Intermezzo // 04 : Good Reads

Hello folks! We have met again yet in another weekend. But the thing is, it's July already! It means that we have already been halfway through 2015. Phew, it sure has been an interesting year! Anyway, in the end of my previous Intermezzo, I did mention that I have some good reads that I have been enjoying lately that I would like to share with you guys. Well, here it goes.

(image by VonWong Photography) 

Instead of doing the usual video and picture showing, I figure out that since this is about reading, I will put them on list instead and linked it to the respective site ((and especially since the reads I wanted to share are more than expected))

1. The image featured is actually taken from 2014 in Bali, but I have just found about it now. Anyhow, I love how Von Wong shared his stories through his blog and vlog as well. 

2. I found out about this super cute blog about Korea which sadly is in hiatus. I hope that she will blog again one day! Also, I have this furniture playset from this post! They are exactly the same though mine is bought in Indonesia

3. Last week, I have been all crazy reading about small-business branding and blogging through Elle & Co , Permanent Procrastination and Wonderlass. They all have interesting and useful tips that totally helps me.

4. Just found out about this amazing (!!) blog recently from Skunkboy's blogpost, Aww, Sam! Look at all those pretty colors and yummy donuts!

5. A very inspiring read that I have been slowly backtracking. I have had the similar idea before when I somehow stumbled upon this and enjoyed reading it as my inspiration.

6. Also, I have been super intrigued to try out freezer meal after spending many nights after work reading these blogs: Money Saving Mom, Life as Mom and basically googling and pinteresting about it. Oh, and still figuring out about this too. 

7. Local digital media has started to rise significantly, for example Manual. I think they are one of the best out there with nice web design and good photos.

8. Another one is Kanekin, which started out as a design studio and has now developed into so much more. Thank you for supporting local brands!

9. I have been a long time reader of Elle & Jess, but it's not until this recent post that makes me feel so connected with them. Thank you for being so brave to share something so personal through internet.

10. Last but not least, our newly launched Budget-Friendly Picnic Party series has now compiled into an e-magazine! You can read it online through issuu or download it here.

+ And also, congratulations Gani for winning Asia's Next Top Model cycle 3! #TeamIndonesia

That's it for today's Intermezzo. Phew, there are quite few reads, aren't they? Also, when it comes to reading online, usually it is always linked one to another. So I totally recommend you to do this on weekend or holiday. And speaking of holiday, Lebaran holiday is coming soon! Do you have any plans for vacation? Or do you have any good reads you would like to share?

Cheers,

filicia

Our E-Magazine is Here!

Hello guys! It has been a fun journey sharing our take on planning a Budget-Friendly Picnic Party, so we figure out that it's about time to compile them into one and make it easier for you guys. Well, without further ado, we present you, our first ever e-magazine! Woohoo!!! 

Inside the e-magazine, besides of the previously shared DIYs and fun tips, you will also find some behind-the-scenes and up close photo that we did not share on the blog. Also, if you fancy minimalist layout, hopefully you will like our e-magazine ;)

If you are curious about what we have on the table or how we party it, you will definitely find it inside the magazine. Another reason that we made this magazine is because we would like to make it easier for you to navigate the whole DIYs and inspire you to make your own party happen. You can read it online here or if you want to download and read anywhere anytime, you can go here.

We sincerely hope that you guys will enjoy the first issue of our magazine! Also, we will be very happy to hear your feedback. Lastly, do you have any interesting ideas that you want us to try for the next issue? Or maybe, is anyone out there up for a collaboration? It is going to be fun!

Free Download HERE :D

Yeey,

cheers!

Intermezzo // 03 : Around the Web

It's the weekend again! I can not believe that we are fast approaching the end of June which means we are halfway through 2015 already! Now, talk about how fast time flies. 

Anyhow, I have been seeing lots and lots of interesting stuffs as I spend at least eight out of my twenty four hours every single day, glued to the screen with an internet connection. It is funny how the internet never really runs out of interesting things. In fact, it keeps and keeps on coming. So, I thought I would share it with you guys as well as keep it here just for the sake of memoir. 

STAY : Hotel Lokal - Jogjakarta

I have not been to this hotel before. But if I ever get the chance to go to Jogjakarta in the future, I will most definitely pick this hotel. Hotel Lokal is beautiful and artsy and looks so homey and comfortable. I have seen lots of people around the web talking about this hotel but it is not until I watched this video, it hits me spot on. I have to stay there someday. But meanwhile, I can just satisfy myself by browsing through their website.

WATCH : "I Forgot My Phone"

I just saw the video this afternoon. It is so sad, so sad because it is true. It is sad, because they said that technology defy the distance and keep you close with the other side of the world, but in the same time it also builds a distance between you and your closer company. I hope that as you watch this video, you will realize once again how your surrounding is just as important ((if not more)) as your three point five inches phone screen.

PLAY : Online Games

Ha! Yes, games for designers. I have not played all the games yet, but they are all mini games ((what do you expect from games for designers though?)) So you can quickly play one or two games in between your break. Oh, and this is totally cool for anyone too, it is just that most games are related with types, colors, and whatnot. Check them out here.

LEARN : Design Tips & Tricks

This site have a bunch of fun and educational tips and tricks about design thingy. I think this is a good source for aspiring designers and even professional designers who are stuck and looking for some inspiration. Some of the articles have become a refresher and reminder for what I have been and am doing with my design and some other are totally new and very good for my learning. 

image via CNN.com

Also, on June 26th, 2015, the news broke about the same-sex marriage that is now legal in all 50 states in USA. I first grasped the news about this after my favorite bloggers on instagram constantly post rainbow filled pictures with the hashtag LoveWins. It is nice to see how the country are celebrating and majority being supportive of the decision. And what's even more fun is to see bunch of business' logo filled with rainbow ((I feel like I am unconsciously becoming a design geek lol))

Well, this round up my Intermezzo for now. What about you guys? Do you have any short video that leaves you an impact lately? Or any news that excites you? I have some good reads that I have been enjoying lately that I would like to share with you guys hopefully by next week. Meanwhile, enjoy your weekend!

Cheers,

filicia

K-Poppin! : What A View

As I am typing down this blog post, I am still sitting on my office's desk behind my laptop screen waiting for the revision from my client for a file that has to be printed by tonight and placed on an event's booth by tomorrow morning while the copy has not even been agreed yet. Whoop, what a long sentence. Oh well, it has been a really long day, but thankfully the people here are fun and energizing.

With that said, I think it is nice to have an impromptu blog post every once in a while to, you know, celebrate the COMEBACK OF SHINEE!

Finally guys! Finally! First of all, the copy has been approved, lol. But most importantly, SHINee finally have their Korean comeback! I have not listened to the full album yet, but I know I can always rely on SHINee with their contemporary music style. Their previous album, "The Misconceptions of Me" and "The Misconception of You" are both amazing, especially that I was so lucky to watch some of the song performances live in SHINee World Concert III.

As for now, I have only watched the music video of "View", when I have time later, I will make sure to dig the fancams of other tracks from this song performed live in SWC IV in Seoul. Talking about the music video, just like other commentators on YouTube, I am so happy to see SHINee shooting an MV out of the box and actually with a concept ((and more than one girl, haha)). The story is actually interesting and it somehow depicts the other side of life as well as the transition from a boy into a man. Watching or should I say, growing up together with SHINee all these seven years, it feels like we have both matured together.

I am so, so proud of SHINee and will always be. I will make sure to talk more about the album once I have the time to listen carefully and write down my thoughts.

cheers,

filicia

Intermezzo // 02 : When Your Time is Limited

Yay! So I am back again with another intermezzo post! Previously I shared some entertaining stuffs that might take longer time to enjoy. Since that not everyone must have had that much time to refresh their mind, I round up some things I like to enjoy when I only had a short amount of time, like break in between my jobs or when I waited for buses.

WATCH : Music Covers

Well, by know, you might have already known about Kurt and Sam. They are amazingly talented in music and Sam's voice is beautiful. This song has been my favorite lately, I don't know if it is the lyric, the simple but sentimental piano instrumental background or the stunning voice or maybe all? They did some other amazing mash-ups and cover too. When I am bored, I usually type any song title that I have in mind and add the word 'cover' in YouTube's search box. That way, I found lots of interesting arrangements and wonderful voices.

READ : Blogs

(image via Humans of New York)

I first knew about this blog from Michelle who mentioned it on her blog, Seaweed Kisses. Later that day, I spent the whole night reading the past stories. I really do not need to explain anything about this blog, go to Humans of New York and experience the magic all by yourself. HONY is also on Facebook and people there are soooo amazing! Everyone is super encouraging and the comments either makes me feel so motivated and positive or a bit teary eyed. So much respect for HONY's creator, Brandon!

One other blog that I enjoy as well is Design Taxi. They rounded up fun and creative ideas all around the internet world. The only con is that compared to other sites, Design Taxi seems to be very laggy and so heavy to load.

PLAY : Mobile Games

Haha, I actually started playing mobile games again after doing my internship! My colleagues there totally influenced me ((and other interns lol)) to play this game called Best Fiends and everyone is competitive! By the time I typed this post, I am working on passing level 61. This game reminds me of Candy Crush, if you have ever played it. I actually played Candy Crush too before and link it to my facebook but when I use new phone and connected the game to my facebook, it starts all over from level 1 so I just quit playing it. 

Another game introduced in the office as well is called 1010! This one kinda reminds me of 2048, though it is totally different. If the game ever needs a tagline, I would strongly suggest "Survival of the Fittest". I can probably go mellow and talk about how 1010 is kind of a game that reminds how to become the part of community, you should be able to fit in, or else you will lose. Of course it is not about real life but I can't help and think of it like that. So far, these two games have been a good company while I impatiently wait for the buses to show up at the bus station.

UPDATE : On Your Favorite Artists

(image via SHINee on facebook)

I usually took fifteen to twenty minutes on a day to update on the recent Korean entertainment news ((yes, I love Kpop that much)). This way, I will not miss too much update if I chose to read the news only on my days off. Buuuut, seeing that my super ultimate favorite group, SHINee is having a comeback on May 18th and seventh year anniversary on May 25th, I do not think that twenty minutes is enough at all! And OMG, I am so hoping that SHINee will come for another concert in Indonesia!  

SHOP : Your Style

(image via Zalora)

Shopping in a physical store definitely take lots of time and energy, also, you can not really do it in between breaks. So, online shopping is really a great rescue, especially when there are things that you need to buy immediately. Being a fan of Asia's Next Top Model, this online shopping site is so familiar to me. It is none other than Zalora. They are one of the sponsor for the models and I love seeing their outfits on the show! I know that naturally girls will become greedy when it comes to shopping so to save your time ((and money too haha)), you can try searching for the product based on your style. For example, I have been looking for a nice basic top lately then I can just go to this page. And with the hot humid weather in Jakarta, I thought of pairing it up with hot pants which can be found here. But of course if you have extra time, you can just browse the whole site and be extra careful not to spend more than your budget! Haha.

BONUS!

Can we take a moment to appreciate just how amazing is the performance of El Gamma Penumbra? I have been rooting for them from the beginning of the show and felt so, so proud and happy that they became the first winner of Asia's Got Talent. Congratulations!

Well, that's a wrap! I hope these things will also become a good source of entertainment for you guys when you only have a limited time. I believe that it is always good to take a short break during your work especially if you feel stuck, unmotivated or basically so done with all your work. Hopefully these stuffs can be a breathe of fresh air and probably inspiration for whatever you are doing.

Yeey, cheers!

/This post is brought to you in collaboration with Zalora Indonesia

Twenty One! ((and Some Other Stuffs))

We have been sharing lots of DIY posts lately, as they were the series of our Budget-Friendly Picnic Party. But we realized that we have not been updating about the current happenings of our life lately. I did update some things on Instagram, so I guess that it is a good idea to compile them here.

Both Yelny and I were very very busy during February 2015. We had this entrepreneurship subject in our university and we were in the same group called "The Secret Messenger". Basically the idea of our group was to sell Valentine gifts in various packages and deliver it to the students or lecturers in our campus on Valentine's Day. The unique feature is the fact that the buyer could hide his or her identity. Also, we are sending the packages wearing those pinky pinky costumes and with bunch of flowers and balloons. So, it's safe to say that our group took part in bringing more love atmosphere in our university. The best thing? Seeing people's surprised and delighted expression when they got the package! One thing that I am super duper grateful is that the amount of our profit was three times the capital! It was super unexpected because economical value was not what our group was looking for initially. Hard work truly paid off!

Not so long after Valentine's Day, we happily celebrated Chinese New Year. Since red envelopes are too mainstream, hopefully red balloons will do. And talking about red, my red hair color has completely washed off. Now only the ugly brown post-bleaching color remains. 

"There are countless blurred lights here. It pretty much equals the amount of happiness shares together with good friends"

I went to this exhibition called Secret Garden where every little thing of this place reminded me of Christmas. Well, can't help it with all the light and sparkles. The place is not too big and can be a bit boring for some. But my friends and I were enjoying our moment there, taking crazy pictures and videos lol. Thankfully, it was not crowded at all when we got there so it felt like the whole garden belonged to us for that one hour. 

I helped volunteering for ADGI Jakarta's event but ended up having fun in another exhibition during the break time. It was kind of agriculture and small-traditional business exhibition and, and they had this very beautiful flower installation! They were all real flowers, you guys! Can you imagine how ecstatic I was? Oh, and talking about the event itself, I have always enjoyed attending events like this. Basically, I am the type of person who would enjoy learning more from the field rather than from theories. 

And amidst of all the entrepreneurship class and going out and about, I managed to finish my portfolio which I am so proud of!!! I have not yet took proper pictures of what's inside. But if you saw it from the outside, yes, I stitched the logo on the fabric by myself. Yes, I made the hard cover on my own. And yes, I did the coptic stitch binding after failing numerous times prior to the real deal. This book is the result of my learning these past ((almost)) three years, and I am overwhelmed with the result. I am so so happy because this book also reflected my personality a lot. 

And a little inside jokes shared with fellow coptic-stitch-binder; "In Coptic We Trust, In Deadline We Rush"

After volunteering for Indoestri Day previously, I am so thrilled to be able to join them yet again on the second Indoestri Day. I am amazed to see how the industry has developed just in four months. It is always so nice meeting with new people and being in a place filled with so much passion and energy. Lots of amazing and inspiring people though the event itself was a bit tiring since it was held from morning to evening. 

Oh, and I got to munch this yummy and chocolaty cup of zeppole by afteraise. Looking forward to another Indoestri Day or possibly joining one of the classes in the future ;)

By now, you might have guessed that I love doing volunteer work. Especially when it is related to creative industry! This time, I was helping the exhibition held by ADGI Jakarta called "Designers' Response: Jakarta City". There was one artwork that I adored so much by Thinking*Room. Let's hope that I am diligent enough to write about the exhibition later. 

Red. Donut. What else do I have to say?

Store displays have been catching my attention lately. Possibly since the end of last year? I kept on taking pictures of store displays. Pictured above are beautiful shades of threads found in a craft store, cute balloons and flowers all in one store ((i can not)), and books! I have always loved reading but it's too bad I did not get to read as much books as I used to :( When I was in high school I would borrow numerous books from the school library. But now that in university, the books from the library there did not suit my preference that much. I guess it is time to start saving my money and invest on good books.

Just recently, I visited this awe-inspiring art market in Kuningan City. So many talented people all in one room! The exhibition that I have been attending were more into graphic design and the bazaars that I have been going were all food and fashion. So, it was like a breathe of a fresh air seeing illustration and visual art, What upset me was the fact that I somehow lost my one hundred thousand rupiah :'''( I think it fell somewhere when I was pulling out my money. I ended up going home feeling extremely sad. 

I watched one of a local Indonesian movie, titled Filosofi Kopi. It was one of the best Indonesian movies I have ever watched! The story is based on a short story written by Dee, my favorite Indonesian author. The story flows very well and the dialogues are super fun, not stiff at all. If you want to know more about how I thought of this movie, I wrote a long caption written in Bahasa on my Instagram.  

Here it comes, ((drumroll please)), Yelny is celebrating her 21st birthday on the first of May!!! Whoop whoop! Go and wish her the happiest birthday! Remember the birthday post we made before? So maybe next year I will make another post titled Twenty Two! Haha. Anyway, well wishes for you my partner!

Last but not least, I am having my internship right now! It has been a month already and I am enjoying this working life so far. The environment is great, the people are lovely and the atmosphere is very fun. I am obviously looking forward to how my journey continues as I venture as an intern in this branding consultant company. 

Well, there have been stuffs that happened to life these past months. We will see if I get more diligent and elaborate some of the interesting events that I have been through. But for now, that's it. See ya!

Cheers,

filicia

Intermezzo // 01

I kind of made up this feature because I really wanted to share stuffs that I currently (or not actually that current) enjoy. Also, one day if I look back to these posts, I would want to remember how much I love a certain movie or song or other things.

Drama: Kill Me Heal Me

This drama is AMAAAAZING!!! This is one of a very few K-dramas that I follow during the airing date. Most of the time, I will wait until a drama has been completed and watch it only if my friend said it is good or if the drama has insanely great reviews on the internet. But this, hands down, (almost) my favorite K-drama ever! ((competing with A Gentleman's Dignity still)).

This romance-comedy drama tells a story about Cha Do-Hyun, a heir of very big and successful group in Korea who has seven personalities. He has a mental illness called DID or mostly known as multiple personality disorder. He then met a first year resident doctor called Oh Ri-jin. The introduction itself is very interesting, wait til you watch the drama, OMG, I am sure you will all be hooked. I especially praise Ji Sung acting highly. He is the one who playes as Cha Do-Hyun and all seven personalities and he successfully nailed it! All other actors also did a very amazing job and the writer too! I love how the story flows not too slow yet not too fast. It just feels right. And man, all the small details that turns out so important, and the plot twist. This drama is totally recommended!

And also, they have this very amazing soundtrack:

You have to watch the drama first, then listen to the song and read the lyrics translation ((all the feels)). This soundtrack complements the drama very, very well.

Movie : Furious 7

I honestly did not really follow Fast & Furious series but I did watch FF6 in a cable TV. The 7th installment, I think aside of being very epic, is very emotional since Brian here has become a father. I love how they highlight the value of being a family here. Also, the fact that Paul has sadly passed away, it becomes more heart-breaking. It saddens me how many times 'funeral' word is mentioned in the movie. The ending is very very beautifully shot, and I love every small details that symbolizes the sweet yet sad separation. 

Movie : Cinderella

Maybe, I should have not watch this trailer back in 2014. Or maybe I really should have. Visually speaking, this trailer is so beautiful. even if it is just a glass shoes! But all the sparkle and shine, I can not. So, I ended up watching it last March though. Unlike Maleficent, this time around there is no plot twist. The story is as classic as the Disney's version of Cinderella. What I love the most about Disney's live-action movies is their visual, they are so pretty and detailed! Anyway, back to Cinderella, when there is kindness, there is goodness. When there is goodness, there is magic. :) and another favorite saying, have courage and be kind.

Music : "Sniper" - SHINHWA

I have been listening to this song so many times lately, though this is not very current. But I really adore how after 17 years, SHINHWA is not losing their color. They have grown up and became mature throughout all these years, but they cleverly adjust with the situation nowadays and show that they are still in the game though they are much older than the singers these days. My favorite part got to be Junjin's rap, he is so cool!

Othe K-pop songs that I have been also enjoying lately including: "Flower" by XIA, like how can I not love Junsu's voice and song? "Ice Cream Cake" by Red Velvet. The girls are so adorable and the song is somehow addictive. "Call Me Baby" by EXO. Though I am not as much of a fan of EXO now. but I still love them and happy for the new album.

Music : "Lost Stars"

I first knew about this song from Roy Kim who is one of my favorite solo artist. I learned later that this song is an original soundtrack of the movie "Begin Again". The original version is sang by Adam Levine and Keira Knightley separately. I have not watched the movie yet but I am looking forward to watch it later since I love movie that involves song and music.

TVC : Cupidity by Cornetto

Again, this is not something current, but I have just watched the series this past week. Cornetto made an ad in forms of short movies for their Valentine campaign. I love it when brands make short movies for their campaign. Anyway, this was one of the four movies released in February 2013. Also, the most popular and heartwarming one. For other series, you may want to check out the playlist here. It is too bad they did not make other movies for 2015. Also, there is a title from the 2014's campaign that supposed to have part 2 but still left hanging up til now. 

Oh, bonus point, the music of all the movies are really good! The music fits the movie very well and they are very soothing.

TV Show : "Asia's Next Top  Model"

Aside of watching dramas, I love watching TV shows as well. This time it is the current season of Asia's Next Top Model. I love the previous cycle where Sheena became the winner ((I was rooting for her! yay)). Aside of AsNTM, I also enjoyed watching Masterchef ((and Masterchef Junior too!)) when it is on the run. But my all-time favorite has got to be, The Amazing Race! It really lives up to its name!

TV Show : "Asia's Got Talent"

Coincidentally, I have been watching Asia's talent show. This time it is Asia's Got Talent. It is just so entertaining to watch so many different and amazing talent competing together. The judges' reaction is also very funny as well! This is one of my very favorite act ((yes, they deserved that Golden Buzz!)). It is not only about the dance, but also the story! My other favorite act is TRIQSTAR and also rooting for Young Boys from Indonesia! But I did not manage to watch the whole audition episodes so I might have missed some other amazing acts. 

Whoop! It has been fun wrapping up some things that my eyes and my ears have been enjoying. It's been a while since I read so next time, I hope I will be sharing some of my favorite books. What are things that you currently enjoy? Share it with us to here!

Cheers, Filicia

K-Poppin! : Underrated 2014 Rookie Artists

2014 has been a wonderful journey to many of us, same thing happens to the K-pop scene as well. This year marks the debut of so so so many rookie artists. It was that much til the number exceeded 100 artists this year! How crazy is that! The fact that the number of rookie artists debuting this year is that much, I'm sorry to say, but it is pretty hard to stand out or to make one group differ from another.

(image via SBS Entertainment)

While in 2013, the BIG 3 (SM, YG and JYP) did not debut any groups, this year all three companies debuted four groups, making the competition between rookies become more heated. Pictured above is GOT7 from JYP Entertainment who debuted with 'Girls, Girls, Girls'. The girl group from SM Entertainment, Red Velvet debuted with a cheerful track, 'Happiness'. And the other boy group comes from YG Entertainment is WINNER who is previously known as Team A from the reality show WIN and now debuted with 'Empty'. Also, woolim who has now merged with SM C&C debuted their own girl group, Lovelyz with the song 'Good Night Like Yesterday'. Not pictured above is another debut from YG Entertainment, the siblings duo who won the second season of K-pop Star, Akdong Musician kicked off the K-pop scene with their playful song, '200%'. 

If you are not really into K-pop, you might have heard about the groups I mentioned previously, but I am not very sure if you have heard the artists I am going to cover below. Well, without further ado, let's check out these underrated 2014 K-pop artists!

1. Kiss & Cry - Domino Game

Kiss&Cry is one of the group that I discovered early in 2014. I have that habit to listen to new song from artists that caught my attention without actually watching the MV. As one of the first of rookie groups in 2014, I grew to love 'Domino Game' every time I listen to it. The song is powerful and it showcases the vocal of the members as well. Unfortunately the future of Kiss&Cry is still questionable. Some have said that they have been disbanded but the other has said that only one of the member, Haena has ended her contract ((and later joined Superstar K6)), either ways, best of luck for Kiss&Cry!

2. MAMAMOO - Mr. Ambiguous

While the mainstream K-pop listener might not know about this group, many others have showed so much appreciation and appraisal for these ladies. I first knew this group from the song called 'Peppermint Chocolate' sung by K.Will ((note: I did not always follow K.Will but every time he released a new song, I will definitely listen to it)). But honestly, that song did not really leave an impression to me, and I did not watch the MV either. But then, some weeks later, I stumbled upon a Path update from my friend who was listening to MAMAMOO and gave a lot of compliment to this group. It is not until I listened to the song and watched the MV ((which featured lots, lots of artists)) that I finally understood how much they were praised. They have an amazing vocal; both recording and live, the right dance moves and classy concept/appearance/style ((i just can't decide the right vocab))

3. HIGH4 - Headache

Many people recognized HIGH4 from their pre-debut song with IU, 'Not Spring, Love or Cherry Blossom', which is indeed really, really cute and romantic. That's what happened with me as well. I loved their vocal and concept and they reminded me a little of SHINee and B1A4 somehow. And I did watch some of their awkward interviews and I can't help but giggle at how awkward Alex is ((sorry, Alex! haha)). Though that dancing-only part on the song made me go like duh especially in the MV, but I still love these guys. I hope they will make it big in the future!

4. Yoon Hyun Sang - Always Be With You

Discovering Yoon Hyun Sang is like discovering a hidden gem! I really mean it! Year 2014 was all about groups and collaboration, so it is rather hard for a solo rookie artist to stand out, in my opinion. I really found Yoon Hyun Sang again thanks to IU. For his debut, he had two title tracks which was this one and 'When Would It Be' featuring none other than IU. Hyun Sang has a very soothing voice that is perfect for the rainy weather in my city nowadays. I listened to his songs almost everyday and it gets more intense when it rains outside or when I am about to sleep. The whole mini-album is worth to be checked, I promise you!

5. Almeng - Phone in Love

While Yoon Hyun Sang was the contestant of Kpop Star 1, Almeng is another notable alumni but this one from Kpop Star 3. This unique co-ed duo is a bit unique because in most of duo or duet, the boy usually does the rap and the girl does the vocal. But for Almeng, it is vice versa. Therefore, they are giving more fresh and interesting spice to the usual K-pop music. Also, both their debut MV a fun concept. I love how they incorporated words and typography into the MVs.

Well, those are five rookie artists that I think you should listen if you really had no idea how to jump into the 2014 debuts bandwagon or if you simply want to kill your boredom. For more girl and boy group debuts, you can check out the article posted by soompi that fully covered the debut of Kpop groups in 2014 here. Meanwhile, I have compiled a playlist that included all the songs that I have mentioned here as well as some other debuting artists that I have listened but not on my list yet. Because seriously, 100+ artists can be super overwhelming.

Also, I realized that I have talked about MAMAMOO and HIGH4 before in the previous K-Poppin article. Another also, Lucky J and B.I.G from that article are included in the playlist as well.

Phew, this article took much more time to write than I expected since I did not plan to include a playlist initially, but I am glad I finished it. Hope you guys enjoy!

Cheers, filicia!

The Painters: Hero

Have you guys heard about The Painters: Hero before? Not yet? Well, me too. I had no idea who they are and what are they doing before I watched their performance. After I watched the Korean Navy Performance, the next schedule was the performance by The Painters: Hero. My friend had actually informed me about them and usually as the curious filicia, I should have done a little research about them, but I did not know how or why, I did not bother to find out about them. Probably because I trusted my friend so much or I was simply lazy on that time. Ha!

So, right after the Korean Navy Performance, the seat was supposed to be rearranged, but everyone seemed to be impatient so the audience pulled the chairs by themselves and dragged it closer to the stage. Because I wanted to see them up close as well, I followed what others did and ended up getting in the second row. Before the show started, the staffs were preparing stuffs on stage while we saw The Painters' guys were hanging out freely next to the stage, so...

I took pictures with them! Lol. I did not even know who they were or what were they going to perform during that time. I only knew that they were supposed to paint something, judging from their outfit. Haha, but I later learned more about them. On the first picture, on the left is Kim BumSeo, the newest member of the team, and on the right is Jung YeongWoo. On the second picture was everyone's favorite, Lee SeungHoon, who turns out to be 33 years old, legally married and officially a father! ((heartbroken lol)). On the last picture is Cho SangChul who if I am not mistaken is the leader of the team. Oh, I forgot to mention that they are called Jackson Team.

So, we got back to our seat and not long after that, the show started. I am not going to lie, I was grinning ear-to-ear watching their performance, even only from the beginning! At the start of the show, the four actors are painting their own black square while dancing to the song and acting comically. And by the end of the song, they had also somehow finished the paintings and when they are put in one place, it became one amazing painting of Korean mask.

I think they painted this only for around 5 minutes more or less. I mean like, how come? It was really fast, and not to mention that they were joking and dancing around while they painted this. 

Next, they pushed two big boxes to the middle of the stage. I wonder what they were going to do this time around.

Cho SangChul stepped out (and somehow pulled off his top) and started drawing the right box with white paint on a very fast pace. While on the left, we could see YeongWoo was drawing something with his hands but, they were all black?

But no! It turned out that YeongWoo was drawing with glue I guess, because when they flipped the box, suddenly all the glitter poured down and covered the black area. It turned out that he was drawing Indonesia's very own Garuda. SangChul too has finished his painting of Tiger. Jackson Team also did not forget to interact with the audience. They played an interactive game with one of the audience, in which I forgot to take photographs of. Though they come from Korea, and there was indeed a language barrier, they could deliver a very fun and joyful game and performance because the whole show was non-verbal, meaning that they did not have to say a single word and instead use their body language to interact.

After that, two huge white squares were dragged to the middle of the stage and this time YeongWoo and SeungHoon appeared from the back. 

They both did a literally speed drawing (they were really that fast!) while matching their movements with the song. Just like in the beginning, they would tease each other around and sometimes drew and one another's paper. It was so nice to see that almost all of their drawings were related to Indonesian culture. The one on the right was Monumen Nasional, Jakarta's landmark along with Ondel-Ondel, Jakarta's traditional attraction as well.

And at the end of the show, all four of them came out to the stage to bid their farewell with the audience. The last thing that they showed was a cubic play that you can see in the above picture. The whole show lasted for around 20-30 minutes but it felt so short and I really wanted to see more of their performance. Too bad that it was their last performance in Lotte Avenue as they had been performing for three days there. 

That was one of the staff on the right hehe. He made sure that the audience did not go to the stage. Now, after all these elaboration, I hope you had been enlightened about these amazing performers. But if you still couldn't grasp it, well, here is how The Painters: Hero described themselves. The Painters: Hero is an innovative art performance that stages the mind-blowing skills of live drawing with incredible visual effects filled with a witty blend of mime, dance and comedy right before your eyes. Rather than finding satisfaction from a completed artwork, The Painters: Hero embodies and shares the joy and awe-inspiring journey of creating works of art with the audience. I think that description is completely true and that is exactly how I felt during the time I watched the live drawing performance.

If you are curious about them, you should check out the website here. Their full performance in Korea lasted for about 80 minutes and in order to watch them, you have to pay for the ticket. So, Jakarta is pretty lucky to be able to watch Jackson Team for free though it was cut short. Also, in Korea they have more attractions, such as light drawing, marbling drawing, etc. They also had another four team named after Chaplin, Superman, Beethoven and Picasso. Chaplin Team had also performed in Indonesia some months ago.

After the show, they also had photograph session with the audience. The queue was not that long so I took pictures with them again. This time a selca ^^ hehe. Also, they were very nice and they made lots of funny expression during the photo session as well.

And also, SeungHoon let me borrowed his hat after that. And they were very interactive with the audience as well. They even gave us a free hug (uh oh, how nice of you guys). I promised myself that I am going to watch them in Korea if I had the chance one day. Though I had to pay for the ticket, I am very sure that it is going to worth every penny I spent. I really hope that more people would know about them, even though you are not a fan of Korean culture, they are so entertaining and fun!

And, here's a short video of both Korean Navy and The Painters: Hero performance. I think I have fell in love more with Korea ^^ They have so much cultural entertainment to offer, beyond K-pop and K-drama! There are some other non-verbal performances like JUMP and Nanta Cooking Show that I am very curious as well. Hopefully I can get to watch them one day. 

Cheers, filicia