| Left to right: Chloe Moretz, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lawrence, Kim Kardashian Photo credits to www.thefrisky.com |
Paying more attention to today's time, it seems Koreans gives very special interest to airport fashion, popularized it further and has somehow made it a "Korean trend". Korean stars deem this an oppurtunity to show their fashion tastes with the latest fashion trends. The sunglasses, shoes, and bag should be on point matching with the outfits. A few years back when I was just starting to like Kpop, I often saw articles and posts related to this topic. I thought because they are well-loved stars, fans would naturally want the latest updates about them but soon after, I realized the main idea of the articles and posts are, yes, other than reporting on where the celebrities are headed to do what activities, it was actually to check out what they wore at the airport. Reporters would take zoomed and full body shots like it was a red carpet event or a movie premiere (this might be a little exaggerated but I really think it's that of a big deal to them).
Despite all these, it seems Korean stars have already accepted and been accustomed to this behavior. However, to be honest, I feel very uncomfortable for them when talking about this matter. Instead of choosing comfy clothes to wear on their long plane travels, they have to make themselves presentable to the public eye despite just going to the airport and sitting on a plane.
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| Gong Hyo Jin wearing Excuse Me Line's Biker Shoes Credits to http://styletipsandtrendyhits.blogspot.com |
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| Brown Eyed Girls' Gain holding a Couronne Nate Note Bag Credits to http://styletipsandtrendyhits.blogspot.com |
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| EXO's Lay sporting a violet MCM studded backpack Credits to http://styletipsandtrendyhits.blogspot.com |
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| Left to right: 2NE1's Park Bom and CL & Girls Generation's Tiffany and Taeyon |
Despite all these, it seems Korean stars have already accepted and been accustomed to this behavior. However, to be honest, I feel very uncomfortable for them when talking about this matter. Instead of choosing comfy clothes to wear on their long plane travels, they have to make themselves presentable to the public eye despite just going to the airport and sitting on a plane.
Check out this website for photos of Korean idols maybe got a little bit too comfortable with what they were wearing. Click this.
"Obsessed: The Chinese Friends"
HANDS DOWN. This guy probably made all FRIENDS fans in the world proud and happy. I personally love FRIENDS. I have watched the whole series around five times already but this doesn’t even compare how addicted I am to the sitcom. It's pleasing to hear that besides being an entertainment sitcom, it helped and inspired this person to move on from his heartbreak and start anew.
I admire how dedicated he is to the show but as a fan as well, I don’t want to call him obsessed (although some might disagree). Let’s just put it that he gave a whole new meaning to “addiction”, yes? I’m very impressed, at the same, amazed how much effort he exerted to have an exact replica of Central Perk, to the smallest and slightest details, even going out of his way to have a picture frame customized. He's practically living the "FRIENDS" life! Working in his Central Perk and surrounded with his family and friends who support him is a dream come true to him. Even his son can even say "how you doin'?" just like how Joey Tribianni does it!
It’s cute how all the characters are represented by someone (making it more realistic) and how they are actually close friends in real life. I noticed though how Ross wasn’t in the picture when he was introducing his friends but setting that aside, I would love to go visit this coffee shop someday. To all the FRIENDS fans out there who haven’t watched this video, you won’t regret spending a few minutes watching this!
