January 26 - Brewing Korean Madness


7:15 a.m. – I had Kimchijeon and Gamjajeon for breakfast.  The first one is a Korean dish of thin pancakes with Kimchi while the latter is potato pancakes. 

9:00 a.m. – I am studying the Months now in the Korean Language.  Every day, my routine is to study how to write the Korean vowels and consonants in the morning before I go to work or before I sleep at night.  It was hard at first because my penmanship seemed to be from a 5-year old kid but as I compared how I write now, my straight lines or strokes are finer.  This is how I study the Months:  

January:          Irwol
February:         Iwol
March:             Samwol
April:                Sawol
May:                Owol
June:               Yuwol
July:                 Chirwol
August:            Parwol
September:     Guwol
October:          Siwol
November:      Sibirwol
December:      Sibiwol

10:00 a.m. – I am watching my all time favorite Korean movie “The Sassy Girl.”  When I was still studying, I used to make a love letter for my dream future partner and put it in a capsule or my jewelry box and dig a hole in the garden, just to imitate a moving scene from the movie.

12:00 nn – I have my 1 cup of rice and 3 piece chicken for lunch.  Thanks to McCORMICK Korean Recipe Mix for giving my chicken a new flavor.  I have four flavours to choose from:  Bulgogi, Kimchi, Spicy and Soy Garlic.  The 2 best flavors for me are Bulgogi and Kimchi. 


1:00 p.m. – I miss my previous Korean students.  My first job was teaching a group of Korean students how to read English naturally.  They were part of a certain Christian Academy in South Korea and one of their regular activities is to travel and study English.  They had chosen my country because one of their Pastors (with his family) is living here for more than 10 years.  I loved my old job and sometimes I think of finding a few students to teach via online but I can’t do it now because of my full-time job.  It is funny for me to mention about my first job.  I know I am not perfect in grammar but I am very good in reading, delivering speech and news just like the news anchors in CNN.

I started to get in love with Koreans when I saw my previous students trying to learn how to read and communicate with other people.  That day I said to myself that I wanted to go to South Korea.  Soon, I will be experiencing autumn leaves, fine dining, great shopping, and maybe taking a picture with my favorite Korean stars like Lee Min Ho, Kwon Sang Woo, and Ji Jin Hee. 

3:00 p.m. – I love Koreans!  I love the way they speak, look sexy in fashionable clothes, act on screens, eat Kim chi, and everything else...oopps, I am saying again.  I guess I am a Korean wannabe!

6:05 p.m. – I created this story 2 years ago.  This simple story popped out of my mind when I was watching a couple of Korean (and even Taiwanese) Dramas in Cable Television:

I was dating this young man for a year already.  He seemed domineering in our past dates but I just thought that maybe all young men have this attitude.

         The other day, he sent me a message that we will go out together “Hello, we will meet tomorrow.”  To my excitement, I replied immediately “Sure, what time?” As I expected, he did not reply to my message.  I waited so badly for his reply until the next day.  I waited...until it was 9 o’clock in the evening and he has not messaged me yet.  I wanted to call him but I thought to myself “Hey, I am the girl.  You must be the one to call me!”  An hour past, I heard my phone rang; a voice echoed “Where are you? Don’t keep me waiting here!” 

“Whoa, who is this man?” “What kind of man am I dating for a year now?” Since I am getting to like him, I scurried down the stairs, hopped on a taxi and in the next fifteen minutes I was at the doorstep.  He gave his deadly smile and hugged me.

I thought we would go out together, I mean only us, but he was with 3 guys.  I acted friendly and naive to them because I really wanted to be with him.  After 2 hours, he told those 3 stupid guys that we would go ahead to buy something and go home.  We went inside his car and I expected that he would drive me home, safely.  But, he was driving to a very dark place.  I got scared and panicked inside the car.  He told me “What are you thinking? Don’t you dare think that I will do something stupid?”  My lips got locked for answers until I realized we were on the parking lot... We went inside his apartment and horrible ideas went into my mind. “Is this my end? Am I going to die now?”...

He had offered me a shirt so that I could change but I refused but then he yelled “C-H-A-N-G-E-D!” After that, he had lifted me inside his room and whispered that he wanted to sleep beside me because he LOVES me. I felt at ease all of a sudden, I did not think that he was going to rape or kill me.  We were already inside the room; he put the lights off and he went to sleep.  I just sat at the corner of the bed and did not move.  I did not know why I had observed him slept all night.  I uttered to myself “You are really different.  Domineering but in a very sweet way.”  It also came to my mind the sweet or romantic guys in the movie and I even asked myself “Are you just acting sweet like Gu Jun Pyo of Boys over Flower?”

It was 6 o’clock in the morning, and I have not taken even a nap.  Yes, I admit I felt at ease with him yet I cannot deny the feeling that maybe he was just playing on me.  He woke up, and told me that “You are not really sweet! Anyway, we will take our breakfast now” We went to a fast food for he was rushing to work.   As expected again, he ordered for the two of us without even asking me what I wanted to order.  I did not like the food he ordered so I just pretended I was so hungry and how I badly love the food.  While we were eating, he asked me questions like “What do you really want in life? What is your goal?”...  Again, I was not able to answer.

After we ate, he searched for a taxi; kissed me on the cheek and said bye.
I could not really understand this man.  He will just suddenly text or call, ask me questions that I cannot answer right away and do unexpected things like in the typical Korean Dramas.

7:00 p.m. – How about you, is he really a sweet man like in Korean Dramas?  I guess this Korean madness is not doing me good.  I think I won’t be studying Korean letters or even memorize a sentence tonight.  

The NKOTBSB Concert - by PotterMom

This dinner, I just took the last fork of my Lasagna.  I savoured the tasty moment of me chewing it.  Do you know that feeling when you eat and swallow your favourite food?  However, the feeling was the opposite before I watched the NKOTBSB Concert.

Rewind... 4 months ago.

I could not swallow the Lasagna and drink the diet coke.  I felt so sober and panicky by seeing a few of the Ovation Production staff waiting for their ice cream and hearing my all-time favourite NKOTBSB songs sounded in all areas of the mall.  With my heart beating so fast, I knew I was not feeling normal.  It felt like it was going to jump up to the sky.  I guess you call it “absolute excitement.”

As early as 7 in the evening, the line was too long that caused the traffic.  I have seen group of friends and families who were bonding happily.  It made that awkward feeling, me going ALONE to the concert.

Nobody went with me because of the expensive ticket.  So I said to myself that I would enjoy the concert later at 8p.m. and anyhow I could befriend many NKOTBSB fans inside the venue.  I just exactly saw a co-Potterhead who was wearing a Gryffindor Quidditch sweater, so I felt no worries at all.

My heart jumped with glee when the entrances opened at 7:30.  My heart was telling me to shout but I held myself because I could scream (until I want) during the concert.  However, others were so excited that they giggled and cheered with all their might. 

It was easy for me to pass the entrance because of my V.I.P. ticket.  I thanked God for giving me a front-row seat because the general admission entrance was so crowded.  I was lucky too that the security officers did not confiscate my small 12mpx Sony camera.  I was so blessed (I could take photos) because others were forced to leave their huge cameras at the checkpoint.

I felt so great when I was inside the Arena that was packed of NKOTBSB fanatics, local movie stars, foreigners, adults (who grew up with their songs), and youngsters.  The concert did not exactly start at 8 so I had enough time to take photos of the awesome crowd and texted my sisters how I was excited for “A once in a lifetime concert” to start.

When was the last time you have been so happy because of your favourite band? I bet you felt the same way with me when I was in the concert and know my feelings while I am writing this now.

At long last, the happiness that I was holding back (since last year) was finally released.  Like a movie, the happiness went blockbuster!  I yelled once the NKOTBSB appeared on stage.  I bellowed that I did not care I was alone, which has its advantage though.  I was not shy to scream and sing “NKOTB, please don’t go...step by step!” or “BSB, I’ll never break your heart.” 

The talented men showed that the night was truly a “One Night, One Stage: Once in a lifetime Concert.”  They showed their passion in music even if they are old and the humor did not fade as well.  The charisma and energy were at its best too!

BSB Group Photo - Manila, Philippines
BSB with "All I have to Give" Song
Energetic Knight and McIntyre of NKOTB
Funny Jordan Knight & Joey McIntyre of NKOTB
Even if I was not able to purchase a V.I.P. access (which is different from a V.I.P. ticket), I enjoyed the show at the front seat.  I was able to shake hands with A.J Mclean and Jonathan Knight when they sang in front of us; I felt like melting when NKOTB looked at me and signed I LOVE YOU; I chuckled when I unintentionally took a photo of Jordan Knight wearing a Calvin Klein.

Jonathan Knight downstage - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
Jordan Knight - wearing a Calvin Klein at NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines    
The best moment (I still have hang-over) was when Nick Carter read my very big poster.  No, I did not intend to make it so big like this as if going to a rally.  I just wanted to make sure that Nick would get to see this. BOOM! It was EFFECTIVE because Nick really stopped walking at the stage and read my poster that made the girls beside me giggled and with their jaws dropped unknowingly, said “Whoah, you are so lucky!”

Nick Carter in cool jacket with gold accents
Big Poster read by Nick Carter - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
The concert ended by them wearing blue jackets with a “Sun” design at the front and the word “Philippines” at the back.  They formed a friendly circle in order to show their love for the fans and they also gave photo souvenirs.  NKOTBSB will have a forever mark in me because they did not forget to thank the fans and they promised that they will be back here soon (with hands forming a heart shaped.)

NKOTBSB forming a fun circle - Manila, Philippines
Tweet of Nick Carter - saying "Thank You" c/o www.twitter.com/@nickcarter


P.S.  These are some of the photos that you can enjoy.  Sorry, some are blurred because I was shaking.  I do not have close-up photos too, even a single photo of me with A.J. or Nick because I got panicked when they were very close to me.  I hope you too can share your NKOTBSB photos with me.  Just comment the links under my blog and if I love the photos, I might just subscribe to you.

XoXo
PotterMom  

Amazing belt of Donnie Wahlberg - NKOTBSB Concert
Jacket with "SUN & The Philippine Flag" - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
Jordan Knight singing a love song to the Lovelies - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
Nick Carter - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
Shirtless Wahlberg - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
Brian Littrell - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
Jordan Knight (side view) - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
Adorable looks of Howie D. - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
AJ Mclean & Brian Littrell's heart melting voice - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
After the Concert with AZKALS Philippine Football Team - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines
NKOTBSB Collage - NKOTBSB Concert; Manila, Philippines



From Alley to NKOTBlock & BSBoys (NKOTBSB) - by PotterMom

Struggles Getting a NKOTBSB Concert Ticket - by PotterMom


November 2011

A group of handsome and talented boys flashed my screen, and I got wild...remained wild.  My heart plummeted and there it was again, the squeal of happiness threatening to break free.      
Backstreetboys old rare stuff
   “OMG, my forever favourite band since I was 11 years old, the Backstreetboys!”  I shouted with the top of my lungs.
   I checked the Web address to see www.backstreetboys.com.  “Is it really possible for the BSB to go back again after their 2010 concert here in the Philippines?”  I asked while I browsed all the tour schedules.  “I believe a NKOTBSB concert is possible, Hooray!”  I yelled as if I won in a lottery.   

   But a notification popped "The page you are trying to access requires membership."  I got devastated because I do not have a credit card and I could not access my own PayPal account.  I almost died...



A Few Months Later

I busied myself being an admin to a few Harry Potter Pages There I met a bunch of Backstreetboys Fanatic like me.  I really envy them because they live in London and Australia.  I have seen a lot of advertisements that NKOTBSB will be rocking these countries.  I was wondering if they would be back in my country after two years.

   I sat on my bed, checking my email if there was any newsletter (that I subscribed) from the BSB Official Web.  Sadly, there was none.  I groaned and got hold of my daily planner and wrote something to look forward to “Always check my email and login to BSB Web site everyday for awesome news.”  As I was writing, I suddenly remembered reading a horoscope for the Cancer People and that says:

      Cancer (born from June 22 – July 22) – In the middle of the year, you will be given this opportunity.  Grab this, don’t even think twice.”...


   “Golly!’ What does this mean?” I always asked myself.  I was hardly thinking for weeks if the horoscope was really meant for me.   A few weeks ago, I was offered a work in the British Embassy.  I thought to myself “Maybe this is what the horoscope meant.” Or probably, “The NKOTBSB would be rocking the Philippines in June!” I instantly laughed at myself. 



April

The thought of the Backstreetboys was making me really upset.  It is as if my hope of being an official BSB Community Member would suddenly be blown away.  I could not get any awesome email from the BSB Web.  When I logged into the site and even on their Facebook pages, the tour schedules I observed were all for foreign countries.  There was no glimpse of Asia concerts.     

  I woke up very early with a smile up to my ears.  I have dreamed of the Backstreetboys!  In my dream, I attended a once in a lifetime concert in the Philippines.  After the concert, all of them went to me, and I was able to talk and shake hands with them.


   It took me an hour to ponder on my dream “A dream or a dream to come true?”  I hurriedly grabbed my journal and wrote my whole dream happening in the present, as what I have learned from the author of The Secret, Rhonda Byrne.  I have learned that when a person wants something, he must first ask and command the Universe-- I have written my dream with all my might to the Universe so that it would know what I want and respond to me.  I followed what the Book asked me to do since I wanted to be with the Backstreetboys. 
       

   Like, like, and like...I hit the like button several times on the handsome photos of Howie Dorough.  I was still fixated with my dream a few days ago.  As I was daydreaming, I spun my head to the bottom right of the screen; as if someone whispered at the back of my head “Your chance, grab it!” 


   I was astounded...really astounded.  In front of my big brown eyes was an advertisement:    

            New Kids on The Block – Backstreetboys are back! LIVE IN MANILA


I hysterically clicked the ad but there was no additional information. I had typed the www.backstreetboys.com URL but it said that my login was not successful.  I got more frustrated.  But after a few days, I was happy to see that my login was successful.  I have browsed the Tour page and I already saw Manila, Philippines on June 3 at Mall of Asia Arena.  I could not entirely absorb this fact “Oh my golly, they are really back after two years. Unbelievable but true!”   


I have read an article and link to the pre-sale tickets.  I got energized when I saw the NKOTBSB seat plan, thousand video shares, and hot fan reviews. Wow, after so many years, they still rock the hearts of the Filipinos.  



May

Securing a ticket at the front seat was giving me a lot of panic! Waiting and trying to access took me a month.  To my despair, I even borrowed my sister’s PayPal card but unluckily, she forgot her own password.  We have been to the bank several times just to fix her card.  We managed to remember the password but cannot link directly to the site.  I also contacted my friends in Facebook and my co-worker Leigh Ram.

   “May I borrow your credit card please Leigh? I will die if I don’t get to watch the NKOTBSB concert or if I don’t win a VIP upgrade!” I asked her but she told me “Oh sorry, my card is maxed out.”

   I also joined a photo contest given by the Ovation Production in Facebook.  I submitted a few of my stuff from 1997-2000 that still looks brand-new.  Too bad, I did not win the two patron tickets (supposedly for my sweet sisters) if I win.


The Last Resort

The last but not the least resort was to ask someone from Manila to purchase a ticket for me.  I asked my sister’s boyfriend Mackie.  It took him two days just to get the money I sent.  It gave me a real stress because the merchant blocked the card and asked him for two identification cards.  Alas, after the long wait I got the VIP ticket.

   I have just finished drinking my white-flat.  It was already 12 before midnight on May 27. I logged-in to the PayPal account of my sister Claren (with her permission); I have tried to purchase the BSB membership for one more time and the last time before I surrender.  I have clicked check-out, verified my addresses, click next and a few more buttons; and that was it I already received a confirmation in my email. 


   I could not explain the happiness of being an official BSB Community member.  I was able to upload my profile picture, link twitter to it, comment on chats, read blogs, and many more that only a member can access.  I was also expecting to win the contest I joined.  I crazily wanted to see BSB backstage and have photos with them.  Unluckily, my time never came.  A woman named Cherrylyn won the contest for the Philippines.  I envy her in a positive way.  As a fan, I am so happy for her.



Travel for the once in a lifetime concert

An hour before I hit the road to Manila, I spent 30 minutes online, saying goodbye to my friends.  They all greeted me “Enjoy and you are so lucky!”  I wanted to kiss my sisters Claren and Rendl for understanding me that I spent a lot for the ticket and the BSBCommunity Membership.  They all understood my obsession (except for my Parents, I haven’t told them.)

Thank you very much NKOTBSB for choosing Philippines as part of your concert: One Night – One Stage, Once in a Lifetime Concert.  I just cannot express the great happiness I feel for the concert – The concert that I just daydream, frustrations (in months) I felt in buying a ticket, but the best part I had been waiting for, the real concert on June 3.