Sandara Park, Big Bang go to Tagaytay

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - 2NE1's Sandara Park is in the Philippines and she's busy acting as tour guide to fellow YG Entertainment artist Big Bang.

Sandara reportedly arrived in the country last Oct. 22. She and the and Big Bang members reportedly went to Tagaytay yesterday, a source said.

It's more fun in the Philippines. (Left) Big Bang's G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung enjoy a swim at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel
while Sandara Park (right) makes a pose at Greenhills Shopping Center.
(Photos courtesy of G-Dragon's Instagram and Sandara's Twitter)

Sandara Park Tells Big Bang: Have Fun In PH, Try Jollibee Spaghetti

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - As members of boy band Big Bang make the most of their stay in the Philippines in the next few days, 2NE1's Sandara Park tells them to have "good memories" and offers to help them if they need anything.

Sandara, of course, knows more about the Philippines, having lived here for many years before going back to Korea to become a member of 2NE1.

Big Bang members G-Dragon, Daesung and TOP arriving at their hotel in Mandaluyong from the airport where fans (bottom)
waited to welcome them. (Screen grab by Bulletin Entertainment and photo courtesy of Big Bang VIP Philippines)

Big Bang Arrives In Manila

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Members of Korean boy band Big Bang arrived in Manila this afternoon for their concert slated on Oct. 24.

The band arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at around 3:30 PM and Filipino VIPs (the collective name of Big Bang fans) were there at the airport since morning to wait for the arrival of the group. Guards were deployed to secure the arrival area.

Gangnam Style' Achieves 500 Million Views, Dubbed As 'The Future'

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean rapper Psy has set another milestone when "Gangnam Style" achieved 500 million views on YouTube.

With this, "Gangnam Style" has become the third most viewed video on the website's history.

Meet-And-Greet To Spice Up Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert In PH

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Fans can expect a lot more when the Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert is held in the Philippines in January next year, especially that meet-and-greet events will be held.

This will be the first time that a K-pop concert in the Philippines will feature six K-pop idol groups.

Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and SM Entertainment

Super Junior plans a picture book

Super Junior will release a photo book to celebrate its seventh year in the spotlight. SM Entertainment announced Tuesday that the limited-edition book will go on sale across Asia starting Nov. 6.

Photo courtesy of Korea JoongAng Daily

Ex-Spice Girls' Mel B Dances 'Gangnam Style' With Psy

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - The "Gangnam Style" dance craze has hit Australia and former Spice Girls member Mel B did it with Psy himself.

Psy flew to Australia on Oct. 15 for a promo tour. His first appearance was on "X Factor" Australia on Oct. 16 where he showed judge Mel B how to do the signature horse-riding dance.

Style Icon Awards 2012 Nominees

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Who will be crowned Korea's style icon this year?

From K-pop stars to sports figures, the nominees for the Style Icon Awards 2012 are a mix of the most popular celebrities in Korea.

Billed as a search for the "Most Stylish Icons that Brightened 2012," the Style Icon Awards will culminate in an awarding ceremony on Oct. 25.

Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and YG Entertainment

Wonder Girls Joins Christina Aguilera, Others In Special Christmas Album

By JONATHAN M. HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - K-pop quintet the Wonder Girls has participated along with global stars in a Christmas album that will benefit the Special Olympics.

The "A Very Special Christmas" music series will be issued in the US on Oct. 16 in two albums: The "A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary" and "A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth."

Photos by www.newsen.com and Wonder Girls Facebook page

Korean Star Lee Min-ho Coming To Manila In November

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 
MANILA, Philippines - Korean superstar Lee Min-ho is bound for the Philippines next month to meet fans as the new endorser of a local clothing brand.