SEVENTEEN Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up in Seoul

Lifestyle September 16, 2023

My first SEVENTEEN purchase after moving to South Korea

The moment that Pledis Entertainment and HYBE Merch announced that SEVENTEEN is going to have their artist-made collection, I was so excited. What more when they announced that they will be having an offline pop-up store?

As a Carat who moved to South Korea, I am really looking forward to attending different SEVENTEEN-related events. So, I made sure that I will be able to visit SEVENTEEN's Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up even though it is in Seoul.

SEVENTEEN Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up in Seoul

Compared to the Love Pop-Up in Tokyo and FML The Pop-Up experience by Spotify, this pop-up has a larger scale. It was like a mixture of the two pop-ups that I mentioned.

The pop-up in Seoul was held at the Shinsegae Gangnam from September 1-10. SEVENTEEN's artist-made collection pop-up has three seasons. The first season is for S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, and Jun. The second season is for Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, and The8. And for the last season, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. The pop-up was divided into two: the merch shop and the showroom.

And yes, you have to queue separately if you want to go on both. Good thing, in my case, after buying in the merch shop, I was on time to enter the showroom.

Merch Shop

I queued for like two hours just to enter into the merch shop. I wasn't able to take much videos or photos in the merch shop because I was a bit in a rush to enter.

When I entered the merch shop, I was so happy because they are all still available. I was really looking forward in buying Jeonghan's plushie and blanket (Jjong Toram). Aside from the fact that it's a very cute plushie, it also includes a blanket wherein you can use in the airport.

I wanted to buy Joshua's merch too because he is my bias. But I am not really into perfumes, plus it's a bit expensive. My budget is only for Jeonghan's merch.

Inside the pop-up merch shop, they also sell some other SEVENTEEN merch like the Follow to Seoul merchandise and the collaboration between SEVENTEEN and Muzik Tiger.

Some merch have limits on how many a person can buy. Like for Jun's plushies, maximum of three per person. But the other merch doesn't have a limit.

Showroom

The showroom is just a place where they displayed the artist-made collection. If you're not yet decided what to buy, I think it would be better to go to the showroom first before going to the merch room. This place can help you decide what to buy.

In my case, I think it's a good idea not going here first because I might have bought the other merch by Jeonghan.

You can also test out the merch here like for example, S.Coups's umbrella.

If only S.Coups' umbrella was a folded one instead of the longer one, I would have bought it too. Since it has been raining in South Korea lately, this umbrella is really useful. Plus, this is the cheapest merch out there.

Joshua's perfume set was actually so good. It's just that I no longer have the budget to buy this one. Plus, I'm not a gifted person when it comes to creating fragrances.

I also wanted to buy Jun's merch especially the phone case since I have to change my phone case now. But because of budget, I wasn't able to buy. I'm just hoping that once I have extra money, it will still be available.

Vlog:

Check out my vlog about my weekend in Seoul

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MAGNATE: The Café Owned by BTS Jimin's Dad

Food September 14, 2023

I got to shake hands with BTS Jimin's Dad!

Just in case you haven't seen my previous blog, I moved to South Korea to study as a GKS Scholar. Before the classes started, my friends and I decided to visit around Busan. And that's how we got into Magnate - the café owned by BTS Jimin's Dad.

Honestly, our true agenda was to visit Vintage One, a thrift shop here in Busan. It happened to be beside the café. So, after going to the thrift shop, we decided to go and eat at that café.

How to go to Magnate Café:

Address: 135, Jinnam-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea

You can either take the subway or take the bus.

Subway: Line 2 (Green Line), get off at Motgol station (못골/214), Exit 4 > Walk to Cafe Magnate (around 13 minutes of walk).

Bus: Take No. 10, 101, or 138, and get off at Yeonpo Elementary School bus stop (연포초등학교)

* Download Naver Maps to help you navigate to this place.

Magnate Café

It was definitely a long walk from the subway station. And to be honest, when we entered the parking lot, I didn't know at first that it was the Magnate Café already. Good thing, I saw the BTS poster in the corner and realized that it was the café already.

On the outside, there wasn't anything special. But once you enter the Magnate Café, you'll immediately see a table full of BTS/Jimin merch and fan letters.

Although Magnate Café is owned by BTS Jimin's Dad, it's not a cafe that's really inspired by a K-Pop group like the Caratreats Cafe in the Philippines. It's a normal cafe that both fans and non-fans can enjoy.

I actually love how cozy the place is and at the same time my K-pop fangirl spirit is getting hyped up.

There are a lot of options that you can choose there. In my case, I ordered the Corn-Cheese Bake and Strawberry Latte.

It was really good. As a person who is not into café much, I really enjoyed the food and the place. The food tastes good and the surrounding is aesthetically pleasing. If given the chance, I would love to visit it again and stay there for a bit longer.

Anyway, we were so lucky when we went there because Jimin's dad happened to be the one who took our orders. When my friend asked him, he immediately smiled at us and initiated a hand shake. He is really thankful for the fans who dropped by his café.

I didn't took any photo of him because first, I was shy. Second, I didn't ask for permission. So, it will just remain in my memory.

.Before leaving Magnate Café, I saw Jimin's solo album, FACE, with his sign on it.

Magnate Café Mini Vlog

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Global Korea Scholarship Application Experience (Embassy Track)

Lifestyle August 29, 2023

I'm finally in South Korea!

If you have been following me on my social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok), you know that I applied for the Global Korea Scholarship this 2023. And with God's help, I was chosen as one of the scholars for this year.

To help other aspirants, I decided to create contents about my experience in applying for the scholarship. From the documents until going to South Korea. I knew this scholarship way back 2018 (?) and since then I really wanted to try for my Master's. It was only this 2023 that I was able to apply. Yes, this was my first time applying the scholarship.

My GKS 2023 Application Experience

Submitting my documents to the Embassy

In February 10, 2023, the Korean Embassy in the Philippines posted that the application for the GKS 2023 is already open. The deadline was until the end of February. Compared to the past years, the application was earlier this year. Although I have been preparing for this since 2022, I was still a bit shocked.

So, what are the requirements that I prepared?

1. Application Form

2. Personal Statement

3. Study Plan

4. Letter of Recommendation

5. GKS Applicant Agreement

6. Personal Medical Assessment

7. Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information

8. Applicant's/Parents' Proof of Citizenship and family relationship Document (Birth Certificate)

9. Bachelor's Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)

10. Bachelor's Degree Transcript

11. Score report of valid TOPIK (original) or English Proficiency Test (copy)

12. Awards and other certificates (copy)

13. Applicant's Passport (copy)

For numbers 1-7, the NIIED will be giving a form for these. For numbers 8-10, you should have these documents apostilled.

After completing these documents, I had it delivered to the embassy. You can physically submit it too. But in my case, financially speaking, it's much better to just have it delivered than to go to the embassy.

After I have submitted, I waited if I will be chosen by the embassy. On March 9, 2023, I received an email from the embassy confirming that they have received my application. They have also stated there that only shortlisted applicants for the interview will be notified in the following week.

So that's when the waiting begins.

First Round - Embassy Interview

On March 14, 2023, I received another email from the embassy saying that I was invited for a panel interview. I was asked to sign-up and choose my preferred time of interview. They also have sent the link for the interview. I chose March 20, 2023 at around 4pm.

Based on the form that they asked us to be filled out, there were 28 applicants interviewed. But they will only be choosing 14 applicants for the embassy track.

It was really nerve-wrecking since only half will be chosen. To be honest, I did a little bit of stalking. I searched for the other applicants online to see their credentials as well. And they were all good. They have good work and academic status. So, I was a bit scared since I feel like I'm not good enough.

I was interviewed by three Koreans. It seems like two were from the embassy and one is a professor in UP Diliman.

What are the questions during the interview?

1. Introduce yourself (include your future plan)

2. As an Art major, what do you want to do, like create films or series?

3. How's your experience during the 2019 ACH program?

4. Do you have Korean friends?

5. Have you checked other scholarships in South Korea?

6. If you're not chosen this year, what is your Plan B?

7. Is there any other things that you would like to tell us about yourself?

8. How will studying in Korea be helpful in the bilateral relationship of Korea and the Philippines?

I'll be creating a vlog about the interview and share to you my tips when I applied.

And on March 23, 2023 at around 4pm, I received another email from the embassy saying that I have been included in the list of recommended applicants. My documents were then forwarded to the National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED).

Second Round - NIIED Document Checking

For the second round, I have to wait for NIIED to release the list. You don't actually have to do anything here but to just wait for it. Based from past scholars in the embassy track, the second round is the most chill round in the embassy track since NIIED will just check your documents and compile all the recommended applicants from different embassies.

But this round is crucial for the waitlisted applicants. Yes, there are waitlisted applicants. The embassy is given the chance to recommend one more applicant. These waitlisted applicants will wait if other countries have extra slots.

Third Round - University

Even if you have passed the two rounds, there is still a chance that you won't be able to get the scholarship especially if no university accepts you.

For the embassy track, we were given a chance to choose three universities. In my case, I chose Dongseo University, Ewha Womans University, and Dongguk University. We have to choose at least one Type B university (university in the province).

In this round, it depends on the university if they will still conduct an interview or not. Some universities do have interview while some just based on the documents that you passed.

My anxiety level rose up here because I do not know if I will be having an interview or not since I do not get any updates from the university.

In the end, I did not have any interviews and just received emails whether I was accepted or not.

On May 22, 2023 (just a few days before my trip in Japan), I received my first ever email from the universities I applied. It was from Dongseo University. I was accepted.

So by this time, I am already sure that I passed this scholarship because at least one university has already accepted me. My major in Dongseo University is Film and Video Production. Although I told myself that the first university to accept me will be the university I'll choose, I still waited for the results of the other universities.

On June 8, 2023, I received an email from Dongguk University saying that I was not accepted. And on June 9, 2023, I received an email from Ewha Womans University saying that I was not accepted too.

So in this case, the only university that accepted me is Dongseo University. And yes, I'll be studying my Master's at Dongseo University in Busan.

Applying for a student visa in South Korea

On June 30, 2023, the NIIED released the final list of the 2023 GKS Scholars. This includes the embassy track and university track along with their universities. After announcing this, it's time to wait for the documents that will be needed in applying for a visa.

I'll be writing a separate blog about how to apply for a Korean visa if you're going to study in Korea.

By the way, these are some of the scholars who also applied for the visa. We decided to meet up and have a lunch together.

We waited for a week (or 5 working days) for our visa to be released. And yes, we were all approved.

VLOG:

I'll be sharing more of my activities here in South Korea through my blog, Youtube Channel, and other social media accounts. So, I hope you'll join me in my adventures as an GKS Scholar / International Student in South Korea.

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MOVIE REVIEW: The Moon (2023)

Entertainment August 11, 2023

The South Korea film industry definitely went on another level with the movie "The Moon"

Last August 10, I was given the chance to watch this amazing movie in the big screen. As a fan of anything space-related and Korean entertainment as a whole, I was really looking forward in watching this movie.

The Moon is a film about an astronaut, Hwang Sun-woo (played by EXO's D.O), who was left in space after experiencing malfunctions on their spacecraft. Dr. Kim (played by Sol Kyung Gu), the former managing director of the Naro Space Center, tries to save him and bring him back to earth safely.

From powerhouse casts to amazing CGIs, The Moon is said to be one of the most anticipated films this 2023.

Things I like about The Moon

Amazing acting from the casts

One of the things that I look for when it comes to acting is if they can bring emotions with just the way their eyes move. The casts of The Moon really impressed me with their acting. I was really so immersed with their acting to the point that I felt I was a part of the film.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

I am familiar with Sol Kyung Gu as he was the lead in another Korean film, Haeundae (another film that I enjoyed watching). And truly, he did not disappoint in this film. His character here has a lot of secrets and regrets. And while it was slowly being revealed, I just can't stop myself from appreciating his acting even more.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

One of the reasons why I got to know about this film is because of EXO D.O. Ever since before, I consider him as the best Idol-Actor in the Korean entertainment. And yes, I can say, he is a great choice to be one of the leads for this film. His eyes were so expressive and he was able to show the joy, sadness, frustrations, all the emotions that the character was feeling.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Kim Hee Ae, who I know for The World of the Married, also aced her acting in this film. While watching The Moon, I told my friend that I was really amazed with her because she was just sitting and staring at the news but I can already feel the tension in the surrounding. She barely moved at that part yet her eyes spoke everything.

Photo from HanCinema

I actually have a love-hate relationship with the minister (played by Jo Han Chul). He is the classmate mong pabibo pero walang ambag (your noisy and active classmate yet has no contribution). Maru, the drone, even had more contribution than him.

I love him for making me laugh most of the time but hates him because I don't know exactly what his role in the story is. But still, he nailed it. He was able to make the scenes lighter with the way he panics.

Next level visual effects and CGIs

Photo from HanCinema

Like what I have mentioned earlier, I am a fan of any space-related thing. So, I have watched a lot of films regarding space. For The Moon, I have to give a lot of praise to the editing team for taking the next level in terms of the visual effects and CGIs.

As someone who took Multimedia Arts in College, I know how hard it is to create these assets, animate it and even make it realistic. I also know how large the files are for this kind of effects. That's why I was really amazed.

There were some Korean movies and dramas that I have watched wherein I felt a little bit disappointed with the CGIs but for this movie, I know South Korea is leveling up their game.

A lot of breathtaking moments

If you have seen me during the showing, you'll definitely laugh at me as I was really so focused on what I was watching to the point that I even forgot to breathe for a few seconds. Probably, if I was watching this alone, I would have been kicking while shouting Dali! (Faster!). The intensity of the scenes were high to the point that if I blink I might have lost something important.

It's been a long time since I felt excited while watching a movie. The sound effects during these scenes made it even more extreme.

Final Thoughts on The Moon

Visually, I really liked The Moon a lot. It showed how South Korea is improving and improving in terms of quality. The color grading, camera shots, lighting, the whole cinematography was really beautiful. All the casts in this film portrayed their role very well may it be a simple role to a very hard one.

In terms of the story, it was just a simple story of saving a stranded astronaut. There were also twists in the story but I felt like some twists weren't executed that well. To be honest, I was expecting for more in the story. I hope that they added more heart-wrenching lines or scenes to make the movie even more memorable.

Nonetheless, it is a movie worth watching and re-watching. If given the time, I would like to watch it again on the big screen with my whole family.

The Moon showing this August 16 on Philippine cinemas

The Moon will officially be out in Philippine cinemas this August 16! So make sure to visit the nearest cinema in your place.

Thank you Columbia Pictures Philippines for inviting me at the Gala Premiere of The Moon.

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First K-Pop Concert Abroad: Here Are The Things You Need To Know

Entertainment August 05, 2023

Watching K-Pop concert abroad is a dream come true

At one point in our life, we have also dreamt of watching our K-Pop concert abroad. As someone who isn't financially capable, I thought that this will just be part of my bucket list that I won't be able to tick. But I guess the saying "If there's a will, there's a way" made it possible for me to watch K-Pop concert abroad.

My first concert abroad was in 2018 when I watched Wanna One's One: The World in Kuala Lumpur. And the latest K-pop event that I attended was SEVENTEEN's Love Fan Meeting in Japan.

If you plan on attending concerts or fan meetings abroad, you're on the right blog post! I'll be sharing to you what I prepare whenever I attend K-Pop events abroad.

What to prepare for your K-Pop concert abroad?

Concert Tickets

Of course, your main goal is to attend the concert or fan meeting. So, you have to buy your tickets in order to watch it.

When buying tickets, make sure to check the organizers' social media accounts or the official accounts of the group you're going to watch. They update about the details of the ticket selling and the ticket prices. There will also be time where you need such memberships in order to get early access with the ticketing.

Every country has different ticketing platforms. For example in my case, when I bought my ticket in Thailand for Be The Sun in BKK, the ticketing platform is the Thaiticketmajor. It's somehow like SM Tickets here in the Philippines.

But in Japan, it's a very different way of buying tickets. Japan ticketing is more of a lottery type of ticketing. So, you just have to put your luck on fate.

Passport

Your passport is one of the most important items that you must have when you plan to watch concert abroad. First, it's a need when going out of the country. Second, this will serve as your ID abroad.

They won't accept your license ID, school ID, or whatever local ID you have. The only ID that they will accept, if you're a foreigner, is your passport and/or ARC (Alien Registration Card).

Why do you need it? Because some venues require ticket verification before entering. In order to verify your identity, you have to present a valid ID. Also, when I watched Lee Dong Wook's fan meeting in South Korea, I have to claim my ticket at the venue itself. So, ID is required.

Hotel Accommodation and Flight

Just like other normal trips, you have to book your accommodation. Unless you only plan to watch and fly (which I don't really recommend). For booking your accommodations, there are a lot of things you need to consider like your budget and the distance from the venue.

Personally, I like booking somewhere near the venue so that I won't be in a rush when going to the concert venue. But when I was in Korea, my friends and I always book in Hongdae since we're used to with it already.

If you're on a budget with flights, check out the flight scanner online. It will give you the cheapest and best options when traveling.

Extra Money for Merch

When watching concert abroad (especially in South Korea and Japan), all the official merch are being sold there. Even if you don't have plans on buying, you will end up buying merch. Well, this was from my experience. So better have extra money for your merch. There are times that they accept card but it's also good to have some cash with you.

Buying merch there is much cheaper than buying merch through group orders. Just take note that sometimes, especially on SEVENTEEN concerts, there's a pick-up option on Weverse wherein you have to order online and just pick it up onsite.

(Depends on the country) Clear bag

There are some countries that require a clear bag when entering the venue. They don't allow even small bags if it isn't clear. I don't know the exact reason for it but it's better to be updated with the do's and don'ts of the certain country you're going to be watching.

Tips on watching K-pop concert abroad

Visa - Ticket - Accommodation and Flight

If the country you're visiting requires you to have a visa first like South Korea and Japan, make sure to get your visa first before buying your ticket and booking flights and accommodations. Because there is a chance that your visa might not be approved. Not all countries allow a ticket refund.

So my suggestion is get a visa first, then concert ticket, then book a flight and accommodation.

Check on Twitter if you have some mutuals attending the same event

Recently, there are more and more people going abroad to watch concert. Who knows, one of your friend on Twitter is attending too? I had a friend and I didn't know she'll be going to Love FM in Tokyo not until she posted it a few days before the fan meet. If I only knew she'd be coming then I should have come with her. But experiencing a solo travel is still good experience tho hihi :)

I also met new friends who are going to attend the same event I'm attending. It was really cool to meet fellow fans who have the same hobbies as yours.

Check out if there are pop-up events or places that you can visit too

There are a lot of pop-up events especially in Korea and Japan. Because of these events I was able to visit it during my stay there. I am fangirling and at the same time getting to visit places in the country.

You can also visit the places that your idol has visited before. In my case, I visited different SEVENTEEN spots in Tokyo. Soon, I'll do it in South Korea too.

Take lots of photos/videos and enjoy!

Well, unless you're not allowed to take photos like in Japan fan meeting.

When I was editing my Japan vlog, it felt like I came back to being in Japan. I remembered the emotions I had during my stay. How I wished I have filmed more. But the photos suffice it tho.

As someone who can't remember anything after a couple of weeks, having photos and videos will make you be reminded of those special moments.

I am a very shy person. I barely take photos and videos before. That's why I barely remember my past travels because I don't have something to look again. That's the reason why I encourage you to take lots of photos and videos.

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Pages

SEVENTEEN Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up in Seoul

My first SEVENTEEN purchase after moving to South Korea

SEVENTEEN Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up in Seoul

Merch Shop

Showroom

Vlog:

MAGNATE: The Café Owned by BTS Jimin's Dad

I got to shake hands with BTS Jimin's Dad!

How to go to Magnate Café:

Magnate Café

Magnate Café Mini Vlog

Global Korea Scholarship Application Experience (Embassy Track)

I'm finally in South Korea!

My GKS 2023 Application Experience

Submitting my documents to the Embassy

First Round - Embassy Interview

Second Round - NIIED Document Checking

Third Round - University

Applying for a student visa in South Korea

VLOG:

MOVIE REVIEW: The Moon (2023)

The South Korea film industry definitely went on another level with the movie "The Moon"

Things I like about The Moon

Amazing acting from the casts

Next level visual effects and CGIs

A lot of breathtaking moments

Final Thoughts on The Moon

The Moon showing this August 16 on Philippine cinemas

First K-Pop Concert Abroad: Here Are The Things You Need To Know

Watching K-Pop concert abroad is a dream come true

What to prepare for your K-Pop concert abroad?

Concert Tickets

Passport

Hotel Accommodation and Flight

Extra Money for Merch

(Depends on the country) Clear bag

Tips on watching K-pop concert abroad

Visa - Ticket - Accommodation and Flight

Check on Twitter if you have some mutuals attending the same event

Check out if there are pop-up events or places that you can visit too

Take lots of photos/videos and enjoy!

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