SNSD, Big Bang, Hyun Bin, Kim Tae Hee top V-Day poll

From Manila Bulletin newspaper:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, Philippines (Feb. 14, 2011) — If Koreans were given a choice to pick celebrities they want to be their dates on Valentine’s Day, they would spend the red-letter day with Girls Generation (aka SNSD), Big Bang, actor Hyun Bin and actress Kim Tae Hee.

[caption id="attachment_136" align="alignnone" width="402" caption="(Clockwise from the top) Girls Generation, Kim Tae Hee, Hyun Bin and Big Bang. (Photos courtesy of SM Entertainment, SBS, MBC and YG Entertainment)"][/caption]

Korea Bulletin (January 2011 Issue)

Here's the latest issue of Korea Bulletin, the official newsletter of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines.

[scribd id=48733417 key=key-1z3u9y5ctga715r9ream mode=list]

Hanbok: Korea's traditional dress

You see it on Korean dramas and films. In the hit Korean drama series "Jewel in the Palace", the hanbok, Korea's traditional dress, gained prominence as it was a period drama.

Hanbok is South Korea's traditional dress that is worn in many occasions especially when Koreans celebrate Chuesok, or harvest festival, and Seollal, or Lunar New Year.

Hanbok: Korea's traditional clothin

Wonder Girls on comeback album, tour

My article in the Manila Bulletin newspaper:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (Feb. 11, 2011) -- The five members of girl group Wonder Girls held a live video webchat Thursday morning from New York City (10 p.m. in the Philippines) to update fans on their activities and also celebrate their fourth anniversary.

[caption id="attachment_118" align="alignnone" width="455" caption="The Wonder Girls during the live chat"]
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Korean Cultural Center to open in the Philippines in May

From the Filipinos’ growing interest in the Korean culture stems a great opportunity for strengthening the cultural relations between the two countries. On May of this year, the Korean Cultural Center will finally open its doors to the public.

Cheongwadae: Korea’s White House

If you ever get the chance to go to South Korea, one of the most fascinating places to visit is the Cheongwadae or Blue House, the official office and residence of the president of South Korea.

[caption id="attachment_103" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="(Photo from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1698377)"][/caption]

Recipe: Beef Galbi

Text and photos from www.aeriskitchen.com

In Korea, we love to grill marinated meat (beef, pork, or chicken). There are two main flavors for marinated meat. One is spicy, which uses mainly red pepper paste. The other one is sweet & salty which is similar to a BBQ flavor. That type uses mainly soy sauce, pear, honey, sugar, apple, kiwi, and etc.

[caption id="attachment_100" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Thanks to www.aeriskitchen.com for the photo "][/caption]

[NEWS]: Super Junior declared Korea's bestselling artist in 2010

News from the Manila Bulletin newspaper:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Gaon Chart, South Korea’s version of the Billboard charts, has named K-pop boy band Super Junior the bestselling artist in South Korea for 2010.

[caption id="attachment_95" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Super Junior receiving the Gaon award from Minister Choung Byoung-gug of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. (Photo courtesy of www.newsen.com)"][/caption]

Winter escapade: StarHill (Ski) Resort

It's still winter in South Korea and one of the most popular activities is to ski.

My friend and her companions at Starhill Resort

There are many ski resorts in South Korea and all of them also offer lessons for beginner.

One of them is the StarHill Resort in Namyanggju in Gyeonggi.



According to the Korea Tourism Organization:

The Star Hill Resort (formerly "Mt.Cheonmasan Ski Resort") is located deep in the beautiful and mysterious Cheonmasan Mountains. Amazingly it is only 32km away from Seoul, so access to this picturesque and well-equipped leisure resort is extremely easy. As well as great skiing, visitors can enjoy a ‘experience’ programs at the tourist attractions located near the Cheonmasan Mountains.

There are many other ski resorts in South Korea.

For more information on this, go to Korea Tourism Organization's website.