Saturday, January 31, 2015

Trip to Kim Jong Kook Urban Entertainment's Sister company

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It was out of curiosity that I joined Kim Jong Kook's fanclub - Papitus - last year. And well, one of the perks of joining a fanclub would be the surprises and little gifts. 2 months before my holiday to South Korea, I received a surprise message in Kakao Talk: it was an employee from Urban Entertainment who informed me that there was a gift for all international fans and because of the failed delivery (no one was home at the time) she was trying to arrange another timing to send the gift. But since I was going to Seoul, I figured I might as well go down to collect it myself (too bad Kookie was out of the country at the time to do promotions). 

So after a few exchanges of messages, it was decided that I was to get the gift directly from Urban Entertainment's sister company (which was in Seoul) at an agreed time and day. The person who was in contact with me, Jeonghwa, was very helpful and gave very detailed directions on how to get to the place.

Travelbytez.com
Directions ^^
So with directions in hand, we (MX and I) made our way to the office building easily. Once we reached, we were greeted and the gift was passed to me. The gift consisted of:
  • folder with the image of Kookie 
  • Papitus membership card. 
Travelbytez.com
The gift!
The staff told me that it was a pity that Kim Jong Kook went for an overseas fanmeeting in Indonesia, therefore I could not meet him here. Anyway, I am glad to collect my gift. It was really nice of them to contact me and ensure that I got the welcome gift!
 
 
 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Drama Queen pick: Favorite Japanese songs

1) Hikaru Utada


Hikaru Utada is the R&B ballad pop queen in Japan. She has produced many beautiful songs since her debut. There is a distinctive quality in her voice which attracted my attention. Her songs are very catchy and her singing technique is one of the best in Japan. 

Recommended songs: First Love, Can you keep a secret? 

2) Spitz


I have been listening to their music since the 90's. Spitz was formed by four Art students. The genres of their music were mainly influenced by The Beetles and this band has been working on their music for twenty over years now. Notably their music were often used for drama, movie or animie theme songs. The most popular song being their first single titled Sora mo Toberuhazu, which was the theme song for the popular Jdorama White Line.

Recommended songs: Sora mo Toberuhazu, Robinson

3) Luna Sea


Luna Sea was a very popular rock band in Japan. They formed their band around 1989 and suddenly disbanded in the new millennium. I like the vocalist Ryuichi who has a strong and distinctive voice. My favorite song of all time is - I for you. 

Recommended songs: I for you, Gravity

4) Speed


Japanese popular girlband Speed was wildly popular in the mid 90's and early 21th century. I still remembered them and even hemmed to their catchy tunes now. 

Recommended songs: Steady, My graduation, White Love

5) Do As Infinity


Do as infinity is a popular Japanese group that produced many hits and their albums even achieved platinum in sales. My personal favorite is week!. That is a fast and catchy rock song. Notably, this talented group wrote all of their songs too. 

Recommended songs: Week!, Fukai Mori (Deep forest)

6) SMAP 


SMAP is the evergreen Japanese boyband that is still active in the Entertainment industry. The most famous among them is King of Japanese Drama Takuya Kimura. They produced classic hits such as Lion Heart and Beyond the night sky that captured many hearts. 

Recommended songs: Beyond the night sky, Lion heart 

7) Mr Children


Mr Children formed their band in 1989. They have been very popular in Japan and their albums were one of the bestseller of all times. Their music send a great message of innocence, humanity and philosophy of life. Therefore, their music is popular for all ages. They were well known for writing meaningful lyrics and great music in Japan. It is difficult to choose my favorite since all of their songs were good. 

Recommended songs: Be Strong, Hanabi, Sign, 365 days

8) Chage and Aska


Chage and Aska is a legend in Japanese Music. They have great voices and their collaboration was simply classic. Their music were mostly sentimental ballads and they were strong in the delivery of their songs to the listeners. 

Recommended songs: Say Yes, Man and  Woman

9) Ayumi Hamasaki


Ayumi Hamasaki is the Queen of Jpop in Japan. She has a doll like princess appearance that attracted eyeballs. Most of the Japanese female singers have high pitched voice. She is no exception, but she is a fashion icon in Japan. There is a huge followers of her style in many countries in the 21th century. 

Recommended songs: Dearest, My All, M

10) Ken Hirai


Ken Hirai is a very popular singer in Japan. His voice is smoothing and sentimental. He is often mistaken as a foreigner but he claimed to be a pure Japanese. He is a low profile Japanese singer that is appreciated for his unique style. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest singer of all time. 

Recommended songs: Hitomi Wo Tojite (Only human), Boku Wa Kimi Ni Koi Wo Suru

11) Namie Amuro


Namie Amuro is a sexy, pretty and stylish Japanese singer. She has ruled the Japanese Pop industry for years. In my opinion, she does not have the high pitch voice that many female artises have. That is an advantage for her as a singer. 

Recommended songs: Can you celebrate? brighter day, Love story 

12) Chemistry


This R&B ballad duo came to the music scene with their smoothing music. They were known for creating their style of music that were considered as refreshing during that period of time. 

Recommended songs: Pierces of a dream, You go your way

13) Every little thing


Every Little Thing came to the music scene with a "bang!" They were immediately noticed for the vocalist sweet voice and their unique style of music videos. Their soft pop rock style of music were their signature. My favorite song is Shape of Love that is so full of energy. 

Recommended songs: Time goes by, My Will, Shapes of Love

14) Arashi


Arashi is a popular boyband in Japan. They seem to follow the steps of their senior SMAP. It is not a surprise since they are from Johnny's Entertainment . They make use of their youth and released many catchy and funky songs. 

Recommended songs: Love so sweet, One love

15) Kinki Kids


Kinki Kids are famous artises in Japan from Johnny's Entertainment. They were very popular in the 90s and 00's. They produced many old school music that was still remembered till today.

Recommended songs: Garasu no Shounen, Boku no Senaka ni wa Hane ga aru

16) Zard


Izumi Sakai the beautiful and talented lead vocalist of Zard passed away at an early age of 40. She was known for her beautiful singing vocal and her ability to write songs. Most of her songs were used for animie. 

Recommended songs: Oh my love, Goodbye my loneliness

17) Misia


Misia has the powerhouse vocal that many people admires. She is an established Japanese singer that is popular even till today. 

Recommended songs: Everything, Deepness

18) Boa


Boa is a Korean singer that had successfully ventured into the Japanese Music Industry. Her youthful and sweet image blended into the Music scene. This talented singer can hold her tune and dance on stage. Her concert performance were spectacular and she has since conquered the Japanese music scene. 

Recommended songs: Every heart, No 1

19) Kumi Koda


This sexy singer was known for her slutty image. Despite her fashion sense, she is a good singer. I like her slightly low and sexy voice. Everything about her is sensual and her every move always attracted attentions from the audiences. 

Recommended songs: Love me back, Moon Crying 

20) Kiroro


Kiroro is a musical duo that was active in the music scene in the late 90s. Their music was different from the other mainstream, R&B, rock music that dominated the market at that point of time. This musical duo offered something different from the rest with their simple folk ballad music. 

Recommended song: Mirae, Best friends

21) Mika Nakashima 


Mika Nakashima was famous for her role in the movie Nana. On top of that, she has a beautiful voice that attracted my attention. She projected an icy cool charisma that was intriguing to me. I love the song Yuki No Hana. 

Recommended song: Yuki No Hana, Glamourous Sky 

22) Yuzu


Yuzu is another alternative music in the Japanese Music scene. They are a folk pop group that proved to be sucessful in their own rights. They make it to the mainstream music and gave the audiences other choices in musical genres. 

Recommended songs: Story, Aitai






Saturday, January 24, 2015

不愧是國民MC!劉在錫親自蹲下擦地板

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【on.cc東網專訊】 韓國超人氣節目《Running Man》主持群劉在錫、池錫辰、李光洙、宋智孝和金鐘國首度來台舉辦見面會,劉在錫之前從未參加過任何RM見面會,他出席記者會時表示:「其實最大的原因是每周末都有錄影,行程y安排,但大家的心願都一樣,希望哪一天7個人都一起跟粉絲見面、問候他們。」

劉在錫在韓國被公認是國民MC,他在記者會也展現主持功力,一拿起麥克風就滔滔不絕,讓翻譯找不到空檔翻譯,被阻止後劉在錫用中文回「對不起」,笑說:「很多話想講,希望大家了解。」團員們誇劉在錫是韓國人最喜歡的演藝人員第一名,主持人曾寶儀笑問:「會選總統嗎?」池錫辰笑虧:「他參選會當選,但沒能力,只能當『文化總統』,政治方面不行。」劉也說:「我對政治沒興趣,我的夢想是跟大家一起長長久久主持節目。」

製作單位準備由101個杯子蛋糕拼成的台灣形狀模型要送他們,杯子蛋糕卻在搬運的過程不慎倒榻,劉在錫等人不但不介意,親自撿起掉落的蛋糕,更蹲下幫忙擦地板,弄得衣服跟手全髒掉,並說:「對不起,這是大家為我們準備的心意。」完全沒有任何明星架子,展現超高親和力。他們今也為中文名字正名,分別是劉在錫、池錫辰、李光洙、宋智孝和金鐘國。



Translation 

Korean popular Variety show Running Man MCs Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Lee Kwang Soo, Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook attended the Fanmeeting Taiwan for the first time. While Yoo Jae Suk has never attended a fanmeeting before. At the press conference, he revealed that he hope to participate in the Fanmeeting. Unfortunately, due to his work schedule, he has to do recording at the studio during weekend. Therefore, he cannot attend the fan meeting. He said that it was everyone wishes to see the seven members in the fanmeet. 

National MC Yoo Jae Suk demostrated his amazing hosting skills during the press conference. Once he grab the microphone, he started to talk non-stop, leaving little breaks for the translator to translate his words. After he was asked to stop, he apologized to everyone and asked for understanding since he has many things to say. His fellow cast member Lee Kwang Soo revealed that Yoo Jae Suk is the most popular artise among them. The Chinese host jokingly asked if Yoo Jae Suk will run for president election? Ji Suk Jin jokingly said that Yoo Jae Suk will be selected as president but he don't have the capability in politics. He can only be a literature and art president. Yoo Jae Suk admitted that he does not have interest in politics, his greatest wish is to be a host and entertain everyone as long as he can. 

The production crew has specially prepared 101 shortcakes and make it into the shape of Taiwan global map model. During the moving of the model, some of the cakes collapsed. The Running Man cast help to clear the mess and apologized. They were thankful for the surprise present specially prepared for them. The Running Man cast projected friendliness without putting on any airs. They held on to their chinese nametag and posed for photography. 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Things you got to know about Kashiwabara Takashi (Part 3)

11) The women in his life


These ladies were well known celebrities in Japan. Some of them were romantically involved with Kassy in the past, whereas the others were impressionable onscreen couple. Kassy mentioned that he will only date Japanese girls because there is no language barrier. He prefer ladies that are natural and gentle. However, he admitted that he likes sexy ladies when he was younger. However, his criteria for ideal woman has been getting higher as he grew older. 

Among these ladies, Kanno Miho was the most well known actress that was romantically involved with Kassy. She was widely known for cheating on Kassy with another man. Ironically, this third party was the photographer that shoot her bare all pictoral book. 

Hirosue Ryoko acted with Kassy in a few Jdorama such as Shota No Sushi. They were rumoured to be dating before. In my opinion, the both of them were pretty compatible. 

Sato Aiko and Miki Sakai were his well known onscreen partner in Itazura Na Kiss and Love Letter respectively. Japanese movie Love Letter was a huge box office success and popular Jdorama Itazura Na Kiss propelled the both of them into stardom. Interestingly, they did not have spark with each other, despite their great chemistry onscreen. They were believed to be good friends with Kassy. 

Uchida Yuki starred in the 2001 drama Big Wing with Kassy. Prior to this drama, they were featured in a chocolate commercial when they first started out in the Entertainment industry. Despite knowing each other for years, there was'nt any romance between them. Furthermore, they have a significant life partner respectively in their life during that period of time. It was only till 2010, when both of them were divorced from their respective spouse then they begin their relationship. According to their management agencies, they met again through mutual friends and started dating. 

12) Plagued with illnesses 


Takashi Kashiwabara was once diagnosed with serious migraine and shoulders problem. It had caused a lot of problems in his filming. Due to his health problems, he had to quit filming the drama Itsumo Futari de (Always the two of us). He only acted in the first two episodes of this drama before he had to quit and get himself hospitalized. That was a pity since he had so much potential in that drama. It could be a breakthrough role for him in his acting career. Besides, that was a great character in the drama although it was a supporting role. I supposed Kassy was depressed over this issue too. After he recovered from his illnesses, the producers were afraid that he would not be able to commit to filming because of his ill health. As a result, Kassy have to keep on reassuring the directors that he had recovered.

13) A steadfast love that ended in a divorce


Hiroko Hatano acted in a minor role in Cupid's Arrow with Kashiwabra Takashi. They soon became an item while filming this drama. According to Kassy, he prefer ladies that are gentle and have their own dreams. He does not fancy ladies that pretend to be cute. Therefore, it is not a surprise that Kassy would date someone that is more matured than him. However, this love did not have the blessing of the people around them. Their management agencies tried to seperate them, fans were displeased with this relationship too. Hiroko Hatano ex-boyfriend is an influential figure in the entertainment circle, he was unhappy that Hatano had  left him for Kassy. Therefore, the couple were apparently kept "frozen" in the industry. However, the strong headed couple insisted to be together despite all the obstacles they have to face. When Kassy fall sick due to all the pressures, Hiroko stayed by his side to take care of him. Kassy was touched by her love and decided to marry her as he felt that it was his responsibility as a man. That sounds like a fairytale story, however this relationship was not meant to be. Despite their desire to be together, they have to face an unforeseen incident that will shatter their dreams. 

14) Punching incident that leads to his depression 


Takashi Kashiwabra was involved in a punching incident just when he is making a comeback in his acting career. Apparently when this incident happened, his wife was seated in the car. Kassy had a conflict with a middle aged man because he had parked his car at the roadside which hinders the other road users. Kassy had initially adviced the driver to be considerate and move his car away but it falls on deaf ears. In a fit of anger, Kassy lifted up his fist and punched the man on the head. He soon regretted his action but it was too late. 

Kassy held a press conference to publicly apologized to the victim and his family. He shaved his hair to show his repentance and gave a formal bow. Unfortunately, the conservative Japanese society were not ready to accept and forgive a celebrity wrongdoing easily. He was charged in court and ordered to pay a fine. Subsequently, Kassy work schedule were also greatly affected by this incident. His workload was reduced to minor roles in drama and it was difficult for him to bounce back to the entertainment industry. Gradually, he was frustrated with the lack of work opportunities. During an interview, he expressed his disappointment in the entertainment industry and will chose to quit Showbiz if this situation continues. 

This incident not only affected his work, it had caused a strain in his marriage too. He had depression during this period of time and wanted to be left alone. He mentioned that during this tough period of time, his gentle and matured wife has been supporting him by his side. Sadly, their marriage did not last long. In two years time, the couple were officially divorced. 

Taiwanese media had speculated that his wife probably left him due to his bad temper and domestic violence. These rumors were not verified as there were no  evidence to proved that these rumors were true. Both Kassy and Hiroko parted ways in a peaceful manner, without either party speaking ill of each other. 

Soon, Hiroko was married to a soccer player. It was a shotgun marriage and she declared that she is going to start a happy family with her husband. On the other hand, Kassy had reduced his production in filming. 

15) Favorite sports - Soccer 


Kassy recalled that his happiest childhood memories was playing soccer with his father. Therefore, he gradually diverted his focus to playing soccer for his team. Being an "outdated" idol, he had decided to go back and does things that he enjoy doing. Many of his fans felt that it was a pity for Kassy to step out of the limelight. In my opinion, Kassy is not an ambitious person. He would rather live a simple but fulfilling life instead. 

16) Back on his feet and moving on 


Recently, Takashi Kashiwabara  mentioned that he plan to venture into the Chinese market. Some people said that it was too late and that it would be great if he choose to focus on his career in his twenties. In my opinion, Kassy is a person that does things on random without planning too much ahead. During his recent interview, he stated that he enjoyed the job of a scriptwriter. His first mircofilm - The Happy Plan was sort of an experimental thing for him. Eventually, it proved that he does have a huge fan base in China. Although there were people that commented about his haggard look, I still think that Kassy has aged gracefully. 

I am glad that kassy took the steps to attend a variety show in China. In the past, he was seldom seen even on japanese variety show. Kassy always maintain a low profile and guarded his privacy very well. That was a little disadvantageous for an artise, however I think he will not change his personality and his way of doing things because that is the Kassy that we all know. He believed that it is more important to have people remembering him at his deathbed than having all the riches in the world. 

At least Kassy tried to connect to his fans through social media now. Recently, he opened his Weibo account in China but he seldom update his news. Despite that, I think it is great that Kassy have not totally give up his passion for acting. All the best, Kassy! 

Things you got to know about Kashiwarbara Takashi (Part 2)

6) Photo album book - The real Kassy


Takashi Kashiwabara was known for his squeaky clean image. His first photo album book that was released in Taiwan projected a boyish charm. As a result, he was called "Prince Charming" by his fans. 


During interviews, Kashiwabara Takashi acknowledged that in real life he is an unkempt person. He has a casual fashion sense and a wilful personality. As far as possible, he wanted to show everyone his true self instead of pretending to be somebody that he is not. He admitted that he had changed throughout the years. He will never have the same sparkles in his eyes from the time he left his hometown to venture into the city in search for his dreams. 

Kassy is a heavy smoker and he enjoys playing Mahjong. He has a collection of sunglasses too. In the book, he also revealed that he like to read horse racing magazine and watch F1 car racing. However, he said that he does not bet in those races. He thinks that there is nothing wrong with the game itself, the problem is that people used these games for evil intention. 

He confessed that he does not like to travel that much because of the shower head in the hotel room. He prefer strong water current gushing on him while bathing, therefore he will be dismayed if those shower head cannot be compared to the shower head in his house. 

7) Ideal Irie Naoki in writer Kaoru Tada eyes


Late manga writer Kaoru Tada used Masaharu Fukuyama as a model for her manga - Itazura Na Kiss. Many people said that Kassy look like the younger version of him. That could be the reason why he was chosen to be Irie Naoki. According to Kaoru Tada, she was captured by Kassy charm in a drama where he acted as a killer. Kaoru Tada has been visiting the filming set and was secretly having a crush on Kassy. In my opinion, Kassy exude a depressed and cold expression in his eyes. However, Kassy in real life is pretty much different from his onscreen image. He actually has a cheerful and mischievous personality. 

8) The No'where in him 


Kashiwabara Takashi was the lead vocalist of Japanese rock band 'Nowhere'. The band was made up of the guitarist who is his younger brother Shuji Kashiwabara, the drummer and bass guitarist are his friends. Both Takashi and Shuji contributed to the lyrics and music in No'where album. Takashi Kashiwabara thought of this name because their band was formed out of nowhere, they wanted to establish their style of music and No'where can be interpreted as Now Here. Kassy tried to avoid the limelight because he wanted the focus to be on his brother and other band members. 

Their style of music was pretty much influenced by Kassy favorite Britpop - Oasis. During that time, not many people were ready to accept this type of European influence style of music in Asian context. Therefore, their music were considered as raw and mediocre in Japan. In contrast, their singles were met with great success in Taiwan. Critics and music reviews raved that the band had bought a breath of fresh air in the music industry. They have the potential to be further polished in their music. 


Takashi Kashiwabara promoted No'where through this drama Rendevous. His character in this show was romantically involved with an older woman. What can I say except that I felt jealous and envious of that woman? Anyway, Kassy looked so innocent, fresh and adorable in this role. Get away from Kassy! Stop preying on him!!! Lol.. 


Unfortunately, No'where was disbanded after a few release which was a shame. It was unclear why No'where disband since Kassy and his brother mentioned to the press that they would like to concentrate on acting. There was also rumors of contract issue with their company. Anyway, it seems like Kassy was not that passionate about music afterall. It was known that Kassy agreed to join the band because of his younger brother Shuji. 

9) 20th century last pretty boy and its burden


Takahi Kashiwabara kicked off his acting career as a pretty boy. He had mentioned before that he did not like to be labelled as the last pretty boy of the century. That was a burden to him because the audience were only concerned about his appearance and not his acting skills. He wanted to be recognize as an actor rather than an idol. Sadly, he was not given much opportunity to prove his talent in acting. Despite having a remarkable start in the Entertainment industry , unfortunately he was met with many setbacks later on in his acting career. 

10) Famous supporting actor in Jdorama 


Sometimes success depends on Lady Luck too. For some reasons, Kassy acting career was not as smooth sailing as one thought despite the initial success. He was often not given a main role in a drama although he has the capability of attracting viewership. Sometimes, the script that he or his management agency picked was not that favorable to him as an actor. This underrated actor was always playing roles that were either insignificant or being casted as a 'beautiful vase' in a drama. 


Kassy had always wanted to break free from the public impression of him. He wanted to be free from the norm that people created for him throughout these years. The free spirit in him refused to fit into that particular mould. He does not want to be stereotype in idol drama and chooses to take on challenging role instead. As a result, he played many type of characters in his acting career but none of it surpass his former success. 





Monday, January 12, 2015

DramaQueen pick: My favorite Taiwanese Idol drama




Title: The prince who turns into a frog

Year of broadcast: 2005

Starring: Ming Dao and Joe Chen

Summary: Shan Jun Hao (Ming Dao) is a spoilt, ruthless and cold-hearted heir to a large hotel chain. Ye Tian Yu (Joe Chen) dreams of marrying into a rich family. She is somewhat a schemer and a "gold digger". A car incident cause Shan Jun Hao to lost his memories. He became a totally different person after that incident. Tian Yu family took him in for their own benefits. They gave him another name called Dang Ou. He is loving and kindhearted. This period of time, love blossom between the two of them. What will happen if Shan Jun Hao suddenly regain his memories?

What I like: Ming Dao! He has a princely charisma and the way he carries himself is so sophisticated. I like the black tuxedo that he wears and the manly look when he put on his watch. Ming Dao is so convincing as the handsome Prince, that you can never fault him at all. No matter how he flips from nasty to nice and vice versus, he can easily fit into either role. He is pretty good in playing both Dang Ou and Shan Jun Hao. 

Joe Chen acting is pretty good too. She protrays her character very well. Her comedic timing with Ming Dao is so good. Their chemistry is evident throughout the drama. It became so natural that this couple is compatible with each other. Love is in the air, despite their denial. 

Dislike: The pace within the drama itself is sometimes too slow. One moment is serious, the next moment is comedic. I also dislike some characters in the drama such as the irritating Tian Yu stepmother. Other "irrelevant" characters and unnecessary situations makes the drama draggy at times. The supporting casts Sam Wang and Joyce Chao were moderately good in their roles but it just seems not enough to get me engaged in their acting. 


Title: MVP Valentine

Year of broadcast: 2002

Starring: Jonnie Yen, Angela Chang, Tony Sun

Summary: Duan Cheng Feng (Jonnie Yen) accidentally hits and paralyze Angel. Although he wins the MVP player at the basket ball match, he felt guilty for this. Therefore, he felt that it was his responsibility to take care of Angel. Xiao Xi (Angela Chang) who is Duan Cheng Feng loving girlfriend, was heartbroken because of this matter.

What I like: Angela Chang doe-eyed innocence and the theme songs. To be honest, none of the cast members are really strong performers in this drama. The only person that caught my eyes is Angela Chang. This story is a remake of the Japanese popular manga Slam Dunk! While I like the manga, the storyline can be too exergerated for my likings. 

Dislike: Everybody trying too hard to act cool. With their short height such as Tony Sun, how can they act as basketball players? I suppose everyone except professional player Jonnie Yen are just a piece of joke. 


Title: Magicians of Love

Year of Broadcast: 2006

Starring: Ming Dao, Joanne Zeng, Sam Wang

Summary: Three top hairstylists in town, Artz (Ming Dao), Riche (Sam Wang) and Fernando (Jacky Wu) opens the Neo-image hair salon just opposite the traditional barber's shop run by Xiao bei (Joanne Zeng) and her father. 

What I like: Ming Dao again! Yes, he is the only magic in this otherwise boring series. These were the prime years of Taiwanese idol drama. The early 20s were fascinated by the charm of these lead actors. Indeed, after the prime years everything flops, before the Korean wave begins. 

Dislike: I don't have anything that I particularly dislike. If I really have to point out anything,  it will be the impracticality of the drama. That itself does not really bothers me since taiwanese drama were somewhat the same. Anyway, the story is simple and the limelight were as usual on 183 club, Ming Dao and Joanne Teng. That is all. 


Title: Meteor Garden

Year of broadcast: 2001

Starring: Barbie Hsu, Jerry Yen, Vic Zhou

Summary: The story centers around a poor teenage girl named Shan Chai (Baribe Hsu), who at the insistence of her parents goes to a university for rich people. The university is dominated by Dao Ming Si (Jerry Yen), Hua Ze Lei (Vic Zhuo), Mei Zhou (Vanness Wu) and Xi Men (Ken Chu). They are the rich, handsome and arrogant students collectively known as "F4" in short for Flower four.

What I like: Of course F4! Actually, I am not amazed by their good looks, since to be honest there are better looking guys elsewhere that we have seen. Rather it is the charisma and the wow effect behind these flower boys. Frankly speaking, the only person that stole the show is Barbie Hsu who protrays her role convincingly well. The rest of the cast were just "meh". 

Dislike: F4 are the "Prince crown" that they wear on their heads. Actually, they are just a fantasy to many girls. When you wake up from this dream, there goes the bubble "pop"! 


Title: Devil beside you

Year of broadcast: 2005

Starring: Mike He, Rainie Yang

Summary: The story begins with Qi Yue (Rainie Yang) confessing her liking to basketball team captain Yuan Yi (Kingone Wang). Being a careless person that she is, she has made her confession to the wrong person, who happens to be the school's devil Ah Mon. What complicated the love triangle further is when Qi Yue mother marrying Ah Mon dad. Therefore, Ah Mon and Qi Yue will be step brother and sister. What are the lovebirds going to do? 

What I like: The chemistry between handsome Mike He and cutie pie Rainnie Yang. They are so comfortable with each other that I really thought that they were a perfect onscreen couple. They are nicely casted in their respective role.

Dislike: What's up with the silly storyline? Is that a somewhat copycat version of Korea drama? Have to stop this "incest relationship" because of their parents? Well done scriptwriter.. Is there better ideas? 



Title: Corner with love 

Year of broadcast: 2007

Starring: Show Luo and Barbie Hsu

Summary: Xin Lei (Barbie Hsu) is a pretty and intelligent girl, who has never known a day of hardship. On the other hand, Qin Lang (Show Luo) is a penniless guy who has the aspiration to become an artist. The rich and pampered lady and the hardworking poor man met each other at the corner of the road, and begin a beautiful romantic story. 

What I like: The down-to-earth personality of Qin Lang. The bickering between Barbie Hsu and Show Luo were interesting and funny. There were some heartwarming moments that Qin Lang had done a lot without the knowledge of Xin Lei. He is actually a really sweet and nice guy and Show Luo nailed it for me. 

Dislike: It is another fairytale story about rich and poor. Either side of the main characters must be very rich or very poor! Since we can predict the outcome of the story, the process before they achieve happiness are the important component to draw in the audiences. I think both Show and Barbie were consistent in their acting, therefore that became the only reason that keep my interest for the drama strong.  


Title: It Started with a kiss

Year of Broadcast: 2005

Starring: Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin

Summary: A adaptation of Japanese Manga Itazura Na Kiss. The original live version was shown in 1996. Yuan Xiang Qing (Ariel Lin) is a intellectually challenged girl, naive but optimistic high school girl. Ever since she met Jiang Zhi Shu (Joe Cheng) at the freshman orientation, she's been in love with the genius with an IQ of 200.

What I like: I have always been a fan of Itazura Na Kiss since the 1996 version. Both Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin were good in protraying their characters. This is the only drama that kept me engaged and rooted for their love since the beginning of the story.

Dislike: I can't help but compare with the first japanese live version of Itazura Na kiss starring Takashi Kashiwabara. It is not easy to compete with my first love afterall. However, if I were to comment on this drama itself, i would say that this version is a more complete version that is more in-dept with the story development. 


Title: They Kiss again

Year of broadcast: 2007

Starring: Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin

Summary: It was a sequel to It started with a kiss. The story follows the odd couple life after the comedic wedding. Both of them became doctor and nurse respectively.

What I like: Finally we can continue to watch the live version of Itazura Na Kiss sequel after their wedding. That was a great difference between the original Japanese drama Itazura Na Kiss and the Taiwanese version. While the first version did not explain about many things, the Taiwanese did a lot better with the storyline and really satisfied the Itazura Na Kiss fans. 

Dislike: Ariel Lin stop whining!!! Yuan Xiang Qing is too silly for me to really appreciate her. At least Sato Aiko protray Kotoko as a brave girl that dares to challenge Naoki. Both are equally silly but Sato Aiko provide a little more edge to her character for me to appreaciate. Despite that, Ariel is overall still pretty good in her protrayal of Yuan Xiang Qing (Kotoko).


Title: Fated To love you

Year of broadcast: 2008

Starring: Joe Chen, Ethan Ruan

Summary: Chen Xin Yi is an unfashionable office lady, who has the desire to tie down her boyfriend. She plans and pays for a romantic love cruise,  hoping to lose her virginity and thus keep her boyfriend. On the same cruise is Ji Cun Xi (Ethan Ruan), who is the sole heir to a soap and cleaning product company. The both of them accidentally spend a night together, only to find out the next day. 

What I like: The storyline that strengthens towards the middle and the end of the drama. There were many comedic and heartbreaking moments that engaged me till the end of the series. I like the growth of the two main characters as they experience life, which in turn transformed them into a better person respectively. You know that the drama has succeed when the audience can relate and sympathize with each character. Therefore, making it a must watch Taiwanese Idol drama for the fans. 

Dislike: The naivety of Chen Xin Yi when she was clearly being taken advantage of by practically everyone. Thankfully, she grows up and learn to stand up for herself. I am frustrated that she has been allowing people to step all over her. 


Title: Endless Love

Year of broadcast: 2010

Starring: Wilber Pan, Sandrine Pinna

Summary: Liang Jing Hao (Wilber Pan) and Song Rui En (Sandrine Pinna) falls in love despite social difference. However, their happy union was shattered when he discover that her philanthropic father was the driver who killed his mother in a hit and run years ago and the cause of his father's suicide on their wedding day. The devastated Jing Hao chose to disappear rather than exposing the crimes that her father had committed. Years later, Jing Hao resurfaced. What will happen to the couple? 

What I like: The lovey dovey couple -Liang Jing Hao and Song Rui En. Initially, I do not like Song Rui En because she appears to be arrogant. However, she begins to reveal her cute personality shortly after. I watched this drama mainly because of Wilber Pan. I thought that Sandrine Pinna is a newcomer and her expressions were weird initially, but she seems more comfortable with the camera after a while. Despite that raw element, she did pretty well as a newcomer in Taiwanese idol drama.

Dislike: The non existent punishment for Song Wan Ji (Rui En father). He committed a hit and run crime!! Lin Yo Wei convincing protrayal of a irritating doctor named Li Min Suo. There were still some flaws in this drama, such as the unaccounted "evidence" for the hit and run incident. How did Song Wan Ji know that Liang Jing Hao was aware that he was the culprit behind the hit and run incident?