Salvaging Relationships Plus Nine Boys?!

 Grabbed a ton of mags today and I miss reading my nonfiction. Been rewiring my day-to-day activities lately. And I'm skimming.. prescribed adapalene is not for eczema, so I set myself up for a prolonged healing time. This is for the hell of it...

Shh, I've been..cruising and taking the hits. :(

MAYDAY MONDAY: You Only Got One Shot

Well, I've done it- missed a deadline and shortly after, wanting to punch a wall. But, this past weekend, some triumphs prevailed...

Slowly Reaching for It

Everything at once? That'd be quite a lifestyle...sometimes, poco a poco is the way to go.

So many months ago, I planned a bloated comparison post for a couple of medical dramas, from the East, West, and in-between. This weekend deserved to be eventful and I missed out. (Missed yesterday's NLL stream-dammit!) I said the wrong things, I've been untimely, and don't get me started on a reality check.

Fashion King (kdrama)

Shades on, worries behind..

Halfway through January with Mysterious Summer + Parks and Rec

I've finally come around to you...

kdrama: Can We Love? hello to saturday

Love is far beyond the center of this series...

Le Jun Kai and Living Up to Your Name

 hello, beautiful people...

Hana Kimi (花樣少年少女)

Bring it all in on a fine Saturday night!

Heartstrings (Kdrama)

 does it make sense to put up old early pieces on a more recent date?
what'd you run away from this week.. or at least tried to?

either Moon Ga-Young is fairly tall  or J--
yep, she might've been tall at 15

Updated HYD review and this anime needs to keep its anonymity

The audience has reached parts of Africa and South America! It's time for a Weekend Update, right? It's been too long and I wasted this week on edu...

It's been a moderately [dreadful] week. Morning classes - riskiest business ever. I have maths in the morning, so 3-5 hours after I wake and step off the bus, I'm taking a test which I "devoutly" studied for. Karma's a bitch, cuz I lost at least 11 points for blank answer slots.

Love Keeps Going

A melodrama of everlasting love and forgiveness.. 

13 Eps

Romance, melodrama

Liar Game

My life got its groove back...



It's that week before Semester finals , so, kiddos:

Today, it's a comparative posting of the Japanese and Korean remake of the manga, Liar Game (which I didn't get to read, so that's on the wait list).

Feature Friday : Carmen Sandiego and 1997

It's Friday -- whoop, whoop!!

1 Litre of Tears

Based off an inspiring published diary, 1 Litre of Tears TV remake didn't seem to be as movingg...

10 Episodes + 2:40:00 Special ; Movie
2005 FujiTV

Ikeuchi Aya is a normal 15-year-old student. Optimistic and passionate about her life, she learns that she has spinocellubellar degeneration, a disease that will make her unable to walk, chew, talk, live like a normal being. And the disease has no known cure.

I read the diary of Aya Shioka before watching the adaptations. The diary is a great refresher about the top priority of life: to live it. I myself have written in a few diaries for several years, but I never wrote about my inner feelings; it was all about my dreams, desires, drawings, and my day. Aya writes about an array of topics: people in her life, her own observations about her environment, her desires, and most strikingly, her struggles.
  I hate fictitious diaries (I guess an exception to Dear America or of the sort). I enjoyed The Princess Diaries films, but not the Cabot books. I was captivated by Aya's uplifting spirit- her will to enjoy life more than she ever has. To hear a story from someone who has who-knows-how-many-years left, there sparks a bit of hope for humanity. I've been thinking about what is truly important in one's life- to leave a legacy, be a role model, fame, recognition, youth, beauty?

       The show may not shine a light on Aya, but the show appreciates loving families. Aya Ikeuchi's family came to terms and supported Aya until ******************. I have to say that I applaud and resonate with her younger sister, Ako. "I wish I was sick so that [the family] would pay more attention to me like Aya"- sometimes there are days where I want to have the flu again or something. Staying in bed and my parents, especially my mom, remedying me, telling me where to vomit. 

     Alongside the theme of family and devotion, the parents are realistic displays of parenting a handicapped child. They're not cynical at all, but their acceptance pushes the importance of appropriate rebuffs. Ever see those mums who turn down their daughter's fiance without even inviting him to dinner.

Tears shed vary from viewer to viewer. 1 Litre of Tears was a bit of an exaggeration for me. The characters are extremely likeable, but the pacing and like a movie, only a couple details from the original diary, 1 Litre of Tears is like crying itself - it takes too much time. 

Preferred Watching Sequence: Episode Special or Movie

Grade: 5.8 ; 7.2 (Movie)

Kuitan -- The Hungry Detective

Disappointment is the name... no food porn in these ten episodes. 
Now, who wants to practice their detective skills and be surrounded by lovable characters? 



10 Episodes
45 mins
Comedy, Mystery
2006 Nippon TV

Seito Takano is constantly famished. With another hobby of standard deduction abilities, he becomes the leader of a broke private-eye agency, Holmes Agency. He's solving cases just for the food, by the way. 

I love shows that are centered around food. I may not have a large appetite or a foodie's heart, but there's something about food whether it be kneading dough or salivating at the  mere shaved chocolate pieces on a cake that adds a sense of positivity and gathers a group of cooks or detectives, in our case.

 Do you know an extreme foodaholic? Meet Seito Takano.

Watch Episode 4 or the Cake Mystery to find out!

   How many series have lovable characters? Eliminate most romances and police shows... The show includes a small police party consisting of Inspector Ogata, a stern woman who just wants the job done, Igarashi~, the Chief, etc. When Takano the Kuitan becomes a daily asset, everyone begins to enjoy his company. Only then is this realized in Episode 8. To what extent must we deny a simple friendship status?

What else is a favorite factor? Comedy skits and chopsticks. I don't know if Forks and Chopsticks are still at war, but who knew that the pair of two sticks could be displayed in such manners? I mean, Takano's pair can intercept bullets, have telepathic powers, and even cuts through thick Asian packaging. Sugoi!



Well-brushed characters. They seem as if they all live such lifestyles as a foodaholic, a policewoman, and lazing-around detectives. Sometimes our daily lives are too ordinary and these cases may drag with the eating scenes and random alternating views. All the more reason to start at Episode 3. 

Handsome lead? I think he's dashing and adorable.

6.4
There is a second season... 

I've been noticing ...
I still write something every week, so that's great. First year into high school is a month away and I've had a schemeful summer, so far. Two families under one roof... housing some  cousins who are living and seeing America for the first time. I could talk smack (because I have thoughts), but who knows how long it may take for any of them to find me. Anyway, I hatched THE DROUGHT. Most homes have routers or a WiFi source.. my family, Family A, has been able to compromise a schedule for most of the day. When does the house get WiFi? The weekend. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.. from 10 in the morning to 11 at night. As for scheduling , I can't wait for Appiom to be launched.. for once, I appreciate something technological.
So, it's because of this beautiful DROUGHT that has slowed down my viewing progress. Finally, I'd like to invite you to my GoodReads. I've been reading on a daily basis and am enjoying reading more and more with every growing day.

----->GoodReads (I am not so concentrated on book reviews, so... )

Master's Sun

17 Episodes

One hour, four minutes duration 

Romance ((PICK YOUR SHIP--s--)) | Comedy | Horror
2013 SBS

 Oh my, what a great love story. Well, for once, I actually *love* all the characters of a kdrama. Finally - it's been on my Asian Drama Scavenger Hunt for some time-- lol ^^

Tae Gong Sil had an accident three years ago and, awakes from a coma, to find herself with the ability to see ghosts . While this sounds like an amazing ability, Gong Sil is like a cat and finds her "shelter" in the arms of (heartless) and money-obsessed  Kingdom Mall CEO , Joo Joong Won. 

This is a Hong Sisters production and received awards for script, acting, and best storyline , somewhere along those lines. The messages that each line delivers has inspired me to consider pursuing a small repertoire of rough scripts. It's a dream to direct -- maybe if I start working soon, I'll post the script as a weekly series. . . Hmm 

The script grows into the work of two lovers and makes you eager to see ghosts or find a great relationship in a Mr. CEO of today's world. 

The characters are quite personally insecure about their pasts and the camera work runs each episode like a movie. 

A teary movie about life 

Gong Sil may seem enormously afraid of ghosts and all, but she is definitely a feminist figure with a wise mouth and persistent personality. 

She doesn't push around to get what she wants (she doesn't have many desires - shrug -) , but she doesn't stand around, flirting with everyone like many kdrama clones. 

Do you believe in hope? I pronounce Gong Sil as a living beacon. 

A three-year coma, being able to have [an envious] love life with handsome men, and seeing ghosts. 

Bravo, bravo

 Alongside from romance, there's MILD horror and heaps of laughs... and twins - the Alison DiLaurentis kind .

Firstly, horror. Has something ever been waved in your face, at an unsuspecting time, that you yelped or reacted horribly? If you're brave, watch the first episode and watch how you react to the ghosts that Gong Sil sees. Did you enjoy the thrill of chills or no?

Mr. CEO 's hand gestures provide some entertainment and guess who's the jester here? Leading lady !!

Who doubts the love between a wealthy businessman and a woman from off the streets? Mr. CEO has a job for Gong Sil and it's not to be a lover. His flashbacks to his teenage self remind him to retrieve his dead mum's necklace that's worth 10 billion Won.. and his first love has to know where it is, but there's a twist that may fire the CEO 's Secretary Kim.

Grade: 8.4 
  A watch-if-you-can suggestion for all kdrama and Asian Drama
viewers
  A lovely OST of kpop love songs and simple dynamic piano suspense...
Striking

L (Myungsoo from Kpop group, Infinite) is young Mr. CEO

Resemblance? 

Modern Farmer

20 Episodes

Comedy | Life 
2014 SBS
Hardcore Dramatic Acting , beware 

A million-dollar debt leads Min Ki to drag his bandmates of Excellent Souls into rural living. If you degrade the country life, this drama is definitely going to transform your thoughts. 

Who's tired of duplicated kdramas? Raising. Arm. 

We are all in luck as Modern Farmer is hilariously crafted into a very realistic depiction of the hardships of life. That being said, the catch of the series is that "Life is like growing cabbages." 

  From first love to financial woes to thievery, the four young men appeals to a vastly age audience. The storyline incorporates the queer business of growing cabbages which could represent the questions that stirs much confusion about life. Why must we live in one manner? Is etiquette an option for everyone? To answer, I will stand on former Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, and his quote, "What we call 'public opinion' is generally public sentiment." The world is run by intellectuals that has a kingdom of millions of average folks. Is it harsh enough that humans are becoming more selective than nature? Under what circumstances will humans depend upon an innovative plan of, I don't know, positive anarchy or a place of greater power of the people? 

Wow, I have never asked myself so many things. I guess I am becoming more philosophical by the days! How many optimistic people do you know? Modern Farmer presents to you the dominion of insistent , stubborn civilians over despairing, panicked men. What's funny is that Min Ki and his friends are all optimists and is a rare group of cooperative men. Even if there is a an argument, their lives are in good-hearted men. They're all romantics... Well, except for Ki Joon , who has a severe case of denying a romantic  relationship. A girl can forgive her boy crush if he gives her and another male acquaintance a mask of noodles, right? Aigoo, Ki Joon.. you have taken imagination to a high level of "Ohigod, I just did that." Crazy avatars -- shrug--

Family affairs tie in and may provide a scenario for single parents and the fact that their son or daughter may not know their mother or father. I'm not a huge fan of staying true to the clan, but aish! these family matters make me teary-eyed. HOW DARE YOU LET GRANDPA'S CHOCOLATE BAR FALL TO THE GROUND!!!

She's the mom from either My Love From the Star or
that crossdressing musical series ft. Park Shin Hye 

A reunion of familiar actors, actresses, such as former Miss Korea, Honey Lee. ((She insults herself, haha, it's funny for her tough woman character). Cackling skits and misunderstandings.. finally, a comedy that is comedy!

7.4 - 8.4

The ending ... 

Did not see the failure of a musical debut.. pitied , once again 

Tie The Knot: Finally!

70 Episodes

40 minutes each

Comedy|Family|Romance

No, no, I didn't get married (perhaps, a future milestone?) ! May is ending and I have checked off "Finish/ Watch a Series to Honor Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month!" I rewatched and updated My Love From The Star post . The other Asian Drama is tonight's post, Tie The Knot. Ouch, what a downfall.


An infertile woman has a tube baby to be a mother and experience the wondrous life. Cheryl Yang plays as a hard-working wedding planner whose boss moves in as her next-door apartment neighbor AND harbors feelings for her. She even gains attention from an award-winning designer who holds on to his mother's spirit. 


The comedy of the two men competing for a smile, physical contact, etc is scattered throughout the first twenty episodes. So, the show begins quite decently  . Good!
Family. Oh, yeah, they're everywhere. From a disapproving mum to a hatred for a father, family affairs were boiling for extensive periods. It is not until the final thirty eps where these are resolved and brings the in-laws and the groom or the daughter and father on better footing.

I'd say that this show is very family-friendly, but there are occasional beer bottles and, in a select few, "sexual misinterpretations." Haha, the '"fhreesome'" idea was assumed so pathetically by our self-occupied woman. One of the things that pestered me. To continue this point, in reality, can a woman truly be obligated to two romantic interests? And in the end, having to choose only one? Even though I'm not in a relationship now, I have felt that this scenario is too limited, especially considering that 'love' is highly international. Why, at times, I hoped that she would ditch everything and marry a stranger that hasn't introduced himself once!

I did mention "tube baby," right? Li Xiao Mei went to New York and got a sperm donor, gave birth, and then removed her uterus. She has only one child, the sugar-loving Hao Hao. You wanna know who runs Xiao Mei's ballot? This kid. Argh. If you couldn't stand her for the first fifteen or so eps, just stop or skip to the [pretty obvious] finale, which is debatable depending on which man you wanted Xiao Mei to be with. So mad at this ending ~~

All in all, it's not Xiao Mei's happiness that is "beautiful," it is the other wedding team romances that are more appealing and a hand more realistic.

Grade: 4.7 
I've learned that the workplace is a vulnerable environment for a little fling . . 

Personal Taste (Kdrama)

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (Hana Kimi)

Genres: Comedy, Sports, Romance
Starring: Maki Horikita, Shun Oguri, Toma Ikuta  
12 Episodes
2007 FujiTV

Ashiya Mizuki flies from America to Osaka Gakuen to make her idolized star high-jumper jump again. But, Osaka Gakuen it's an all-boys school! Incognito as a male, Mizuki is an in an unbeknownst love triangle.


So, I've seen the Korean adaptation, To The Beautiful You, and I've read the manga, a gem that lacked its ending, but the characters brought in more surprises. There are five adaptations: Taiwanese, 2007 Japanese, 2011 Japanese remake, Thai?, and the Korean drama. Today, I have finished the 2007 Japanese drama of 2007.

  The adaptation has won numerous (acting) awards.Honestly, I can't agree with the judging entirely because : First of all, it's a jdrama with some romance. The perfection of no interruptions splits the line between Asian and American dramas, in my opinion. The lack of arguing makes the Asian dramas either more tense and questions further development of the story or pushes the show as a gentle cast of characters. And secondly, is it just me or Japanese main female leads are usually.. hesitant ? In Hana Yori Dango, Tsukushi stutters when she talks to Rui (Second Male Lead!) because of her supposedly developing feelings for him - in the end, these feelings just didn't add up. :'( Maybe I should have said that characters in Romances are frequently hesitant. Better check with kdramas among others.

  Let me tell you, this version focuses mostly on comedy and sports. I know, right? It's a girl who idolizes a guy! (I'd rather say, "a person") Yes, but unlike Jae-In (To The Beautiful You), Mizuki actually motivates her idol often, and Jae-In , well, as rumours put it, has turned straight guys gay or homo.. You want more laughs? The 2007 Japanese Hana Kimi is recommended.

It's Mr. Wonka's hair!!

  And another thing that makes this hands-up better? There. Are. Kissing. Males. Multiply those kisses by a quantity of around six. Are these accidental? Or for reals? If you're anticipating a Mizuki x Sano kissu, there's only one and that's in the finale! Sob. Sano, I thought you were better than this!!

Mizuki's character isn't as clueless as shown in the manga. She forgets that she's a girl at times, but who can when she's surrounded by ikemens?? What I loved was that her identity was seen, or known, by four people, whereas in To The Beautiful You, the boys found out about her disguise after she goes unconscious.
**Sorry for the couple of comparisons between the 2007 jdrama and the 2012 kdrama. 
Grade: 8-8.3 /10 
Recommended and Loved by many
-Mizuki:: Not as Clueless as you Thought!-