Asian Drama Review: Heartstrings a.k.a You've Fallen For Me

"Heartstrings" also called "You've Fallen For Me" is a recent Korean Drama Produces by MBC.  It is composed of 15 episodes of drama and music.  The main casts are Jung Yong Hwa and Park Shin-hye.  Familiar pairing?  The two were also paired in 2009 for SBS's drama "You're Beautiful".

By watching "You're Beautiful" before this, I could tell that there are similarities in their role there and here.  Jung Yong Hwa played as Lee Shin who is also the lead singer in a band in this drama.   As expected, his acting seemed natural and appealing to the audience.  His musical performance is always fun to watch.  Park Shin-hye role is the gullible Lee Gyu Won.  The two have chemistry and together they bring life to the drama.

The plot is okay.  It was nothing special but the all the characters made it fun to watch.  The entire drama doesn't revolve around the two main casts, the rest of the stars also have their own stories and a share in the spotlight.

Through this drama, I was able to appreciate traditional Korean music.  I admire how Korea preserves its culture.  I also loved the concept of clashing Modern and Traditional music because I believe that music is universal.=)

Overall, I recommend you to watch this Korean Drama.  It's inspirational, entertaining and naturally romantic.

Hollys Coffee is finally here in Manila

Hollys Coffee is an international coffee chain with 251 branches in Korea.  It also has branches in the United States, Malaysia and Peru.  Now, its here in Manila with its first branch in Taft.

Hollys Coffee has a classy and cozy ambiance.  As we passed by and peaked through its clear glass window, we couldn't resist the temptation to try it out.   According to my little sister Hollys Coffee is already popular among her classmates in school.

calorie count posted by the counter

Their menu has a lot of choices.  But I felt the need for caffeine so I chose the Espresso Hollycino (150 php regular).  We also ordered Sweet Potato Macchiato (150 php regular) , Iced Raspberry Caffe Mocha (135 php regular), Matcha Latte (150 php regular) and Mint Chocolate Hollycino (150 php regular).

They also offered pastries and cakes but we just had an eat-all-you can dinner so we were all too full to order any.  Perhaps, we will try some on our next visit.  They sold merchandises such as packed coffee, cups and mugs.   

We were given this FREE Hollys Coffee Mug which you can avail when you purchase at least 400 php worth.  But I'm not sure how long their promo will be offered.

We were surprised that the usual coffee shop routine of name-taking was not done here.  Instead, we were given this buzzer with a digital number.  It vibrates when its your turn to claim the your orders at their counter.  I was so curious I even checked its back.  It was run by battery. =p

While waiting, I went up.  The second floor was full of students hanging out despite the fact that its was already late and its was a weekend.  They all looked cozy and comfortable.  I could see why with the nice interiors and soft seats.

I got down and choose a table on the first floor.   They had a computer nook by the entrance.  The computers still look brand new and unused though.  

I was observing the posters around the store.  I suddenly regretted ordering an ordinary beverage when they offered something unique like "Fresh Yuza".  At least, I know what to order next.=)

Soon, the object vibrated and we claimed our drinks.  The Espresso Hollycino, Mint Chocolate Hollycino and Matcha Latte was good but nothing extraordinary.  The Iced Raspberry Caffe Mocha was sweet but it was okay.  The Sweet Potato Macchiato stood out above the rest.  It was so delicious!  It was fragrant and had a unique taste and texture.  It had almond bits in it.  I never would have imagined a sweet potato drink nor would it taste as good as this!  We will probably order this again. 

Espresso Hollycino

Sweet Potato Macchiato

Overall, everyone was happy with their orders.  We'd love to come back and order other beverages.  In fact, we came back again so eager to order their drinks but it was already closed.  We begged for the guard to let us in but he said the equipment were already washed. =(  Nevertheless, we shall return again when we have the chance.  Hope you guys try it out too!  Maybe you can suggest what we can order next.=)

Hollys Coffee
Taft Avenue corner Castro Street 
Manila, Philippines

Korean Drama Review: City Hunter

City Hunter is an action and romance drama produced by SBS.  It has 20 episodes in total.  

At first glance this drama is mainly dependent on the main actor playing city hunter.  They did the right move in picking Lee Min-Ho for the job.  He's good looks and good acting carried the drama all the way.  I've seen him in Korean dramas before such as Personal Taste and Boys over Flowers and his acting never disappoints.  He looks really cool in his black jacket don't you think?

There was a good chemistry between Lee Min-Ho and Park Min-Young.  Even though the drama was mainly full of action and suspense, there was also romance mixed in.  You could feel the emotions between the two stars despite the lack of romantic scenes like typical dramas.


This drama as the action,mystery and suspense that can keep you glued on your TV screens.  It also makes viewers become aware of politics.  

Lee Jun-Hyuk and the other actors and actresses also did well in playing their parts.  The flow of the drama is perfect.  The development of each character is good.  It also teaches a lesson on revenge, patience,determination and forgiveness.

Korean Drama Review: Lie to Me

Lie to me is a romantic-comedy korean drama produced by SBS.  It totals 16 episodes.  But are all those episodes worth watching?  I think not.

Usually, a plot has twists and turns to captivate its audience.  However, around half of the 16 episodes is full of mushiness and romantic scenes which made it look a bit dragging to me.  The plot is so simple and yet the series was long.  


The actresses and actors are good in acting.  I loved Kang Ji-Hwan (as  Hyun Ki-Joon) from Hong Gil Dong and Yoon Eun-Hye (Kong Ah-Jung) from Personal Taste so I had high expectations for this drama.  Overall, the actors and actresses skill did doesn't compensate for the lack of creativity in the plot and presentation.  But they did improve it.


I don't recommend this unless you're a fan of the stars.  But you might like this is you want to admire the cuteness and sweetness of others like the casts for long hours.  That's what the entire drama is all about period.

Korean Drama Review: Dream High

Dream High is an inspirational drama series produced by KBS totalling of 16 episodes.  The story is about six aspiring youths on their way to making international stars.  It starts from their lives before entering Kirin Arts High School towards their training and then the outcome.

This drama is very entertaining and suited for all ages.  The plot has a proper balance of romance, comedy and drama in an art school setting.  It gives the audience a glance of what stars in Korea have to sacrifice to reach their dreams.

The show not only relates to those who have passion for arts but appeals to anyone who have hopes and dreams.  It teaches moral values of friendship, forgiveness, acceptance and hard work.  It also focuses on character development.

Through this drama, I was able to realize that making mistakes is not the end but the beginning of redemption.  We can still continuously change and improve ourselves.  We should not be dragged down by others who ridicule us and repetitively remind us of our mistakes but we should believe in our will to change because it is really ourselves who define what we are.  As an individual, I can relate to the main female lead well.

Have you watched this yet?  If not I highly recommend that you watch this and let me know what you think.  This is the sort of drama that you leaves you with something even a long time after watching.