4 Filipino choirs win in Korea

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Four choir groups from the Philippines won in the 2013 Yeosu International Choir Competition and Festival held from June 11 to 17 in Yeosu, South Korea.

The competition, which had a total prize money of $140,000, drew 63 choirs from the US, Japan, Russia, Indonesia, Lithuania, Philippines and South Korea.

Six choirs represented the Philippines. 

Psy wins Viral Video of the Year award in Canada, renders 'Final Performance' of hit on TV

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean rapper Psy was awarded the Viral Video of the Year for his global hit "Gangnam Style" at the MuchMusic Video Awards 2013 held in Toronto, Canada on June 16 (June 17 in Manila).

Psy, who co-hosted the awards, opened the show with "Gangnam Style" and closed it with "Gentleman."

K-pop star Ailee tapped to promote Philippine tourism

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

It's more fun in the Philippines and K-pop star Ailee is helping to promote various places in Metro Manila to attract more Korean tourists.

Ailee has been tapped to boost Philippine tourism through short interactive videos that feature her visiting and introducing places in the metropolis.

(PICS) CNBLUE concert in Manila (June 15, 2013)

Video No. 2: CNBLUE concert in Manila (June 15, 2013)

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:Email me at sangchusan(at)gmail.com

Pinoy fans overjoyed at CNBLUE's concert

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

If there's one thing that endeared Korean boy band CNBLUE more to their fans during their "Blue Moon: 2013 CNBLUE World Tour" in Manila concert on June 15, it was their effort to connect to the audience by speaking in Filipino and English.

From "Masaya ba kayo? (Are you happy?)," "Sabay-sabay (All together now)," "Kantahin (kantahan) natin siya (Let's sing for him (Yonghwa))," "Nagugutom na ako (I'm hungry)" to "I love you Philippines," "Make some noise," CNBLUE made sure that the fans who went to the concert at Araneta Coliseum would have fun and could relate to what they were saying.

Video No. 1: CNBLUE concert in Manila (June 15, 2013)

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:Email me at sangchusan(at)gmail.com

CNBLUE members want to try 'balut' and visit Cebu

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

If given the chance to visit a place in the Philippines besides Manila, K-pop rock band CNBLUE said they want to visit Cebu, which has become a popular destination for Korean tourists and celebrities.

"Cebu [for] fishing," said 21-year-old Jungshin.

CNBLUE in Manila Presscon (Q&A)

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:Email me at sangchusan(at)gmail.com

CNBLUE's arrival at Manila presscon (June 14, 2013)

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:Email me at sangchusan(at)gmail.com