Monday, February 14, 2022

My 2020 Top 60 Songs: The Best From K-pop Female Groups ~ No. 10 - No. 1

Here's the final part for my favourite songs from female K-pop groups in 2020 where I finally can introduce to you my top 10. Wow, such a long journey. Sorry for procrastinating this. Now, let's go to the songs. Can you guess which group top my list?




IZ*ONE had officially disbanded in April 2021 but that's okay, we still can enjoy their music and music videos through various platforms. They had lots of cool music and Fiesta is probably one of my favourite. It's a super upbeat song and it's almost as if they were rushing when they are singing this song which kind of funny when I think about it. Still, it's super catchy and a highly addictive song so you've been warned.




I'm so in love with this song. It's different, it doesn't really sound like a K-pop song and I think I did need some time to get used to it when I first heard it but I was definitely hooked by the time the song was over. I'm in love with the music video too; it was beautifully shot, the edits were good, the members were stunning and the choreography was just perfect. For some reason, I was mesmerized by the flying orbs scene in the music video. I'm not sure why....




This song and the music video that accompanied it were such a nice surprise, because it was a departure from the type of songs that the group used to release before. It was an experiment for them I guess, but it worked, they all committed to it and they delivered. The link that I provided for the music video is for the normal version but I really recommend that you check out the uncensored version as well; it was interesting and well made and definitely my choice when I want to watch the music video.

Monday, February 7, 2022

My 2020 Top 60 Songs: The Best From K-pop Female Groups ~ No. 20 - No. 11

*I can't believe I had been postponing this yet again! A lot is happening in my personal life and I just can't find the right time to write. However, I am determined to finish this list and then straight away continue with my 2021 list as well so...let's just hope I will make it.*

Here's Part 5 for my top 60 K-pop songs from female groups in 2020 for songs at number 20 until 11. Let's jump right in!




This is one of those songs that doesn't sound like a Gfriend song. You know, usually you can hear in their songs that kind of familiar sounds that you can straight away associate with them but no, not this one. Apple sounds different and that is actually good for them. It shows their versatility. As of this writing, Gfriend has disbanded. To be honest, how many of us would expect that this would be one of the last songs that they would release?




I'm so in love with this song! It's fun, cute and reminded me of the concepts that Orange Caramel used to pull when they were active. Seriously, more groups should try quirky concepts like this, I don't think we have enough of them nowadays.




They never take a break, do they? They keep releasing song after song after song...sometimes I wonder if they have enough rest between releases. Anyway, More & More is an awesome dance track and the dance break in the music video was phenomenal. The music video was beautifully shot too. In my opinion. this is one of their best track.

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Shadows House is airing on Animax Asia

I actually never heard of this anime before but I am so glad I stumbled upon it when it was first aired on TV. Shadows House is an anime adaptation of Japanese manga series of the same name written and illustrated by duo So-ma-to. The animated series is produced by CloverWorks.

The anime is about Living Dolls who are the servants of the denizens of Shadow House who all live in a grand mansion. Each Shadow person would have his or her own Living Doll not only to serve them but also represent them as the Shadow person is not visibly recognizable by face. The story focused on a new Living Doll named Emilico and her mistress, Kate. Together they uncover the dark secrets behind the mystery of the mansion and its inhabitants. I wish I could tell you more but as of the 4th episode that I've watched, not much has been revealed yet. Besides, I think it is best for you to enjoy the story yourself without any spoilers.

So far, I have enjoyed the story and the animation is nice visually too. I like the characters that have been introduced thus far with both Emilico and Kate are my favourites. That kind of make sense since the anime explored much of these two characters anyway in the first 4 episodes. I'm looking forward to get to know more about the rest of the characters especially Lou, she seems rather mysterious and interesting. I am also very much in love with the closing theme track "Nai Nai" by ReoNa. It's an awesome song.

The anime is licensed to Funimation outside of Asia. For Asian viewers, if you have Animax Asia, you can watch it there. It is airing every Monday and Tuesday at 8 pm (2 episodes airing on each day). It started airing on September 20th so 4 episodes have been aired so far. I'm sure they would have repeat airing afterwards but it's not too late for you to catch up with the series now if you haven't already.

For more info, you can check out Animax Asia website.



My 2020 Top 60 Songs: The Best From K-pop Female Groups ~ No. 30 - No. 21

Here's Part 4! We're past halfway through the list now so I hope I can finish this soon because 2022 is almost upon us and I'm still on the 2020 list. Okay, let's do this, let's go through the songs from number 30 until 21.




This is definitely edgier than what they used to release but I like it. It reminded me of their debut song, I Don't Like Your Girlfriend, which is also a lot edgier compared to their other songs like Picky Picky and Dazzle Dazzle. The styling for this music video is great too, I like the look that they went with.




This is a very strong debut. Seriously, they look like they have been in the industry for awhile but it's actually their debut. I like the concept and styling for the girls in the music video, but what I really find impressive is the camerawork for it especially when the camera followed them when they are dancing, it makes the music video somewhat unique for me. Also what's with the silhouette at the end? Are they hinting at a fifth member joining the group?




How You Like That is the lead single from Blackpink's first Korean studio album. It's fun, it's funky, and has Blackpink's signature all over it, and what I mean by that is when you listen to the song, you know it's from the group because it has that sound that is familiar to them.

Sunday, September 12, 2021

2021 PlayStation Showcase: What's Your Most Anticipated Game?

Did you watch the 2021 PlayStation Showcase event? I didn't catch the livestream but I did watched the video that they uploaded later and I must say, what a fantastic line-up of games!

There are altogether 18 games that were showcased but I'm going to pick half of it that I find interesting. Find out my list down below and you can click on the links to be directed to the individual game trailer on YouTube.


This is a nice surprise. We see so little of it and yet it looks so good and promising. There are quite a few X-Men games before but I only ever play fighting games when it comes to X-Men characters. This game will probably be more focused and character-driven on the aforementioned title character based on the title. I wonder if it will have an original story, or adapted from a comic book series or movies?


There are two things that stood out for me during the video for this game; one is the hand movement of the player character when in combat which looks very cool; and second the ghost design that the player will be fighting that reminiscent the ghosts from Japanese folklore and urban legend, which is also very cool. It seems to be very action-heavy but still have that horror element to it.



This is a very cute game. The island setting looks very gorgeous and inviting. I'm not sure how the gameplay works, at first I thought it was just an exploration game where players can inhabit other creatures but as the video continue, it seems to have combat as well together with a very curious story. I'm intrigued.


This is another nice surprise, it was announced out of nowhere. I'm sure people have so many questions regarding this game but as it is schedule to be released in 2023, I don't think we will get much answer yet for now. This and Wolverine are being develop by Insomniac Games.


To be honest, I don't know anything about the classic game that they are remaking but I hear so many good things about it, and read the excitement from people who had played the original game, that I am in turn become excited too. If the original game is as excellent as people claim it is, then this remake will be a special one for a lot of people.



Stylish character and stylish combat. The robot companion and the enemies' attacks reminded me of Nier: Automata while the character's combat styles reminded me of Devil May Cry series. Overall, this looks good.


The visuals for this game is just amazing. The open world, the enemies, the main character's design and most importantly, the power display that the main character is projecting. Not sure what's the story about other than the main character who got sucked into an unknown world and was asked to defeat a powerful...witch? Square Enix, the publisher of the game, described it as a "narrative-driven adventure" and it will focus on speed and fluidity travel of the open world. Sounds exciting!


I always wanted to play this game and it seems now I have a chance! For someone who cannot afford to buy multiple consoles, this news is indeed a blessing. The remastered will have general improvements, support 4k resolutions, will include both DLCs and additionally will include a new commentary track by Sam Lake.



I think most of the people watching the showcase will have this game as their most wanted game. The footage that they showed finally revealed some of the characters that will appear as well as the gameplay, which looks oddly familiar but at the same time feels updated and refreshing. This is going to be an amazing and emotional adventure for Kratos, Atreus and us (the players!) who will accompany them on yet another soon-to-be epic journey.

Which of the showcased games are you most excited about? If you missed the rest of the games revealed at the event, you can check them out below.