KEKXIFIED

(Cont. of Seoul, Korea Trip Day 5)

After hearing mass lead by Pope Francis at Myeongdong Cathedral, we decided to have Chicken, Fries and Beer for late lunch somewhere along Myeongdong.

Oh boy, I must say that Spicy Chicken and Beer together are match made in heaven! It was soooo perfect that it goes well with the weather that time because it was raining crazy. Hmmm, for a spicy-hater, I think i'm developing a secret love affair with spicy food and I must blame it on my 11 days stay in Korea. (As I type, I'm craving for spicy ramyun! *gosh* ) However, it's still kind of a love and hate relationship thing tho!  Anyway, after having lunch, we then headed back home first to freshen up and rest for a while before going straight to Trick eye Museum! 

When visiting the Trick Eye Museum it’s a must that you bring your trusty camera and a friend with you. The museum was packed with tourists and boy was it so busy! Admission fee: 15,000 won= Php 640.00

Here's my favorite photo taken there! 

Getting tricked is probably the last thing you want to happen when traveling but trust me, the “trick” part of this popular museum’s name comes from the fact that visitors can also be part of the drawings when perfectly positioned and framed in a picture, all guided by super simple instructions.

The Trickeye Museum features a collection of 2 Dimensional trick art that were principally designed for photographs. So yes, for all the cam- whores out there, this is the museum for you!

This art is termed trompe-l’oeil that literally means deceive the eye. And it is exactly what the Trick Eye Museum does. It showcases the art using realistic imagery to create optical illusions that fool viewers into thinking that everything were as if real.

Puss in boots! KYOWO!

The dragon is licking my head! OMO! 

Unlike in any other conventional museums, visitors are not allowed to touch the art pieces. In trick-eye it’s even encouraged that you become part or even be the subject of the art, making this a favorably interactive gallery. The lighting installations have also been augmented for cameras, so taking pictures when you go here is a must.

Salsa time! 

FREE US,KOREAN GODZILLA! 

He feel you bro! 

B*tch we are fabulous! 

 Thanks for saving me spidey! Go web GO! 

As you exit Trick eye Museum, you'll still get deceived through the maze of magic mirrors. It was actually a short passage but the mirrors make it look seemingly long since you can't find the right exit because you keep on bumping to the mirror.

And that was it for Trick-eye Museum. Even if you’re not the best photographer out there, you will be most happy to see your hilarious photo after.  Go with friends or family to better enjoy the wacky and fun pictures. Also, there’s an Ice Museum included in the price of admission.

All i can say is-- IT'S FREAKING NEGATIVE FOUR CELCIUS! QUEEN ELSA, WE KNOW YOU ARE BEHIND THIS! (HAHAHA)

Everything in the museum is made of ice and since the museum maintains the temperature at -4C, you'll feel the chill the moment you enter the museum.  I AM TELLING YOU, YOU CAN'T EVEN LAST 5 MINUTES LONG INSIDE THE MUSEUM!

   And that was it! After exploring the 2 museums, we strolled along Hongdae and found this famous korean food staple: Gyeran Bang (Egg Bread) These little bad boys taste like pancakes but with egg on top! it was so yummy you'll want for more!  

Korea brings so many delightful street snacks to keep your tummy happy! In fact, every time I stroll anywhere around Seoul, I always end up buying Korean street snacks time to time because they all look delicious and tempting!  >:) Anyway, to cap off this blog, here's the direction going to Trick Eye  and Ice Museum: 

Directions going to Trick Eye/ Ice Museum:

Exit: Hongik University Station (Hongdae), Subway Line 2, exit 5.

Trick Eye Museum (Hongdae)

357-1 Seogyo-dong

B2, Mapo-gu,

Seoul, South Korea

Operating Hours:

Daily: 9:00am - 9:00pm (last admission at 8:00pm

What happened during our 5th day stay in Seoul wasn’t actually included on our original itinerary. However, it was a very Special and Holy day for us as we’re very fortunate and blessed to hear mass and witness Pope Francis during our trip in Seoul, Korea.

Pope Francis has called for peace and reconciliation on the divided Korean peninsula and sent a further message of goodwill to China, wrapping-up a five day trip to South Korea and the first papal visit to Asia in 15 years.

That day, we really woke up early to attend Pope Francis’ last mass in Seoul at Myeong-dong Cathedral. As the mass started, the rain started pouring and it felt like a blessing sent from heaven.  It continuously poured all through out the mass but it was remained solemn as possible however. As the mass ended, Choir started singing ending it with a prayer of unification for South and North Korea.

  (Luckily there were roaming vendors of plastic raincoats while the mass was ongoing to help keep everyone dry). 

Just right after Pope Francis left, the rain stopped. VIVA EL PAPA!

Preparations are underway for Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines, which takes place from January 15th-19th, 2015.

After hearing the mass, it made me realize how fortunate I am to be part of this once in a lifetime experience that I'll surely treasure forever. One thing I've learned about the homily is to treasure the gift of hope and as my lifetime wish goes, (cliche as it may sound)  is to have world peace where everybody is happy and unified. I wish for a better world where everybody respects each other regardless of religion, gender, race and status in life. I wish for a world without resentment. I wish for a world where powerful people helped the lesser capable. I wish for my country (Philippines), to find its feet again and together we stand up against corruption. I wish for unification between South and North Korea to serve as a symbol of hope for WORLD PEACE.

Ending this post with Proverbs 25:14:

Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

When in Korea, one of the “must do” things is to visit a Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is disputably one of the most beautiful and remains the grandest Palaces in the world as it offers a big chunk of Korean history.

We know for a fact that this day was dedicated to intensify some more ache to our feet for we will walk for hours learning Korea’s history and its origins.  But of course, we come prepared as we decided to have lunch at a Korean authentic tonkatsu restaurant where they serve ginormous pork cutlet that is as big as human’s face. Here’s a photo for your reference:

I ordered cheese-filled tonkatsu with sidings of exaggeratedly small bap (rice), macaroni salad and shredded cabbage. (6000 won- Php 250.00/ per order)

Verdict: It was tasty but the generous amount of stuffed mozzarella cheese is just too overwhelming and HEAVY! I did not even finish half of it.  I feel so stuffed so no room for dessert and straight on to major walking!

Moving on, Here's how to get there:                                                                        

Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Line 3, Exit 5)

Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2)

I like how every Seoul MRT station exits stick to its theme on where you're heading. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace in Seoul, Korea that has been built for almost 500 years. Although destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592, the palace was rebuilt again in 1867.

Entrance Ticket : (3000 Won= Php 120.00 )

I am mesmerized by the details and prints for all the structures inside the palace. Just imagine how they hand painted it one by one.  

When we went there, we’re just in time for the Changing of the Guards ceremony. Witnessing the ceremony made me feel like I was enraptured back in Joseon Era. All of them were wearing Hanbok costumes with designated colors depending on their portrayed position. I am relished in taking part of this reenactment of such a historical event.

Back then, the royal guards of Joseon Dynasty performed a task of guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate. The ceremony of changing guards first took place in 1469 and continued until the end of the dynasty. The present day ceremony is only a re-enactment of the original one and the re-enactment was started only in 1996.

The Gwanghwamun or the main gate is composed of 3 entrances – the central one exclusively reserved for the king’s use.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to wear a Hanbok because we ran out of time since we decided to tour the Palace first.

TIP: Before entering the palace, go straight first at the Hanbok area near the ticketing booth because it closes at around 5PM. 

As you enter the palace, you will see right away the Geunjeongjeon. It is said the main throne hall and was used for the king’s state coronation ceremony, meetings and gathering with foreign representatives. 

Here's what it looks like inside the Geunjeongjeon throne hall.

I like how they preserved the structure of the Palace on their best way possible and make it look as good as the original state. Korean Tourism really spent a whole lot of funds to keep these protruding and very much alive.

Mandatory photo-op with the beautiful pillars. 

As we moved on, we saw the Jiphyeonjeon where the Korean alphabet, Hangul, was invented under King Sejong.

This is Gyeonghoeru Pavilion where it is positioned in the middle of a pond; this structure functioned as the area where the king held his feast with foreign representatives. 

Here's a Korean traditional earthenware jars from various regions that are displayed at the Palace.

These jars were used for fermenting the famous Korean soybean paste and kimchi. 

This is Hyangwonjeong, which is situated also in the middle of a pond. This structure is such a picturesque with its intricate designs and craftsmanship. It was built when King Gojong built Geoncheonggung at the back of the pond in 1873 to have political independence from his father. This building complex included living quarters for the king and the queen. Unfortunately, it was also here where Queen Myeongseong was killed in 1895 during the Japanese invasion.

At the end of the palace you will see a circular resting area with all of the signs of the zodiac.

Year of the Sheep since I was born in year 1991! ( yes I am a 90's b**ch) 

And that was it! I was in awe during my tour of the place that I did not notice the time passing by. It felt like I was discovering something new in every turn. More so, all the areas of the palace is bursting with historical significance. 

Trivia: Gyeongbokgung Palace's popularity rise steeply due to a traditional Korean drama "Jewel in the Palace" which showcased so much about their culture. 

After touring Gyeongbokgung Palace, We still went on to walk around Bukchon Hanok Village. This place is quite hilly. Better prepare some stamina before going since you will brave the steep climbs in most of the areas of the village.

While strolling, we saw a cafe that caters Philippine Mangoes... Koreans love our homegrown mangoes and it's hell of expensive in Korea. When visiting a friend in Korea, buy them Dried Mangoes, they will love it so much! 

We took our time meandering around this traditional village to enjoy the tranquil environment. We walked towards the inside of the village where the residential houses are. There are families who actually live there so tourists are advised to keep quiet and not make so much noise. The houses are really nicely maintained in this area. It makes you feel how Seoul must have looked like a few hundred years ago.

In my case, I didn't make it up to the very end of the traditional village since I’m already suffering from major back pain and couldn’t bear to walk more. 

Half of us still went to Insadong to do some serious shopping but some decided to go home (including me) to rest. On our way home, I bought a menthol patch for my severe backache. Feeling old, lol! 

After having a good rest, we walked around Hongdae for dinner and had some authentic Samgyeupsal. 

Samgyeupsal is a popular Korean dish that is commonly served as an evening meal. It consists of thick, fatty slices of pork belly meat. It is usually marinated or seasoned and is cooked on the diners' table-tob griller.

I enjoyed pairing my grilled samgyeopsal alternately with rice dipping it with gireumjang (salt and black pepper in sesame oil) or wrapping it in a lettuce with kimchi. 

It's definitely one of my favorite Korean dish! good thing there are a lot of authentic Korean restaurants here in the Philippines and I can have it anytime I want.

And to cap off the night, Lo and behold: Korean Tower Ice cream! 

Korean ice cream is just really really REALLY damn good! I love that they serve these in a small cone but piled about a foot high! Trust me, it's not messy to eat as you think it would! 

Going to Namsan Tower alone is quite an adventure and energy drenching that’s why good thing that we reserved a lot of energy and woke up a bit late. Woohoo! What I love about our trip is that we had no pressure at all waking up too early since we treated this vacation stressed-free so we can enjoy the beauty of Seoul without the feeling of being rushed. I mean, it’s okay to squeeze a lot of activity in one day, but for me, vacations are meant for relaxing, appreciating the beauty of the place but still has the leisure time of loving the idea of getting lost and at the same time making the fun out of it and enjoying it with your dearest!

We went to Hongdae as per usual to have our day 3 Brunch. (Side story: Just beside our guesthouse is a Samsung building where every morning, there’s a 2 giant promo boys with clown looking make-up, handing out flyers.  They're quite entertaining and jolly, however we don’t understand them since they speak Korean and the flyers are written in Hangul! haha)

Handing out flyers, Korean way!

Anyway, We decided to eat at Yeolbong which is owned by KPop star, Se7en of YG Family.  A lot of Korean stars dine-in at Yeolbong including Big Bang, Sandara Park of 2ne1 and a lot more (Not really familiar to all of them he he). When you enter the restaurant, you will see a wall full of photos hanging of celebrity who have tried and liked Yeolbong. My friends Bea and Lyka (A very k-pop addict) usually leads us when it comes to Korean star-owned restaurants! They both serve as our tour guide since they know what's best tasting and must-try's in Korea since they really researched a lot for this trip. 

So anyway, for our food, we ordered a Medium-sized Original Jjimdak Chicken and added a same sized Curry version so we have variety. Originally, we ordered small size for both dish but the waiter insisted that small does not look enough for the 6 of us. She was like "in korean english" you..(pointing the 6 of us) all hungry right? small only good for 2!...

Each costs 26,000 Won = Php 1100.00 which is pretty much decent for the amount of serving.   What we noticed is that Korean food-servings are usually generous with the amount or size of food that’s why it’s hell of a trick when it comes to ordering.  I mean look at this photo... Does it look like it’s good for 3-4 pax only?  I mean, seriously, each can serve up to 5-6 pax.  In the Philippines, that’s considered a fiesta size already!

Of course, we paired it with rice, like any Filipino would do! LOL... Anyway, for those of you wondering what it’s made of, chicken of course is the main star of this dish whereas it is braised with various vegetables like giant slices of potatoes, carrots, onion, and chili and marinated all together in fermented soy bean-based sauce with glass noodles. In short, it taste like Adobo (Filipino dish) with noodles,  however it packs a lot of punch with the added chili. 

Verdict:  WE SUPER LOVE IT! It’s really well done and I can assure that it will win the taste palate of any Filipino.  The sauce for me is the star actually of this dish since there’s a continuous battle of sweetness and spiciness that compliments very well to the chicken. (In Filipino saying: Sabaw pa lang, Ulam na!)  Plus the chicken is very tender even for the breast meat. I also super love the twist of having a noodle soaked in the thick savory sauce! It’s so good that I prayed they soon have Manila branch! I like the original version compared to the curry by the way but both are actually really damn good!

Here's the logo of Yeolbong Jjimdak! Chicken hugging Chili! Cute! 

Moving on: After having a hearty brunch at Hongdae, we went straight to Myeongdong because it's the way leading to Namsan Tower but since it was still too early to go straight there and it was still 1:30 pm, we decided to kill some time first and shop at Myeongdong because we wanted to go at Namsan anyway by sunset for it is the perfect time to see the majestic view of N Seoul Tower until it gets nighttime. 

After tiring ourselves from shopping, we met at around 5 PM as agreed at Myeongdong Station. (Please refer to photo above)

Here’s the instruction going to Namsan Tower that we also followed from the Internet:

From Myeongdong station, take Exit 3. From people coming from Myeongdong shopping stores, the landmark is Pacific Hotel. Take the road wherein you can see a 7-11 store. From there just walk straight ahead.

HOWEVER, after following the instruction, our group got LOST! As instructed we went down to that station (refer to the photo above again) and went up straight to Exit 3. We then looked for the road with 7 eleven and we couldn’t see a single fucking 7 eleven! We were like, maybe that 7 eleven closed for good, or maybe the thing we researched is not updated anymore. BUT NO! We exited a wrong Myeongdong station. It wasn’t Myeongdong Station near PACIFIC HOTEL. We missed out the importance of Pacific Hotel.  It’s a devil Myeongdong station that mislead and deluded us to add an ache to our feet to walk more. DAMN IT! We took a wrong Myeongdong station with fucking Namsan arrow sign leading towards to it that’s why we all assumed that it was it! But to not waste time, we rushed walking then to go back to Myeongdong shopping area to re-align and luckily our friend Kuya Vlad remembered and insisted that he saw Pacific Hotel while he was strolling Myeongdong earlier. After 15 minutes of walk, we finally saw Pacific Hotel… From there we took the road with the 7 eleven greeting us.   It was quite a long walk of 30 mins uphill along the paved roads. On the way, you can see hostels and guesthouses around so you can’t see much of scenery. We felt safe also that we’re on the right track since we saw other tourists and locals walking up too, so it was not too deserted.

Good thing I was wearing the most comfortable outfit that day and paired it with my trusty Birkenstock.  I feel sad though for women who are wearing heels walking on Seoul's sloped and inclined roads, ouch! :(  Anyway, when we finally reached our destination, we were greeted with a very long line to ticket booth just to ride the cable car going straight to Namsan Tower. (Round-trip Ticket cost 8,000 Won= Php 350.00) We fell in line for like 50 minutes and sadly we didn’t make it to sunset:( 

Even though it was so exhausting, our group kept on laughing going uphill because we kept on joking around our funny mistake and still enjoyed the experience even though we got lost. 

The 5 minute cable car experience wasn't that excellent since it was seriously jam-packed with all the tourist trying to be accommodated right away. The view could have probably cured all the sores on my feet but it was just too crowded and it felt like we were all squeezed inside a match box waiting to catch some air. Tip: if you're claustrophobic, never ride the cable car going to N Seoul Tower and just walk going there. But then, of course I must still say that the view was really breathtaking and majestic just by looking at all the city lights of seoul during night.

Finally! We have reached our destination! Isn't the tower so beautiful during night time? 

People probably resting their aching feet after the long walk! 

Namsan Tower is one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks. Situated right in the center of the city, it’s a sight easily seen on the skyline from most areas throughout Seoul.

Namsan Tower Selfie! 

Located also @ Namsan is the "Locks of Love" where you can see thousands of love locks that signifies each couples' testament of their unwavering love for each other. 

Around the area, there are scattered red bins where you're supposed to throw the keys after you have "love-locked" with your partner to represent your never-ending love! <3

Here's the famous lovers' chair that is especially inclined so that they can slide towards the center. So cute!

With Do min-joon Oppa's advertisement for Petitzel! 

The Geographical center of Seoul! AWESOME!!!

On our way back home we saw a series of love wall arts!

Love, love, love! <3

We went back to Myeongdong going back to Hongik Station...  We were so  damn tired so we just ate at our guest house for dinner. If I'm not mistaken, I had KFC Chicken and Burger that time.

For us to start our day 2, we need a lot of energy boost because it’s shopping day! We decided to have a full brunch meal somewhere in Hongdae! I can’t remember the restaurant name because it was written in hangul…

I ordered a generous serving of spicy pork meat (6000 won= Php 250.00) and Gimbap for 6000 won also (forgot to take a photo of the Gimbap because I was too hungry already, hehe)

If you love spicy, you would really enjoy this dish... The meat is typically eaten with a vegetable wrap such as lettuce but I chose to pair it with bap (rice) because a filipino can't simply live without rice (ya' feel me?) ha ha!  It was too spicy for my taste tho that I craved for something sweet right away! 

Soft Served Ice Cream @ New York Cronut & Milky Bee ( 3,000 Won= Php 128.00 )

So okay, Let’s start the adventure…. From Hongik Station, we took line 2 to Ewha Station and leave exit 2 or 3 and head straight. This scene greeted us as we exited the station.

Streets around Ewha/ Edae are a really good shopping area especially for young girls. If you are planning to buy trendy bags and plenty of trinkets and cute stuff, then this is the place to go to. It’s a bummer tho for the 2 boys I tagged a long since they can’t find some good bargain for their selves!

Actually, If you love fashion or just enjoy shopping in general, then Seoul is the best place to be! To be honest, I find it so hard to answer when people ask me where the best place to shop in Seoul because every place I've been to is a shopping paradise with lots of beautiful things.  Just bring with you tons of money and shopping will never ever be a problem! I’ve actually read a lot of travel shopping guides that Edae should be the first stop when it comes to shopping since it’s way cheaper than any other places in Seoul  so we have decided to target it during our  2nd day stay. 

And heck I scored 3 gorgeous bags at Edae! 

Got the first bag for 20,000 Won = Php 850.00- It's a huge tote bag perfect for travelling and shopping. The material is actually water-proof plus it's very spacious. Original price was 35,000 Won = Php 1,500  Huge discount right? :-) I'm so proud with my charms and haggling skills! ha ha! :) Tip: all you've got to say if you want a good discount is "Kaka juseyo!" - meaning "can you give me a good discount?"  then kill them with your charms! 

Second bag is faux leather bag that is also spacious and for everyday use. I bought it for 10,000 won = Php 400.00 only! 

Third bag is a black faux leather bag that i really really love! <3 (15,000 won= Php 640. 00) 

I was controlling myself  to shop til' I drop since it was just Day 2 but damn there are a lot of good finds at Edae! I told myself that I'd go back but heck 11 days was just too short to explore seoul!  Also, I'm afraid that I go out of budget for my 3rd to 11th day! I need to survive! :)

So anyways, As you go out of Ewha university station, you will see this street heading to the university's front gate (5min walk). Ewha Womans University is one of the prestigious universities in Seoul and since it was so near, no one should miss out its beautiful compound and architecture. It is one of the best-known universities in South Korea.

The university houses Ewha Campus Complex, which is Korea’s largest underground campus. The lower levels contain a library, bookstore, gym, Movie Theater, cafes, and other cultural facilities. The campus' main complex is located in an artificial chasm lined with geometric shapes and numbered doors. 

When first entering the main campus, you get a great view of the different gardens and halls of the university. Everything is just so picturesque. Just imagine this area during autumn!

That day also we went to Nandaemun Market, we didn't stay there for a long time tho since we didn’t enjoy it as much as we enjoyed Edae, Myeongdong, Gangnam Underground and Hongdae because most of the stuff they sell is somehow out of style clothes, knock-off bags or if not kitchen wares. But as most of the travel guide say, I do agree that everything is inexpensive and if I were to recommend Nandaemun it is because you can buy cheaper novelty items here compared to Myeongdong.  Also, I noticed that most tourists don't cluster at the apparel stores however; they flock at the Korean food stalls! YUUM! 

 As we walked, through the busy streets of Nandaemun, they sure do have a lot to offer when it comes to food... Too bad I'm still too full to try any of it but the boys bought some for their-selves instead. 

All the walking made me thirsty tho, so I bought freshly squeezed lemonade with Chilser (It's like Korean version of Sprite mixed with lemonade) for  2,700 Won= Php 115.00 It was too sour but I like it very much! 

When you’re in Namdaemun, you can't visit the place without going to one of the four main gates of the fortress wall of South Korea. It is also known as Sungnyemun, which means Gate of exalted ceremonies, which was built during Joseon dynasty. 

To cap off the day, we went back to Hongdae and grabbed some dinner. We craved for authentic Korean Chicken and went to try Lee min Ho’s famous endorsement: Kyochon! Actually they have a branch here in Manila located at SM Megamall but of course we wanted to try where it originated.

Verdict: It’s way way way way flavorful and better than the one in Manila! What’s missing tho is rice! They don’t freaking serve rice :( We had potato wedges instead... BUT RICE!!!:(  ( 23,000 won = Php 980.00 good for 3-4)  

Anyways, after all the carbs eating, we strolled the artsy fartsy street of Hongdae! I love how busy it is during night time and how alive the night market is.

They all gather at the park and they bring bottles of beer to have a booze before partying at the club proper! (it's pretty much similar to Singapore's Clarke Quay)

You can also watch live independent bands around Hongdae playing for free! Koreans just know how to have fun! They all flock and enjoy their local music together! 

And for our sweet ending, we had the injeolmi-shaved ice, which is very popular in Korea. It is commonly served in a large bowl filled with a generous thinly shaved ice poured with milk and mixed in with little round pieces of injeolmi (rice cake).The shaved milk is so soft that it melts as you stir in the sweet bean powder and condensed milk that comes with it. It’s topped with nuts, and is simply marvelous!  (7,000 won = Php 300. 00 good for 2) 

Arrival at Incheon Airport 

We spent an hour grasping the beauty of Incheon Airport alone and had a long walk from transfer train to arrival.

We took AREX train MRT straight to Hongik Station, which is an hour ride from our guesthouse. It was breathtaking seeing the view and you wouldn’t even notice that it took an hour because the train was smoothly fast. We stayed at Rio Hongdae Guest house for our 11 days stay in Seoul and I must say that it's such a convenient place to stay since it’s a walking distance to the busiest place in Seoul during night time which is non other than Hongdae! 

It was raining when we arrive Hongik but it was manageable. 

View from the Smoking Area of Rio Guest House

On our first day, we had an authentic Korean lunch near our guesthouse and then went straight to Myeongdong to have a good money exchange. 

Beef Korean Stew -  17,000 Won (Php 730.00)  (Good for 3-4) Asked for mild spice only but heck it's fiery hot!!! They don't do "No Spice"  and the only option is Spicy or Very Spicy! 

Spam and Sausage with Ramyun Noodles- 17,000 Won (Php 730.00)           (Good for 4-5) 

Groupfie! 

Then we visited the set exhibition of the hit Korean Drama Series-- "My Love from the Star" at Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring actual film sets, special effects and props that are actually used by the famous Kim Soo Hyun and Gianna Jun. The series, which ended its run in Korea last February, has staggered Kdrama addicts worldwide with its romantic story about alien professor Do Min Joon and his actress neighbor Cheon Song Yi.

Entrance Ticket for the exhibition cost 15,000 won but we got it for 12,000 won (Php 512.00) only because we printed a discount coupon from their website. 

For those who watched the drama, this elevator/corridor will be all too familiar for us. The 23rd level, Cheon Song-yi’s corner unit and Do Min-joon’s! There were a lot of funny interactions with the couple that all happened here. 

Do min joon Oppa's Joseon Era period. 

The classic hairpin of Cheon Song Yi's look alike from Joseon period which is the love interest of Do min joon during his first era on earth.

I bet any viewer will remember the famous kiss scene that took place in Do Min-Joon’s living room. The “15 seconds look”, the silence, and then the smooch.

Here's the library where Do min Joon kept his secret of 400 years living existence on earth. 

The other zone was Cheon Song Yi's House. I super love how stylish her house is which reflects her attitude and fashion style very well. 

The exhibition is organized by TV station SBS, which produced the show, and sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization.

Now it's time to appreciate the beauty outside the exhibit, DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA.

I believe they used this area for 2ne1's music video "Come back home", here's a screen shot:

To cap off our tiring night, we had Korean street food dinner along Dongdaemun.

Mine was a hotdog covered with bread and French fries. Carbs over load! 2,500 won (php 105.00)

For dessert we had the odd-looking waffle ice cream, which is SO SO SO SO GOOOOD! I KID YOU NOT!!!!  3,000 won = Php 128.00 

Dear fellow Filipinos, we always claim to be stronger than any other countries around the world, we claim to be united especially in times like this, we claim that our spirit is  waterproof enduring the strongest typhoons and other natural disasters; WE CLAIM TOO MUCH FILIPINO PRIDE over everything but the irony is we seem to go on attacking out and bashing each other... I mean, asan ang “we are one family dun” we keep on stating opinions that aren’t really helpful sa mga nangyayari ngayon. NON SENSE! wala ng relevance yung mga rant ng iba. Judging people by the content of their facebook walls and instagram? How low can you be? Pati yun papatulan at gugugulan mo ng oras? Nagagalit ka dahil andaming nagmamayabang ng grocery ng donations o kaya litrato ng mga natulong?oo marring iiba ang intention nils sa pag litrato nun pero sa dami ng namatay at nasalanta, hindi po yun ang pinaka matinding problema na hinaharap ng ating bansa ngayon...  my opinion about it is I think it even encourages more people to donate also, sige let us say na tama yung nararamdaman mo na hindi pure ang intention niya kasi ang purpose niya is magmayabang, okay lang yun, sa pagyayabang naman niya makakatulong pa din siya sa mga taong gutom at walang bahay sa visayas. Keber ng makakatanggap nun kung yung nagbigay ba ng pagkain na natanggap nila eh puro ba ang intention, ang important ay basta makakain sila… alam mo, atleast sila kahit nag peke peke-an na bukal sa loob nila yung pagdonate na yun, atleast nakatulong sila… eh ikaw ba? makakatulong ba yung pag rant mo? diba hindi naman? Makakabuhay ba yun ng mga namatay sa affected area? Right now hindi natin kinikilatis kung pure ang intention ng isang tao or hindi, basta magtulong tulong tayo… proud Filipino ka pa man din pero sisiraan mo kadugo mo? para saan? dahil mas mabuti kang mamamayan? wala ka din pinagkaiba actually.

Also, please stop judging victims who have looted grocery stores,  ikaw nga, hindi ka nga lang makaligo ng isang araw at may mamiss ka lang na isang meal, halos mahihimatay ka na sa gutom at diri sa katawan mo eh…alalahanin po natin na ang mga nakikita natin ay iisang anggulo lamang ng nangyayari ngayon sa tacloban, hindi natin alam kung ano ang kabuuan… hindi na natin alam ang buong katotohanan… alam ko po na nasa bugso pa tayo ng galit sa ating basurang gobyerno bilang sariwang sariwa pa ang skandalo ni napoles at ang mga punyetang kasangkot na mga senador natin na mas makapal pa ang mukha sa pinagsamang libro ng chemistry at geometry, pero ang mas hindi ko kinakaya eh ang mga halos atakihin na sa puso sa pagbibigay ng opinion pero sila mismo yung mga hindi botante ng nakaraang president and senatorial eleksyon o kaya ang mga botante na nagpaloko at binoto ang idol na artista nila… feeling mo pag nag voice out ka  ng pikon mo sa skandalo ni napoles eh ang talino mo na nun pag nag rant ka? pero alam mo din ba na hindi yan nakakatulong sa mga kapatid natin na nasa visayas sa ngayon? One family pala eh… wag masyado mag marunong at magmatalino, hindi nakakatulong yan… nakakalungkot na tayong mga Pilipino mismo ang nagluklok sa bulok  at magnanakaw natin na mga opisyal na gutom na gutom sa kaban at ginto ng ating bansa ngunit big deal sa atin at gulat na gulat tayo na ang mga taong tunay na gutom at nasalanta na nag looting para lamang mabuhay at makaraos dahil hindi nabibigyan ng sapat na donasyon ay magnanakaw na agad?

Kinaiinis ko pa na madalas nalang  tuwing may sakuna, meron mga nalabas na fake facebook accounts na mag sa-status na “Filipino deserves it,they should die, eew” or  kaya the famous "iglesia ni kristo issue"it's spreading now like a wildfire about them not allowing catholics to enter their church  and all the make up stories behind it... – all of those are obviously fake, wag niyo ng patulan at palakihin… hindi yun ang main issue dito… the one who created the page is just seeking for public anger to create common sentiments and opinions over the internet to create a buzz… It’s not even worth it… napapailing nalang ako sa taong gumagawa ng fake account para lang may mapatunayan against other race or religion. PATHETIC. Nakakahiya kayo! Asan ang Filipino spirit na pinagmamalaki niyo kung paulit ulit tayo nagpapaloko or nangloloko? 

In order to live happy, do not let anyone dictate your life. Not even what your parents want you to be, or what your friends think what is prettier to you or who your boyfriend should be, it’ your life anyway, not theirs.  You are the writer of your life so you are responsible of your own happiness. Hold that pen of yours and write what you feel is suitable for you. Greatest lesson I’ve learned is that life is all about what you FEEL is right and not what you THINK is right. It’s the greatest feeling ever. Imagine doing what you really want? Doing things that you do not hold back anymore or get scared that someone might laugh at you or scold you. You're just being who you are and who you want to be, no hesitation and just being utmost happy. As they say, enjoy your youth; you’ll never be younger than you are at this very moment.

I know most of you hates Miley Cyrus now but I’ll end this blog by quoting her "We can Stop" song:  (forgive me but I like the song, haha)

I don’t know if there’s anything nicer than finding someone who you can connect with. I believe that the whole point of being with someone is so you can talk about it and let go of everything. All your worries are safe with that person. It may not be resolved, but the feeling that someone understands you, is the greatest feeling ever. Even when you’re at your worst, they will still like you, even when you accidentally blurt out words that can actually hurt that person bad, they still have the want to speak to you and still, at the same time they will do everything just to make you feel better.

‘Philippines’ - such a rich country, but sadly, it is ruled and filled with powerful greedy people. On the other hand, what’s actually worse is, It is also filled with people who doesn’t just stop complaining but does not actually do a thing about any issue concerning the country but just tweet away their “pa- smart” feelings. SImpleng pagtapon nga ng basura hindi niyo alam gawin eh, tapos lahat ng baha sa kapiligiran isisisi niyo sa gobyerno? Aren’t you feeling guilty as well?

Look around you little shits. YOU DID THIS. Napakahirap ba magtapon ng basura sa tamang lugar? nung election sino mga pinagboboboto niyo? Yan tayo eh! Pag may kalamidad na, hanapan ng masisisi eh… sino ba bumoto kay revilla dahil artista siya at idol niyo siya? Sino bumoto kay sotto dahil kapatid siya ni bossing kung saan kahit nag plagiarize na siya ng speech niya isa pa din siya sa top na binoto ng mga Pilipino… wag na natin isa isahin pa sila…. 

And you politicians? hindi ba dapat linalaan niyo yung pera namin na pinag paguran in fixing the drainage system of this whole fucking country? Hindi pa kayo natuto sa ondoy? Alam niyong top problem to ng pilipinas yearly pero wala kahit isa sa naatasan nag isip rumesponde tungkol dito bago pa mangyari ang sakuna. Buti pa nga si Gordon na hindi pinala maging senador, inaaksyonan ang issue na to eh.. Or bakit kaya hindi ilinaan sa edukasyon kung saan dapat dito nakapondo ang pinaka malaking halaga para naman sa susunod na eleksyon, ang mga boboto ay matatalino na at nalinawan kung sino karapat dapat nahahalal sa pwesto… Sa mga nagpapagod araw araw at nagkakayod at nagbabayad naman ng tax ng maayos, hindi pa ba sapat na magkaroon sila ng maayos na transportasyon? LOOK AROUND, pano niyo nasisikmura ilagay ang paa niyo sa mamahaling sapatos mula pransya o di kaya bag na mas mahal pa sa pagkain ng tao sa isang buwan gamit ang pera ng bansa? Ano na? Nagpapakamatay kayo iboto ng mga tao sa pangakong magbibigay kayo ng magandang serbisyo but you pocketed all of the funds and spent them in trips around the world, shopping for luxury bags and shoes that can even feed a whole Filipino family for a year? 

Huwag niyo sasabihin na hindi sapat ang pondo ng Pilipinas! Each senator/congressman are given a budget to spend on their projects. They donate to non-government organizations. Huwag niyo kaming gawing tanga! Para sa mga hindi pa alam, I’ll lay this in the simplest manner, this Janet Napoles character asks for money from the government to fund her ghost projects. Basically, she steals the taxes we pay for her own and the government official’s pocket.

The congressmen are obviously quiet about the issue kasi sangkot sangkot lang din to eh… pag may nahuli, magkakadamayan na. Si Senator Gringo Honasan nga biglang hindi niya daw kilala si Janet Napoles. Ano kaya yun? This Janet Napoles btw, owns like 30 luxury cars and 28 houses and she claims it’s all from her coal mine in Indonesia, yeah right!  I could go on but you probably know them or will see them in the news. Right now, the NBI are taking charge of this issue but you know what’s worse, though? Lets say Napoles gets arrested, what happens then? It’s a vicious cycle! You can’t get the money back, you can’t touch her properties and justice cannot still prevail, YET. It will all just rot. Best example: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. I mean, what about the government officials that are affiliated with her? They will all just deny and get away with it. It’s very hypocritical of them to say they fear The Lord, when obviously they don’t even listen to their conscience. We live in Mr. Krabs country, it’s all about “money, money, money”. The “Mr krabs” doesn’t even care about the “employee” or any of his “customers”. He buys cheap stuff for his “restaurant” so he can pocket more money…di bali ng madehado ang customer at worker niya as long as yumaman siya. The “restaurant” is the philippines tinitipid tayo para madaming maibulsa. You know the famous fast food line? “Customer is always right ?” sounds very similar diba?… ahh, yes “tayo ang boss”.

I just fucking hope that the people involved in the pork barrel scam are swimming in guilt right now, since they can’t possibly be swimming in flood because they stole everyone’s money and bought hilltop houses or a lot of house options on where to stay just to keep them safe and let the poor die or get sick. Anyway for them, mababaon din sa limot ang issue. Sad but true. 

Stress, stress, STRESS! But thank God though; I believe it’s better that way than doing nothing. Perhaps my mind and body are pretty much abused and exhausted that not one pill can turn back my lost sleep and/or eradicate my aching feet but hey, all of it I do not regret because it’s all for my future. I am not born with a silver spoon so if I want to have fun, I need to work hard for it. If I want to have my own house after 10 years, I need to work beyond the usual office hours, if I want to travel, I need not be contented on what I am now.

Admit it, we are all really papansin in many ways because if we weren’t, why do we have instagram, twitter and facebook? That’s basically the use of it…

Deny all you want but we all fall to papansin category. I mean, you wouldn’t post a hashtag selfie because of nothing. perhaps you felt beautiful that time so you had the need to capture your face and show it to everybody, or you have a new hair cut, or someone did your make up… whatever your reason is,  Isn’t that papansin? but that’s not my point… it’s all right to be papansin once in a while,  you felt beautiful that time, you had a haircut that is insta-worthy and nobody should be against that, right? it’s your so –called freedom. But the problem comes in if you do hashtag selfie day per day! you don’t want your followers to be like “HEYYYY, we know that’s how you look like, you don’t have to show that a LOT”  sabi nga nila, too much is nakakaumay.  Kahit ba you change your caption everyday with a different selfie photo, mukha mo pa din yan, pinaulit ulit mo lang… anong sense?

 Ex:

(Sad face photo) caption: I’m having a bad day, because chenelyn, but hey tomorrow is a new beginning. I love sundays ( the usual sad phrase at the start with positivity to end the sentence)

(Flabbergasted face): Caption: I feel so alive,  hello there sun!

(Angry Face) ; Caption: traffic all over ayala, couldn’t this day be  any worst?

(Ecstatic face) Caption: it’s Friday!

I’m like, are you trying to create a set of emoji of your face sa instagram?

I repeat it’s okay to hashtag selfie but not your entire move needs not to be captured.  That’s a different range of papansin na .. and what differentiates people sa instagram  from each other is some falls from a nakakairitang level of papansin already. I call them

Nobody owns us.

I’m a strong believer that not everything you do needs an explanation. Cliché as it may sound; but we DON’T live to please anybody.

Today is sorta hell for me, I mean it was supposedly a relax working day, one fucking chill day, but it wasn’t. I went to office for scheduled grading and completion of 5 project clearances ( na yung isa dun na complete ko na pero nalost ng accounting). Simple errands lang diba? However, as cursed as I stated on my blog title, my clearance for project A has a record of lost mac connector, for project b, there’s no fire wire 400 and firewire 800, for project C incomplete liquidation from the PM, however lucky for me, project D is finally complete after 2 fucking months of waiting for technical billings.