Seriously Cute: PINK CRES. in Manila (09.09.2017)

This is an incredibly late post, but with the new direction my blog is going I thought it would be an appropriate start. 

On September 9th 2017, PINK CRES. came to the Philippines for the ASEAN-Japan Television Festival at Trinoma Mall.  

It is a three-piece group led by Miyabi is a former member of the now defunct group, Berryz Koubou which was one of the biggest groups of Hello!Project at that time.  

Being a fan of the group, of course I could not hold back my excitement to see the group perform in person.  An opportunity like this is rare, and quite possibly once in a lifetime considering the short lifespan of many of my favorite groups from Japan. 

Seriously Cute: AKB48 Team 8 in Manila (12.04.2016)

Better late than never!

December 4, 2016, AKB48's Team 8 visited the Manila, Philippines in Market Market, Taguig.  The visit is in honour of the 60th Philippine-Japan Friendship Anniversary. 

Not one to miss an opportunity like this, I of course went.  

60th Philippine-Japan Friendship Anniversary
AKB48 and MNL48

As I have said on this post, MNL48 is coming.  However, I can't say at what its exact date is.  The latest piece of news released though is that they are now partnered with local television station, ABS-CBN.  So, we might actually get some kind of reality television show out of this. I suspect that they might televise the audition.  

Going back to the event, this event is not only to promote the friendship between two countries.  This is more MNL48 promotion.  

Beyond the Trailer: La La Land (2016)

La La Land Poster (2017)

In honour of Valentines being just around the corner, I decided to blog about the first romance movie I have seen for the year 2017.

The moment I saw the trailer, I knew this was something I couldn't miss as I am a fan of old Fred Astaire movies.  This movie didn't at all disappoint.   

For those unfamiliar with Fred Astaire, you can start by watching "The Band Wagon" or if you are an Audrey Hepburn fan, you can watch "Funny Face." While not an Astaire film, I also recommend Gene Kelly's "Singing in the Rain."

Writing this review will probably just parrot what a lot of people have already said about it, but I can't help but want to pursue it anyway to show my appreciation for the writing and work done.

Before going to the theatre, I basically already knew what to expect.  I knew there would be singing and random dancing  but with a story that made those old movies survive the test of time.

After watching it, it is probably safe to say that this is probably one of the best romance movies that I have seen in a very long while.  It was lighthearted at the right time but it also knew when to take itself seriously.

Seriously Cute: YANAKIKU in Manila

Yanakiku at Pop Life FanXperience, Manila

Prior to watching them perform at the ToyCon/Pop Life FanXperience, Manila, I had never heard of this group before.  I chose to watch them perform out of pure curiosity, it was one of the highlights of an otherwise terrible day --- my wallet got stolen at this event (Reminders: Please be careful with your wallets and bags in these big crowds)

Introduction

Megumi Yanagi and Shoko Kikui, aka Yana and Kiku are members of Japanese pop duo, Yanakiku.  The group has been active since 2012 and their mission is to share the wonders of Japan to the world --- oh and rule the world.

What makes this group especially interesting is their combination of contemporary Japanese pop culture, such as kawaii and decora culture --- with traditional Japanese.  This shows in their costumes and music videos.  Also, their image makes them look like they leaped out from an anime.

Another thing that makes them different different from other performers I have seen are their amazing voices.  Individually, they are great singers and together they are dynamite.  Their songs aren't high-pitched nor idol-ly which I admit is what I usually associate in Japanese pop.  These girls can really sing. 

Seriously Cute: MNL48 Fan Meet (05.29.2016)

AKB announcement of sister group, MNL48
 last 26 March 2016

This project had been first announced a few years ago. It has been so long though that I thought they would scrap the project. Imagine my surprise when they officially announced the formation of BNK48, TPE48 and MNL48 in an AKB48 concert.

I was shocked and ecstatic.

It was finally happening, I could finally watch idols perform up close. That is why when there was a raffle for a fan meet to happen, I was extremely happy but at the same time confused, since as far as I knew there weren't any members yet.

Sharing a Sweet Sound: Leave A Message by 4TE

"Leave a Message" w/ Chii, Jenni, Micchi and Mei

"Please leave a message after the tone."

What message is there left to say without repeating what others have said before? I might just be sounding repetitive but it has to be said.

.... These girls are amazing!

Their debut, MORE/Ippo Zutsu released early 2015 had made an impression on both fans and critics alike. Fans thought it was brilliant and they even had critics saying that there was something there.

They didn't disappoint. These girls took everything that everyone was saying about their last release and just knocked this one out of the park.

Since the first hints of their next video appeared on their social media, I admit I was one of those people who were looking forward to it more than Christmas.

Seriously Cute: Okay! Musume Time 5th Anniversary Contest

I am an Idol Blogger ...
... how did that happen?!

How many times have you had this scenario before?

Random Person: Why Japanese idols? You don't understand what they are saying.
You: How about you? Why do you like [Insert random artist here]?
RP: I don't know ... because I enjoy it?
You: Bingo. 

For me, I love it the same way how people like Kpop and Justin Bieber. People can like Kpop because the style matches their taste. Or love Justin Bieber because his lyrics reaches them. Why can't Jpop have the same effect on me?

However ten years ago, if someone had told me I would fall in love with J-pop idol music I would probably laughed. At that time, I had been serious about perfecting my singing Broadway songs. I wanted to sing Opera and pursue music in college. That was such a long time ago, but I remember how it broke my heart when I realized that I didn't have enough talent to make a career out of it.

Sharing a Sweet Sound: Why Do I? by Chii

Chii asks, "Why do I cry?"

When not making music for 4TE and REMOTE GIRL☆, it looks like Chii and Alexander are still keeping themselves busy.

If there is one thing the girls in 4TE always excelled at, it is showcasing their individual personalities.

Last 4th of November, Chii released her first solo not under the name of  REMOTE GIRL☆ and it is called, "Why Do I?"

However, it comes a little bit of a surprise. I am so used to to hearing Chii sing in Japanese, that I wasn't prepared for this particular song to be in English.

However when the surprise died down, I was able to fall in love with it as it is. The song was fun --- without it necessarily being a dance tune.

Chii with Cry-kun in MV.
Cry-kun says, "I dance for cookies."

From the very first moment, the whole thing for me is a mix of Caroline Lufkin's song, "Bicycle," in voice and vintage feel  and Sweet Vacation's quirky and fun techno-style.

Chii's world --- might be a bit more surreal though. It is like she decided to add Alice in Wonderland-glasses into the mix. Who doesn't love a trip down the rabbit hole?.

Sitting Down with Mei (4TE and Former Oishii-Ichigo)

Mei
Main Vocalist
4TE

Fans of the group, 4TE may realize this just turning to their social media. It seems that that are working on new music and their next music video. Already, the group has been sharing teasers of the costumes and theme.

Trying to hold in my excitement, I instead tried diverting my attention to my interview with Mei. Not that it helped since hearing her voice gave me the urge to smile ridiculously. After this interview, I learned a new side from Mei. Her beauty isn't just skin deep, she is extremely mature and has the voice that probably spoke with the most experience in the group.

Mei, the angel-voiced fashionista of the group has been a favorite of mine since she first auditioned for Oishii!Project. She has a voice that oozed charisma and a style that I would kill for.

My artist's first reaction to her photo and videos were, "Wow! She is so pretty." No different from how I reacted as well.

Oh, and if you don't know yet, Mei is not just another coverist. I fell in love with her Clarity cover. She has also been known to share some of her original compositions. Even getting recognition for one of them  from Japanese program, J-Mello.

Sitting Down with Micchi (4TE and Former Oishii-Ichigo)

Micchi
Main Vocalist
4TE

In the Jpop fandom, when you hear the word ‘Idol’ (アイドル, aidoru) what comes to mind?

I am willing to bet that it is usually ‘Morning Musume’ (モーニング娘。Mōningu Musume) or the AKB48. The idol industry is currently one of the highest selling musical acts in Japan. But their popularity isn’t exclusively in Japan. Their fame has extended to different parts of the world. Even as far as the United States.

Thanks to YouTube and sites like Nico Nama, a new type of fandom rose from the ashes like a phoenix. They are called, ‘Net Idols.’ These girls received recognition when Beckii Cruel, a girl from the Isle of Man shot to fame. She became an inspiration to many girls outside Japan who dream of becoming an Idol.

And I had the pleasure to speak on Skype with one of the members of the online idol fandom's rising groups, 4TE.

Beyond the Trailer: Disney Descendants (2015)

Disney Descendants (2015)
(L to R) Carlos, Evie, Mal and Jay

"Ben, the teenaged son of King Beast and Queen Belle, invites the exiled children of defeated villains to attend a prep school with the heroes' children."

The colorful costuming and Villains Vs Heroes (Royals Vs Rebels?) makes me think of Ever After High, the singing makes me think of High School Musical --- and the vapid and vain heroines Vs the quirky and interesting villains? Is like they took a page from the School of Good and Evil.

I knew it was going to be a trainwreck the moment I heard about it. However, out of my love for the original I decided to watch without any biased feelings.

Apparently, I didn't need them. Even without knowing anything about the original movies, it is still a horrible adaptation. It had cute moments, but I personally didn't think they were enough to save the whole film.

The children acted better than the adults. The adults either over-acted or had lukewarm acting. Considering they are playing beloved characters, it was disappointing.

I like Dove Cameron's Mal and Sofia Carson's Evie. But while I think Booboo Stewart is absolutely hot, I am not so certain about his character. He and Carlos got the worst end of the stick when it came to character development. It is a shame since I thought Carlos was a decent actor and cute too.

(L to R) Carlos, Evie, Mal and Ben

This movie has "building potential new franchise" all over it. They even have dolls. Why is Mal's eyes brown though. I could have sworn they were green in the movie.

The dolls were made by Hasbro Toy Co. The company that gave us G.I. Joe and Jem and the Holograms.

Anyone remember Jem and the Holograms? Anyone? I guess not. 

Sharing a Sweet Sound: REMOTE GIRL☆ Discography

REMOTE GIRL☆
(L to R) Jenny, Chii and Alexander

In honor of REMOTE GIRL☆'s latest cover and their surprising change in their lineup, lets go back in time and venture through this group's awesome discography in the time they have been together. A while back, I got the opportunity to talk with one of the founding members of REMOTE GIRL herself, Chii.

Sharing a Sweet Sound: Crystal Rose's Reflective Dreamer/Echo

While "Crystal Rose" is a new name on the net idol block, they have been around since February of 2013, only under the name of KRP28.

The group uses the AKB48 formula of having a large number of members and having a Senbatsu or a Selection for every single. They will be chosen by their performance in the group.

Currently, the group has over 28 girls from all around the world in their line up and had selected eight girls as the Senbatsu for their fourth single, Reflective Dreamer.

The girls singing the A-side, which is the titular song of the single are: Sahara, Kyoka, Erein, and Haru, While the B-side, named Echo was sang by Hira, Setsuna, Mizuki, and Sadako.

Sitting Down with Max (SHEawase)

Max Ortner
マクシーン　 オルトナー
The Boyish One

One of the many highlights in 2014 for indie group, SHEawase had been the addition of Maxine Ortner into their lineup.

After the graduation of Kristy Valdez, it left the group with its three remaining members, Melissa Shows, Tara Muchmore and Morgan Davis.

SHEawase made an announcement on their Facebook page for the beginning of their search for a new member on April 17, 2014.

After a 2-part audition process and going through numerous auditions from girls all over the world, the group and their staff made a decision. They finally announced the winner on their Facebook page on July 29, 2014.

Sharing a Sweet Sound: M O R E and Ippo Zutsu [MV]

Opening of 4TE's MV for M O R E.

4TE (for-tay); group members, Jenni, Chii, Micchi and Mei had greeted the new year by revealing all four members of 4TE and the MV for their song, M O R E last January 4, 2015.

The catchy techno sound which is quite reminiscent of the Japanese band, Perfume had fans dancing and shouting for more all over the world.

But their surprises didn't end there. 

Opening of 4TE's MV for Ippo Zutsu.

On February 14, 2015, just in time for Valentines Day, the group released the MV of the second song on their single, "Ippo Zutsu" or "One Step at a Time".

The MV also features familiar faces from the Toronto-based dance group, FrolicLassie, which 4TE's manager Berry Risa is a member.

Sharing a Sweet Sound: 4TE's Debut, MORE/一歩ずつ

4TE's Debut Logo

4TE (for-tay) is the latest net idol group to debut in 2015. Their name originated from the word, forte - which is a musical term for 'loud.'

The group is comprised of Mei, Jenni, Chii and Micchi. A team-up made from heaven for those like me who had followed them since their Oishii!Project days.

I was one of those fans that was devastated by their graduation and had feared the worst only to be comforted by teases and hints from some of the girls that the graduation wasn't necessarily a goodbye.

These four were definitely the members that really stood out in that huge project and had been popular in their own way. However, they all had one thing in common. They all love music.  

Sitting Down with Morgan (SHEawase)

Morgan Davis
モルガン・デイヴィス
The Cute One

Morgan Davis is one of the members of the net idol group, SHEawase with Melissa Shows, Tara Muchmore and Maxine Ortner.

In a group full of big personalities, Morgan stands out by giving an impression of gentleness. She is the character that is so sweet you can't help rooting for her. But her real appeal shines when this little cutie smiles. Because of her reserved personality, these smiles are rare and precious.

I managed to snag an interview with both Morgan and Maxine after their Tulsa Cosplay Celebration concert. I could only imagine how tired they really were. Despite their lack of sleep just having to perform the night before, the girls managed to look like nothing happened.

Sitting Down with Tara (SHEawase)

Tara Muchmore
タラ・ムチュモレ
Sub-leader

SHEawase (SHEあわせ ) seems to be keeping itself busy this year. Working on their album, announcing a graduating member, holding an audition and finally --- presenting their newest member, Maxine Ortner. The group also recently reached a milestone of having more than 3000 likes in Facebook. If that wasn't enough, they are participating in the US Tour of NekoNeko Maid and Host Club!

For those who are new to the net idol fandom, SHEawase is an indie idol group composed of Melissa Shows, Tara Muchmore, Morgan Davis and Maxine Ortner.

If you don't know these girls, you should because these girls have set the bar high for indie idol groups everywhere.

While all the girls have a charm of their own, only Tara holds the title of the group's lovable redhead.

Farewell to the Cutest, Sayumi Michishige (Former Morning Musume'14)

Sayumi Michishige
道重さゆみ
Former Leader of Morning Musume'14

November 26th of 2014. 

I never thought I'd be so affected by a date before. Usually, I am very calm when my favorite idols graduate. For example, when Ai and Reina graduated, I wasn't so broken up about it. Aya Matsuura had already graduated when I became her fan, so I can't say graduations had ever been anything but something sweet to me.. It wasn't until this date that it hit me that this graduation was different.

There are those who admire Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber. I admire a girl from a group in Japan who had started at the back of the line.

Sayumi started my love for the female J-idol scene. Before I became a fan of  Perfume, ℃-ute and other J-idol groups, there was Morning Musume and in Morning Musume --- Sayumi caught my attention.

Sitting Down with Jenny (Former Oishii!Ichigo)

Jenny
Main Vocalist
Four of Spades

Jenny, or JenniDi is a former and pioneering member of the Oishii!Project and Oishii!Ichigo, an online collaboration of online performers and personalities making original idol music to fans.

However, earlier this year Jenny and four other members graduated from the project after being together as a group for two years and having participated in  two singles and one cover.

Known for her gorgeous voice, Jenny wasn't about to leave the music scene. Jenny returned to the online music scene in the form of her band, Four of Spades. The siblings collaborated this one time in order participate in a competition by 'the pillows' in honor of their 25th anniversary.

And what do you get when two musically talented siblings work together? In their case, a stroke of masterpiece.

As Oishii!Jenny, she was the cute and endearing redhead. With her new bleached blond bob, the new image she is sporting is much edgier than the Jenny we knew from the project.