Korean drama: LOVE RAIN

I can't think any reason why this series was not a hit in Korea. Are there any issues on this film? Honestly, NONE.

LOVE RAIN is a very nice tv series. All the actors had portrayed their roles well. I really enjoyed the fantastic and awesome scenarios as if you were in that place, like in 70s or 80s era.

All the soundtracks being played that made me fell in love with this. (infernes, ringtone ko ang Pyururong) Jang Geung Suk was so pretty cool in here and the sweet chemistry with him and Yoona kept me wanting to watch it all the way.

At first and the reason why I want to watch this is that, I REALLY want to see Yoona act. I am a fan so SNSD/Girls Generation and things that I can tag to Yoona is being a singer, dancer, mascot, model.. but to act? Naaahh..  BUT I was suprised how well she can act!

So I've realized that it's not the low ratings that counts but how this drama made each of my day right. I'm glad that this going to be aired soon in Philippines. It's a must drama to watch. Be ready to be swept off your feet! Be ready for tissues, downloaders (OSTs), and laughters all the waaaaaay!

Profile

• TV Show: Love Rain
• Revised romanization: Sarangbi
• Hangul: 사랑비
• Director: Yoon Seok-Ho
• Writer: Oh Soo-Yun
• Network: KBS2
• Episodes: 20
• Release Date: March 26, 2012 - May, 29 2012
• Runtime: Mon & Tue 21:55
• Genre: Romance / Youth
• Language: Korean
• Country: South Korea

Oh, here's the storyline....

Sarangbi.


The experience was nostalgic. It reminded me the reason why I love watching Asian dramas, on how to do twists in a story line..

“Love Rain” depicts a 1970′s pure love and a love from the present day at the same time. It shows how the offspring of a previous ill-fated couple, who met in the 1970′s, managed to meet and fall in love.

On a rainy day, In-Ha (JGS)  sees Yoon-Hee (Yoona) standing in front of building without an umbrella. In-Ha offers to walk her with his umbrella. As they walk together they feel a bond. A date is set to meet the following Sunday to watch the movie "Love Story" an American film.

In-ha an art student and Yoon-Hee a shy beauty, met and fell in love with each other during college in the 1970′s but unfortunately their love was ill-fated. :(

Now in the present 2012 time, Seo In Ha’s son, Seo Joon (Jang Geun Suk) (a liberal photographer) meets and falls in love with Kim Yoon Hee’s daughter, Kim Ha Na (Yoona), a cheerful and energetic girl who’s personality is different from her mother’s. Will their love for each other keep them together or will they have to face the same fate as their parents?! THEN YOU MUST WATCH! :))

The first few episodes are really slow and dragging. Moreover, it’s hard to make viewers appreciate it because the target audiences of K-dramas today are mostly teens and young adult. I even had difficulty connecting with the characters in the 1970’s because I’m not familiar with Korea’s culture during that period. What I appreciate in this era was its cinematography. I may not know what Korea is in the 70′s but I have a feeling they captured the actuality of this time.

The 2012 plot has the typical formula in K-drama now a days. It was only different because of the family issue they incorporated in the story.  Seo Joon and Han Na’s relationship was light and funny but it gets dramatic later in the series when their family’s connection were discovered. On the other hand, the love between In Ha and Yoon Hee was poignant and selfless. A love that great deserves a happy ending. But then, there are circumstances that one cannot disregard especially if it’s the happiness of the people you loved the most.

I was impressed with how well JGS and Yoona played their two roles. They were able to show the difference in the characters and set it apart. You can easily pin point who’s from who without tracing any similarities in their attitudes or mannerisms in their acting.

I like the Geun Suk-YoonA tandem. They look cute together. Perfect.

"Love means never having to say you're SORRY." ~ my favorite quote from here. This is a broad saying that anyone can have its own interpretation.


Maybe at the first episode it doesn't attract.. but if you continue watching up to 5th-up episodes you’ll surely love this!


Watching the Diamond Snow together in Japan and Second watching the mist in the river which both promises a happy love story for a couple like them :)  (Just cute!)

LOVE RAIN SOUNDTRACKS

1. Because it's you- Na Do Kyun
2. Confession, La la la la version- Milktea
3. Love Rain- Jang Geun Suk
4. First Love- “Bonggu” from Gilgu Bonggu
5.Because it's you- Tiffany
6. Again and again- Yozoh
7. 수줍은 고백송 (Shy Confession)- Milktea
8. Fate (like a fool) / Seo In Guk
9.  After raining, it rains again / “Bonggu” from Gilgu Bonggu
10.  Now I am / Kang Seung-Won
11.  Loving You / (Scat) Son Binna
12. Love is like Rain- Na Yoon Kwon


~~~

HBC Hauls (San-San liquid base make-up, San-San shimmer lipstick Allue eyeliner. Allue lipstick, Hortaleza MD Illuminous Plus soap)

At last! I found time to create my HBC Make-up haul reviews.

Its been weeks since I bought these make-ups from HBC in Baclaran then, finally I spend my leisure time in writing these reviews.

I bought liquid make-up base, shimmering lipstick, Allue mini lipstick, Allue glitter eyeliner and Hortaleza soap.


First in the list is the San-San liquid base make-up (90.00 php):

I bought this 20ml base because I was really amazed to see that this contains vitamins A, C, and E which are the so-called vitamins for the skin. Here are the reasons why I found it amazing:

Vitamin C, in combination with vitamins A and E helps to prevent sun damage on the skin. Vitamin C, also prevents ageing and makes our skin firm. Vitamin A is added because it is a superb anti-oxidant and a moisturizing agent. This vitamin is readily absorbs in the skin, thus it functions effectively. Improvement of skin elasticity, thickens epidermis (which becomes thinner in ageing), and helps regulate keratin formation. Vitamin E, is an excellent moisturizer. It has anti-inflammatory action – and this prevents premature aging, as inflammatory conditions in the skin is a leading cause of skin aging.

SAN-SAN LIQUID BASE MAKE-UP in OLIVE

PEA-SIZED OLIVE BASE LOOKS LIKE

UPPER CORNER- WITH BASE  //  LOWER CORNER- WITHOUT BASE

As we can see, when we apply this base, it made the skin glow and looks smooth. In its texture, I attest that this base makes skin soft and it is not sticky as well, unlike other liquid base or foundies. It is best when we apply foundation on our face right after this base. But, if we want our face to feel light and natural, this base can be solely applied.

PROS:

• Handy
• Affordable
• Good tone quality (really suits in my dark skin)
• Has excellent contents
• Pea-size base can cover up a huge area of the skin (quality wise)
• Not sticky 
• Dries up easily

CONS:

• Hard to squeeze out ( I think all the liquid sticks to the tube inside ) thus, it needs greater pressure to squeeze out of the tube.

Next on list is the San-San shimmer lipstick 03 (64.00php)

This contains Castor oil, candelilla wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, isopropyl myristate, lanolin oil, mineral oil, titanium dioxide, tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), D&C Red No.27 Al Lake, iron oxide brown, propyl paraben.

Taken w/o flash

Lippie swatch (w/o flash)

Lippie when worn 

This lipstick is so smooth that it glides easily in the lips, but the shimmers tend to produce white flakes/glue on lips and it emphasizes cracks.. Its better to wear with a lipbalm before applying it.

PROS:

• The packaging is sturdy and simple.
• Easy to glide and pigmented
• Inexpensive 
• Doesn't have the extreme waxy taste
• It is enriched with vitamins C and E which acts a an antioxidant and a moisturizer which helps to have smooth lips in continous use.

CONS:

• Not long-wearing (TIP: to have  a long wearing lipstick, apply one coat then pat with dry tissue and apply again)
• Shimmers tend to form cracks/glues on lips. Lipgloss or lipbalms are suggested to put then.

Another item I bought was the Allue Glam Rock Metallic Eyeliner in Strikin' Silver (60.00php)

I bought this jumbo pencil liner to have my eyes a light shimmering look, unlike my other eyeliners (black/brown) that makes my eyes heavy dramatic. I know I could use this on day and night as well.

I used this to line my lower lash line and upper lash line! This is really awesome..

Swatch w/ flash

Swatch w/o flash

Liner on me (daytime) ~ nevermind the retarded eyes! ;)

PROS:

• good for smokey eye, extremely simple an elegant
• good for waterline, it lasts long!
• its so pigmented 
• cheap
• doesn't smear nor fade
• glides easily

CONS: 

• Jumbo pencil (needs a sharpener that fits in it)

Metallic liners can give a dazzling party look usually worn at nightime, but ... It can be wearable even in school, office at when just strollling around, shimmers makes us feel light and glowing!

Next is the Allue My first.. Lip colour performance (Mini Lipstick) (45.00php)

This tiny lippie is about 2 inches long , and its so cute!

Taken w/ flash

Taken w/o flash

'

Allue lippie on me

PROS:

• It is moisturizing
• It has a good smell :)
• Non-greasy
• pigmented
• easy to apply

CONS:

• Small sized
• Not long-wearing

Then the Hortaleza Illuminous plus facial Soap- Glycerin based 45g (42.00 php) :

• Skin lightening with Glutathione & Arbutin
• With Tiny White to lighten skin
• Lightens blemishes and dark spots on face and body
• Mild glycerin-based formula

Triethanolamine

Stearic acid

Aqua Fatty acids

Myristic acid

Sodium hydroxide

Glycerine Cocainamide Diethanolamine, 

Tiny White (Arbutin and Grape seed extract)

Lecithin

Linoleic , Linolenic acid

Tocopheryl acetate

Sodium ascorbly Phosphate 

Glutathione

PEG-40 

Hydrogenated Castor oil

Tocopherols

Glycerin

Liquid paraffin

Sodium hydrosulfite

Pentasodium pentetate

Butylated hyroxytoluene

Arbutin is considered as the safest and most effective skin whitening agent. This protects skin to damage caused by free radicals, it inhibits formation of melanin pigment by inhibition of tyrosinase activity.

Arbutin give three main properties: whitening effects, and anti- ageing effect.

Glycerin-based soap is one of many safe personal care products that may be more appropriate for people with sensitive or delicate skin, because Glycerin is natural.

If you are suffering from dry flaky skin despite the constant application of emollients/lotions and frequent bathing, it could be due to the nature of the soap you are using. 

Glycerin is known as a humectant - it actually attracts moisture, leaving your skin hydrated and supple. Thus this base makes the soap moisturizing! 

I really love this soap! I truly lightens the skin and it makes my face glow and has keeps it moisturized!

One More Try - Movie Review

*photo not mine*

One More Try is Star Cinema’s solely produced film in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. The genre is heavy romance / drama.

One More Try is starred Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, and Zanjoe Marudo.  Ruel S. Bayani, who directed this emotion packed film, was also the director of last year's box office hit, No Other Woman.

The story was about the lives of two couples who love each other deeply, a mother who will do everything for her dying child, a husband/father who is longing to be with his son and who dreams about having his child, a wife who will fight for her husband and a lover who will wait for his love. 

ADMIT ONE ---  I watched this movie with my High School friends.. :)

Their married life was merely perfect for Edward and Jacq (Dingdong Dantes and Angelica Panganiban) until Grace (Angel Locsin) came into the scene. Grace was Edward's ex-girlfriend. Grace needed the help of Edward to save their dying child - Botchok. The kid needs a bone marrow transplant to cure his serious illness. They did everything they could (in vitro, searching for possible donors, even his father (Edward) tissue-typing match) but they failed which led them to the last option possible. Grace and Edward needed to have another child in order to save the life of Botchok. You can never imagine how Jacq and Tristan (Zanjoe Marudo) will react on this situation. Akward, indeed. There are twists in the story which made it up a happy ending. But for me, the ending was so unrealistic. See, for what happened, they just forgave each other and even gathered together for a celebration, which I think its really impossible in reality.


One More Try is okay. It’s half a good movie.

There are things to like about it for sure: good performances, maybe good writing, some ideas about love & parenthood.

I just wish that it had been brave enough to explore darker possibilities, and had the guts to try and be realistic, try and say something true.

MOVIE LINES & QUOTES (From: FlairCandy)

• “Mahal kita, pero mas mahal ko ang anak ko.”
• “Trinato mo ko na parang asong pinasahan mo ng buto matapos mong lawayan!”
• “Kahit saglit, kahit isang gabi lang, pahiram ng asawa mo.”
• “I can be a sexy wife sa umaga and a dirty mistress sa gabi.”
• “Hindi, hindi ka makakagulo kung ang kukunin mo lang naman ay ang kailangan mo”
• “How can you even say no to a mother with a dying child?”
• “Iba yung pumapayag sa nakikisama. Iba din ang nakikisama sa nagtitiis.”
• “Ulit-ulit? Hindi ko naman kasi alam na nakasubscribe ka pala ng UNLIs*x sa asawa ko at gusto mo pang SULITin”
• “Kung nilawayan ko man ang buto, akin yun. Asawa ko yun!”
• “Kung alam ko kung hanggang kailan ako magtitiis, matatawag pa ba ‘tong pagmamahal?”
• “Anak tandaan mo, No trespassing. Matuto kang kumatok bago pumasok. Huwag kang sugod nang sugod.”

~ To sum it up! I am giving 8 out of 10 for this movie, though I'm not satisfied with the ending, its still a worth watch.

SUBIC trip: Mangrove Park

This is our final destination in Subic after Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari.

ME at the Mangrove Park entrance

In this place you can experience a quiet mood at the Triboa Bay Mangrove Park located in the area of the Ilanin Forest. The biological diversity in this park is pretty high where two ecosystems, the forest ecosystem meets the marine ecosystem at this point. The mangroves, of course, are the highlight of the park. 

The mangroves of Triboa also contains tannin compounds that can be extracted from the barks. Tannin is a soluble substances used in tanning hides and skins that are used in manufacturing leather crafts.

Another importance is that the fishes lay their eggs in tangled roots of mangrove trees and later hatch and grow with needed nutrients available. Thus mangroves act as natural nursery grounds. 

ME in their wonderful wooden bridge

Amazing , it is!

For more info, visit : Subic Board (Click Here)

That's all after a long, long day.. When you want to feel relaxed, or stressed free.. just visit Subic, and this proves you that ... Its More Fun in the Philippines!

~Thanks for reading! :)

SUBIC trip : ZOOBIC Safari

After Ocean Adventure, a 5-minute travel passed until we reached ZOOBIC Safari. This place has, Animal Muzooeum, Tiger Safari, and the Croco Loco.

Pictures will prove that ZOOBIC Safari is the "Happiest Place."

ZOOBIC CAVE

A special zoo and animal observation area set in a tropical jungle environment.  Many of these animals are friendly to human beings and are free and roaming amidst the visitors. You are free to reach-out and pet many of these animals. Here you will find deer, ostriches, albino caribou, a bear, monkeys, an eagle, miniature houses, ducks, bearcats, guinea pigs, ferrets, and many more.

FORBIDDEN CAVE

REAL STUFFED GOAT and OSTRICH'S EGGS

AETAS TRAIL

These native Filipino people has a very entertaining tribal show including the dragonfly and war dance. One amazing performance of the dancers is the monkey dance and catapult up a tree.

KUYA PERFORMING THEIR "DRAGON DANCE"

THEIR "PANA DANCE"

THE "MONKEY DANCE"

ANITO STONE

ANITO STONE

BIRD WALK

LOVING THEIR CANARY COLOR

CAMEL

CUTIE BEARCAT

IGUANA

ALBINO BURMESE PHYTON, LOVELY IN YELLOW

CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH TIGERS

LION

Riding along a jeepney cab with safari guides who will give you an idea of the power and ferociousness of these animals as they feed them just inches from your face. You can see the amazing-long and sharp tiger-teeth so close to you that you actually feel the fear and excitement of these ferocious hunters. Thrill as a 400 pound tiger easily jumps on top of your safari vehicle while he eats a whole chicken.

JEEPNEY CAB WHERE A HUGE TIGER IS ON THE ROOF

TIGER IS EATING A RAW CHICKEN

HE FOUND IT YUMMY  HUH.

ME IN CROCO LOCO

Here you will find huge number of crocodiles. You will walk over the steel grated walkway with these crocodiles directly below you. 

LIVE CROCODILES! RAWR

More of these you can get in their Souvenir Shop...

I really enjoyed exotic animals roaming in their natural habitat, surroundings and native grasslands. 

Hope you enjoyed this photo post about Zoobic Safari

You can inquire through Zoobic Webpage (Click Here) for FAQs.


~~ Thanks for reading! Next post is the last destination The Mangrove Park.

 Read it to know more about Mangroves!