Uy! One year na ba?

One year na akong walang post 8)

Advance merry christmas to all!

The 1000 Piece Puzzle

I am doing a 1000 pc puzzle right now. This isn’t something I actually wanted to do because it makes my mind idle (I still hate cross-stitching). And really… really… feeding your mind with something painful in the head isn’t exactly a normal definition of relaxing. Right? Yahrite.

But I thought thinking and finishing something isn’t something I have done recently. So I bought this. A few days ago, I bought one of those 4D animal puzzle from the mall but I thought it’s too expensive to play for 10 minutes, it’s not even a hard puzzle for little kids.

Sorry if I’m going nowhere.

So. I was thinking..

1) A piece can make or break a puzzle. When you are looking for the right piece to fill an empty spot, you can’t just try. You use your eyes to see if they are symmetric to the other side. You can’t just press a piece against the entire thing and when it turns out a ’no’, attempting to disattach it will make the rest suffer.

2) Even if it seems to fit, how can I sleep thinking a piece just doesn’t look right. That a misplaced piece destroys a perfect picture I am trying to reconstruct? Next time I am going to get a puzzle that’s all reds and yellows, I fucking hate greens and blues now!!!!!

3) A jigsaw puzzle unlike real people and situations is different in a sense that a puzzle has fixed answers to every problem it pose. Unlike that thing called life, you can get a 100, a 500 or even maybe 104 pieces to do your puzzle, but it’s different all the time, there are several ways to solve the same problem.

4) After you finish a jigsaw you can crash it to the floor and redo it. Or frame it to show everyone your hardwork (or how bummed you are). Or buy another puzzle and recreate your headache because damn, just admit it, you’re a masochist.

I am speaking in the first and the third person by the way. I am like that. I write like how I would speak to myself pretending someone’s listening.

New year sucks. But I feel so good. I feel like I told you, "I am still alive, thank you for still reading this blog." Now let me go back to my puzzle.

More on Jonghyun bwahahaha

I was about to include these videos on my post before but then (that was long already and) I saw something about them. Earlier, I read about a fancam of Jonghyun bowing 3 times after the Music Bank performance reportedly related to the his lovelife issue. Fans are relating that Jjong’s action is to express sorry for all the trouble he’s causing right now to people concerned. But then I also recall the fancam he had when he was limping at a rehearsal after the Indonesia performance. In that fancam, he also bowed 3 times, I just noticed. So, maybe it was his nature, although he doesn’t do it regularly, to bow after a cheering crowd. I am not trying to say that his latest video has no meaning or he is not sorry or in a bad light, but can we not overanalyze things?

Anyway, here are the videos. Bowing is at the end of the performances.

2010-10-16 – Hello Music Core rehearsal (after the Indonesia perf, yes, he’s hardly smiley)

2010-10-29 Music Bank fancam (after the Se Kyung incident, he’s all in forced smiley)

What concerns me is not the bowing down. It’s Jjong expression after the bow. His head was held up high, there’s just something off. That’s all. I may be wrong, there must be nothing about it. Whether he’s sorry or not, it’s his personal life, his career as an idol may be at stake but if fans would just buy and support their idols because they like their music and have the talent, maybe idols would become artists and so-called fandoms would become more stable. But of course fangirling is not like that. You’re not a fangirl if you’re not crazy, otherwise you’re just a fan. Yes, they are two different things in my dictionary.

(And I am not saying that fangirling is bad because it has its own beauty from being just a mere fan. I’ve been a fangirl and still does become one sometimes)

Good night/day forreals.

Currently on Jonghyun…

Since I have nothing to do, cannot sleep, kinda pissed and well, just felt the need to write…

I am a new fan (circa Lucifer) and in no way knowledgeable about SHINee or SM nor do I claim myself a fullpledge, hardcore Shawol (I don’t wear any badge, unfortunately). I really like SHINee when they sing or dance but as well-round idols, no (or not yet I guess). They are not as shiny as their name in terms of other things, they’re still awkward on varieties and no, they can’t depend on Onew’s sangtae for life (I believe that’s why they they have variety shows). Anyway.

Recently, SHINee’s Jonghyun is in the shredding eyes of the K-netizens for "officially dating" actress Shin Se Kyung. Jjong is a Korean idol and as we all know Asian fans are pretty devoted and possessive about their idols. Although we could say that their fans are not restricted to Korea or Asia, one could argue that the immediate reactions would come from the fans close to them. Depending on how you see it, both reactions from "angered" and "understanding" Shawols has their points. Among the angered, there was a message from Jongduck’s admin with their stand on the issue. I could sympathize with the admin, if same thing would happen with Onew, I might forget about SHINee as well, I just couldn’t watch Onew do anything on Youtube anymore (since I can’t watch him on TV). But Onew wouldn’t do that. He’s not the kind. Yet. That’s what I believe, no, that is the truth. No, that is… (Oh my god, what am I thinking? Am I turning blind on Onew?) Anyways, as an "understanding" fan, my first reaction was slight broken heart (since he’s not my bias), more of shocked with the news. For some hours, I wanted to stay on the computer and read on people’s reactions, get more details and progress, felt half-lonely-half-happy for Jjong but then I left for work. I’m still shocked, sad because a member of SHINee hurting with all the negative fan reactions is just as sad if someone you know in real life would get this and I hoped they’d just leave the guy alone. Reports of fansites closing down is sad although they are false alarm (servers just crashed, sites are back now, go check) except for Jongduck above. It’s just a sad day. Jongkey fans were crushed as well.

But what surprised me after the sad news are the conspiracy theories. That everything’s a lie, they’re not dating, SME is playing with us because they need money. I do not believe the conspiracy theories though. For once I actually believe Jjong is happy in those papa photos with Se Kyung. I would always look Jjong smile on variety shows and on fancams before. I see Jjong looks sincere only when he’s smiling or talking with some relevant people like the MCs, or with his respected sunbaes or with fellow SM artists. On fancams, his smiles (if you ever catch him smiling) are often not 100% real. SHINee is one of those groups who, again, often smile on official recordings, as if they’re not aware that things could get uploaded on Youtube or something. So when I saw Jjong’s smile on the photos with SK, I believed him. I saw freedom in an idol’s eye, however blurred they may be. I don’t think SK was caught looking at the camera at a photo, I think it is just a natural reaction to look blindly at things when you’re walking, talking or your mind is somewhere. The way I see it, if they were aware of the papas, they don’t care since they don’t want to hide anything from people. Or they’re sick of hiding their relationship. About SM surprisingly admitting their relationship, SM can’t handle rebelling artists for now. With their former talents in dispute, and obviously looking bad managers in the eye of the public, losing a relevant talent is not an option. Jjong just sick of hiding behind fake smiles when he’s obviously unhappy for the show.

To be honest, I don’t like SSK as well. I believe too that she has the "princess syndrome". Well, guess what, I think Jjong has the "prince syndrome" as well. SHINee won’t be as successful as they are now without him. Without him, their "talent factor" would be like that of f(x) or something, at 70-80% I guess. Jjong knows he’s good at singing, so, he is a prince. But if being an idol just end with what you see on TV, if it doesn’t have the pressure to sell, frustrations to become perfect, the antis, you know, everything that adds up wanting to break free from being an idol and become an established singer, he must look differently now at things. Because that video of Jjong singing live on the radio show with just his former highschool classmate’s piano screams talent. He doesn’t need to dance to death or look interesting on variety show, he just need to sing and be loved. Not as loved when he is in SHINee but… get it? SHINee, when they debuted was willing to please, willing to show off raw talent with no special effects whatsoever, but something about after Juliette, things changed for them. Maybe Ring Ding Dong was a turning point, I don’t know. They smiled more often (and smiles more honest also) back then even on offline events. Key wasn’t as divastated back then. But then the lots of accidents, sickness, company politics in midst of promos (who knows, maybe the karaoke business is somehow related), maybe those things made the members felt sour and even more frustrated. They’re in SME. Hello, Hangeng?

Anyway, I’ll just end this like this because it’s getting tiring to write for now. I believe if I think more about this whole issue while writing, I won’t press Publish once again and this entry will go to the pile of forgotten drafts. I feel like I’m giving my own version of those theories. Good night day everyone.

PS: No, I won’t buy the Hello repackage album on the event launch. Because 1) I already have 4 copies of the Lucifer album, what am I, a well of money? And 2) I don’t want a repeat of the Lucifer album launch. But I might buy a copy after the launch. MIGHT.

PSS: I MISS WRITING FUN POSTS but it seems I lost that touch now. I still feel like writing but I don’t want to write this long.

Went to the Mall for the SHINee Lucifer Album Launch

SHINee’s 2nd album LUCIFER Album Launch, Astroplus, The Block

Did my job as a ’buying’ fan to help at the album sales. I still believe to help in the local charts is important since this is shows sales stats coming from our country exclusively, so if you can, please buy your copy, even 1 copy, please? Please? Ok, that’s enough of my (failed) job at pimping.

But I was disappointed when I received no offer to sign up for the local membership of the local fanclub. Man, fanclubs, do they really have that air? I thought it was free and part of the whole album launch event but I guess well, not everyone’s welcome or something. This would be the last time I am joining local events. I better buy my copies from Korea. Sorry if that sounds rude.

I wish SHINee’s latest album success is a definite success. I hope all those Facebook raves equals to actual album sales.

Please Support SHINee’s Album. Thanks!

So, I was supposed to "review" SHINee second album Lucifer before today (Friday) which is the local release of the album, one of which will happen on a mall near me.

I failed. I’m sorry. Not that I don’t have the time. Or the energy. Or the will. But I am not a good reviewer. I don’t know technical stuff or words to impress people. Sadly. I’m so bad I can’t even pretend that I can.

All I know is I enjoy the songs. In my own way. Doesn’t it feels awkward that I break my statements and sentences? Just to emphasize. Things. I annoy myself sometimes like that.

So instead, I’ll just try to list some things I like about the album. In the hope that I could convince at least a soul to spend 500 Pesos for SHINee’s new CD.

Things I like about the album:

Onew’s moan "ah!" in Shout out
When I first heard it, I thought it was Jonghyun…

The whole feel-good of Wowowow

The multiple layers of voices in Up & Down

The strong intro of Onew’s voice in Lucifer (it was love at first hearing)

ARE YOU READY OR NOT? YOU READY OR NOT… It’s such a danceable tune, despite the shy meaning of the song.. I love Taemin’s "Girl, I wanna speak my mind" part the most. Indeed, Taemin’s voice improved a lot in this album! His pre-chorus part is also love!

Album art is good as a concept but I failed to fall in love with any of their hairstyles except for Taemin. Best hair/concept for me is still Juliette. Because Kibum’s a gorgeous diva permed blonde in it

Of course, Onew’s overly hyped first attempt (or success since he’s written before, they just weren’t accepted/good enough to be published) at lyric writing. Your Name is such a good song, not to mention his voice could melt a lot of hearts. Bonus is the OnKey moment where Key’s too proud that his "yeobo" can write.

If your a new fan and fell in love with the whole Lucifer album concept, buy version A. If you’re a fan since before, get version B. Version A is the concept album, the photos in it shows the angst and effects and what not while Version B digs on the behind the scenes and even offshoots and pictures from their previous singles before the 2nd full album.

Uhm, that’s it I guess. I can’t extract more since I’m already exhausted the whole day and tonight. (There’s some repairing and remodeling happening in our house, and I lack sleep all the time.)

Key asked me to buy both versions. Which I did. Of the Korean release, that is. If I can convince myself to buy 2 more copies of the album later, I’m still undecided. Because this is all I can do I guess to strongly out SHINee in the map of the local charts (or news or whatever). Not to mention I purposely skipped buying the Korean version with poster to save on shipping. I decided to wait for the local posters (which were not made of excellent paper, btw, but still it has their faces bigger than usual.)

That’s it, it’s 3AM already here and I’m supposed to wake up as early as possible before the painters and men working at our house starts their thing. I’m sleeping at the living room (which is comfy, surprisingly, but I still can’t stay up) because they’re working on me and my sister’s room. Good night.

(Prelude to) SHINee’s Lucifer Review

I’ll try to make this as short as possible, since it’s almost 4AM, but if I can write, then I shall write I guess. (Well, I haven’t write in a while, so..)

I’ve been meaning to write this in a while but I’m preoccupied by other things lately (such as sleeping and reading OnKey fanfics). Yes, SHINee is my current love. I never paid attention to the group before Lucifer.. mainly because I never paid attention to SME artists until lately. Yes, I liked SNSD but it never grew yet (didn’t like RDR as much as Gee). Anyway, SHINee started mid-2008 (the height of my Arashi craze), and if I saw them back then, I wouldn’t pay attention. Their maknae is to innocent-looking. And looking at their pants would be a crime (not that the first I look at a group if their pants, heaven forbid!). Taemin was only 15 at the time (though I think Ryutaro beat his debur age) and he’s not exactly the type I would fall to (although at 15, he can dance like it’s nobody’s business). He’s 17 now, and starting to get hot to noonas. But my eyes is on someone else. He’s called Onew (or Lee Jinki in real life, Jinki is fanfics, noone calls him Onew in fanfics). And Key (Kibum or Kibummie in fanfic world). Key is as flawless as his silky white skin though I think it’s just the makeup.

(By the way, my writing about a new love called SHINee doesn’t mean I’m coming back to blogging. I like it that I am peaceful now, I don’t like attracting attention.)

Depending on my mood, I might write more about each boys but to serve my purpose right now, I would like a "decent" review of their new album, "Lucifer" which will have its Philippine release this Saturday, September 18. If I will allow Universal Rec PH to rob me of P1,000 for the freebies (but I really like a poster!), I am still not decided since I already bought the 2 Korean versions and stretching my budget to afford the previous albums (but like I said, I want a fridgin poster!). I’m preparing for the repackage album (common to SME releases) and contemplating whether to get the SHINee Lucifer iTunes app which is $7.99.

Anyway, let me tell you first the story how we met. It was a bland evening, on my way from work (I think I’m sipping something cold that time), I turned on Takaki v.2 (my iPodTouch) wait for the weak WiFi signal from the mall and see the latest on OmonaTheyDidnt. The MV was released in the morning and I missed it (because I never cared in the first place). The first entry I read was titled "SHINEE ’LUCIFER’ MV POST PART TWO…" I thought another version was posted so I opened though I never saw the "original version". And I fell in love with the first voice that I heard. It was Onew. That voice felt so strong. Then I saw Taemin’s moves, he was so smooth and crisp at the same time (you won’t take your eyes off the one wearing the red/purple pants, one second he’s at my face, the next he’s at the back). Really, Lucifer was the kind of video that will get you hooked within 30 seconds and you wouldn’t realize it’s already long and repeating video in your first view. Their synchronize dancing is something like the first time you saw SNSD’s Gee dance version, it looked flawless, the group can dance. It’s just a sad thing Onew doesn’t as much closeups as I need (he’s either showing his sides or the camera is showing another member when he’s singing, duh). I returned to the post in Omona and got amused at the comments. Like really, with the small screen of an iPod, it’s the first time I need not to zoom a post to read comments because of the adjusted font sizes of excitement (and it helps that they blink too!)

Ok, I’m sorry it’s taking long already and I haven’t started reviewing the album yet. Sorry reader, you can sleep before you wish to continue.

For starters, SHINee is a contemporary idol group. Remember the word contemporary because it is directly related to their songs. By contemporary, MOST of their songs were remade from other songs from other artists (much like SNSD’s RDR). If you don’t follow SME songs, you might think they are "plagiarized" except they’re not. They were "legally" bought, their rights from the composer, by their company. What can you expect, it’s Korea (or more importantly — Kpop). Kpop nowadays is different from Korean music from before. They need hooks, catchy and something new to their ears. Thus around 8 out of 13 songs from the album were "remakes". Even SHINee’s early style in fashion were said to be adapted from European styles. So before you complain they ripped off some songs, think again, the music is for Korea. They are introducing the styles to Korean listeners (as if Korea won’t be able to listen to such genre with or without them, but hey, I am not starting war with this paragraph.)

Proper album review (because I’m starting to get sleepy) on the next post. For now, here’s the proper music video.

And here’s the "dance version" which is more of a dance practice video instead. Notice the little differences in the songs. And Taemin and his crazy shirt. (Promise Key, being my second bias, I’ll talk more about you next time if I’ll return to this blog). Both videos are from SMEnt so I don’t think they’ll get deleted.

I Want Gay Friendsss

If I have gay friends like these, I wouldn’t dare to sell my stuff even if it’s the end of the world… or my bank account.

Or I would sell them but before I do, me and my gay friends will cry buckets first like when we first broke our hearts.. </3

Who Will You Vote on Monday?

Taglish ahead. Sorry but I feel this is a better way to express what I really feel.

Mukhang tuloy na tuloy na nga ang election this Monday. At take note, computerized na ang election ngayon, medyo exciting kasi hindi na mano-mano ang bilangan, mabilis na sya, wala nang chalk, wala nang malakas na pagbasa ng names sa balota.

Sana lang wag magbrownout dahil walang kwenta ang bilyon pisong halaga ng PCOS machines sa brownout.

Pero di iyan ang point ko dito. Ang point is: sinong iboto ko? Let’s see.. (btw, personal point of view lang ito, mababaw ang anti-points ko, so di dapat seryosohin)

• Ayokong iboto si Noynoy dahil: ayokong linggo-linggo magdadakdak yung kapatid nya on TV about how things are happening on Malacanang or things like that. Ayoko kay Kris, sorry na lang si Noynoy, nadamay sya Saka Noynoy reminds me of the late Raul Rocco & Fernando Poe Jr. in terms of health. Don’t get me wrong but I feel Noynoy isn’t healthy enough physically.
• Ayokong iboto si Villar dahil ayokong ayoko yung gumagamit ng simpatiya, paawa-effect para makakuha ng boto. Papogi syang masyado na ang dami nyang nagawang mabuti, palihim man o lantad. Pero sarili nyang scam dati, ayaw nyang harapin. Saka silang dalawa ni Noynoy ang pinakamaraming TV ads pang ubos ng pera na "suportado" ng friends nila. Well, wala nang free support ngayon. Pag nanalo sila, babalikan tayo ng mga friends nila. Ganun ang nangyari kay Erap dati e.
• Ayokong iboto si Erap kasi nagfail na sya dati, hindi pa ba tayo madadala for the second time? At hello? "Pagkakamali ng EDSA Dos" sa TV ads nya? Parang sinabing kalimutan na ang past, mali yung last time at iundo sila. Pero nung unang labas nya after house arrest at nabigyan ng pardon, kulang nalang halikan ang paa ni GMA dahil "malaya" na sya.
• Ayokong iboto si Gibo dahil hindi ko sya kilala, wala akong alam sa nagawa nya, alam ko lang kandidato sya ng Lakas/administration party.
• Ayokong iboto si Bro. Eddie dahil kung hindi kami nagclick nung Presidente sya ng school ko, I don’t think magki-click kami kung maging Presidente sya ng bansa natin.
• Ayokong iboto si Jamby, JC at Perlas dahil katulad ni Gibo, hindi ko sila kilala. Alam ko lang si Jamby kamukha ng nanay ni Ohno.

Few days ago, decided na akong matutulog lang ako at iignore ang May 10, 2010 elections. Wala kasi akong idea sino ang iboboto. I felt walang magiging difference anyway, sino man ang manalo. But then, naisip ko, hindi naman pala. Pwedeng magkaron ng difference at makakaapekto sa akin whoever wins. Syempre, may control sila sa mga pwedeng gawin batas, bukod pa sa pasusuwelduhan sila ng tax na galing sa sweldo ko. Gugustuhin ko bang paswelduhin si Villar para mabawi yung ginastos nya sa TV ads? Ayaw. At ang mahigpit nyang katunggali, gusto ko bang maulit yung malabnaw na lagay ng economy ng Pilipinas noong panahon ni Cory? I have a feeling magiging parang Cory administration pag nanalo si Noynoy. Puno ng advisers na pinagkakatiwalaan nya. Sa ayos pa lang ng TV ads nya ngayon, "kailangan ko po sila" ang lagi nyang sinasabi. Gusto ko sana yung hindi basta basta nakikinig sa advisers at may sariling alam at pananaw sa mga bagay. Kahit si Noynoy, antagal nyang pinag-isipan if kaya ba nya. I think nadala na rin sya ng death ng mom nya, sa simpatya ng mga tao na nag-uudyok sa kanya na tumakbo. Pero deep inside alam nyang di sya ganun kagaling at aasa rin sya sa advisers.

Kaya gusto kong manalo si Gordon. Dick Gordon. Si Gordon, may napatunayan at nagawa na sa Subic. Magandang training ground ang Subic in fairness. I have a feeling may touch of modernism, technicality both sa law at economy ang magiging system ni Gordon. Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay yung may alam sa ekonomiya, naranasan nang makihalubilo, maipagmamalaki sa ibang bansa (pag may meeting sa ASEAN), may kamay na bakal sa batas, hindi man ganun kalaki yung nahawakan nya, napatunayan nyang kaya nyang paunlarin yung maliit na bayan na hawak nya noon.

Sa site ng Piclyf, medyo obvious na infested ng Gordon fanatics ang site na ito pero sana, sana, karamihan ng mga voting Filipinos makita yung strong points ni Gordon. Sadly, kung kagaya nyo ako na lately ko lang narealize with the inclusion of Gordon sa Presidential race, iboboto ko sana noon si Noynoy (ito yung pag iisip ko nung after ng death ni ex-Pres. Cory.) dahil ayokong manalo si Villar, pero I thought later, baka hindi rin kayanin ni Noynoy.

O hala, ang haba na nito, lastly wish ko lang sana manalo si Gordon, sana if nanalo sya hindi sya maging corrupt. At sana wag magfail yung computerized election. Sana itagong maigi yung PCOS machines para magamit someday at wag tratuhin na parang old typewriter lang pagtapos ng election. At isipin pa rin natin, na nasatin pa ring mga Pinoy yung susi sa pagbangon ng buhay natin, hindi lang sa mananalong presidente. Pwedeng makaapekto sa atin ang magiging mga bagong halal pero hindi sila ang may hawak sa tin.

Kaya yung sinasabi ni Villar na gagawa sya ng madaming trabaho, leche, magkaron man ng madaming trabaho, kung tamad at mapili naman yung magtatrabaho, walang kwenta yun!

Last Year, I Specially Bought an iPod to CelebrateTakaki Yuya’s Birthday

Then… THAT MORONIC TYPHOON ONDOY KILLED IT! Takaki’s birthday gift got drowned inside my bag while I’m trying to save myself from chest-level flood.

Then now…. my trick-er happy brother took the iPod from me, sold it and buy himself a NEW iPOD! Talk about luck in March.

Well, at least he got a nice birthday gift for himself

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAKAKI YUYA! I MAY BUY MYSELF ANOTHER IPOD (preferrably, iTOUCH) IN THE FUTURE, OR NOT… but right now, my broke self would just want to wish you a nice OTANJOUBI OMEDETOU.

No picture of you or anything since technically, I’m not a fangirl anymore. More of like, I "graduated" being a fangirl. I’m just a plain fan. And it’ll be foolish to show a picture (which I think of a shrine or exhibit of my adoration for an idol).