Words to Remember

To those who does not believe...no explanation is enough
To those who believe...no explanation is necessary

A person who does speak...does not really know
A person who does know...does not speak

A true friend trust even the unbelievable
A friend who doubts is an enemy in disguise


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These are the words my dad told me...
These are the words that will guide me...




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One day in a drama (Part 5 to I Love Korea)

My Jeju Tour would be useless if i would not have a look at the places where my favorite Korean dramas were shot. After all, i wouldn't be aware of the place if not for Koreanovelas.

When i first went to Seoul last year, i had the chance to see the shooting location of Jewel in the Palace, which is now a theme park "Dae Jang Guem. I had a great time reminiscing the drama while walking around the park. It was a great experience because I could imagine how Lee Young Ae (Jang Guem) acted in each drama scene.

While in Jeju, i recalled the scene where Jang Geum was exiled in Jeju. So i grabbed the chance to see the place where she was "exiled". Well...it is not as gruesome and scary looking place just like in the drama, instead it is well taken care of with waterfalls and some pretty flowers on every side. But of course, it will be different since it is no longer used for the drama anymore but as a tourist spot already. It's a big place, so again a comfortable shoes is a must. I defintely appreciated some posters with "drama captions" explaining the scenes of the drama that was shot there. While in the place, we also visited an "Old Korean Folk Village". Would you believe that Koreans before were not tall. The houses were very small. The bedrooms were built for a normal height of an 10 year old kid and with minimal space. As i listened to the guide, I learned so much about Korean culture and marriages. Men are regarded as superior than women. In history, husband walk through the front door while the wife should pass through the back door which was a feet or two lower than the front door. Reason? So that the wife would be bowing down to her husband as she enter the house. Very interesting...but as what i noticed in today's Modern Korea, wives now are given importance as well. Also, Korean are a lot taller these days. Most of the guys are six-footers.

Right after that, i went to see "The Legend's" drama location. Honestly, I am not a fan of Bae Yong Joon (but my cousin is). I went out of curiosity since the drama is very popular. I watched "Jumong" and knowing that Legend is the continuation of the story built my interest to see the place where the shooting was done. Compared to Dae Jang Geum, it is a lot bigger. The place is really HUGE! In fact, my cousins and i were not able to have a look at the whole park. The place is unbelievable, just like a real city. It has a palace, a village, a market and a battlefield. I felt like i travelled in a certain "war era". Hands down to all those who contributed in building the set. You wouldn't know it was just a set if you have not touched the walls. I don't know what material was used, but not concrete. Also, we totally had a blast because there are no restrictions such as "no touching" or "no sitting". I even had a chance to sit on Damdeok's bed and look at his closet. ^^ what an experience! I guess it's commonsense that the only restrictions though are: no vandalism, don't damage anything and don't leave your trash. Other than that, you can even eat ice cream on Damdeok's dining table ^^ (By the way, have i written how great Korean Ice creams are? It is! Was able to eat two cups of vanilla ice cream regardless of how cold the weather that time)

To complete, my drama experience...we went out to see some "Canola Blossoms". Just as i imagined, they are very pretty! Just standing there would give you goosebumps and dramatic feeling. I felt like i want to play piano right there and then. hahaha ^^ or am i just being in a "senti mood" that time since i was able to share the moment with those I love. I suddenly remember the scene from "Spring Waltz".

I have mentioned in my previous entry (part 2) that i went to see Seongsan Sunrise Peak. It is where a scene from "My Girl" was shot. The one where Joo Yu Rin was being chased by a gang. Another "must see" in Jeju Island. Then I also went to Hallasan National Park. Oh my, hiking that place was really hard! I thought i would not reach the top. But i did! I am just not too sure now if i would climb that mountain again. I was so tired! No problem with the "going down". It's the "going up" that's too hard. I think i have used up all my energy just to climb the mountain and reach the peak. Anyway, being at the top was not that bad. ^^ I got to wave at those who gave up and stayed at the bottom (haha) Hallasan National Park is where Mt.Halla is. A scene from Kim Sam Soon was shot there.

Wooo.....being in a "drama" could be so tiring! I felt like i traveled from one century to another...;)

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I love Teddy Bear! (Part 4 to I love Korea)

I love Teddy Bears! I think every kid and even adults love Teddy Bears! Who would not? Teddy Bears are cuddly, soft, huggable, cute and best of all...they are good sleeping companions ^^

My trip to Jeju Korea, would not be complete and as meaningful without stopping by and visiting the popular "TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM".

I lost myself to the place. I definitely became like a kid again! I gave out "shrieks" of delight at every bear i see. The place is awesome that every "glass" showcased bears imitating popular themes, celebrities and important events that happened or still happening in the world such as: Tarzan and Jane, Michael Jordan, Ali vs. Frazier, Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles, Titanic (yes, you'll see Leo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet bear version ^^), Celebration of Chinese New Year, An Old Korean Folk Village, Korean Warriors, and of course the Bear Version of Ji Hoon and Eun Hye from Princess Hours. Visiting Teddy Bear Museum is like traveling back in History and meeting Icons too. Just like Marilyn Monroe...now i know what she looks like when she became a teddy bear ^^ Seriously, the place is great. Very cute!

Of course, Winnie the Pooh and Care bears are present in the museum. I would be very sad if I found out they're not included. But i have not seen Yogi Bear...i wonder where was he?

To enjoy the place, a person should allot at least 2 hours. There is a park for more "picture taking" with the bears and a snack corner just in case you get hungry after looking around. I am sure young and old will have a great time at this museum.

I also had a great time buying my very own "teddy bear" from TBM souvenir shop down below. I think I spent a lot of time at the shop that at the gallery because i had a hard time "choosing" which among those "teddy bear stuffs" should i buy. Everything is just so cute! If i have a choice...i want to but them all. Another choice is: To live in the museum! haha ^^

Souvenir items are pricey. But if you rarely visit Jeju and TBM, a souvenir is a must. A small bear is about P600.00, a medium one ranges from P800-P1,000.00 while a really big bear would cost you P1,500-P2,000. Souvenir items are not limited to "stuffed bears". There are TBM bags, wallets, umbrellas, picture frames, keychains, stationaries and postcards.

Am i too obvious in promoting TBM? Well, this is a free ad^^

more photos at my friendster page.

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