Awe-Inspiring Asianovelas

Reposting from my blog

http://theparadiseinreview.blogspot.com/2011/02/beautiful-asian-novelas.html

I used to question why do broadcast networks air Asian TV series dubbed in Tagalog when Filipinos have a lot of stories to tell with talented stars waiting for the right break to come. 

But I guess its just a matter of time before I realized that TV series from other Asian countries are just the same as patronizing the Mexican telenovelas or American series shown on Philippine TV.  When GMA7 aired its first Korean series Bright Girl, only few noticed.  But when ABS-CBN premiered Taiwan's Meteor Garden, the series became a phenomenal hit that up to its last re-run, the show continues to conquer the viewer's interests. The series opened up the hearts of Pinoys to love the tales and cultures of Koreans and Taiwanese.

Since then, there is no doubt of Asianovela invasion on Philippine TV and the love for such series continues up to this day. We have fallen in love with stories and twists that our local entertainment industry refuses or maybe scared to try.  

Both giant networks continue to compete in purchasing the TV rights of the best TV series from other countries.  Who benefit from these competitions? Of course, the viewers. Thanks to these TV networks for if not for them, maybe only less than one percent of the Philippine population would know the breathtaking TV series of our neighboring Asian countries.  More so, we won't be able to appreciate the cultures, traditions, food and even adore the beautiful people of these countries.

And speaking of beautiful Asian people, here's a list of some of the good-looking artists who has hit our lives just like their TV series that has taken the country by storm:

* LEE MIN HO

Perfect Match (Personal Taste)

Boys Over Flowers

* JERRY YAN 

Meteor Garden

down with love

* VIC ZHOU

Meteor Garden

Mars

* RAIN

Full House

* SONG HYE KYO

Endless Love Autumn in My Heart

Full House

Worlds Within

* KIM SUNG SOO

Full House

* WON BIN

Endless Love Autumn in My Heart

* BAE YONG JOON

Endless Love Winter Sonata

The Legend

* LEE YOUNG AE

Jewel in the Palace

* CHAE RIM

Dal Ja's Spring

All About Eve

* HYUN BIN

Kim Sam Soon

Worlds Within

For the complete post, check this out: 

 http://theparadiseinreview.blogspot.com/2011/02/beautiful-asian-novelas.html

3 Things to Remember When You Arrive In Korea

Late last year, my friend and I had a chance to travel to South Korea.  This was my first time in Seoul, my first out of the country in 7 years and my first time to travel for leisure without my family.  And since we will be traveling on our own, the first thing I did immediately after purchasing plane tickets is to list down possible itineraries.  

With all the excitement, I couldn't make up my mind on where to go first.  I had a number of tourist spots in South Korea in my list including the palaces and film locations of Korean dramas like Full House, Secret Garden, Winter Sonata, He’s Beautiful and Love Rain. But we only had a few days to visit all these places so the problem is how to fit these in our tight schedule.  Of course, in spite all your preparations and anticipation for months, some things will not go according to plan.  But you shouldn't be sad about it.  You should always welcome such possibilities.  

And based on my experience, I would like to share some things you should know  if you will be traveling on your own - the tourism information booth, transportation card and South Korea’s subway system.

Korean Won

Once your plane landed on the Incheon International Airport, you will be transferred via shuttle train to the main area to claim your baggage.  When you leave the arrival area, be sure first to exchange your money with Korean won.  There is bank inside the arrival lounge but once you exit and enter the airport lobby, you will find more banks.  It’s up to you to check which bank has a cheaper exchange rate. 

Tourist Information Booth

Second, as a tourist, it is best to visit the tourist information booth where you can get some brochures of tourist destinations in South Korea.  You should not forget to get a copy of the 1330 brochure because aside from the fact that it is a hotline for traveler the brochure has the complete railway map you need to go around South Korea particularly in Seoul.  There is also a subway map in the Seoul map for tourists available at the tourism information booth but it is incomplete.  I can guarantee that the best one is the subway map included in the 1330 brochure. 

Tmoney

Third, you need to buy a transport card called Tmoney.  This is like the Philippines’ MRT card but way much better for it can be used in various means of transportation like train, cabs and buses.  It can also be used as money in purchasing some items in selected stores.  It is worth 2500 won and can be reloaded in any convenient stores such as 7-11, Family Mart and GS25.  It is recommended to load your Tmoney card with 20,000 won to let you reach your destination hassle-free on your first day.  

Now, it's time to go around and have fun!  Just don't forget to bring your passport with you wherever you go :)

Loving Korean Drama

It still amazes me on how Korean dramas has piqued my interest and led me to veer away from the entertainment world I’m in.  It’s not that I’m no longer fascinated in Philippine showbiz, but K-world has given me the verve I need these days.

I think it was in 2005 when I started getting used to Koreanovelas.  I used to hate the idea that these dramas are dubbed in Tagalog. Then I realized it’s the same as watching Marimar in the ‘90s, which started all these foreign programs dubbed in Tagalog being shown in the country. 

With Korean dramas like Endless Love series Winter Sonata and Autumn in My Heart followed by Full House, Stairway to Heaven and Jewel in the Palace, I couldn’t stop myself from watching these programs in local television. Soon, I did not just get used to these dramas, they became part of my system. 

To make it more detailed, it was in early 2011 when I found myself totally hooked in Korean dramas.  Thanks to Secret Garden because I unwittingly embraced the cosmic universe of Kdrama.  And my interest grew more and more especially when I finished watching Secret Garden.  Sometimes I wish that our local television companies could deliver such  stories.  And so my addiction began...

With actors like Hyun Bin, Lee Min Ho, Jang Keun Suk, Ha Ji Won, Yoon Eun Hye, Park Yoochun, Song Joongki, Kwon Sang Woo, Song Hye Kyo, Kim Hyun Joong and others, my Korean world is becoming more colorful and more interesting.