Big Bang is Coming to Manila

Finally after all those K-POP boy and girl groups who came, the biggest is coming over in Manila this October 24, 2012.  Big Bang (빅뱅) is performing here in the Philippines for the very first time and I am so excited about it! Not to mention it will be at the Arena in MOA.  They are the only group (aside from 2NE1) that I am continuously following since I discovered their music.

Big Bang is really going global this time.  Most of the time  before or after launching an album they do stage concerts but usually just in Korea and Japan but I guess after winning the 2011 MTV Europe's best world wide act for their song 'Tonight', they are ready to face their international fans and I am so glad they have included Philippines in their Alive World Tour itinerary.

I started to listen to Korean music way back 2007 with songs from Se7en and Wheesung.  Big Bang is the first boy group that I have ever truly liked amongst the bunch of Korean Pop (KPOP) idol groups and it all started when I saw a video clip of their performance of Fool's Only Tears at the SBS Inkigayo.  Up until now, it's one of my most favorites from Big Bang they never fail to sing it during their concerts like the one below:





Since then I started collecting their album, watching their performances online and 2010 I got to watch them live from the Olympic Theater in Seoul for the YG Family Concert.  It was totally a very new experience in watching concerts with all the lights and LED display.   The theater was full of energy, I must say the Koreans are great viewers and fans.

I like that they have a flavor of R&B and Hip Hop in their music.  While initially they are being criticized from not looking the typical 'pretty boys' as the other boy groups seem to be, I thought they all looked cool and they were so different from the rest of the KPOP boy groups. 




Their two most recent albums are showing a different side of their music and I am super loving it.  Their single 'Tonight' from their Big Bang Special Edition mini album in 2011 sealed the international recognition for their existence and their last album Alive instantly made the 3 released singles certified hits.

I can't wait for October to come.  I would really go for that front seat this time.  I can't thank YG enough for bringing Big Bang here in the Philippines.  빅뱅 너무 좋아요!

Note:  Videos are not mine, credit goes to those who own it. 

Taeyang...More About Taeyang!

OMO Taeyang is really giving me a dose of his killer performance medicine. I am loving every single performance of him. I Need a Girl grew on me. Even if it wasn't my most favorite song in the album, I love watching him perform this song and for 2 straight weeks his Solar album has been playing on and on my car while driving.

You know when someone is good...love and recognition pours. I Need a Girl has already took the place of the number 1 spot at MNET Countdown twice in row and now he also hit the same spot at KBS Music Bank.




I am so happy for Taeyang, the guy has really worked hard to come this far. I am amazed that every performance is as interesting as the first one. Since he started working on his solo activities he never failed to get my interest with his great performance. I know he may not have that super great voice but he truly knows how to work on his craft. Overall his live performance and MVs always come out perfect.

I thought of buying his album in time for my December visit in Seoul but after knowing that I maybe left with just the regular packaged album, I grabbed the opportunity of buying the deluxe version over at KPOP Mall.



I can't wait to get hold of this album, i hope it gets delivered next week. Thanks to AA Chan blog site, I learned that there are so many nice freebies included in the deluxe packaging of the album.

Taeyang deserves a big congratulations for making this album...way to go -- hit number one in Music Core and SBS Inkigayo. 태양씨 화이팅!

Note: the video is not mine credits goes to the person who posted it via YouTube.

Taeyang is Solar

Taeyang made his official comeback to the K-Pop scene last July 01, 2010 with the release of his full length album entitled Solar. The official MV of the carrier single entitled I Need a Girl has been out for fan's pleasure.



No doubt, Taeyang did it again. The whole concept of needing a girl and hating to be single fits him. I must say the beat of the song is a little light than his usual music and i love it. It so refreshing to hear Taeyang sing this song. The MV also shows a different side of him. He looks a little naughty and playful this time while still showing that great bod (which makes this video Hot!). Taeyang is definitely cute and hot in this video -- rare combination. I won't be surprised if 'I Need a Girl' becomes a huge success, it has the support of Big Bang's Lead GD with a little rap featured in the song and the beautiful Sandara as his girl interest in the MV.

The first live performance was made through MNET. He did not just sing one song but THREE! He had an Intro, Just a Feeling and I Need a Girl. Not everyone gets to comeback this big on MNET, I remember Lee Hyori singing at least 2 songs when she came back but she is an MNET artist. Though I think YG and MNET sort of have a close relationship, good to see Taeyang doing a big comeback on stage this way.



Lucky dancer, I forgot her name but she is always with Taeyang. During the 나만 바라봐 (Look Only at Me) promotion, the girl gets the best dance routine with Taeyang. She gets a good spot also in the Wedding Dress dance choreography. This time she even gets to smack Taeyang. I am also loving the dance routine, well it's not much of a big surprise for a good production number from Taeyang and the YG dancers, it's almost always expected. Everytime he has a production number there is always a signature step this time I find the step sometime on 1:00 cool for Taeyang. I remember how he danced Wedding Dress with that step where the count seems to be double compared to the beat. I love that part and Taeyang executed it flawlessly.

I Need a Girl is definitely a feel good song. Something that will make you groove a little while listening to it. I like the whole idea of the production number for this carrier song, it's like an MV on its own. I will definitely have this album on my collection. Good job Taeyang!

The videos are not mine credits go to You Tube account who posted.

K-POP Idols Invade Philippines

K-Pop artists seldom go to the Philippines to perform or hold a concert. Thanks to the these Korean dramas subbed in Filipino, a lot of pinoys are now riding the Korean wave.

Last month, the girl band 4Minute had their first concert here in the Philippines and few weeks after it was F.T. Island's turn to mesmerize pinoys with their music. This April another big name in the K-Pop world is having a One Night Only concert here in the Philippines, its no other than the 12-man idol group Super Junior.



Suju fans here in the Philippines can finally get a taste of live performance from their idol on April 10 at the Araneta Coliseum. The concert is yet to happen and there is a new K-Pop idol group who will soon grace the country, U-KISS.

I hope Big Bang, 2NE1 or even just Taeyang (태양) gets to visit the Philippines for a show too. It would be extra special to have Wheesung (휘성) but i really don't know if this will ever come true.

Can't Get Over Taeyang

I still can get over Taeyang's performances of Wedding Dress. I never get tired of watching him perform this song live. Always mesmerizes me with his charisma on stage.



Recently he guested at Strong Heart. It was so refreshing to see him smiling all through out. Taeyang has leveled up his hotness and charm indeed. He looks so confident answering questions and even sharing his feelings. Interestingly, Daesung was also there who is quite a big fun in the show.

There was this dance battle between Taeyang and Eunhyuk of Super Junior. It was true that they are both good but personally i think Taeyang is better than Eunhyuk. Taeyang's dance moves are smooth and really polished. I also like his facial expression when he dances. No wonder even JYP thinks Taeyang as one of the most improved artists.



Credit to alwaystaeyang for the first video and annlim14 for the last one.

YG Sparked SBS Gayo 2009

Whenever i watch SBS Gayo, I always remember watching it first 2007. The performance from YG Family just got me hooked on Korean R&B. It's at SBS Gayo 2007 that I get to know Big Bang, and what got my attention really is that opening number from Taeyang.

This year, YG with 2NE1 and Big Bang's GD and Taeyang added full spark to SBS Gayo 2009. Well this event runs as sort of year end Music Festival. Highlighting the music industry's brightest and best.

Who would have thought that Taeyang would really go far with his solo career. Since he debuted with 나만 바라봐 (Naman Parabwa - Look Only at Me), i have always looked forward seeing him solo. Of course this doesn't mean my admiration for Big Bang has lessen, to me they are still the best boy group in K-POP. It's just that Taeyang is really my most favorite in the group. As expected he just swept everyone with his brilliant performance of 나만 바라봐 and his current hit digital single Wedding Dress.



He owned the stage completely with his singing and great dancing skills. Everytime I see him on stage perform, it makes me really wonder how he always say he is shy... because he transforms into one hot performer.



He knows how to play on stage really. Just can't get enough of Taeyang. I wish he releases his second album soon. 2NE1 on the other hand is the IT Girl Group of the year, well at least that is on my personal opinion. Their presence on stage is indeed a statement with just the 4 of them -- they can truly set the stage on fire more so with GD and Taeyang around.



I think for this year... the younger generation of YG conquered the stage. They were really good but I also miss seing 1TYM, Jinusean, Se7en and of course Big Bang in action.

Credits to alwaystaeyang for all the videos.