Reviews

I loved all the characters chemistry with each other

So many times I wanted to drop it. But I'm a person who never drops a show, even if that show is the worst. I liked the cast chemistry with each other, whether it's a romantic relationship or friendship or sibling relationship.

Laughed when Cha Joo Ik connected that scumbag spelling of "manner".

Loved how casually Cha Joo Ik asked Tak Dong Kyung about her scumbag ex.

Kim Sa Ram was sexy with that shock reaction & the smirk he gave after hearing Tak Dong Kyung saying to live together.

Loved how casually Kim Sa Ram called Tak Seon Kyung as brother-in-law & Tak Dong Kyung as honey.

Loved how Kim Sa Ram kept on merging his house with Tak Dong Kyung like it was not a big deal.

Tak Dong Kyung searching on Google for how to love is funny.

Laugh at how Tak Dong Kyung keeps on watching Cha Joo Ik.

Tak Dong Kyung keeps on saying I can love him.

Cha Joo Ik had every answer to everything, had to win every argument.

It was sweet when Kim Sa Ram bought flowers for Tak Dong Kyung.

People around Tak Dong Kyung whether it’s her best friend or brother, are all cry baby. Their reaction was the same when they learned about Tak Dong Kyung illness.

The way Tak Dong Kyung ran from her aunty was hilarious.

Jealous Doom is cute.

Loved the scene where Ji Na said to Cha Joo Ik that he was sexy, then denied it. This scene made me watch the drama & I also thought that he was a demon.

Laughed at the scene when Tak Seon Kyung called brother-in-law & both Kim Sa Ram & Cha Joo Ik saying which one.

I loved Cha Joo Ik & Tak Dong Kyung interaction the most. I want them as a couple in a drama. I also loved the lead chemistry.

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Pointless Idealism, beware you will be dissappointed

I consider myself a very broad-minded individual who watches all sorts of dramas and honestly, the subject matter is important to me but they failed to deliver it compellingly. I'm not even complaining about the romance but about the lack of coherence and the presentation of the story itself. The real issue isn't just the plot but the pacing, tone, coherence, and expression of ideas throughout the drama. The script starts with a strong foundation of idealism, but those core themes are abandoned by the end. It's a classic case of bad writing where the initial promises aren't fulfilled. It's too preachy and idealistic while lacking that "realness" quality. You can tell what they were trying to say but they failed to convince the audience with their story-telling and execution it in a memorable way. Surely there is more to a hagowan teacher's life?

I hated the preachy tone of this drama and the impractical idealism (country, education system issues vs personal idealism). Can one teacher change a whole socially entrenched system? I get the issues of Korean education but I was excited about a story of that one teacher that actually cares about the kids, but it was not. the drama is written in a weird, cliche way. The portrayal of the characters doesn't tell their stories well at all.

From the outset, this was not a story about the struggles of the FL to reach her dream but a critique of the education system, teaching, and how teachers see themselves with all the pressures that the hagwon industry brings. That's why we have the struggles and the politics, the competition etc.

After acting like a virtuous sacrificial lamb who was ready for a crusade fighting for the academy & the students and profession she loved. Even going to the extent of being so condescending and preaching to the “white-haired witch”, talking about ethics etc.

After creating a strong female character like the "white-haired witch", the writer wants me to believe that she was slapped out of existence when she was a good strategist and businesswoman throughout the drama. Questionable ethic yes, but very focused.Many things sub-plots are left hanging with no explanations or closure at the end. I found it hard to believe that the "white-haired witch" who was a strategist who planned her moves would get into a catfight as her ultimate end. That was so out of character with all the expectations built up by the writer from the beginning. I thought there would be some great mind games and a reveal at the end that would justify all the politics, fighting, and competition. In the end there was nothing.

I would have applauded the writer if the story was all about the FL's struggle to reach her dream from the 1st episode but it's not it's about a system she was trying to protect. Therefore the whole build-up of the drama from episodes 1 - 16 is totally out of sync with that ending.

You are made to believe that there is more but there really isn't anything, just a disappointment.

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Review 7 - 我提前 40 分钟来到 CT，呵呵，我不想工作，所以我们到了

嘿嘉嘉,

和Roblox躺在床上是什么感觉？呵呵呵呵. 我不敢相信你和他一起看Your Lie in April ！哼! Ivy 你咋啦!

无论如何，这部剧和昨天的故事完全不同。它很可爱，很甜蜜，但并不疯狂和MESSY。他也完全是我的style。他是submissive，但也许我只是喜欢中国男人呵呵呵. 戏剧有时会很无聊，因为 FL 和 ML 太健康了。呵呵呵呵也许我们只是toxic. 这很可爱，但现实生活不是这样的，不是吗？无所谓! 无所谓! 我认为这就是让现实生活变得更有趣的原因 ;)

天哪，我的grad mentor总是对我的总计拍马屁，所以我烦死了.
我也忘了我在Bibi上有一个朋友crush哈哈哈。我们要一起去 DPR，我很兴奋.
我是半吊子, 牛奶对你有害吗？我每天都喝牛奶 (matcha)，但现在我很害怕acne。tret 对我不起作用！囧囧. 哎呀，我现在应该回去工作了.

我走了!
你有创意、美丽、非常酷的朋友

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A Queer Barkada (friend group) Series with a Message

Marahuyo Project is not your typical BL or queer series. it presents itself as a queer "barkada" (friend group) series which explores the lives of each of the people in this "barkada." As queer person who grew up with different barkada series like TGIS, GIMIK, Tabing Ilog (Filipino shows) or Saved By The Bell, Sweet Valley High. Dawson's Creek, I have always wanted a series involving a queer young adults going through their trials and tribulations. The only criticism that I would have with this concept is that, I wish it gave use more time to explore more of the lives of each character. Since the series only has 8 episodes, even though we get an (ongoing) resolution to their main plot, I believe that I would enjoy it even more if we had more time to see what other stories are within the lives of each character we well.

Story:
The story of homophobia and general hate towards the LGBTQIA+ community and the fight to be heard is not new. What the Marahuyo Project did was to weave a story that involves a lore on why there is such hate towards what they called "sirenas" (mermaids). Much to the point that they do not even utter the name, just like Voldermort. It added more to the story and gave a bit of mystery to the plot. I also like the idea that instead of using the word "bakla" (gay), they focused on the term "sirena". Sirena/Mermaids, like terms for bakla/gays in the Philippines, would have a different meaning, depending on who you are speaking to. Typically mermaids are beautiful and magical creatures, but in olden times, they are considered as monsters and give bad luck or curses. It's not any different to the word "bakla" (gay in Filipino), where it's usually used as a derogatory term, and only now being in a way celebrated. As I expected, they would not be able to fully resolve everything in 8 episodes, because just like in real life, homophobia and hate is not easily defeated. They did leave the viewers on a positive note, where they emphasized on being seen and letting people know that we as queers do not mean any harm, we just wan to live.

Acting: (I will only focus on the main group, but the other actors were superb as well)
Adrian Lindayag as King - King's character came as such an enigma, not just to the people in the series, but also to the viewers. I love how he played the role very naturally and added a bit of light, to the somewhat heavy story. The confidence and overzealousness that he had did start as being annoying, but the more we got to know him, he showed that it was a product of him finding himself and reacting to how the world is around him. Adrian's expressions really made this character dynamic and made us want to root for him, because this character can easily be very exhausting. My favorite parts are when he breaks the 4th wall, when he becomes even more like himself because he was speaking with us.
Neo France Garcia as Ino - At first, I was worried that he did not look like the typical leading man, but as I watched through the episodes, he exuded this amazing charm that really pulled me in. He initially was the typical "tsundere" type, although he initially did not seem too confident about it. It does make you realize that, it was just a facade that he had, to hide the fear and curiosity that he had. Neo's boyish expressions makes you endeared to him, especially how he pouts like a little boy, but speaks with conviction.
Nour Hooshmand as Lorie - Lorie is your cool popular pretty girl at school. She always shows confidence and you can see a bit of mischievousness in her eyes. Nour was able to show her strength and vulnerable side, especially with her moments with Lili. That moment after Lili kissed her was the first time you would see confusion from her.
Yani Villarosa as Lili - I've been following Yani for quite a while through her "Basic Bitch Review" videos. I've always found her as the funny cool girl, so seeing how she played Lili really impressed me. She gave justice to the emotional turmoil that Lili was going through, and was able to give an amazing performance given the weight of her role.
AJ Sison as Archie - Archie's character clung to religion due to his fear which in the end also became his prison. It's easy to hate a character like Archie, but AJ as able to show the pain in the eyes of his character. His relationship with Venice was so special, and I lived for their moments together. I do wish they added a bit of acknowledgement on why he was always scratching his neck that it already turned red. I guess they wanted us to think that it was due to his stress/anxiety, but one of my friends already thought he was sick, hehehe.
Ian Villa as Venice/Bienvenido - Venice initially presents herself as the comic relief character, and for the most part she is. Where Ian shines as Venice are with the moments with Archie, where Venice serves as the more mature and caring friend. Ian was able to bring light and brightness to the role, but also serves as the heart of the series for me.

I would say that it was not the most revolutionary series out there, but it was able to showcase a moment in the lives of queer youth, that was not to heavy handedly done, and gives hope for the future of the queer community of the Philippines.

I would have given it a perfect 10, only if there was a promise of a second season. Fingers crossed.

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SPOILER ALERT!!! READ ON UR OWN RISK!

This showed up on my YouTube feed, as usual curious & bored, I just clicked play…

Tell story of 2 couple,
1st story, He Bo Wei (BW) & Hai Yi (HY). BW is a man named Tai Che Ni (CN) from the year 2000. Suddenly one day he traveled to the future, to the year 2022. Arriving in the unfamiliar place, he also found out his face and name is changing, now his name is He Bo Wei (BW). Fortunately his job is still the same, courier to deliver stuff, so he’s fast in learning this new job. His first client was Hai Yi (HY), with several interactions they find out they need help from each other. HY wants BW to investigate his ex-girlfriend, while BW needs HY’s money. So with that, their cooperation begins.

Overtime BW & HY learn about their past relationship. Turns out when HY was just a little boy, BW or more precisely CN helped BW & that left a good memory for BW. And since then, their relationship has become different & they become special people to each other.

2nd story, about Liang Wen Hsen / "Vincent” & Lin Huai En / "Wynn”. A boss of the company with the new employee. Over time we see they're having a relationship more than just what seems on the surface. Vincent knew Wynn since childhood & has protected him since then. Wynn, who doesn't know anything about it, has just been charmed by his kind boss. And soon they're also starting their relationship.

Ok. That's about the story. Now what I like and don't like.

What I like:
I prefer the 2nd story. Their story is just cute and innocent. I like how Vincent never really forced his feeling to Wynn nor manipulate Wynn by saying he's his guardian
They bring out the couple from history4, Ye Xing Si & Fu Yong Jie

what I don't like:
The 1st story is just stupid. They're never really explained to us why CN can be transferred here. Just give us the stupid ‘GOD’ that explains it all as just coincidence. That's just BS & lazy writing.
How the 1st story ended. That's just even more stupid that how it took place in the first place.

Overall this is just another drama to watch… they have to thank the 2nd story for the score that's i give

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Good Drama, but hated the mother...

Before watching this drama, you have to decide whether you're intending to watch for the romance or the family drama.

If you're seeking a romance-heavy plot, this drama might not be your cup of tea. "Best Choice Ever" is heavily centred around family - specifically revolving around the female lead's mother.

The female lead's mother is depicted as nosy and overbearing, embodying typical Asian family pressures/expectations placed on their child. Such as the emphasis on marrying a wealthy husband, raising children, gender roles in marriage and maintaining a good reputation among relatives and friends. This show offers valuable life lessons and includes moments of romance and heartwarming interactions between family members - a bit touching.

That being said, as the series progressed, I found myself increasingly irritated and frustrated with the female lead's mother. I couldn't fathom how the female lead managed to stay calm and comply with her mother; if I were in her shoes, I would've left due to the constant nagging and pestering. Her overbearing nature made me consider dropping the drama altogether. However, I pushed through, and by the final episodes, she had redeemed herself (Sightly...) I began to understand the mother a bit more, but still... (she said she would change, but barely did. I understand that mothers wish for their kids to live better lives and to give them what is best, but at some point, it seemed more like the mother wanted her kids to fulfill the dreams she never managed to achieve herself... never considering the consequences of her actions, or what her children want.)

I think all characters had some form of character development, but some are more significant than others.

While I don't consider it a must-watch, especially given its 37 episodes, each around 40+ minutes long, it does have its unique appeal. There are many other good dramas out there, but if you decide to watch this one, be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, especially regarding the female lead's mother. I hope I'm not the only one who feels this way!

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A good watch

These days, it often feels like writers have enough story for six episodes but stretch it out to sixteen, leading to a lot of dragging. However, "Twinkling Watermelon" stands out because it delivers a genuinely good story with hardly any filler episodes. The narrative is well-written and sensible, avoiding unnecessary padding.

I respect that the show doesn't rely heavily on typical K-drama tropes. Every plot point is justified, making the story feel fresh and engaging. While there were moments when the acting and pacing were a bit off, the solid storyline more than makes up for these minor flaws.

If you enjoyed a drama like "Go Back Couple," you will definitely appreciate "Twinkling Watermelon." It captures a similar charm and emotional depth, making it a must-watch for fans of well-crafted dramas. The character development is strong, and the relationships feel authentic, adding to the overall enjoyment of the series.

Overall, "Twinkling Watermelon" is a refreshing change from the norm, offering a well-paced, meaningful story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

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Oh. My. God.

This is incredible. One of the best series I have seen honestly, absolutely in love with every single moment of it, and I really recommend it.

The story, the Plot twists, betrayal, trust, anger, sadness, joy. it is a brilliant, BRILLIANT series with everything you could hope for (INCLUDING hints of romance, and comedy, all fit suitably between the drama and darkness).

and the soundtrack, oh my GOSH, the soundtrack!!! I am absolutely OBSESSED with My zone by Saay, and the energetic instrumentals through our are so fun and lively.

And don't even get me started on the characters and how well the actors portray them. they felt so fleshed out, and the character growth on so many different levels was exhilarating.

it covers sensitive topics on all fronts, and especially the mental state of various characters and what they are managing with and how that affects them. mommy issues, abandonment issues, self worth issues, and especially the issue of greed for power, money, control.

I love this series so much, 10/10 will definitely watch it again. it is clear some people missed the entire point of this series, and it's message, but y'know what, most people have the braincells to be able to look into the bigger picture lol.

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Since both Xu Kai & Tan Song Yun are leading this, I have high hopes.

It started out slow, and I wondered if it is just like Best Choice Ever, Xu Kai's character being rich and coming back from a foreign country to take over the business. Then we have Tan Son Yun's character that's pretty similar to Yang Zi's character, the only difference being their professions and knowing each other when they were young. Here's to hoping that it is better than Best Choice Ever because that one also had an amazing cast but result was so underwhelming. Xu Kai and Yang Zi made such a cute pair but the story lacked depth. I started out liking that one first as well, but lost interest by the end of it.

This one looks better. The best thing about Tan Song Yun is that she does her characters so well. It doesn't seem like she is acting. Her roles suit her very well. So far, I love her character & how she refuses to back down. The worst part about workplaces is when people refuse to stand up for each other & instead take pleasure when someone is down. This displayed sexual harassment & the harasser so well. When the harasser themselves try to pull the victim card, when they are called out on their obscene acts! It is sickening. How none of her coworkers see anything wrong in that is beyond me.

I'm so glad she quit that job. I agree with a lot of things Han Ting said but why on the earth is he trying so hard to alienate her? To be her position, starting a company with no support and backing requires a little faith as well. She seems like someone who could succeed once she understands where she is going wrong.

I look at women like Zeng Di in at think about how strong and resilient they had to be to reach the place they are now. But what a waste it is when such strong women resort to shady tactics when the man they like don't like them. For heaven sakes, find someone better who's into you. What a waste of good character. A few days ago, I watched Who Rules The World, Feng Xi Wu was such a brilliant character.

The breakup wasn't surprising since we knew that was gonna happen. It was sad to watch though. But Ji Xing took Shao Yi Chen for granted, hoping that he'll always be there. But Shao Yi Chen could have waited had he wanted her in his life, but like he said they wanted different things in life. But of course Ji Xing is going to feel betrayed when he gets together with her friend soon after the breakup.

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Unique story, great acting, poor execution.

Starting off with the good points, I enjoyed learning more on the educational system in Korea. That aspect felt very unique. The acting was also superb. However, there's only so much that the actors can do. While the story was interesting, it was dragged unnecessarily and just when things started to get interesting in the last two episodes, the story quickly ended.

Additionally, based on the promotion of this drama, I expected it to be more heavily centred around their romantic relationship, however I didn't find it to be the central part of the show.

Overall, the show dragged and the pacing was strange. While I appreciate the idea behind it, I think it was not executed to its full potential.

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