Wings Chronicles, a pop group exhibit for a cause

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Nadine Postigo

On Sept. 2, I attended the Wings Chronicles exhibit here in Manila, which featured art and photography of the popular pop group Bangtan Sonyeondan (방탄소년단), also known as BTS . The two-day non-profit event was attended by numerous Philippine fans and was organized by Army Box. 

I spoke to Rosie, head of Army Box, to get to know more about the Wings Chronicles exhibit and the team behind it. “Army Box is a fan artists community with the goal of providing artistic BTS-related products in terms of goods and services by collaborating with different fan websites, fan clubs and organizations that will help improve the image of BTS. It was officially established last year on Aug. 19, 2016. The team consists of 30 people from the Philippines and the U.S.”

The Wings Chronicles exhibit made its first stop in the Philippines, holding it in both Cebu and Manila, followed by Bangkok and Singapore. Just like the pop group BTS, the Wings Chronicles is also "touring" different countries. So better check out the list of places it will go to at the end of this article to see if it's making a stop in your city.

Fans take their time to admire the wonderful photos and art work about the pop group BTS.(Nadine Postigo)

It was definitely fun to be in a room full of BTS fans, all full of admiration and appreciation for the group. What makes the Wings Chronicles exhibit different from other BTS exhibits I’ve seen is that they are doing the event for a cause, as all the proceeds will be donated in the name of BTS to humanitarian charities, such as the War Child USA Organization, St. Jude Children's Research and UNICEF. This is what drew me to the event all the more. During the Manila stop, there was also a photo booth set up where fans commemorated the day with their friends. The accumulated cash from that section was donated to the Children of Marawi, a place on Mindanao Island in the Philippines that is currently in the midst of a military insurgency. Over the years I’ve seen donations made in the names of the groups they idolize being common, especially among fans of Korean artists, and I’m glad that besides supporting our favorite singers, we’re also making a difference.

Rosie explained that the Wings Chronicles concept actually started on a whim. “The administration of the fan club was planning to do a year-long project in relation and likeness to the ways in which BTS has given everyone opportunities. We decided to pursue Global Embarkation, a two-part project that focuses on expanding help to our fellow fans and to all of mankind. The first part of this series was entitled Army Meets What, which was held from January to June in celebration of BTS's fourth anniversary. For the second part, we are now going on a journey for a worldwide exhibit in collaboration with different fan website and fan clubs, carrying the title Wings Chronicles. 

A lot of fans of BTS fans gather under the name of Wings Chronicles and communicate with each other. (Wings Chronicles Twitter)

The team decided to hold the Wings Chronicles exhibit in places where BTS's Wings Tour occurred. We wanted to share, relive and reminisce the experience of attending the concerts with our fellow fans who weren't able to do so, and of course to meet fans in different parts of the world. The exhibit will be held in different countries, mainly the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Korea. 

"It takes about two to three months to organize each stop, from venues, set up and layout and other details. The team for each exhibit also varies by country. It usually ranges from five and upward. There are about 25 fan artists consisting who produced fine works of art for the exhibit.”

BTS fans share and show off their talent through art. (Nadine Postigo)

Fellow fans with whom I talked after the Wings Chronicles exhibit stated that they highly recommend going to these kinds of events. “It’s like attending a concert,” one said excitedly. Another thought that being surrounded with fellow fans helped her to have fun and gain new friends. I noticed that a lot of the fans who I met that day were just friends online before, but the event gave them a chance to meet personally and to put a face behind the usernames. 

There were numerous photos and works of art that the fans just gushed over. If you know the "heart eyes" emoji on your phone, that’s the expression all of the attendees had on their faces. Background music of BTS was played all throughout, which made fans ecstatic. We sang along and even did a chant all together. Honestly, I'm very envious of people who can draw because I simply cannot, so I really admire the works of art. Instead of the usual paintings that we grew up seeing in our homes, I imagine K-pop fans having these works of art and framed photos of their idols as part of their interior decorations. 

The Wings Chronicles exhibit is held at the BTS Brick Live Café in Bangkok. (Wings Chronicles Twitter)

I was also able to interview one of the fan artists who participated in the exhibit, Giulia, who creates art featuring BTS as a hobby.  

“Getting to participate in events such as exhibits like the Wings Chronicles is an opportunity for me. It's an opportunity for me to share my art and interact with people. It's also an opportunity for me to learn. I learn to improve as an artist, getting to know what people like or what they appreciate, picking up details here and there."

"I only started my art account in January 2017, but I was already doing art since around June last year. Instagram was my first source for BTS updates when I got into the group, and I'd always see fan art posted by other people I followed. I got inspired by them. I decided, "Why not give it a try?" I had the talent for drawing and this could become a way for me to improve my craft. So I started posting them on my personal account. Then later I opened an art account. I draw because I want to, because I like it. I enjoy what I'm doing, and that, for me, is very important.”

For Giulia, she still feels overwhelmed whenever people post pictures of merchandise featuring her artwork. “Their reactions and feedback give me room for improvement. This is also one of the main reasons why I like participating in these events. I get joy from people seeing my art. Simple compliments like, 'It's very cute,' or, 'I really like it,' always make me smile from ear to ear. Overall, I greatly appreciate it and am really glad.”

Giulia, a BTS fan, expressed her love for the group with her art. (Giulia)

A lot of people have noted that the K-pop market has been oversaturated, with more and more groups and singers debuting every month. I was curious what made BTS stand out for Giulia and turn her into a fan. “Their playful nature attracted me. However, their music pulled me right in and sealed the deal. I really love the music they produce. It speaks to the heart. The fact that they talk about unusual topics made me stay, too. Also, the creative cinematography and storyline of their music videos had has me sold.”

As BTS helped bring out Giulia’s creative side, I, too, can relate. As shy as I am, I never thought I’d put myself out there by creating content on YouTube, stepping out of my comfort zone and share my feelings, all spurred by my love for Korea. I can say that BTS became an influence on me, too, helping me to to lessen any self-doubt and to just take the jump. 

If you’re also a big fan of BTS and if you want to support a good cause, here's the list of upcoming places where the Wings Chronicles will be held. Follow them on Twitter (@WingsChronicles) for updates, registration and additional dates. Aside from the confirmed dates below, they are also planning to bring the event to Hong Kong and Korea. 

SINGAPORE

Visual Arts Center 

Sept. 23 - 24

U.S.

● CALIFORNIA

Prime Mid-City Gallery Event Space, Los Angeles.

Oct. 7 - 8 2017

●NEW YORK

Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

Oct. 14, 2017

Canada

●Vancouver
The Space Art Gallery 

Oct. 21-22

●Toronto

Diverse Character Studio

Oct. 28-29

INDONESIA

Jakarta

Qubicle Senopati

Nov. 11-12

MALAYSIA

Kuala Lumpur

Makespace LG2

Nov. 18-19

wisdom117@korea.kr

Korea-Philippines relations throughout the years

The KRW 100 coin is comparable to the PHP 1 coin.

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Abigail D. Albino

Photos = Yay Images

I’ve realized during the past few years that Korea and the Philippines are closer than you think. Besides only a four-hour flight between countries, the world between the two countries is merging.

It’s not just about the popularity of Korean pop music and TV shows in East Asia and elsewhere, music and TV shows with which my fellow Filipinos have fallen in love. There are Korean communities living in the Philippines and there are also Philippine communities living in Korea. Most of the Koreans that come to the Philippines are here for travel, to get an English-language education or for business. Most Filipinos I know in Korea go there to get jobs with better pay, or they've married a Korean. Some Filipinos have found greener pastures in Korea, and the same can be said for some Koreans who have found a home in the Philippines.

The relationship between the two countries goes all the way back to when the United Nations sent Philippine soldiers to Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953). Waves of Philippine soldiers were sent there when the war started in 1950, and they protected Korea until 1955. The greatest among these series of battles was the Battle of Yuldong, when Philippine soldiers fought Chinese communist soldiers during a night attack. The Filipinos prevented the communist soldiers from destroying the United Nations forces and stopped the growing communist hold on Korea.

Five veteran Philippine soldiers from the Korean War, together with their families, were invited by Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on a Revisit Korea Program in 2012. From the interviews of these Philippine veterans, you can sense their awe as they see Korea has become one of the most progressive and richest countries in the world. It was a far cry from the 1950s and 1960s when Korea was besieged by war, and the Philippine soldiers experienced winter for the first time, too, when they fought these battles.

The Korean government and the private sector have also helped the Philippines in the past and through to the present. I'm grateful that a Korean engineering company designed the train system in my hometown of Davao. I am happy for the many Philippine workers who work in Korea to sustain their families and relatives back home. I’m glad that a Korean missionary family decided to rent our old house, near downtown Davao, as they're starting a life of service to the poor communities in there. I’m also grateful for my Korean language exchange partners -- Kim Eunjung, Jeong Hong-gyun and Ahn Weejeon -- for helping me learn Korean, as they practice their English with me.

In a nutshell, I’m happy South Korea and the Philippines have maintained a good relationship throughout all these years. I pray that this good relationship will continue for as long as our planet exists, and that both countries become a great example of how two countries can flourish through a good friendship.

wisdom117@korea.kr

Korean film festival hits Philippines

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Myrtle Iris Villaraza

There's good news out there for all the film buffs, especially fans of Korean movies. The Philippine 2017 Korean Film Festival opens next week. The event will be held from September to October in six different cities and provinces in the Philippines. Admission is free.

Manila

SM Megamall, Cinema 6

Sept. 7 to 10

Davao

SM Lanang Premier, Cinema 1

Sept. 14 to 17

Iloilo

SM City Iloilo, Cinema 8

Sept. 21 to 24

Cebu

SM City Cebu, Cinema 5

Sept. 28 to Oct. 1

Pampanga

SM City Clark, Cinema 3

Oct. 5 to 8

Cavite

SM City Dasmarinas, Cinema 5

Oct. 12 to 15

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) has posted the following information and rules regarding the film festival.

Manila Screenings

- The first screening will be a VIP event and open only to a limited number of audience members.

- Tickets are available for free outside the cinema.

- Tickets will be released on a first-come-first-served basis.

- Viewers are suggested to line up outside the cinema and wait for the release of tickets.

- For the first screening at 12 p.m. noon, the tickets will be released one hour prior to the screening of the film, or earlier if the number of people in line is already too many to be contained in the waiting area.

- For the subsequent screenings, tickets for the next film will be released 30 minutes after the start of the prior movie, i.e., tickets for the 3 p.m. screening will be released at 12:30 p.m. and tickets for the 6 p.m. screening will be released at 3:30 p.m.

- One person can only get one ticket for themselves. If they wish to get a ticket for another person, they must get back in line to get another ticket.

- Only food bought at Snack Time, the SM Cinema food concession, will be allowed inside the cinema.

- The KCC reserves the right to refuse admission to any patron for any reason.

Regional screenings

- The first screening will be a VIP event and open only to a limited number of audience members.

- Tickets are available for free outside the cinema.

- Tickets will be released on a first-come-first-served basis.

- Viewers are suggested to line up outside the cinema and wait for the release of tickets.

- Ticketing procedures will vary depending on location. Please follow the direction of the SM Cinema staff.

- Only food bought at Snack Time, the SM Cinema food concession, will be allowed inside the cinema.

The movies to be shown this year are "My Brilliant Life" (두근두근 내 인생), "Twenty" (스물), "How to Steal a Dog" (개를 훔치는 완벽한 방법), "Very Ordinary Couple" (연애의 온도), and "The King of Jokgu" (족구왕).

'My Brilliant Life' is a drama starring Song Hye-Kyo and Kang Dong-Won. (Korean Film Biz Zone)

 'How to Steal a Dog' is a crime-drama-family film starring Kim Hye-Ja, Lee Re, Choi Min-Soo, Kang Hye-Jung and Lee Chun-Hee. (Korean Film Biz Zone)

The KCC has been hosting a Korean film festival for several years now, with screenings in different parts of the country to cater to many people.

On Oct. 15 last year, my sister and I attended the 2016 Korean Film Festival at SM Megamall in Manila. The theme was “Strong hearts.” The festival featured five different movies that depicted people’s strong spirit and determination amid life’s overwhelming difficulties. 

The 2016 Korean Film Festival in Manila is held at Cinema 6 of SM Megamall. (Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

People carry festival brochures. We wanted a copy, and a nice woman gave us her copy. Thank you! (Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

Take a look inside the 2016 Korean Film Festival brochure.( Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

Last year was our first time to attend the film festival, and we wanted to see all of the films that day, but due to time constraints, we decided to see just one movie.

We chose to watch "The Suspect" (용의자) (2013), an action thriller film starring Gong Yoo, the famous actor we know from soap operas like "Coffee Prince," "Big" and "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," and from the movie "Train to Busan." 

  

Waiting is never a problem if you know it’s for something worthwhile. Here, we eagerly wait in line to be let inside Cinema 6 for the movie 'The Suspect' last year.( Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

"The Suspect" is about a former North Korean spy who's abandoned and betrayed by his own country during a mission. As he runs away, he faces serious challenges that test his heart and willpower. These include discovering that his wife and kids have been killed by a colleague, and being accused of murdering a man who became his boss when he defected to South Korea. During his escape, he's helped by a documentary maker as they try to uncover the truth behind an important secret entrusted to him by his boss. 

When the movie ended, the cinema was filled with the sound of applause. Many people even rose to their feet to give the screen a standing ovation. The movie was great and I highly recommend that you see it. It’s a combination of suspense, action, drama and even comedy. It also has clever plot twists that will most likely leave you stunned. 

My sister and I are so happy to experience the 2016 Korean Film Festival. (Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

When we left the cinema, we still had a faint hope to see another movie, but we learnred that many people had already lined up for it. We asked one of the staff members if the number of people who attend the Korean Film Festival is always like that every year. She smiled and said yes. 

Each year, lots of people flock to the Korean Film Festival in the Philippines. (Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

As mentioned earlier, the tickets are free. However, based on our experience and as mentioned in the guidelines above, it’s good to be at the festival venue early. This way, you’ll have a higher chance of getting a ticket because they run out fast. You can also ask for a ticket from the Korean Film Festival staff at the venue. Last year, there were only 500 tickets available per movie screening, the same number of seats available in the cinema.

So, mark your calendar now and get ready for the 2017 Korean Film Festival! You won’t only have lots of fun, but you’ll also take home some valuable lessons you can apply to your life and share with your family and friends.

For a detailed screening schedule and more information about the movies, please check out the official website and the Facebook profile for the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines:

http://phil.korean-culture.org/

https://web.facebook.com/KoreanCulturalCenterPH/

Enjoy! =) 

wisdom117@korea.kr

Phil-Kor film fest kicks off in Philippines

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Mari Mikhaela Javier

Photos∙Video = Mari Mikhaela Javier

Producers are currently cooking up a Korean-Philippine collaboration for the upcoming movie "You With Me" (내 곁에 그대) starring actor Kim Hyun Woo (김현우), actor Jin Ju Hyeong (진주형) and the Philippine actress Devon Seron. The show is set to cater to Filipinos’ tastes concerning movies, but, of course, with a twist, as it has a "Korean" feel to it. It will be in Philippine cinemas in September. To generate buzz and expectations among their fans, the cast held a jam-packed meet-and-greet after a photo shoot for the movie and they were game with Q&As and photo opportunities.  

Ideal Types

Fans got to ask a few personal questions to the screen stars. They included questions to the actors about what kind of women they like. It turns out that Hyun Woo likes women who understand him, while Ju Hyung says his ideal type is simply a "beautiful" woman.

New Environment for Both Artists

As it was Ju Hyeong's and Hyun Woo’s first time to work with Philippine actresses and production companies -- Gitana Film Productions -- they were excited and at the same time nervous due to constraints concerning their lack of language ability. The same goes with the lead actress Devon who took classes and even dyed her hair for the first time to fit into her character's role. 

Message for the Fans

Overwhelming support from Philippine audiences was pretty unexpected for the lead players. They assured everyone that they’d work hard to provide moviegoers with a high-quality show and they hope that, in return, the fans will give their film a lot of love and support.

Lucky Fans

At the end of the event, a select group of fans got the chance to take a photo with the stars. It was on stage, and that made the other fans really jealous. 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars and watch out for this upcoming film!

wisdom117@korea.kr

Korean cuisine comes to Manila food fair

The author and an acquaintance enjoy the cooking demonstration put on by Lily Min and hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. 

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Lira Frenzelle Ruiz

Photos∙Video = Lira Frenzelle Ruiz

Filipinos are very fond of Korean cuisine. That's not a surprise, though, because Korean food is very delicious and healthy. Through Korean TV shows and the increase of Koreans visiting and living in the Philippines, Filipinos are exposed to Korean food and products. As a result, various Korean restaurants and stores have opened in the Philippines, most especially in Manila in the neighborhoods of Makati, Manila and Quezon City, in Angeles and in Cebu. Currently, Korean food is very popular in the Philippines and it has become a favorite “go to” meal.

A Korean cooking demonstration is held with help from the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.

On June 17, Lily Min and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines held a “Chef of the World” cooking demonstration at the 11th Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX), at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The MAFBEX showcases various ranges of food and related products, and is a good platform to promote new products. This is the 11th year of the MAFBEX and it's considered to be the Philippines’ premier food industry event. Min demonstrated how to cook bibimbap mixed rice and kimchi jeon savory pancakes, two of the most popular Korean dishes in the Philippines. Additionally, both are easy to cook. 

Chef Lily Min gives tips on how to cook Korean food.

Chef Lily Min also talked about the philosophy of Korean food. Korean food typically consists of five colors: green, red, yellow, white and black. It's not only physically appealing and has nutritional balance, but also has various meanings, as well. They are more than colors. They represent the traditional five material "elements": wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Moreover, each is associated with an organ in the body. These colors also represent the cardinal points: north, east, west, south and center. These five colors are very important to Koreans, and no color is more than any other, as they are all considered to be in balance.

Aside from the popular bibimbap mixed rice, attendees also learned how to make kimchi jeon savory pancakes. Savory pancakes are very popular in the Philippines, and it's interesting to learn that kimchi savory pancakes exist here. This fusion between the West and the East made guests curious as to how to cook this meal and what it tasted like.

After the cooking demonstration, the audience had a chance to taste some of Min’s bibimbap mixed rice and kimchi jeon savory pancake. It was really delicious!