Queen of Seoul

My Queen is into Korean television dramas. She has five boxes of DVDs, all Koreanovelas. The number of units is still on the rise because I buy DVDs for her every week. She knows the actors/actresses and can identify their respective shows.

Her hair is Korean-do, and she loves it. Thanks to Tei, her stylist at Tony & Jackey.

She danced when I played Big Bang, 2NE1 and Rainism in my iPod.

She likes Korean food. Well, not as much as the way she loves Chinese food, but she never declines when I invite her to dine with me in a Korean restaurant. (That's because I love Korean food!). She must have lived in Korea in her past life.

The only one lacking is for her to visit South Korea herself. Well, that's my project for her next birthday – a trip to Seoul. That means preparing more resources, though. Standard of living in Seoul is higher as compared to other Asian cities that we have visited. And winter fashion connotes spending more than the usual budget for tropical wear for majority of cities in the South East. (But, hey, winter fashion is really fashionable, so we might as well get ready and go for it.)

So, in the meantime, a taste of Seoul in the Metro is by far the best that I can give and do for her. As for our Wonder Trip to Korea… it's a work in progress.

 Mom's first experience of authentic Korean touch. Top: T&J stylist Tei giving Mom a make-over of her crowning glory. Bottom: The finished product. Mom sporting her Korean hairdo, the look that would soon capture Lee Min Ho's heart. (Tony & Jackey, West of Ayala)

 

 An urban taste of Korean food, sort of an East-West fusion. Sizzling garlic shrimp (center) is Mom's favorite order. I'm not really sure if it's an authentic Korean dish, but who cares. It's masarap. (Kaya, Powerplant Mall)

 

 Authentic lutong-bahay type of Korean food. The owner of the restaurant is a sister of a Korean friend. The food is great-tasting, and the Filipino waitresses can patiently explain the different dishes in detail. The place looks like the typical home-street restaurant that you see in Korean drama series, so you feel like you are actually eating in Korea. (We also got a complimentary chapssal cooked in bamboo.) And yes, the side dishes/appetizers are refillable. (Seoul Fusion, Ortigas Home Depot)

 

 A highly recommended Korean restaurant right in the heart of Makati City, and it's just a tricycle ride away from my place. Reasonable price, wide array of choices in the menu, and Filipino staff with good customer service. The side dishes/appetizers are also refillable, and they give complimentary sliced pineapple for dessert. (Ara, Malugay St.)