READ MORE: Park Bo Gum In Manila - Definitely a Good Day to Remember

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Sunshine Family, a movie about a family living in South Korea. They are set to come back to Philippines in a few days but an accident happened. The father "Don", played by Nonie Buencamino, got in a hit-and-run accident. The whole story revolved around keeping their family together despite what happened.

There are different reasons why I wanted to watch this film. First reason was this film is a Filipino-Korean film. For those who knew me ever since the start, you'll know that I am a K-enthusiast. The cinematography and the plots of Korean movies and dramas are really good. So I was really expecting a lot.

Second, the trailer of the film was so captivating, especially Sue and Shinwoo's part. "Shine, Mahal Kita!" "G*go"  This part actually made everyone I know laugh. Third, I badly want to live in South Korea and this film might help me gain some insights about living there as a Filipino.

Last June 4, I was invited by Spring Films to attend the Celebrity Screening which was held at the Trinoma Cinema 6. And here are my honest thoughts about the film (which may or may not contain spoilers).

Things I liked about Sunshine Family

1. How it showed the differences and similarities of the two cultures

Filipinos and Koreans surely have different cultures. This film actually did well in showing these cultures. I actually learned new things about Korean culture.



During the film, I told my friend, "Kahit pala sa Korea may chismosa din no? (It seems like there are also gossipers in Korea, right?)" The film showed that gossiping is really a part of people's lives but it can harm you. Another similarity that I have seen in the film is giving food to your neighbor. Both Filipinos and Koreans love to give food to their neighbor whenever they cooked something special that day.

One thing that I have noticed in the film, although it was just a short part, is that Koreans put a lot of value on their work to the point that taking breaks or leaves are not recommended. One employee was asking for a "paternal leave" and the boss does not allow him.

2. Great actors and actresses 

The actors and actresses really did well in portraying their characters. They are not afraid about their looks. They only care about the right emotions that should be felt in the film. The love can truly be felt from this true to life couple, Mr. and Mrs. Buencamino. I guess being a true to life couple helped them portray their characters even more. It doesn't seem like they were acting, it felt like they were showing their true selves. And it was very effective.


Not only that, the Korean veteran actor Han Tae Ill really put a big smile on my face. I never had the chance to be close with my grandfather but seeing him in this film made me want him to be my grandfather even if he can't remember that much already.

3. Not forced comedy scenes

Most of the time, I hate films who seem to be trying hard to make people laugh. But this film is not one of them. They are just using simple gestures, simple lines, yet it left a great impact.


The people watching this during the celebrity screening are laughing and clapping their hands whenever the comedy scenes came. Aside from the scene where Shinwoo shouted, "Shine, Mahal Kita" and Sue answering "G*go", another funny scene that I really loved the most was when the old man took the snowman inside the car and said "Nunsaram" which means snowman. I really liked how he said it. (You should really watch it to understand more about what I am saying).

Their strategy in this film is what I want to see in other Filipino films, simple lines and gestures yet impactful.

Things that can still be improved

Although I have liked a lot of things about the film, I still think that it could be better and there are other things that could be improved.

1. Sue's and Shinwoo's characters and love plot

To be very honest, I was looking forward to see Sue and Shinwoo as the main characters here, since they are the most promoted ones. But while I was watching the film, it felt like both of them were just side characters that will add scenes to the film. Maybe because this film is a comedy-drama film that is why their characters were not given much dramatic feels.

During the film, I was carefully thinking if their characters were really needed in the film. Because I really felt like the story can go on without the two. But when I arrived home, I realized that somehow, they played a role and showed the situations of families nowadays.

Sue, being in a relationship with Shinwoo and pretending to be pregnant, made his father realize that he really doesn't know his children anymore since he started working. It can really hit parents' emotions. A lot of time, the parents are too busy providing their children a good life that they forget to be with them in their life. They always think that they should give their children all their needs but forgets to be there when they needed them the most.

I believe that their character has a purpose but I was still expecting for a deeper use of their characters. The film somehow lacked in this area. The character development were not really developed well.

2. The use of Korean language

It is really hard to speak Korean. I know it. Trust me. I've been there. I applaud the actors and actresses for doing their best in speaking the language but it somehow felt awkward. It's not the pronunciation that made me feel awkward since I understand how hard it is to speak the language. It is the shifting from a Korean conversation to English. Asking in Korean and answering in English, and vice versa.

For me, it felt like "Ah I can't memorize these statements, I should just use my language on the next sentences". I can't actually give a suggestion for this part's improvement because I still lack knowledge about script writing, but I guess it would have been better if they just tried conversing on a certain language in each scene.

Final thoughts (things I realized) about Sunshine Family

It wasn't a perfect film. But it is a good film to make every member of the family realize that love is the most powerful thing in the world. Love will keep the family together and love will allow you to accept everyone no matter what situation they are in.

Even if one member made a huge mistake, it's the family who will stay by your side. It is them who will be with you through the darkest times. And these darkest times are the times that families should stand by each other. Like what Sonya said in the film, "Edi mahalin na lang natin sila". We may feel disappointed with a fellow family member, but I believe that accepting them and loving them will eventually erase all of these disappointments.

Although the film failed to make me cry, it still has touched my heart and made me remember my family and all the love they have offered for me.

So the question is, do I recommend you to watch Sunshine Family? My answer is, Yes, you should especially if you're looking for a not-so-heavy-plot films. The casts and the staff really worked hard to produce this film. Do watch it with your family. The film will really make you want to hug your family.

So what are you waiting for? Make sure to visit the theaters now and watch Sunshine Family.

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All photos used in this blog post are from Spring Films. I would like to thank Spring Films for the invitation at the press conference and the celebrity screening. Photos during the press conference and celebrity screening can be seen on our Facebook page.

Shot entirely in Seoul and Yangpyeong County, “Sunshine Family” is a comedy-drama that tells the story of Don and Sonya Mapalad (Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino), and their children Shine (Sue Ramirez) and Max (“Your Face Sounds Familiar” fan-favorite Marco Masa). A partly-dysfunctional family living in Korea for the past five years, the family’s plans of going back home to the Philippines get challenged after Don is involved in a hit-and-run accident.

It’s long been said that in times of trouble, it is to your family that you run back to. In this country of strangers, can the Mapalads learn to rely on each other and overcome this one final hurdle as a family?

Spring Films has long been acclaimed for inspired casting choices that go beyond the mainstream (e.g., Eugene Domingo’s first headlining role in “Kimmy Dora,” the Empoy-Alessandra de Rossi love team in “Kita Kita,” Carlo Aquino’s epic comeback with “Meet Me in St. Gallen”). Keeping true to this, “Sunshine Family” will see for the first time renowned actors and long-time couple Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino teaming up together for a project. The two will add their real-life dynamics as both husband and wife and parents to their performances as troubled partners-in-life turned partners-in-crime Don and Sonya Mapalad.

Also starring in “Sunshine Family” as the couple’s eldest Shine is one of the Philippines’ most promising stars, Sue Ramirez. Beyond her talent, Ramirez is known for authenticity and her ability to balance sweetness and strength. She was handpicked by the Korean Tourism Organization to headline the film as she has been serving as a South Korean honorary tourism ambassador since 2016.


They say all clouds have silver linings, and there’s always a rainbow after the rain. Will the sun truly shine again upon the “Sunshine Family”?

As an international fan, one of my dreams is to watch my favorite idols perform in South Korea. Whether it be a concert, a gig, a festival, or a music show. Last May 11, 2019, I was given the chance to attend a music festival called Beautiful Mint Life, and saw DAY6 for the second time!

Some of you may ask how did I watch it, what are the things do I need to prepare, etc. I will be answering those questions on the next few paragraphs. My stay in Korea was from May 8 up until May 13. The first thing that I did was to check the schedules of my favorite artists. Luckily, DAY6 is attending Beautiful Mint Life 2019.

Things to know about Beautiful Mint Life

Because I haven't seen any blog or even a vlog about an international fan attending Beautiful Mint Life, I decided to create one. So that I can somehow help my fellow international fans if they want to attend a festival like this in Korea.

What is Beautiful Mint Life?

Beautiful Mint Life is an annual music festival in South Korea. It started way back 2010 which aims to showcase good music and springtime vibes to different set of fans. Beautiful Mint Life 2019 was a 2-day celebration. It happened last May 11 and 12 at the Olympic Park. For more information about this festival, you can visit their website. NOTE: The content of their side are mainly in Korean language.

How much is the ticket and where to buy?

There are two types of ticket: one-day pass (you can choose if you'll attend the first day or second day) and two-day pass. One-day pass costs 77,000 KRW (77 USD). Meanwhile, the two-day pass costs around 123,000 KRW (123USD), assuming that 1000 KRW = 1 USD.

Beautiful Mint Life uses Interpark and Melon for their ticketing. You need to have your account there in order to buy tickets. Unfortunately, I was not able to buy ticket online. Reason? The one-day ticket pass is already sold out. And the only available is the two-day pass. Since I'm only looking forward for DAY6's performance, it would not be wise to buy a two-day pass when they are only performing on the first day.

I continued to search on their website and even asked some help with Naver translate since most of information are in Korean language. Fortunately, it was stated in one of their posters that they will be having an onsite ticket selling. I also tried to message them on their Facebook page and they replied to my question. They will be releasing 100 tickets on the day itself and it will be on a first come first serve basis.

Onsite tickets differ in price compared to the online tickets. One-day pass costs 85,000 KRW (85USD) and two-day pass costs 130,000KRW (130USD) if I'm not mistaken.

How to go to the venue?

Beautiful Mint Life happened at the Olympic Park. The nearest subway station to the venue is the Olympic Park station (Line 5 or Line 9) and exit on Exit 3 so that you'll no longer cross the street. Once you have seen the one above, just continue walking and you'll immediately see the KSPO Dome.

This event has three stages: Mint Breeze Stage, café Blossom House, and Loving Forest Garden. All of these stages are just in the Olympic Park.

To be honest, I was afraid to go to the venue alone. I am not really fond of travelling alone especially to unknown places. But thanks to Korea's subway, everything became convenient for me.

Why are there different stages? How will we know who will be the artist performing on that stage?

Through their SNS pages, they will be announcing something like the photos above. The artists are there as well as the time and stage they will be performing. Since it's a festival, there will be different performances and one venue can't handle all the attendees. So maybe that's the reason why there are different stages.

Fangirl Diary Time!

I'm going to admit. Even if I badly want to see DAY6 there, I hesitated. What if I can't buy tickets on the day itself? What if I'm all alone? It costs PHP4k-6k just for a 40 minute performance, I can just save it for their concert in PH. These are the things that kept on running on my mind. Honestly speaking, I decided not to go the night before the event. That is why I did not bring my camera lens and woke up late that day. I even went to Seoul Forest instead of going straight to the venue.

While I was in Seoul Forest, something kept on bothering me. I felt like I was being pulled to the Olympic Park. So before I head home, I told myself to go to Olympic Park and check if there are still tickets available. What's meant to be will be. If there are tickets, then go. If none, then better luck next time.

AND THERE WERE STILL TICKETS AVAILABLE! Heol~



So I guess, it was meant to be?

I immediately bought the ticket and went straight to KSPO Dome were DAY6 will be performing. I love how they have this ID-type where they put the map and other information needed for the event. What I also love here is that the strap has a Beautiful Mint Life words.



Although it was still early for DAY6's performance, I decided to just go inside the KSPO Dome to have a better view. The funny thing here is that, Koreans never check the people's bag. That is why it is easy to sneak out the camera inside. Unlike here in the Philippines, the guards are so strict and will simply not allow you to bring your camera inside the venue.

I just followed the people in front of me and went straight to the standing area to have a closer look of the artists performing.



My selca just to document that I was really there. HAHA^^

BILY ACOUSTIE

The first artist that I got to watch was Billy Acoustie. I am not actually familiar with him but that doesn't mean I did not appreciate his songs. In fact, his vocals were good! And the funny thing is that when 'No Reply' was performing (the next performer), Bily Acoustie was beside me. I just noticed it when someone asked for a photo.

I, too, want to have a photo with him. But I was too shy to ask. Another chance wasted. Sad.

NO REPLY

No Reply is a duo which consists of Tune (Jeong Wook-jae) and Moment (Kwon Soon-gwan). Like Bily Acoustie, I am not familiar with them. But you know what made me intrigued? When they were performing, a lot of people went to the standing area. There was even a time when the attendees continue on jumping while they were performing.

It's true that their songs are beautiful and I might get to listen to more of them.

DAY6

The main reason why I attended this event - DAY6. It has been months since I last saw them and I really miss them and their music. I wanted to experience hearing them sing their songs with the Korean crowd. Whether they perform in front of the Korean crowd or in an international crowd, DAY6 still rocks.



They were all so hype during the performances. Jae and Young K were on fire with their adlibs and high notes. I became a fan of DAY6 ever since the start and I saw how they improved. Their vocals were more stable now, and they are more confident in performing.

Check my Facebook page for videos of the event.

During I WAIT, an incident happened. Young K actually fell down while performing. I didn't see how it happened because the person in front of me was so tall. What I saw was he was already kneeling down. I also noticed how Dowoon and Wonpil were laughing at him. They even teased him during their segments.

After the event, I saw some fancams on how he fell and it really looks painful. I just hope he is really okay.

DAY6 sang a total of 8 songs - You Were Beautiful, I Like You, I Wait, Shoot Me, days gone by, Wish, Sing Me, and Freely.

That 40-minute performance really became a DAY6 concert! People were screaming and singing with them. Sungjin mentioned how happy he is that people are actually singing with them. If you have watched my fancam of I Wait you can clearly hear people are singing with them. One of the funniest thing that has happened here was a fanboy beside me has a very loud voice and literally screamed the whole fanchant. I'm very proud!

Although a lot of people came to watch, not all of them knows DAY6. In fact, one person behind me asked me who they are. I told them DAY6 from JYP Entertainment. They said that they will look into them. That is why after their performance, DAY6 was on the top search on Naver.

I am very happy that Studio J is letting DAY6 perform on these festivals. A lot of people will know them and appreciate their music.

ERIC NAM

After DAY6's performance, I immediately transferred to the Mint Breeze Stage to check on Eric Nam. Luckily, after going inside, Eric Nam was just starting his performance. Definitely, one of the best singers I know!



I was not able to finish his whole performance because it was already getting late. I still need to go to Ewha University to meet my friends. Oh yes, it's already 7pm there and yet it looks like it is 5pm in the Philippines.

With my fellow International fans

This is Emy and Nina. I met them on Twitter. I hope this won't be the last time I'll get to see them. It's fun to attend a concert or any event with your fellow fans. It's lonely to be alone.

I was not really prepared for this event. And seeing DAY6 the very last minute makes it all worth it. 85,000KRW, I can still save it. But the feeling and experience of watching DAY6 in Korea can never be replaced. Just like how Song Deokmi from Her Private Life says, "Why did I hesitate? There's no limit to spending money for love." I love DAY6 so I'm going to spend money to see them. HAHA^^

See you again, DAY6, this year?

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For more photos, visit my Facebook page.

These past few weeks have been quite a struggle for me. I was so busy with thesis that I no longer have time to do the things that I want - to blog, to cover songs, to be a fangirl. It seems like I have no more life outside academics. There also came to a point where I no longer want to attend any concerts. But I thank Stray Kids for allowing me to find hope in them.

Last April 27, Stray Kids finally came to the Philippines for their Unveil Tour "I am.." which was produced by PULP Live World. I actually plan on buying my own ticket since I wanted to just be a fan on the concert. Unfortunately, I my phone was stolen so the money that I saved for Stray Kids were used in buying a new phone.

But then, I thank kpopchannel.tv for giving me a chance to see Stray Kids as a media. I also thank PULP Live World for giving us media invites. Because of you guys, I was able to witness the greatness of Stray Kids.


Kke (Young K doll) also came with me to watch Stray Kids. Guess what? My ticket was VIP Standing. Meaning, I am much closer with Stray Kids. Just a note, I have no Hi-Touch with them. Just a ticket. But who cares? I'll get to see Stray Kids up close! I love this job.

IMPRESSION ON STRAY KIDS

BANG CHAN

Physically, he has the best body in Stray Kids, well at least for me. His accent is one of the best. I love his accent so much. But aside from that, I find him very kind and I don't get it why people hate him. For a leader, he really did his best to accommodate everyone. Plus, he is great with playing with words. One of my media friends said that he is willing to vote for Bang Chan in the upcoming election. And one said that Bang Chan can be a pastor. He has a great speaking ability.

CHANGBIN

Personally speaking, Changbin caught my attention so much during the concert. I guess because he looks like my classmate in high school. But I never expected that he will be so handsome. That mullet hairstyle suits him the most. As usual, his raps were really on fire during the concert. Well, it's already given. Another thing that I noticed with him is that he doesn't talk that much but when he does, he leaves a very emotional one. I hope everyone can give Changbin more love. He deserves more.

HAN

My son. While staring at him, he looks more like GOT7's Mark than DAY6's Young K. Or maybe just because of his hairstyle? He is one of the most good looking member of Stray Kids. I admit it. That is one of the reason why he was my bias at first. The thing with Jisung is that he knows how to make his fans' hearts flutters. I once saw him talking with a fan during one of their segments. Hope I'll get to interact with him too in the future.

HYUNJIN

My bias everyone. When they released MIROH, that's when I started having him as my bias. He really looks good. Although I wish his hair was brushed up. But, I noticed Han more, in terms of their appearances. Still, that doesn't change the fact that Hyunjin still looks good. During their MIROH performance, I was actually worried with him. He hurt the fingers of his left hand which made it hard for him to move his arms well. But that doesn't stop him from not performing well.

Another thing, he really knows how to interact with the fans too. He keeps on sitting down and looking at the fans' cameras like as if he was flirting with them. lol. My noona heart was really filled that night. I am happy to see his sexy moves.

FELIX

This kid. This kid freaking knows what the fans want. Well, he just showed us his abs, twice. Should I describe Felix or his abs? HAHA. His abs were well-defined. For a young age, maintaining a good body is really a struggle. So I salute him for it. His voice was really deep. And I love it whenever he speaks with his accent. I just wished that his face was a little chubbier like before.

I.N

He is probably the cutest maknae I have ever seen. One thing that caught my attention was his smile. He loves to smile every time. He acts as if he is really a child and that makes me want to squish him and hug him. His vocals were also great. I no longer know what to say to him. I just want to cover him with all my love. That's how I felt.

SEUNGMIN

One of the cutest member of Stray Kids. I feel like I'm seeing Youngjae and Wonpil in him. He is quite the shy type during the segments but he is one pro whenever he performs. His vocals were really good and stable. He barely come to my right side so I only notice him a few times. He has great vocals. I promise.

WOOJIN

I don't know if he is cute or manly. Like, I wanted to see him as a cute person but the built of his body makes me want to think that he is a manly type. I stare at his face, he is a cute person. I stare at his body, woah, he is surely a manly one. The fans sang a happy birthday song for him. I don't know if he noticed it though.

LEE KNOW

I noticed him the most at the start because of his neon green clothes. Well, who wouldn't notice that, right? But aside from that, I see that he is working so hard to be a great performer. I believe that in the near future he can achieve what he wants. He has the talents and the looks. He only needs confidence in himself. Based from what I see, he is a bit hesitant at first. But that doesn't stop him from doing well.

STRAY KIDS AS A WHOLE

Now I know why they are called a "monster rookie". They perform on stage as if they are pro performers already. I didn't feel like a newbie was performing. They made sure that everyone enjoys their performances. Plus, everyone knows how to interact with their fans very well. They may still have a lot of things to experience but this is already a good start. I hope Stray Kids will still continue to be the humble people that I know.

UNVEIL TOUR "I am..." in Manila

As the title says, "Finding hope through Stray Kids", I found hope in them. How? Why? Recently, I feel like quitting the fan girl life. The reasons were, I felt tired. A lot of people envy the job that I do because I always get to see idols up-close. And that probably is one of the reason why I got tired. I see idols almost every week. I take photos of them and write articles about them. But I never get to experience the fan girl feels anymore.

I always have to set aside my feels for this job. I can't enjoy because I have to be professional. Those were my thoughts these past few weeks. Maybe I got exhausted? Or maybe I was too overwhelmed with all the events and at the same time the stress that I have to do well in this field.

Although Bang Chan used the phrase earlier to comfort those who suffered loss and are in great pain during the earthquake, I found it applicable in my situation. I lost the fan girl feels long ago but I found hope through them. It was probably the main reason why I really enjoyed the concert. Because I finally felt alive. Yes, I was still there as a media. But this time, I got to enjoy their performances without thinking of other things.

With this, I would like to thank Stray Kids for keeping my fangirl feels alive. I thank you for putting back the fangirl spirit in me. And I hope that it will not be lost again.

Here are some photos of Stray Kids:






I hope this wouldn't be the first and the last time I'll get to see them. Noona will surely save money to see you again soon!

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Article I wrote for kpopchannel.tv: https://www.kpopchannel.tv/promise-to-stand-by-your-side-stray-kids-unveil-tour-i-am-in-manila/