Strangers From Hell

This is had been on my list of Lee Dong Wook Series that I wanted to watch but it took me a year before finally watching it. because so many Kdramas just come and go! At the same time I'm also excited for Im Si Wan's comeback after his military service! 

This is the first drama I have watched that I didn't look or read the reviews, I just let myself enjoy the series and let myself experience the 10 episode drama. Yes, this drama has only 10 episodes. So if you feel like 16 episodes or more is too much here's a drama that you won't be dealing with too much due to its longevity. 

Strangers from Hell is adapted from the manhwa of the same name. It's a story of a young man looking who came all the way to Seoul to work under his Senior from their University. As soon as he came to Seoul, Jong Woo searched for different places where he could stay as he works. As soon as he landed at the Eden Studio, "I knew" from that moment, the place was no good. But still, since he doesn't earn yet from his job, he stayed in the apartment and from that moment the creepiness just goes over. 

Im Si Wan is Jong Woo. All I can say is Si-wan is a chameleon! He could portray characters uniquely and drastically! I remember watching him before from Moon Embracing the Sun, I didn't know he was an Idol! ahhaha... Si-wan can go childlike to dark in this drama. I don't know if it's just me but his eyes are like words from his heart. It felt like he was Jong Woo, it felt like I wanted to help him.

Lee Dong Wook is Dr. Moon Jo. This was like a twist from all the fairytale-like characters of Lee Dong Wook. I didn't expect how creepy and scary he was in this series. He was a serial killer. He doesn't care about anything, he just wanted to put blood on his hands to satisfy his amusement. 

People at the Apartment. 

This is the place that started where things went wrong. From the moment I saw the place, if I were Jung Woo, I wouldn't dare to check the place not because of me being judgemental because of the place but from the moment I felt like there's something not good about it, I would totally walk away. 

Ahjumma from the Parasite everyone! Lee Jung Eun is the landlady of Eden Apartment, Eum Bok Soon. She's always so happy and giddy, but between smiles and laughter is that she loves marinating human flesh into their food. 

 The men from the apartment. 

Left to right: Yoo Ki Hyeok, Byeong Deuk Jung, and Hong Nam Bok. 

- Yoo Ki Hyeok is the man living in Room #302, he has the same stature of Moon Joo and also does some killing and whom Moon Joo calls Jagiya or Honey

- Byeong Deuk Jung is a man with special needs. He has a twin brother that also wreaks havoc in the apartment. But things didn't turn right when his twin brother was killed

- Hong Nam Bok is a creepy pervert who holds a knife in his back while staring at Jong Woo creepily. 

-Ahjussi (Ahn He Joong) - is the only tenant who knew about the creepiness of everyone in the apartment. He was also the only person who warns Jung Woo with everyone in there. 

- The men in the apartment are all a part of the huge story. As the story progress, it was shown that all of them were almost trained to be killers themselves. Raised by Eum Bok Soon, almost everyone turned dark and chaotic. 

Kim Ji Eun is Min Ji Eun, Jung Woo's boyfriend. I like how her character was when she stands up from her mean boss about her working hours and how her work was. She's firm and strong and very pretty!  But the only downfall from her character was she didn't recognize the change Jung Woo had for the past few weeks. She was a character that tells you to "Suck it up, you're not the only one who has a problem" person. 

Ahn Eun Jin is Police Officer Jung Hwa. Her investigation started in the serial killings of cats that led her into investigating the missing police and how she felt that Eden Apartment was a part of the case. She was the first person who heard Jung Woo's sentiments on how scared he was at the apartment. 

Chae Rae Young as Shin Jae Ho. I felt this sunbae seems to be a cocky human being especially during the first episode. But I also feel like I understand him in some ways where he tries to lecture Jung Woo. But sometimes his advice was a little bit unsolicited. I felt like he cares for Jung Woo but at the same time, I feel like he doesn't. 

Ro Jung Hyun as Hang Seok Yeon. Jung Woo had resonated with fellow border Seok Yeon when he found about who he is in the apartment and his backstory. He is the only person who had trusted him, listened to him and was there for him when he wasn't okay with the people within the apartment. 

Jung Woo started very hopeful about how's Seoul is going to be for him. But as soon as he came to the apartment, her personality changes bit by bit, not to mention that he has anger management tendencies. The breaking point of his character sums up what is happening beneath him. From his financial crisis, his writing career, his girlfriend, an incident during his military, his officemate, his family, and the drugs that were put into his drink are somehow contributed to his mental health and then eventually breaking point where he had killed people as a test from Moon Joo. 

I was actually hoping that Seok Yeon didn't die. That maybe he could save Jung Woo from his own demons. But I guess, it also adds up with his snapping out and completely forgetting everything because of his PSTD :((((

Verdict

The series had so many metaphorical meanings that it kinda brings me back during my time in college when we're studying about films. It's ending was like "What in the world is this?" It felt like the past few episodes had meaning on each beginning and end but what more could it be. 

Slowly diverting into each episode, the story has been giving us a glimpse that Jung Woo may have or has been suffering from mental problems. From his stay during his military to the people who surround him at his place and at his work, to his anger management snaps, and the moment of fear he has been feeling. It gave us the sense that he needed help but no one had helped him, no one had listened. 

He had that one apartment friend but in the end, was also taken away from him and one of his hoobaes in the army was also killed. Police Officer Jung Hwa tried to listen but their time was too short for some details the series didn't tackled. 

Since the drama is all about metaphors, I kinda feel like sharing this because this is what my mom and I had talked about when we're watching it. Just like how the Apartment of Eden resonates with a certain character. Due to it's dark, and gruesome atmosphere and of course everyone living there it kinda shows that what you surround yourself with is also a reflection of you. 

Jung Woo had this anger management that he compress it all by himself and in the end due to his surroundings, his character, his personality went on an outrage when Moon Joo had given him a test to save himself. It just like how the old saying goes, "Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are". 

And because of what everything that surrounded Jung Woo is crazy wild, he had turned himself  (unconsciously or consciously) into someone way more than what he had never imagined. Just like the ending of the series. 

I like how the characters are well portrayed and despite the short amount of episode they did really a good job (of course they're actors) in portraying them. The series is like a 2-hour psychological movie chopped into 10 episodes. :) 

 

Miya Miya Authentic Lebanese Garlic Sauce

 If you guys grew up in the Middle East like me, I bet garlic sauce is one of the main dips you have on your table. Back in the days, I never liked garlic sauce, because ketchup is my main game. Who needs garlic sauce if you have ketchup all day long!

But as my childhood was filled with fried chicken, Sambusa, Shawarma's, Kebabs, Tabouleh, and some famous restaurants like Al Tazaj, Al Baik, and our favorite chicken Sems. 

Fast forward today, because garlic sauce has been a huge part of our childhood, our family is selling Authentic Lebanese Toum! Once you taste it, it will bring back you to the memories of you and your childhood. Miya Miya (thanks to mah chingu Denise for helping us out with name, design and label), 

Because of Toum, I have been checking my taste buds with different viands, snacks, meal, I kinda feel like my taste buds are into garlic sauce that everything I taste suits perfectly. 

Aside from Toum, Miya Miya also offers Baharat Spice. It suitable for all your marinating purposes! Sobrang saya guys na baka after nitong buong GCQ balloon na ako! hahaha sa kakatikim at kakaexperiment kung anong bagay sa Garlic Sauce at Baharat :)

Train

 

Oh hello YOON SI YOON! Finished watching my favorite Oppa! hahaha Yap I have so many faves! But Tak Gu is an exception hahaha he will always be my fave! :)

Yoon Si Yoon is back with another drama called Train. I guess this year would be a kdrama world filled with a parallel universe. Do you guys think that in our parallel universe "COVID 19" does exist?  

PLOT from ASIAN WIKI

"A man lost a precious person because of a serial killer. He crosses over into a different world to figure out the truth behind her death.

Seo Do-won (Yoon Si-Yoon) is a detective and he is enthusiastic at his job. Han Seo-Kyung (Kyung Soo-Jin) is a prosecutor with an honest personality. Lee Jung-Min (Shin So-Yul) is a member of a scientific investigation unit. She is Seo Do-Won’s childhood friend and also his first love. She supports Seo Do-Won." 

Yoon Si Yoon is Seo Do-Won a police officer in A world and a senior inspector in B world. So it means double the fun! It's like one for you and one for me! This is the second time he does a double character, Your Honor is the first one. He plays a detective in two worlds and was a trap in between both worlds when he was solving a case about the mysterious serial killings at the abandoned train station. While he was taking the serial murder case, his childhood friend and first love was the last victim of the serial killer and this is where all the mystery begins. 

All I can say is that Yoon Si Yoon always nailed it for me! Portraying two characters would be difficult but Yoon Si Yoon had pulled it so smoothly that the characters he portrayed would totally be recognizable (With an addition to the character's theme and nature). He's always into his character that he never disappoints! 

Kyung Soo Jin as Prosecutor Han Seo Kyung in A World and Detective Han Seo Kyeong in B World. I recognize Kyung Soo as the second female lead at Weightlifting fairy :) Both of her characters is completly opposite. Prosecutor Han has a strict but loving personality. She always had eye smiles for Do-won. On the other hand, Detective Han is a bit boyish and had a sad aura on her face. 

Shin So Hyul as Lee Jungmin both in A world and B world. Seo Do Woon And Han Seo Kyung childhood friend on World A and Seo Deo Won's childhood friend and lover on World B. She's one of my favorite characters in the drama. I always get happy whenever she shares a screen with Do Won. She's the only character who knew that Do Won crosses to the other world. The only difference is, on A world she doesn't believe in him, and on the B world she kinda does. 

The drama has only 10 episodes, so if you feel like 16 ep is too long for you have to take this drama into your watch list and watch it! Like crime investigating drama and mystery, it always had that cliffhanger in the end that you want to know more! Why did they have to have this cliffhanger?! 

Overall the drama is engaging. The color tone of this drama adds up the excitement and the clues on who, why or where? Check this out guys!

Thank you so much for reading my blog! :) Stay Safe! :)

Midnight Blues

 And so here it goes, late-night talks with friends can really affect your body, mind, and soul. I totally miss my friends. Growing up with friends who genuinely love you and want the best for you is something I am thankful for. 

No pretentions, no judgements, just pure unconditional love. I was tearing up as soon as I hear the words coming from their mouth. I felt like I was a kid being held up because I was so lost and scared. 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I seldom talk, I usually listen, and I always smile on the side, but literally just seeing you guys are the drive that make me do and fulfill my dreams. Yes, you are right, you are family. 

Words to Ponder for the night. 

ME as a CREDIT GRABBER! hahaha... thank you for tonight mga inday! :) So Yeah luma na ung phone ko... ALAM KO!@ hahahaha

Let's talk about skin baby!

 

Hello there! It's me! For today's blog I would be talking about my skin! If you guys have been reading my blog for the past years, I have talked about my skin progress and the products I have used.

(PONDS) https://lilmissjaninekaye.blogspot.com/search?q=ponds

(GARNIER) https://lilmissjaninekaye.blogspot.com/2017/01/product-review-garnier-facial-wash.html

Growing up, I didn't have much problem on my skin but when teenage years had hit me, (COLLEGE YEARS) oh men, my pimples are too many to mention. I became so frustrated how my skin looked liked that sometimes I just don't look at myself in the mirror. (Ang dami talaga ahahahha). I tried different products but it was useless. So before I waved good bye to my college years, I started to never care about what my face looks like. I just used Cetaphil for the rest of those years and Yeah, slowly my skin had started to have some progress. Not until I have used Garnier and Ponds it was completely flawless. 

Yes, I still do have some zit moments especially when I'll have my period and if I have used products that's not hypo allergenic, boom hello there. I never had problems with my skin ever again not until quarantine. 

A few months ago, my face had produced pimples on both sides of my face. It was like Puberty all over again, so I tried searching for the reasons why and there are tons of things to see on the internet that I have given up. Went on using my facial regimen until one day my Bff told me to join her giveaway, and magically I won! Both of us were shocked about the result! I myself didn't know if it was really real! 

I won a special consultation treatment from Dr. Francesca from Quad Clinic (GolightMD), I didn't hesitate to ask about my face. She explained thoroughly the reasons why, it can be with the food that I eat, or the products I eat or body hormones. My case wasn't pretty serious that I need to take pills for it. She also gave me tips on how I should do my skincare because all I do was wash my face in the morning and in the evening with my facial wash. 

All I thought that as long as you wash your face your good, but it's all about skincare. And not all skin types are the same. Did you know because of Quarantine, we could also develop a "Maskne", a cause wearing a mask and it's because of the heat or friction that leads to acne breakout and can cause itchiness. This may be one cause of the pimples on my face. 

Did you know that the radiation in our computer could make our face age at the same time its like staying under the sun for hours and I'm like "Why in the world didn't I know that?!?!!" The use of Sunblock is one of the best first step beauty regimen that you should use, even if you're inside the four corners of your home. Second is of course the product that you're using to wash your face. Third is Moisturizer, I have stopped using moisturizer because of quarantine, and I thought that because we're in a humid country, we don't need moisturizer anymore. HUHUHU. Lastly, gently apply those products in your face, as in GENTLY, like what you see in a kdrama. :) 

This is my face when quarantine started. 

SKIN PROGRESS: 

I have been using the products Sesamis (a Korean Product: Moisturizer and Face Wash), Ponds Acne Wash and Epiduo. So I followed Dr. Chesca's skin recommendation, on how I needed to do with my face.

Pictured my face progress every week. 

• Week 1 (2x a week): Monday, Thursday on other nights, just apply moisturizer at bedtime!
• Week 2 (3x a week): Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Week 3: Every other night
• Week 4: Nightly as tolerated

For two weeks, you can already somehow see the changes. Well, the bumps are still there but not as much as before. But during week 3 and week 4, there are almost no bumps like before, but somehow a little bit traces (pimple marks) but not like as many as before :) There would be times that it gets itchy, so I don't use it as the night before applying it again. 

I'm super thankful with this online consultation, I get the chance to understand my skin problem and how I should deal with it hahaha deal with it talaga?!

Funny moment is when you started doing some skin care all you can tell to yourself "Ang hirap pala magpaganda!" ahhahahaha 

Thank you, Dra. Chesca for sharing this beauty regimen for me. 

AND THOU SHALL NOT POP YOUR PIMPLE..... this is one also one of the main causes why are pimples are building a subdivision in our faces hahahha... We can always ask experts on what to do with it. But no matter what age you are, zits may come and go :)

All I can say because of following Quadclinic and Dra. Chesca, I am learning so much about skin care through their instagram. Every My Day story has explanation about the different causes in our skin. It's not only just about the pigments in our skin, or because of acne but there's so much more! (Golightmd: https://www.instagram.com/golightlymd/ Quadclinic: https://www.instagram.com/quadclinic/) 

Of course beauty regimen wouldn't be as easy as 1 2 3, you really need to be patient with your skin. It takes months to really see it's progress.  All skin types had a different reaction with a certain product, consult your doctors first if you want to know what you guys should use in your face. :)  

Vlog: Positive Outlook in life | Janine Kaye