DramaQueen Report: Leessang High-Five Event at City Square Mall

After the showcase yesterday, I do not have high expectation for the high-five event. Indeed this was yet another disappointment. My friends and I decided to go for the event to make our money worth it and to see Leessang before they go back to Korea. Upon reaching, we were given a green colored wristband and a digitally Leessang signature poster. 

There were many fans waiting by the time we reached. Category two tickets holders who wore orange wristband were seated next to us and we were only separated by a barricade. My friend commented that we paid a higher price but we get the same privilege with the category two ticket holders! I was also puzzled but I shrugged it off since it does not bother me that much. 

At least the waiting area this time was spacious and there was a big fan spinning at the top. In addition, we were allowed to sit on the floor and wait. There were times when we were asked to move forward to make space for the people who came later than us. 

It was around 1.15pm, the host came onstage and we were asked to stand up. The organizer invited a guest speaker onstage to talk about her experience at Korea and advertise for the Korean tourism organizer who sponsored the event. 

However, the sound system on that day was really bad and we could not hear what she says. The organizers who were standing near the stage seem to be panicking and was spotted looking worried. There was supposed to be a video chip shown, however due to technical problem we did not get to watch the video. In fact, nobody was upset since that only means that we will be able to see Leessang soon! 

The host came onstage and told us that there will be a lucky draw to pick 30 fans to take picture with Leessang. The lucky numbers were found on our wristband. The host does not seem to do his 'homework' since he does not know that different numbers indicate different category. 

The people at the back could not hear clearly and it does not help that the host actually spoke too fast and did not wait for the fans to react in time before he skip to the next number. That is to the delight of the other fans since it means that they still stand a chance. At one point, i even thought my number was called. Many people in my area were upset since most of the category two ticket holders were picked instead. Those number called have to shout out loud to be heard and make their way to the right hand side of the stage, I wondered what type of arrangement is this? 

Finally, Leessang came onstage and all the cameras and hand phones were lifted up. They waved and greeted the fans with a mega smile.The host asked them where would they recommend the fans to go in Korea. They replied that fans can come to their restaurant in Korea. Wow! What a clever way to advertise their restaurant. They welcome fans to visit them at their restaurant in Korea. Smart move!

The 30 lucky fans took a group photo with Leessang on stage. Some of the fans commented that it will be better to have individual photo taken instead of the group photo. According to my friend, during HaHa and Skull Fan Meeting at Malaysia, the fans were able to take individual photo. Lol! That sounds cool! Anyway, many looked on with envy eyes as the 30 lucky fans took picture with Leessang.

Soon, we were ushers off by the event coordinator to queue up at the left hand side of the stage for the high-five session.  The organizer emphasized that there is strictly no photography on stage. Many enthusiastic fans were so eager to see their idols close up and some managed to sneak a hug with Leessang. Soon, it was my turn, there was a fan  in front of me requesting for a hug with Gary but was rejected by the security guard who practically 'chased' the fans off stage. Still, it was nice to see Leessang up close to shake their hands and gave them a high-five. Yes, they are very friendly and Gary often make funny faces that was cute. 

The event proceeded smoothly and orderly. The host even commented that the High-five event ended in half an hour! Wow! Which means the fans waited for hours just for that half an hour touch and go? Wow! That was so ridiculous and he actually said it out loud? 

After the event, there was a booth near the area to sell Leessang merchandise. Some people stopped by and take a look at the merchandise. 

My conclusion for the Leesang showcase is,"We were all confused and rushed by Fast Tracks Event!" How to enjoy ourselves when everything was not plan properly at the first place. The only pleasant thing that happen is Leessang. As an average fan, I felt disappointed with the event. What about their hardcore fans? They may felt worse than me. Some of the fans were busy taking pictures of Leessang, as a result, they missed the high-five session with Leessang. I hope next time Leessang will come to Singapore again and this time with a different event company or else the fans will be driven mad!

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Drama Review: TVB Drama - Triumph in the Skies 2

Plot:

Samuel Tong (Francis Ng) resided in the UK to spend a long vacation following his wife's death. After encountering Holiday "Holly" Ho (Fala Chen), a wanderer whose boyfriend died in an aviation accident, he ends his vacation early after finally making the cake that he made for his deceased wife, Zoe, he returns to Hong Kong, and joins Skylette Airlines as a pilot to fly again. He meets Captain Jayden "Captain Cool" Koo (Julian Cheung), and the two exhibit two distinct personalities, with Sam being reserved and Jayden being a man who likes to attract attention. Respectively, the two get emotionally entangled with Holiday, who arrives in Hong Kong to apply for pilot training (PPP - Pre-pilot Project). 

Moreover, Sam becomes a training captain to assess Jayden, leading to a competition between the two for both career and love. Jayden's younger sister Summer Koo (Myolie Wu) is an aircraft maintenance technician, and she bears grudges against her brother due to an unhappy experience during her childhood. Issac Tong (Ron Ng), due to Summer physically resembling his sister-in-law Zoe so much, cannot turn a blind eye on it, so at last, he helps settle the dispute between Summer and her brother. Summer has a crush on Issac, yet Issac restrains himself from taking another step forward in order to avoid evoking Sam's grief. In the end, the misunderstanding causes Summer to think that she was only treated like Zoe (Sam's deceased wife) in Issac's eyes. 

First Officer Roy Ko (Kenneth Ma) has two girlfriends and cannot make up his mind as he does not bear to hurt anyone. After sharing his secret with Heather Fong (Elena Kong), a senior purser, Roy and she become close associates, and the two even have a one night stand. Jim Jim (Him Law), who used to represent Hong Kong in swimming, plans to retire and enroll in flight training, where he falls in love with CoCo Ling (Nancy Wu), who is to be a surrogate mother for her friend. With the planes taking-off and landing, stories of sorrow, parting, joyfulness and re-encounters have been constituted.

Triumph in the Skies 2 theme song by George Lam

Triumph in the Skies 2 trailer

Afterthoughts:

Triumph in the Skies 2 is an overrated drama by TVB in my opinion. True enough the first series of Triumph to the Skies was a great success. Therefore, the media generated a lot of hypes about this drama been the biggest TVB drama of the year. The production crew recruited some good actors and actresses such as Francis, Julian Cheung, Myolie Wo, Fala Chen, Ron Ng and Kenneth Ma under their wings. 

I have great anticipation for this drama initially. However, I was neither excited nor fascinated by this drama after watching it. At the most, i find it an average TVB drama that is worth mentioning. Yes, I tried not to compare with the former but it is a continuation from the first series isn't it?

The story development is rather messy. Fala Chen keep shuffling between Francis and Julian characters. The supporting characters side stories were rather complicated too. I think the pacing of the drama was weird and certain parts were too draggy. The focus is always shifting everywhere in the story line. The first few episodes tried to link the story with the first series but it felt rather forced. Gradually, the story focus on some technical terms for the airplane and some situations which can happen when flying a plane. Subsequently, the officer exams and some stories of the trainees were thrown into the story line to make the drama more interesting.

There were complains about the 'sex scene' in the drama. I have to agree that to a certain extend, some parts were over-the-top and even dramatic at times. However, these scenes were to showcase Jayden Koo playboy image and is also part of the plot. As for the technical terms used for the airplane, I have no comment since I have no idea either. George Lam who sang the theme song for the drama received negative feedback for being old fashion and the song does not match the drama. In my opinion, i prefer Eason Chen version from the first series. Talking about the acting of the actors and actresses, they are generally good in playing their roles. However, I expected more from some of them. 

Francis Ng

Francis Ng is my all time favorite actor and I basically watch this show because of this veteran actor. He delivered what is expected of him and was re-enacting the same character Captain Tong, a role which he played previously. Not much changes, except that years had past and he have more wrinkles on his face. Despite that, his acting is as solid as a rock. 

Julian Cheung

Julian Cheung is another actor that I personally like. I had watched his earlier drama and listened to his songs since my younger days. I know he is a capable actor and given an opportunity, he is able to shine. Indeed, his role as Captain Jayden Koo is a role which he can handle. His baby face never seem to aged and he definitely pass off as a charming and handsome playboy. Anyway, congrats to Julian for his nomination at TVB annual drama awards, in the running for the most popular actor category. 

Fala Chen

Fala Chen is a pretty actress with good acting chop. At least, her acting is watchable. Her role as Holiday is interesting. However, I was tired of seeing her shuffling between the two main leads. Her chemistry with both of them is not very convincing but Fala Chen have her way to charm the audience. She tried her best to prove that she is not just a pretty vase beside the men. 

Myolie Wu

Myolie Wo is a great actress and I was disappointed that her role in the drama was not prominent. What a waste of talent! She is convincing as Jayden younger sister but I am sure she can deliver better and much more than that. I blame it on her character in this drama which does not do justice to her acting chop. 

Ron Ng

Sometimes, I don't even realize that he act in this drama. Don't get me wrong, not that I dislike Ron Ng as an actor. It is just that he does not have much scene presence especially when he stood beside Veteran actors such as Francis Ng. His presence somehow fade to the background during the group scene.

 

Kenneth Ma

Kenneth Ma does nothing much in this drama. He is basically at his comfort zone of playing the same character that he does so often. He is a competent actor who was like Myolie Wo been underrated. His character basically goes from cheeky to lovesick to carrying a torch on a woman that is older than him. 

Nancy Wu

I always thought that Nancy is a competent actress and she did demonstrate some of her acting chop in this drama. At least, I notice her presence and she delivers her character pretty well. 

Him Law

With a big budget production like this, TVB would slid in their up and coming star to grab some attention. Him Law did showed some potential as an actor. However, he has to work harder to prove that he is more than meet the eyes. There was one impressionable scene of him removing his shirt to swim in the pool, thus showing off his six-pac abs. Other than that, what are there to show case his acting talent and grab the audience eyeballs? Looking forward to his breakthrough.

Elena Kong

Elena Kong did moderately well for her role in this drama, portraying a lady in the middle age who is independent and pretty. As a senior purser, she is convincing in her role and showed her professionalism in various situation. However, her love entanglement gradually caused problems in her life and she have to make some decisions.

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DramaQueen Report: 2013 Leessang 1st Asia Showcase

Leessang held their first showcase in Singapore on 30 November 2013. My friend who is a fangirl of Gary told me about this fanmeet. Swept by her enthusiasm and under the influence of the recent Running Man fever, I bought the category 1 ticket!

This friend of mine who set up Leessang Singapore Fan Page decided to plan a surprise for her idol. She even proposed her idea to the organizer - Fast Track Events! Even more surprising was that the proposal was accepted!! My friend spend a lot of time and effort for this special event.

Fangirling at its max! I seem to have entered a world of no return....

Cake...

In addition, she made a cake specially for Leessang (above) and even made clover leaves (below) and gave it to the people who attended the event. Alas, the arrangement fell through and did not go according to plan with an explanation that the clover leaves did not match the theme of the event that day. With this 'explanation', my friend's time and effort went down the drain (than again it is a massive coordinating effort on part of the organizer, fan club and management of the ones to perform).

Props...

Speaking of the showcase itself, I was rather disappointed with the arrangement and planning for the event. First of all, there should have been clear instructions about what time the doors at Shanghai Dolly will open. Despite having stated 4.30pm, they let the fans go in at 4pm. I understand that it is a small space to accommodate almost 800 over people, however, they should have prioritized via categories (like boarding Singapore Airlines). 

Although I have not (yet) attended that many fanmeets, this would have to be on my list of one of the worst fanmeets ever! Not only did fans have to queue up for hours just to get in, it was an unruly mess. For the amount of money we paid, they should have made the wait less horrendous by calling in order of categories, I mean that's the reason why the pricing is different, right?! Else it might as well have been a free for all and tickets set to a standard pricing to lower expectation.

The merchandise booth was unappealing, so much so that all we could think of was to just get our ticket check and go in. As usual, we were told not to take any photos, but security was lax. Upon entering we were given some leaflets (about Korea Tourism Board - a smart move because who wouldn't want to go visit Korea when its on promotions and have the chance to meet your favorite star?) and a ticket in exchange for free drink from St. James Power Station (they could have just handed out drinks though), along with a giant poster was given out to all tickets holder. It would have been useful and more marketing sense if they had placed them all in a paper/plastic bag. Imagine lugging around the cumbersome things while attending the fanmeet, and trying to take photos and enjoy the music at the same time. -_-"

The event was free standing so those who came early occupied the best spot. Looking at the back, the category two seem pretty good too. At least their view was not blocked and they are standing at a elevated platform which is higher than the people in category one who stand on the ground floor. We waited for half an hour and was already tired from the waiting. There was not much of an excitement like what we felt the previous time at Running Man Fanmeet. 

There was a short video of Leessang involvement in the variety show: Gil in Infinity Challenge and Gary in Running Man. Finally, our long awaited Leessang came onstage and belt out their famous hits such as: Remembrance, You are the answer to a guy like me, Turn off the TV, Tears, The girl who can't break up, the boy who leave. Both Gary and Gil look smart in their dressing. Especially Gary look exceptionally sparkling on stage. I admit that I am bias since Kookie Running Man is my favorite Korean Variety show.  After the performance, they mentioned that they are supposed to change their clothes but got too carried away with their performance. 

After that, the MC of the event came onstage with the translator. Prior to the show, the organizer had collected some questions from the fans. Leessang were seated on the chair as they answer their fans queries. One of them asked Gary when is he getting married and the fans immediately shouted 'Song Ji Hyo!' He replied Singapore girls and the fans shouted Song Ji Hyo instead. Leessang was asked about their impression of Singapore and Gary said that Singapore is a nice place to stay and he is considering that. They also mentioned that the girls in Singapore are pretty. 

After that, they were asked which club they will go to after the showcase. While Gil replied that he is unfamiliar with the clubs in Singapore, Gary mentioned that he had visited Zouk the other time during Running Man Fanmeet. At the showcase, Leessang stated that they have known each other for 17 years and both of them wrote Leessang songs. Gary will release a solo album soon, somewhere in April next year. This is a secret which they revealed in Singapore. The translator at one point was lost in the translation. Leessang teased her in a joking manner. 

The next game is pepero game and a lucky fan will be hand picked from the crowd. Who else to play the game with other than Gary? The host jokingly asked if Gary will play this game with a guy, he immediately request for a lady to play the game with him instead. This lucky fan was able to answer the question about Gary birthday and was selected to go onstage. Naturally, all the fans wanted to be pick, therefore, when this fan went onstage and was kissed on the lips by Gary, I heard hearts breaking. They even took picture onstage while the rest of the fans looked on with envious and jealous eyes! During the performance, some security guards move around and stop fans from snapping photo and taking video of the performance. It was rather annoying to me as their presence disturbed the performance. 

Leessang changed their clothes and came back on stage with other hit songs such as Ballerino, Pursuing the happiness, Hope and I'm not smiling. They moved around the stage and shake the fans hands. Towards the end of the performance, they even spray water from bottled drinks and threw a towel and cap. In order to please the fans, they signed on caps and album handed to them from the fans near the stage. Gary wore a Mickey Mouse headband and Gil exchange the cap he was wearing to a fan who was holding another cap near the stage. 

The audience shouted encore and after some time, they came out and sang the last finale song: Hard to be humble and Our meeting. Time flies and they announced that the Showcase had ended. However, when we looked at the watch, it was only 6.45pm. Isn't it a two hours showcase? It is not even 7.30 yet. Many did not not leave and Leessang have to come out again and officially put a stop to this showcase as they thanked the fans and encourage them to come for the Hi-five event the next day at City Square Mall. 

Before we left, there was a booth at the side to offer a cup of free drink. Many did not take the drink and some of the fans left behind the leaflets and some giant posters which were cumbersome. 

Afterthoughts

I personally felt tried of waiting at the queue and stood there waiting for the showcase to begin. The feeling was 'meh' and the rain further dampen the mood. Iceprinxess told me that since I am here, I might as well enjoy myself and make the best out of it. YES! I did enjoy the party and took some good pictures. However, I felt short change by the organizer as they officially stated that the showcase starts at 5.30-7.30pm! I heard there were supposed to be some games or songs to extend the time but it was cancelled later on. I would have gladly sell the ticket if I know that this is going to happen. The organizers did not plan the showcase properly at the first place. Everything was rushed, just like the name of the event company: FAST TRACKS! Anyway, ironically, I did enjoyed LeeSSang performance because I am not a big fan of theirs. Since expectation is not that high, I get to enjoy myself better with my friends too. Let's wave and shout Leessang!!! 

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Good Doctor Episode 14

That was a frightening look from Shi-On father. Those terrifying eyes which send a chill down Shi-On spine! The reunion of Shi-On and his mother leaves Shi-On confused as he recounted his childhood days and how his mother abandoned him. Doctor Choi acted as a 'mentor' to Shi-On and thus discovered his talent in envisioning the human body parts. 

Shi-On managed to complete a surgery in the operation room! That was a rather fast progress for an autistic person. Then again, it is a drama and he need to show remarkable progress along the way even if it is rather rushed. Nonetheless, I like Do-Han compliment to Shi-On. In my opinion, Do-Han is like an elder brother to Shi-On. 

This girl is so cute! She gave a can drink to Doctor Choi when the vending machine broke down. I think she wanted Doctor Choi to help him open the can instead of giving it to him. I like the friendship between Doctor Pomade and Shi-On. I find it rather cute that Shi-On shared his problem with Doctor Pomade and how he gave some allowance to him in return. This kind gesture was  comforting to Shi-On.

I was worried about In-Hye when she discovered that her sister In-young works in a nightclub. She felt hurt that Jin-Wook  knows about it but she is kept in the dark. I believed that In-Hye felt sad and guilty that her sister work in the nightclub to foot her hospital bill. 

The 'mistake' that Yoon-Seo made which was not her fault became her setback and I like how Shi-On comforted her with a sweet and gentle hug. The music played on and this Original soundtrack is from Kim Jong Kook - How come you don't know. A lovely song from Kookie!!! 

Please view this link at Dramabeans for a drama recap: Episode 14

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Good Doctor Episode 16

Look at Nurse Jo expression! He looks like he is ready for a fight.. Oh dear, Do-Han was wounded by the stabby!! Shi-On to the rescue but the dude has a weapon! Oh no!! 

Eventually, our scary nurse Jo subdue the stabby with his fist? Wow!! This guy is not as simple as we think he is. Nurse Jo was arrested by the police for assault. His secret admirer Nurse Nam was worried about him. That was interesting. 

I love the scene when Chae-Kyung visited Do-Han in the hospital. This is the only time through out the past episodes which I find them really close to each other as a couple! They finally showed their vulnerable side to their otherwise stubborn characters. 

A welcome kiss on the cheek from Shi-On to Nurse Jo? Okay, that is cuteness overflow! He finally returned the 'kiss' to Nurse Jo. 

Is that a 'green eye monster' that I see in Yoon-Seo when she knows that the sweater which Shi-On wears is a gift from Chae-Kyung? That is just an expensive sweater from Chae-Hyung to show her gratitude to Shi-On for saving Do-Han life. However, Yoon-Seo seem to be really jealous of her. Hmm... I smell sour grapes from you Yoon-Seo! I am keeping my finger crossed to see their development. 

In-Hye and Yoon-Seo shared the bed and talk about Shi-On and In Hye share her worries about the operation she will be going through. That kind of closeness makes me wonder, is there really this type of doctor that will go to great length for their patient?  A patient that have such a bonding with her doctor?  A doctor fall In love with a patient sibling? Is that true in real life or in a drama land? Anyway, i am sure it is the latter. Oh no! In-Hye is in trouble! Hope she will survive! 

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Good Doctor Episode 15

Who finds Shi-On cute and innocent? He even tried to cook a meal for his crush! In this episode, Yoon-Seo continues to act as though nothing happen although she knows that Shi-On still carries a touch on her. She could be still in denial and felt confused about their relationship. First, it started off with Yoon-Seo treating Shi-On like a younger brother. Suddenly, she realized that Shi-On like her. In my opinion, they have lots of chemistry. Even if they remains as friends it is fine with me too.

This scene was scary and I think that was crime a scene. Indeed, a girl was stabbed and rushed to the hospital. This girl was so traumatized from this incident.  Later on, we gets a glimpse of the stabber face!!! He even showed up in the hospital. 

That was so heartwarming!!! I love the way Do-Han used the toy stethoscope which Shi-On gave him. He used this toy to play with the injured girl before he used the real stethoscope on her. Which means Do-Han carried Shi-On toy Stethoscope all the while! That was a pleasant surprise to me. 

Shi-On said to Do-Han that in order to overcome a trauma, the victim need to believe that there is someone warm and stronger by her side, who is stronger than the culprit. Unknowingly, he has become the 'stronger' person that he had mentioned to Do-Han when he saw his father lifted up his hand and intend to hit his mother. He actually stepped in and protect her mother! I admire his courage to stand up for himself and protect his mother from his father attack. 

Chae-Kyung is not really a bad person as I initially thought. She just wanted the person who drove her father death to pay the price. Along the way, she became self centered and cold to the people around her. I was glad that she realized her mistakes and that she was wrong to betray the hospital. 

Please view this link at Dramabeans for a recap of the drama: Episode 15

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Good Doctor Episode 13

Finally, Shi-On have to deal with his inner fear and overcome his trauma. Oh why? Why did this happen when Shi-On is making some improvement and now he seem to go back to his 'shell'! I know eventually Shi-On will be alright, however, my heart goes out to him at this moment. Even though Shi-On father had cancer, he should show some remorse and repentance other wise I think he should really die!  

It was touching that Yoon-Seo and Do-Han were trying to help Shi-On overcome his fear. It helps that people around him shows concern and genuinely care for him. Do-Han even challenged Shi-On to surpass him. 

Doctor Pomade and Shi-On became friends? I like that Shi-On has this non-judgemental attitude towards people. His inability to lie makes him so childlike and sincere. Those good qualities were found in Shi-On and I enjoyed his character development. Because of the people who believed in him, he had been making some improvement in all aspect. 

The creepy chairman and the assistant chairman seem to have some motives and hidden agenda towards the hospital. Nonetheless, they were just a few minor characters which does not contribute much to the plot. 

Please view this link for a drama recap: Episode 13

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