Ssaeracadabra 2017 Korean Drama Watch Lists

It's a new year, means a new watch list for K-drama fans like me...

I can't wait to see what has South Korean TV has prepared for us. Are you excited like me?

1. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

First on my list for this year. I can't move on with Baek Ah (Nam Joo Hyuk) from Scarlet Ryeo that I decided to watch this without even knowing what is this about. I didn't know it was really great and fun to watch. All episodes makes my heart flutter. Though conflicts are very light but you will not get bored. I feel happy every time I finished an episode. Pacing was great and ending was satisfying. I was glad everyone had a happy ending including Song Shi-ho.

Lee Sung-kyung is very admirable. Her last drama I watched was Doctors and I really hated her there. But in this Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo she was very adorable. Though she is considered a newbie in acting but she is way more better than others. Nam Joo Hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung really look good with each other. More of them please... :)

Rate: 5/5 Stars

2. Goblin

 

I enjoyed the bromance between the grim reaper and goblin more than anything else on this drama. This was fun to watch especially the pilot episodes which was really cool. I enjoyed the wittiness of Yeo Deok Hwa. The story and twist was really good. Though some scenes on later episodes were kind of boring but that does not matter at this time. I think the casts and crews handwork while filming this drama was really worth it.

Rate: 4.8/5

3. Romantic Doctor Master Kim

Probably the best drama I have watched among the first 3 Kdrama this year. From episode 1 to end, the thrill never stops. If I wasn't concern about my health as I also need to sleep, I could really watch this straight for 21 hours. I really love the pacing, the thrill I feel every surgery, and that it is more focused on casts carrier rather than their love story. No complicated love story which is kinda refreshing to watch. The whole time watching this drama, I kinda miss being in the OR.

Thank you to the casts and crews for creating such a beautiful medical story. :)

Rate: 5/5

4. Legend of the Blue Sea

Great cast and screenplay. I love how they incorporate the past and present. Jung Ji Hyun's playful scenes are funny and Lee Min Ho crying over his dad's death was heartbreaking. Twists were great and conflicts are convincing enough to make you hate the antagonist.I hate that stepmom so much.

Rate: 4.1/5

6. Who Are You: School 2015

Ahh.. yep... I just watch this drama though it was from 2015. Probably because I had a hangover with Nam Joo Hyuk and Yook Sung Jae. Hahah.. Anyways, this drama was good at the end. The first few episodes wasn't that interesting but as the story goes, it got interesting all the way to end. I just love the bad girl Kim So Hyun at the end. Over all, this was fun to watch, I can feel the intense and the suspense. I even hated the antagonist that I just want to crush her alive. But it was good that in the end her personality was resolved. I just love happy endings. Everyone did a great job on this.

Rate: 4.1/5

7. Jealousy Incarnate (2016)

This was from last year but just decided to watch it this time. It took me a while to finish watching this. I think the middle parts of the episodes was kinda boring, I didn't have the excitement to click on the next episode. Gladly the last parts was good to watch. This story is kinda absurd, how come a girl can like two guys and the 2 guys can date 1 girl with consent. I just don't understand the idea there. This is too complicated for me though.

Rate: 3.7/5

8. Cheese in the Trap (2016)

I was already expecting an unusual ending as my friend already warned me, but still I wasn't expecting it was that severe. Hahaha... Makes me cringe when I think about it. I just love Park Hae Jin character here. And Lee Sung Kyoung, I want to skin her alive in this drama. Hahahahaha. She's really crazy, probably if I met someone like that in real life, it's probably really hard to handle that kind of attitude. Good thing Seo Kang-joon took care of her despite how she behave. I can feel all their emotions, I just love them all. :)

Rate: 4.5/5 

(images from wikipedia)

8. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

 

Can I have more of this kind of drama? First was Kim Book Jo and now this! I have fallen to many oppas this year eh. hahaha. One of the few dramas that I can't hold but laugh to their funny scenes. They are just so lovable and so cute. They really fit their characters. They can be serious at times, they can be funny most of the time, it can be a thrill at times and most of the time it is romantic. This is a very enjoyable drama, you just can't miss this. Good job to all cast and crews! :)

Rate: 5/5  

9. One Percent Of Something (2016)

What keeps me busy during those why I didn't watch this before? This is a refreshing drama, kept me awake the whole 20 hours during my rest day. I just can't stop watching it. Probably because it is more mature love story compared to those teenage dramas. And the message it gives you at the end of the episodes is so touching. They're so cute too! hahehe

 Rate: 4.5/5  

10. Princess Hours (2006)

The 2nd quarter of this year must be boring, why the heck I am digging to some old dramas. Hahah Watching this again bring a lot of memories from my college year (20s), we used to watch this drama on our dorm mates' small TV in their small room. If you're up to some good and kilig throwback, this must be a good choice.

Rate 4.3/5

11. Shopping King Louis (2016)

I have been stuck on the first episode and was never able to get through the 2nd episode when it first aired. I finally had the courage to finish all episode just recently. I must say, I quite regretted it why I didn't watch earlier. Though the pilot episode wasn't that appealing to me, but as I go through the story, it becomes more interesting. Though this is a light drama, but it was good to watch. My favorite here is Baek Ma-ri characters. Hehehe!

Rate: 4/5 

Second half of this year is what I am excited for K-Drama, I have a lot on my watch list already. :)

12. The Liar and His Lover

It wasn't that enjoyable to watch. It feels like everyone in this drama are all selfish people. I find it hard to click to watch the next episode. The actors were great but the storyline is not. The only parts I enjoyed watching here are the singing scenes.


Rate: 2.9/5

13 Man to Man

Rate: 4.1/5

14. My Secret Romance

A happy go lucky drama.


Rate: 4.3/5

15. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

Rate: 4.0/5

16. Ruler of the Mask

 Rate: 4.7/5

17. Hospital Ship

 
The kind of dramas that makes me miss the hospital life and being a nurse.

Rate: 4.8/5

(images from wikipedia) 



 

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Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive Review

Since this was on sale, I bought it and I think this was the first full bottle toner I bought but didn’t used it first coz I was so excited to try my Missha Near Skin products. So when my Missha Near Skin toner gave an empty bottle after months of usage, its Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive is next on my list.

Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive Review

According to Laneige.com

Mild toner that soothes irritated skin, helping it restore its healthy state

Mild moisturizing toner that soothes stressed, irritated skin as it removes dead skin cells to give you a healthy complexion

1. Soothes skin

Moisturizing toner with no artificial fragrance or colorants, soothing stressed, irritated skin as it removes dead skin cells to give you a healthy complexion.

2. Keeps skin moisturized

Contains Bio-Dusali and fermented seaweed that grows in extreme conditions, energizing skin and restoring healthy skin turnover; hyacinth extracts help skin flush out heavy metals, pollutants, and other harmful substances so that skin stays clean and moisturized.

3. Keeps skin moisturized and healthy

Contains rice extracts, which have excellent soothing and moisturizing effects; the skin-friendly, high-molecule moisturizing barrier enhances skin’s ability to retain moisture, helping skin restore its healthy state.

I think this has another variant on this line but I chose this because it said to be for Acne prone skin. I was having a really bad acne problems back then that I don’t even want to look at the mirror sometimes… (I really wanted to write a post about how Korean skin care help me with my acne issues but I can’t find a time to it. Hopefully I can share with you all soon.)

Packaging is light to the eyes with no fancy designs. (I prefer it that way though) Compared to my toners, this one comes in a thick acrylic bottle, not in a glass. You can clearly see the product inside the bottle since it is transparent which I find it more helpful coz I will easily know if I still have enough or if there is something wrong with my liquids. 

I usually transfer my liquids into a small atomizer for easier application. The first thing I notice when I transfer it its consistency, it is almost the same with water, clear and not soapy. At first I thought the liquid is green color but actually it is colorless. Light scent that is close to none which I think is preferable for those with sensitive nose. Application and absorption is quick. I don’t have to pace long enough before I can add another product. It’s not sticky nor sting upon application. 

I am almost done with my bottle and I can say this product is worth my money. The 200 ml bottle lasted for about 7-8 months. So far, it helps me maintain my facial skin’s health being part of my regimen. Since I started using Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive, I never had any breakout problems and my skin still feels soft. It live up to its promise to keep my skin moisturized and healthy.

 What I like

Mild scent (almost none)

Moisturizing

No sticky feeling upon application

What I don’t like

The price (but it’s worth it though)

For the price of 1200 pesos, I think Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner for Sensitive worth every peso.

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Takatack Online Shopping Review

Ahhh.. It's been a while since my last post about shopping. I have been on a really tight budget these days. Hahahha.

Tonight is for my experience on Takatack. I have heard about this site many times previously but did not bother to go shopping on here because I just got used to Lazada or Zalora.

It was just a good timing that after the first item I bought from them, that weekend they were having a 40% off. Lucky me! I get to buy my induction cooker at a really good price. Good thing I was not tempted to buy the induction cooker while I was at the mall because I was trying to save with the 250 discount vouchers I had. Good thing come to those who wait. Hehehehe.

Thank you so much for the 1918.00 discount!! I think I now have a new favorite go to online shopping site. Hehehe.

My only problem right now is that my Shopback credits for this purchase is still not being shown on my account. I had 3 purchase from them over the past week, one arrived after 7 days, the induction cooker is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, the 3rd one I have no clue what’s the status now.

Nonetheless, I am happy with all my purchases with Takatack. Sana more promos pa

Update: 7-27-2016

Got my induction cooker. :)

Also, shopback rewards are credited after your order has been delivered. :)

Happy Shopper here! :)

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PLDT Pay Express: Thank God For This

Following the recent changes on PLDT, I appreciate how they upgraded their payment system. 

I was so happy when I receive my e-statement this month stating that I can now pay my bills using my debit/credit cards. I know they have several options where we can pay our bills online through online banking but I just prefer using my card for payments and maximize my card rewards. Hahaha :)

Aside from that, I also like that I don't have to log-in to my PLDT account to use this feature. A direct link that is specific for my account where I can pay for my bill is already embedded on the e-statement. Plus you can use the same link to check your updated balance or to check if your payment was already posted.

The image above is what you will see when you click on the link on your e-statement. Your balance will automatically show on the amount to pay. Click on agree TaC then click on Credit Card. It will then navigate you to Pesopay where you will enter your details.

That's it! I'm done in less than 5 minutes.. :)

Thank you PLDT! I just love this upgrade.

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Missha Creamy Latte Grean Tea Cleansing Foam Review

Happy Easter!

And sooo, I finally had the time to work on this review. This is the second cleansing foam product I have tried from Missha. Compared to Super Aqua, the Missha Creamy Latte Green Tea Cleansing Foam is cheaper and overall, this product does a good job. I was hesitant to buy this at first because of the price. I was like "Will this work properly? Why its so cheap compared to others?" but I am happy with this after my purchase and probably will be my regular cleansing foam in the future after I have used up all my remaining cleansing foam products stocked at my closet. :)

Missha Creamy Latte Green Tea Cleansing Foam

The package when it arrive is not boxed but is sealed. So I am not sure if this was boxed originally. The white tube is in matte feel with a royal frames and texts. It's not the usual Arial texts. :) But everything at the back is in Korean Text

It says:
Containing milk ingredients, it makes your skin clean, moisturized and nourished.

Longer description from Missha US:
Cleansing foam with green tea latte ingredients help vitalize tired, dull skin. Green tea latte provides nutrition to the skin and helps control sebum secretion. The latte-like soft, smooth lather helps keep the skin moisturized even after cleansing.

The first thing I noticed when I open it was the green tea scent. It was really refreshing. The product is in light green color of course coz it's green tea. I use a small amount only and it is enough to cover my whole face, probably half the amount I had on my sample pic below. I use this twice a day - morning and evening.

As a cleansing foam, I think it does its job pretty well for its price. After washing my face with this, my skin feels fresh and nourished. I think the scent of green tea and green color adds up to the feeling.  So far while using Missha Creamy Latte Green Tea Cleansing Foam for almost 7 months, I didn't had problems with breakouts so that's good news for me.

I have tried the chocolate flavor for this one and I hate the chocolate scent, I had to rinse my face really well to remove the chocolate scent.

What I like

- Cheaper price

- Refreshing green tea scent

- Moisturizing

- Does its job properly

What I don't like

- I'm still thinking!

- Ahh! the tube 

During it's last moments when squeezing is already impossible to let the foam out, try cutting it to half and scrape the remaining products out of the tube, there are still a lot left in it that lasted almost a month. I don't like wasting useful products.

I used to buy my Korean products from an online seller but I don't think he is still selling at the moment. Regular price of USD 5, this is less than P200 when I bought it on sale so I am not sure how much is the regular price on Missha kiosk in malls.

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Ssaeracadabra 2016 Korean Drama Favorites

I got lazy these days so, I decided to have short reviews for my watched drama in one page instead of making them one by one. Editing this page throughout the year after I finish watching each drama.

If you know any drama that is worth to watch, please share it on comment section. I would really watched it. Cheers to my fellow K-drama Addicts! :)

1. War of the Son

credits to wikipedia

I am so excited to see this drama because of Yoo Seung Ho. Gosh! How I missed him seeing on my screen. He really is one of the best Korean actors I have known, like he can pull any character and portrait them passionately. So much about him, let's get back the drama. This is a melodrama so if you are looking tear jerky drama, this one is a worth to watch. (Though, I did not shed a tear on this but my friends did). It's really painful to watch the struggle of the Father and Son. But at least they got the justice they want. And oh, the hot-villain-with-anger-management-issue here is very irritating, it was such a pity that he committed suicide at the end.

For this: 5/5 stars

2. I Remember You

credits to wikipedia

I know this was released last year but only had the time to watched it early this year. And Boy! I was so kilig the whole time watching Seo In Guk here. Hahaha... Those lips, and those eyes... Oh Boy.... Haha..
Anyway, the drama as a whole was worth to watch, I enjoyed the plot twists. It's just so weird for me how he can't identify his own brother earlier. But then, I guess it is where the story come from. Trust me, if you decide to watch this, you will enjoy the suspense in finding his brother.

For this: 4.8/5 stars

3.  Six Flying Dragons
 

credits to wikipedia

I and my friend watch this because of Yoo Ah In. For us Yoo Ah In is one of the most capable actors in K-Drama world. Though this drama was lengthy with 50 episodes, it was still worth the time watching it. The story is more focused on political issues and ambitions rather than the romance. If you are looking for romantic comedy or kilig moments, I think this is not the one as this one is more on serious types. But as for us, it was worth watching issues after issues until the Lee Bang Won became the King. I find Sambong annoying when he gain power. Lee Ban Ji's life was so boring and tragic. Moo Hyul was very attractive, probably because of his loyalty to his master. As for Boon Yi and Lee Bang Won, though they did not end up marrying each other, but I think they lived a fulfilled but lonely life. It was a great drama.

For this: 5/5 stars

4. Descendants of the Sun

credits to wikipedia

Joong Ki, I missed you! The last time I saw on my screen was on the werewolf boy. I hope to more of your dramas and movies in the future.

Anyways, this drama may have won several awards from us. Bests couple, most kilig, bests 2nd couple, most talked drama among my friends,  and everything else. Even on the first episode, my heart was already palpitating because of the kiligness. We just can't get over yet. I think, so far this year, this is the only drama that has let me laugh, fall in love and cry. I can't even remember when was the last i cried for a drama. Probably because it is related with medical life, that I can really understand the situation. Ahhhh.. I don't know. I just can't describe how delighted I am watching this drama. I not writing what the drama is about but I assure you that if you watch this, you will really enjoy it!

As far as I know, it is the same writer that has brought us Secret Garden and The Heirs. So if you have watched and liked both, I am really sure, you will enjoy DOTS!

For this: 5/5 stars and 5/5 hearts :)


5. Come Back, Mister 

 

credits to wikipedia

So if you are into light but entertaining drama, this one is recommended. The first few episodes were really enjoyable that made me decide to watch this till the end. I think Rain is more natural on this type of portrayals. Also, I feel in love with Oh Yeon Seo’s pretty little face. She’s really awkward but I enjoyed watching her on this drama. The story is quite unique for me, the twist were good, and the actors were all great. Overall, this drama was well worth my time.

For this: 4.5/5 stars

6. Entertainer

credits to wikipedia

We decided to watch this because of Min Hyuk. Haha. Aside from that my friend also told me that it was a good drama. I find this story with so many complications but glad to see that at the end of the drama, everyone had an ending they deserve. Everyone did a good job on here though. However, I hate Hyeri’s character here. :) The story line is not my type but if you are into complicated drama, this could be perfect for you to watch.

For this: 4/5 stars

7. Beautiful Gong Shim

credits to wikipedia

I hated Nam Goong Min on War of the Son. I really hated his character in that drama that is why watching this drama is kinda awkward at the first few episode. I was also moved by his portrayal on the Doctors episode and damn, he can make me cry. It just proves that Nam Goong Min is a versatile actor. Minah is also funny. I find her weird in this drama though. This is just a light drama with no heavy conflicts. I liked it that way.

For this: 4.5/5 stars

8. Mirror of the Witch

credits to wikipedia

When I see Yoon Shi Yoon, I am always reminded with Baker King. He was really good at that one. Kim Sae-Ron here was emotionless. Her facial expression is all the same. I am not sure if I was convinced but I just can't feel any emotion on her. Maybe because of her character? Also, I hated the ending. hihi!

For this: 4/5 stars 

8. Doctors

credits to wikipedia

I must admit, the first 2 episodes was a bang! Because of Shin Ye's action scene, I was excited of this drama. I think this is the first drama I saw where Shin Ye's is a grown up. It was refreshing. Kim Raewon is cute too. It's been a while since the last time saw him on my screen. I always like his movies. And, he's cuter now. Hahah. Yoon Kyun-sang was also great in here. I still have a hangover with him being Mo Hyul, it's quite refreshing seeing him in doctor's gown. A mature love story everyone will surely love.

For this: 4.8/5 stars

9. Let's Fight Ghost

credits to wikipedia

This is fun given that I enjoy watching fight scenes. I like how they twist that Hyun Ji was actually a soul and not a ghost no wonder why was beautiful compared to other ghost and they had a happy ending. Park Bong Pal was great on this drama and the antagonist Joo Hye-sung was portrayed very well. Even his eyes looks really scary on screen. Over all, this drama was really worth to watch and was never boring to me.

For this: 4.9/5 stars

10. Cinderella and Four Knights

credits to wikipedia

I am not really sure if I did enjoy watching this last night. There are episodes that really got me bored. The Knights were really great for their character but I am not sure about the Cinderella. The story was typical but good thing it doesn’t have too much evil antagonist on it. For me, the love story between the characters are way too complicated.  

For this: 3.8/5 Stars

11. W

credits to wikipedia

This is quite amusing to watch for me. The girl lead is just so cute. Anyways, it's a great story here. I love the twist and conflicts are good.

 For this: 5/5 Stars

12. Love in the Moonlight

credits to wikipedia

Kim Yoo Jung is such a pretty lady now. The drama was really sweet but I specifically liked how friendship is really strong in this one. This is not as heavy as how other sageuk drama usually do but I like it really. Though I cried a bit when Yoon Sung died. That was painful to watch.

For this: 4.9/5 Stars

13. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

credits to wikipedia

It's been a while since Queen Seon Deok that I cried so much for a drama. This probably is the most heart wrenching drama love story I have watched this year. It’s like I cried in every dying prince scene. I hate it but it only shows how great this drama that it gives the feels to its viewers. I hated the ending though that is how a great Korean drama usually ends. I cried a bucket in last episode, it really hurts seeing the King resent Lady Hae Soo because of misunderstanding. Wang So was really patient in with his love for Hae Soo, though he became the King and can have almost everything except the one that He really loves the most. If only I can get into the screen and comfort the King. Hahaha! Well… Everyone did a really great in this one!! 

For this: 5.5/5 Stars 

14.  Uncontrollably Fond

credits to wikipedia

Melodrama, the ones that will leave you with a broken heart and a bunch of tissue at the end. Even the effects/settings makes you feel so lonely. Kim Won Bin was really painful to watch every time he has headache attacks. And Suzy is so annoying every time she screams but dang, how adorable she is when she does aegyo acts and so pretty when she's dolled up. But still I think her acting still needs more practice and more practice, I can't feel any connection with her character when on a serious scenes. Everyone else also did a great job in this drama. Shin Joon-young life is so pitiful that I just hope they made his relationship with her mom not that ill, at least they can have a quality time instead off hating her son that much.

For this: 3.8/5 Stars   

15. The K2

A round of applause for this drama. It was very well done. My heart is racing on every episode thinking what will happen next. And I so love their fist fights. Yoona's acting I think has improved, the character really suits her well. Chang Wook was really cool in this one. Action drama really suits him well. And Song Yoona, damn her character, I might hate her for a while. Hahaha.. She was so pretty. How can a she be so sweet and be evil but still remain classy even at her last moments. Everyone else was really convincing. The ending was also satisfying. No hangovers. I could watch this all over again, I just love the thrill I feel while watching this.. :)

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