My Neutrogena non-alcoholic toner is about to be used up so I was looking for a new brand to try. The Neutrogena toner is already non-comedogenic but I still suffered from occasional breakouts. I guess my skin is not compatible with the brand or the other products I use.
My search took me to a brand which is becoming a new favorite—Etude. I asked the saleslady for a toner which is alcohol-free and mild. She referred to the Pure Joy Calming Toner. This is how the product looks like:
It’s the last the song out of the 2nd mini album to be released and as they say, “Save the best for the last!”
True to that saying, I think Ugly is the best song in the album and it definitely deserves to be the title song. I’m glad my wish from my previous review came true. For that, you have again my respect, YG. Ugly has everything: the clean production of Don’t Cry, the emotion of Lonely, the energy of I am the Best, and the subtlety of Hate You. What more could I ask for? The musical style employed in the song is a first from 2NE1 and it’s again very refreshing. I want to hear more rock-inspired songs from them the girls and I can see them doing this for a long time. YG is definitely gaining reign in producing songs of such style (Ugly, and Big bang’s Love Song).
(Credits to YG Entertainment)
At first, I thought the song was a ballad but the introduction of the drum beats and snares changed all that. The song is arranged interestingly in a way that the peak has been focused solely in the chorus. It works well for the song and most importantly to the message the song is conveying. It’s worthy to note how the vibe of the song is very the different from the atmosphere of the lyrics. At first look, the lyrics are very negative and a listener might think the singer is wallowing in self pity. Interestingly, the singer does not redeem herself in anyway effectively sealing the message of being comfortable of one’s true skin.
You saw this coming. Or maybe not. I was debating on whether I should post a review of the song but since I already reviewed the initial releases for 2NE1’s 2nd mini album, I might as well go until the end.
When I heard the teaser for Hate You I was excited because the chorus was upbeat, funky and less eccentric then I am the Best. However, when I heard the whole song, I was a bit disappointed. The melody is very repetitive and it’s again very CL-centered. I have to say sorry to CL fans but I don’ think she already has the capability to make an entire chorus interesting. I agree that out of the four members, she has the most versatile voice, but her voice doesn’t have the timbre of Bom or Minzy’s that can make a chorus more soothing to the ears. It also doesn’t help that she sounds “squeaky” again, something I haven’t observed since Lonely and I am the Best.
2NE1's alter ego. (Credits to YG)
Lyrics wise, I have no qualms. It’s pretty decent. However, the great impact which it could deliver was diminished by the very melody of the song. As I have mentioned earlier, it’s very repetitive and monotonous. For once, YG did not compose a “pleasing” loop. The bridge could have been a perfect way to infuse a gorgeous climax to song in the form of Bom’s line just before the last chorus but it was cut short.
Since I can barely keep up with my watching list, I decided to list them now in a update/review manner. First stop: English and American Shows.
1. NCIS Season 8
The episode on Saturday on Fox Philippines marks the finale of the 8th season. I’m excited to know how Gibb’s team will solve and port-to-port killer case and if EJ will manage to escape the killer. Season 8 was quite boring for me. It lacked the thrill of having a dilemma that runs throughout the entire season, something I found entertaining in the past seasons. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed season 8. As always, the show has a detailed logic to back its storyline. It also has an essence of “humanity”, an aspect I can’t find in most CSI shows.
Scary. (from screenrant.com)
2. Got to Dance UK 2
Ah. I feel such joy in watching breathtaking performances. This is one of the very few shows which can initiate me to cry. Yes, I do cry. The amount of talent displayed on the 2nd season was much much impressive than the first season. I wanted Two’s Company to win but Chris and Wez was not a bad choice. Technique wise, the girls of Two’ Company surpassed everyone else on the finals, but performance wise, Kris and Wez was a shoo-in for the crown. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re also very talented.
Moving on to Korean shows… Honestly, I watch more Korean shows than English and Filipino shows combined. Anyway, here goes my list:
Variety:
1. We Got Married
Oh, Nichkhun and Victoria, just date/marry in real life already. The recent episodes are getting shorter and shorter with the addition of the Kwon Ri Sae and David Oh couple but Khuntoria easily trumps the other couples when it comes to sweetness, skinship, cheesiness, etc. WGM team certainly scored a jackpot when they casted these two. They are one of the most natural couples I’ve ever seen on the show. Whether the interactions are for reel or real, one can’t deny that Khuntoria has explosive chemistry. They’ve been on the show for more than a year now and I think I am not the only one who’s worried that they might leave anytime soon. However, I realized that WGM can’t afford to lose them yet since the newer couples do not have a solid fanbase yet. I will be so happy if they stay on the show for at least another six months.
I was just listening to the sound of fireworks on the night of December 31. Then now, here I am reviewing how the first six months of my 2011 passed by. In an “adult’s world”, time flies so fast indeed.
In 2010, I was so absorbed in earning and saving in money to the point I almost forgot my friends and probably even myself. At the end of the year, I was miserable and I felt that I was not able to achieve anything at all.
2011 is about rediscovering what I forgot and almost forgot and discovering what I can still do. I am lucky enough that blessings are pouring non-stop. What I must ensure now is that I am worth every blessing I receive.
Rediscovery
Love for travelling. A certain change in my life early this year allowed me to do things which I really enjoy including travelling and several other things. I was able to go to Pampanga, Zambales, Batangas, and Bicol on several occasions. This may sound too “near” for some but for me, it’s a significant leap. I am slowly starting to realize my goals and hopefully, I can travel to farther places during the second half of the year.
Priceless.
Love for photography. The first thing I listed in my wish list for 2011 is a camera. I made sure that I had one before my birthday. I fell in love with the camera at an early age. I am not a die hard photography enthusiast but I love capturing memories in pictures. A photograph is one of the very few tangible proofs that you were present at a certain moment, at a certain time.
Rediscovering friends.
Friendship. Last year, I barely attended any HS gathering. I rarely contacted people outside of my closest circle of friends. What happened? I turned out miserable. I asked myself why. Is it because I have few friends? They are not thinking of me? But then I thought… I was not reaching out either. I forgot that it takes two people to make a relationship work out.
I had a dilemma on whether I should review 2NE1’s new single I am the Best. You see, it took me more time then usual to digest the song. If it weren’t for the awesome SBS Inkigayo live performance, it would probably take days before I listen to the song again.
(Credits to YGLife blog)
I chose to review the song after the live performance video and MV came out because I was hoping they would change my perception of the song. Thankfully, they did. Now, I’ll talk about the song first. The moment I heard the intro, I knew it would be something of the likes of Can’t Nobody: hectic and very electronic. Thankfully, Teddy chose to minimize the use of autotune this time. Like I said in my previous reviews, 2NE1 can sound hip hop or electronic even without the use of autotune. The music itself is already infused with electronic sounds that the vocals should not be treated anymore.
I had no qualms with all the instruments infused in this song. They are needed to build the atmosphere that the song was trying to establish: energetic, funky, and edgy. Vocal wise, 2NE1 also delivered. Parts were interchanged comfortably. The recorded version did not sound boring.
Sadly, the downside of the song is its structure and lyrics. The lyrics are catchy but when you analyze it carefully, they are just a bunch of repeating phrases. This also translated to the melody. The song lacks a decent chorus and bridge. Sadly again, one of the things I hate about a song is using a single phrase for the entire chorus. For that, it’s worse than Can’t Nobody and I’m Busy. Note that I’m Busy is currently my least favorite 2NE1 song.
Strings. This song is all about strings and I’m loving it. Lonely is an excellent addition to 2NE1’s growing resume. While many of us know that YG has the ability to produce a song of such quality and subtlety, the simple of use of stings still surprised me and it’s very refreshing to the ears. I already know 2NE1 can pull off mellow songs excellently: In the Club, It Hurts, Love is Ouch. But one aspect that made Lonely stand out is the absence of percussion instruments, synthesizers and minimal treatment of the vocals. Whoever composed and arranged the music, I so love you.
(Credits to YG Life)
I like how the music started with a simple guitar plucking then transitioned into strumming. It builds tension and anticipation for the chorus. The use of violin in the chorus made me grin from ear to ear. I love the music that violins create and I think violin music is one the most gorgeous sound you can infuse to a song. If you pay close detail to the song, at the part where Minzy and Bom sing “I’m so lonely…lonely..”, there are actually two violins playing. I loved it. They created a perfect harmonization. I wish 2NE1 can do the same.
I can finally breathe. Our office team building was so successful thanks to the help of my co-members in the venue and program committee. I would have not done it without you guys! Of course, we owe majority of our success to our awesome venue, the Caliraya Resort Club, Inc.
How to Get There
Caliraya is about 2-3 hours drive away from Manila. If you are coming via a private car, take the Calamba exit at SLEX and follow the main highway that will take you to LB, Bay, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, and finally Lumban. Upon reaching Lumban Church, turn left until you see a Y road. The right road will lead you Caliraya. You can’t miss the resort because they have signages all over Laguna.
Park Bom’s new single has been out for a while and I decided to do a review. First thing that came to my mind when YG announced that Bom will jumpstart the comeback of 2NE1 was “Why her?”, when CL and Minzy are more versatile vocally. But then I remembered that of the three singles released last year, Bom’s You and I was the most succesful. So I don’t know if it’s a matter of potential commercial success or seniority since we all know Bom is the oldest member of 2nE1.
I listened to the song before watching the MV because sometimes MVs have a different effect on my appreciation for or a song. Production wise, the song is very clean. It has a gorgeous piano introduction and loop. I also love the subtlety in the refrain part and how it builds the chorus. The music for the refrain and the bridge has also been produced perfectly for Bom’s voice and range since I am aware that she is not really capable of holding a falsetto because her voice is very powerful.
I’ve never been a fan of the humongous instruments that YG seems to put in its songs, but I can forgive them this time since I like the song in general. Had Teddy stuck to the piano alone, the song would have been very subtle. The snares added some umpf and makes it more lively and danceable. I also hope YG could experiment with Bom and also Minzy with the likes of Taeyang’s material. I think it would suit them well.
Vocally, Bom is very capable of holding a song on her own. I also think her ability as a singer can be better appreciated in Don’t Cry rather in You and I. I like both songs but as I have mentioned before I prefer her singing in her lower range. In You and I, you can hear her difficulty in breathing even in the recorded version and it seems her range have been stretched out. One thing I love about Bom’s voice is its color and power, and I think it has been clearly showcased in this song, though not to the level of We Belong Together. This is also one of the few times that they actually considered making her sing in falsetto. You can here it for a few seconds in the refrain and I like it. She needs to develop her technique on that aspect.
A Thoughtful Paper 