Choi Ji Woo on Running Man

I don't always watch Running Man, but when I do, it's because one of my Korean celeb faves is on it. Case in point: this 2012 year-end episode where they had Choi Ji Woo as their guest.

I only knew Choi Ji Woo's face back then when two her dramas had a massive wave of popularity here in the Philippines back in, I'm not sure, 15 years ago? I was only first year in college then, and did not give a damn about "Koreanovelas". Life was pretty fucking boring without k-dramas, that I can say, until I discovered The Hanging Bridge. Hahaha. Will elaborate on that inside joke some other time.

And then last month, I was scrolling through my Twitter feed and read a tweet of this particular vlogger I follow who had something good to say about Twenty Again. I'm always receptive of recommended k-dramas, so I figured to try it.

Long story short, I loved it, and instantly became fond of Choi Ji Woo. I'll save my thoughts about first watching her and my liking for Twenty again in a separate Twenty Again review post.

Just a general impression on Korean celebrities, they are pretty much humble, shy and down to earth in public sightings. I mean, of course, it's only my perception of them, but the way it comes across the screen, it's overwhelmingly natural.

Choi Ji Woo had the same effect on me, except the impact is much more felt because she is a huge star, and a pretty fucking veteran at that. I'm just always in awe of people who are naturally cool when they are not in character.

For me, she's a woman of stature and elegance, and seeing her stumble, getting pushed by RM members on a balance beam, crawling on the sand, just low-key blows my mind okay?? Hahaha.

Choi Ji Woo sits because of fatigue in the above screenshot hahaha. Poor, Choi Ji Woo-ssi :D

I experienced many second-hand embarrassment for this woman because the plot was to make a complete fool out of her hahaha. But the fun in it is that, Choi Ji Woo just spews charm in all of those moments, you really cannot make her a sore loser.

She was innocent until the end, which clearly made it hard for the members to tell her the truth. Hahaha, I really feel Song Ji Hyo it most parts when she was apologizing to CJW but to the camera, and calling her Sunbaenim :) :) :)

They had fireworks, and the RM members got prizes except for her. Everyone was celebratory towards the end but oh dear, look at Choi Ji Woo-ssi's face hahaha. When you think you're a great spy, but the joke's on you in the end :D

This Choi Ji Woo phase is probably going to extend when I start watching Temptation soon :)

Here's a clip of CJW's arrival on the show :)

Mak Chang Korean Restaurant

This Korean barbecue meetup has been set months even before Gretzen's arrival. She came home for a week from Tokyo where she is currently based for work.

Rej and I met up in Ortigas last Friday and then picked up Gretzen at the Mall of Asia. Our chosen restaurant for this meetup: Mak Chang at Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay.

I suggested that we try this Korean restaurant because as I've heard, it was cheaper than most KBBQ places. With the number of Korean restaurants sprouting these days, it's kind of a challenge to find one that I can get the most value for my money.

And I think we hit a right spot this time. Mak Chang is the right place for it. We ordered the following:

• One order of samgyeupsal
• One order of chadolbagi
• One sundubu-jjigae (my Korean resto experience is not complete without this!)
• Two orders of rice (sundubu already comes with rice)

Their banchan included five refillable small dishes, plus one gyeran-jjim (steamed egg). I was surprised that the steamed egg was included, because in other Korean restos you still have to order it separately. And that would cost another Php150-180 on your bill.

Taste

There's nothing on the table that I was not happy about. What I enjoyed the most is their kimchi, the generous serving of (good quality) lettuce, and the salad included in the banchan.

Sundubu-jjigae had a bigger serving compared to others, although I personally found it soupy. I know it's supposed to be like that because it's a stew, but I guess I was looking for richness. Of course, I'm no expert, but I'm just trying to differentiate it from the ones I've tasted before. It was still good, okay? :)

Upon first sight, their samgyeupsal looked like it had a lot of fat. But when cooked, I didn't taste a layer of fat at all. It was so good especially in ssam (wrapped in lettuce).

Just one thing at the bottom of this list is the rice. I thought it was a bit dry. Still negligible though, especially when I drown it with sundubu-jjigae (which is the bessttt!).

Ambiance

It didn't need to be fancy, because most of good Korean restos I've been to are not, but it also wouldn't hurt if the place is better-lit.

Comfort

We sat on stools, which could have been better if we had something to rest our backs to after pigging out.

Price

This is where Mak Chang undeniably wins. Our total bill was only Php1,030! With good food for three, plus a good amount of serving, you will definitely get value for your money here.

The Verdict

4 out of 5 stars.

Hahaha it's really the best when the price is cheap and you get good food. Would definitely come back! Perhaps, at their Malate branch next time :)

Mak Chang

HK Sun Plaza, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City

Hello, hello, hello

Yet another blog to screw up just because I miss the time when writing was such a comfort, and telling stories about life was easier.

Social media is my favorite place to abandon. Just last month, I simply found myself saturated from all the photos I scroll through Instagram so I deleted the app on a whim. It feels so good how I can just easily run away from things. 

A week or two has passed when a friend messaged me in Viber because apparently, i was missing out on a Korean celeb-related DM she sent me on Instagram. I quickly realized that although it's great to not be updated with everyone's photos, i was clearly missing out on my Korean fix.

But why is it so important? — that i could leave my personal account just like that, but immediately feel FOMO (fear of missing out) when it comes to Korean entertainment news?

Maybe because it has been the only thing that anchors my poor brain from succumbing into whatever dark matters life readily offers.

Anyway, I'm glad to be able to write again. Perhaps on the coming days, I shall tell stories or share thoughts in the most unfiltered attempt I can.

Looking forward to write K-drama reviews and K-pop song analysis. Lol.