AFTER BIANCA Gonzales’ world date with Kim Bum in 2010, it’s now young star Jessy Mendiola’s turn to have a date with two of the hottest members of Korean boy band Shinee. Jessy was one of the lucky girls who got a once in a lifetime chance to meet and bond with Jonghyun and Key of Shinee.
Malaki ang fan base ng K-Pop dito sa bansa. Korean Wave or Hallyu is now sweeping across the country like storm. Mapa-drama, kanta, concert o product endorsements ay tiyak na kakagatin ng die-hard fans.
Shinee has previously visited the country and performed before legion of devoted fans at the CCP for the Philippine-Korea Friendship Festival. Kilala ang grupo sa loob at labas ng bansa with their hits songs gaya ng Juliette, Love Like Oxygen, Amigo, Hello, Replay, Ring Ding Dong, Lucifer, Ready or Not, Love Pain at Sherlock. Their killer smiles and drop-dead gorgeous looks make them perfect poster boys kaya tinitilian sila saan man sila magpunta.
Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) had its second World Date kung saan kabilang si Jessy sa mga masuwerteng delegado. Isang kakaibang karanasan ito para kay Jessy dahil kahit sinong Shawols (Shinee’s fan club) ay tiyak na nangangarap makilala at makasama kahit isang saglit lang sina Jonghyun, Key and the rest of Shinee na sina Minho, Taemin at Onew.
During her brief stay in Korea, Jessy also met Korean singer NS Yoon Ji who surprised the girls to a make-over treat para ma-experience nila ang K-Pop look. Sa sikat na Gangnam district sila nag-shop ng mga make-up items. They also had their mini fashion show. The delegates went to Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province kung saan nila na-meet sina Jonghyun at Key. Nagkaroon ng games, sayawan at barbecue dinner na hinanda mismo ng dalawang K-pop idols.
The group visited the Goguryeo Blacksmith Village kung saan nagsuot ng hanbok (Korean traditional dress) sina Jessy para sa isang pictorial kasama sina Jonghyun at Key. Kuwento ni Jessy, “Sobrang ganda. Kailangan ninyong bisitahin itong Goguryeo. Parang dito sila nagshu-shoot ng mga drama series, historical/period drama series nila. Kasama ko sina Jonghyun at Key [sa pictorial]. Para kaming [delegates] mga prinsesa.”
Nagkaroon ng masayang thank you dinner ang lahat and Jessy was chosen as the host. Na-interview rin niya ang dalawang kinakikiligang K-pop stars na parehong nag-enjoy sa world date nila. “We’ve spent two days and one night of trip together with eight girls. It was lots of fun and the part I liked the most was the outdoor activities. We had many games and I did jump rope together with Jessy. Even though we lost, we did our best,” kuwento ni Key in Korean. Ayon naman kay Jonghyun, “Barbecue party at night was the most memorable part. We talked many things and became closer while barbecuing.” Sinabi ni Key na gusto nila uling bumisita rito sa Pilipinas kapag nagkaroon sila pagkakataon.
Kaibigan, usap tayo muli!
Points of Boy
by Boy Abunda
