#❛ ✩ — ft. sodam.

[ghostycore]

DESTINY — in the cards for @realityclub!

neon lights slide like a lens flare over their faces, shading danyi in highlights of yellowbluepink, with green that carpets the floor with the smell of old plastic and sugar sweet drinks. they're on course two, drink tres, and she's not good at keeping score, but she did get into on someone else's card and hasn't been spotted for swiping the glowstick glasses that perch on her nose, or the rings that shine underneath the black lights. so yeah, danyi probably owes sodam a little bit, maybe a lot — so she's helping the other girl find her soulmate, destined one, love of her life, all of that and more on the mini golf course.

not that the cards are telling any truths, though, other than sodam's photocard and the credit she'd paid. but who says crazy things can't happen? they've seen the signs twice now, and third times the charm, you know. maybe her mom's right about the spirits; maybe danyi's a crock full of shit and idle lies... but she makes a great mini golf partner. those two might balance out.

she tosses the stray ball into the goal, head tilting to the side with a little touch of smugness. "kobe!" danyi scores, well, cheats... but only in the way that the very best of mini golf players get away with. her hand tilts back with a flick, blinking back at the glogolf staff frowning in confusion between her 'hole in one' and where danyi's standing. she gives them a wide wink, laughing and pulling sodam over to her. "see? direct action," whatever that means, she barely passed college, "you just gotta believe." danyi nods over her sage advice, then bestows her prop glasses over sodam's face, a grin illuminated by the glow of neon across her friend's peripheral vision. "and remember to look out for the signs, babe!"

[wiildgeese]

her house is a pressure chamber made of taut smiles pulling against gritted teeth, and she is there, hiding in its corner. like a prey in captivity, she bides her time studying its patterns, notices how the pressure ebbs and flows. each cycle, it culminates in a net positive. each cycle, it rounds further against her chest until it’s tangible enough that she begins to wonder if this is the cycle it’ll crush her whole. and here is the rub: kang nara has always had a hand on the latch. her knuckles are permanently white from the grip she holds around its metal bar, and in one swift, decisive movement, she could set herself free.

but the memories of one’s youth is a tricky thing. see, once upon a time, she’d pull on the latch, let the pressure out only to find that she’d wounded everyone else around her. and it wasn’t just the people that stood outside the door. it was her parents. it was her friends. it was nabi. now, every time she places her hand on the latch, she thinks of them. of all the bad that she’d cause and all the havoc that could arise from it. and she’d hesitate, long enough that the cycle ends and the panic subsides, and she can finally take that necessary breath.

today is one of those days. she’s sipping on her flat white, pen in hand, when she hears a nagging voice. looks up to find a spitfire customer hassling sodam about a drink she’s ordered, and she feels that pressure grow. she doesn’t realise it, how she’s begun tapping her pen against the table impatiently, glances indignantly at the time displayed on her tablet. 6.49pm. and there’s that voice in her head again, drowning the customer’s complaints as it entertains: what would happen if she just let go? there’s no one here that knows her other than sodam, and she’s not wearing jvyeon’s uniform. from the lady’s manicured nails, it’s unlikely that she’d ever bother with mountaineering or the like to ever step foot in her shop. it would be an isolated incident. an exception. a short, tempering, needed 11 minutes.

“hey,” she doesn’t remember the walk here, only that she’s tapping on the lady’s shoulder, and she realises that she’s left the formalities and the taut smile back with her things, “can you…?” nara drags two pinched fingers across her lips in a zipping motion, “you’re disturbing the peace.” she drags her gaze derisively along the lady’s form, darts momentarily towards sodam, then back to the matter at hand, “this is a study-friendly zone. you know, you should try it sometime.” a smile. “to learn some manners.”

ANTI-KAREN DINNER CLUB / @realityclub

[bezeniths]

wrong turns ft. @realityclub

it had to be at least 3am at this point, or at least that was zurie's inebriated expertise as her glassy eyes tried to focus on the dim stars outside the bus window. the brightness of the city lights made that a bit of a challenge, as the sky was washed out by all the neon. her forehead was leaned against the cool glass of the window as the sights passed her, none of them all too familiar, but it's not like she was in the most sound state of mind. sodam was seated next to her, likely in the same boat as she. they'd been something of a tandem that night, hitting up a few parties and clubs, and now trying to make their way back in a daze.

zurie was jerked forward slightly by the sudden braking by the driver, and her mind was far too consumed with annoyance to really take in her surroundings. "well gee, i guess it's our stop," she huffed, massaging the soreness in her wrist, which had hit the seat in front of her in the abrupt end of their ride. she grabbed the purse at her feet and linked arms with sodam, hoping it would keep both of them upright with little challenge. with a final glare at the bus driver, zurie led sodam off the bus. if she was correct, they should have been about five minutes from their destination on foot. no big deal at all.

"am i imagining things or was he kind of...an asshole?" zurie struggled to get the words out in a cohesive sequence, as a cloud of exhaust fumes billowed from behind the bus in its hasty exit. she suppressed a cough and swatted the air around them to clear it. "ugh! so let's see...we gotta get on...uh, um..." zurie spoke slowly, finally pausing to look around with some awareness. she didn't recognize any of the signs or buildings...she didn't even recognize the bus stop. she'd definitely never been in this part of daegu before. "oh my god...sodam, i think that was the wrong bus...."

[ofeileen]

ALONG FOR THE RIDE ft. @realityclub

wherever sodam went, eileen soon followed. it was simply the nature of their friendship — that and the fact that eileen's phone would probably overheat from too many unread messages. regardless, ei was grateful to simply show up to things instead of being guilt tripped about not reaching out first (she's lost plenty of friends this way already). so when the carnival itinerary rolls into her inbox she happily accompanies the other to their first destination: the ferris wheel.

eileen makes herself comfortable in the small booth as she brings one leg up on the seat (years of being told to 'sit pretty' just a waste of breath) and turns her attention out the window as the wheel takes them higher. "what's next on your list? looks like there's a crowd at skee-ball," she points out. maybe some hot shot that's winning all the prizes. ei snacks on the pepero sticks she managed to grab when the wheel suddenly stutters to a stop. "uh, is it suppose to do that?"

[mingi-bubu]

Tell me them, Jae. I think I already know a few of them as we have had this conversation before.

Big bet ilysm but you're wrong about my first and favorite casting:

1. VICTON BYUNGCHAN & ASTRO EUNWOO

(I'm right about this so much. Even the google agrees)

2. SEVENTEEN WONWOO & HWANG INYEOP

(ft. Sleepy Gyu in the background) (there are certain angles where inyeop really really looks like wonu and I am now a wonu inyeop sibling in drama truther)

3. NCT DOYOUNG & SHIN SEKYUNG

(It's better when you see her acting vs a static picture) (I've been thinking about this one since I watched rookie historian and there's probably a post somewhere on my blog about that)

4. ASTRO JINJIN & NU'EST BAEKHO

(Tbh this one I discovered while looking for the next one so I'm not as confident but I have thoughts and ideas on a plot for them sjkqkfksk)

5. ASTRO JINJIN & PARK SODAM

(Been thinking about this since I watched Cinderella and the four knights)

Ask me my dream castings in a drama

[touristguidebuzz]

The Best Korean Restaurants In The Metro

Out of Town Blog The Best Korean Restaurants In The Metro

List of Best Korean Restaurants In Metro Manila

For years, Korea has taken the Philippines by storm. Whether it’s about K-drama, K-pop or Korean foods, Filipinos have embraced Koreans and their lifestyle. This is evident by the number of Korean restaurants throughout Metro Manila which locals have been patronizing for quite some time now.

Don’t be left out. Check out these places now and enjoy an authentic Korean meal.

Korean Ramyeon

Sodam Restaurant photo via Sodam FB

Sodam Restaurant

In 2016, Sodam was named #1 Buffet Restaurant, Top 3 Most Popular Restaurant, Top 3 Most Popular Korean Restaurant, Best Korean Restaurant in San Juan City and got featured In Korean Barbecue Collection 2016 via Zomato. This buffet restaurant is one of the cheapest all-you-can-eat restaurants where you can feast on Korean foods like Korean barbecue and Bulgogi.

How Much: Php339- weekday (lunch) Php379-weekend (lunch) Php365- daily (dinner) Location: 17 J. Abad Santos Drive, Little Baguio, San Juan City Contact no.: (02) 2469069 ext:917 Operating hours: Daily from 11:30am-2:30pm and 6:00pm-10:00pm

Kimchi

Ye Dang Korean BBQ Restaurant

If you’re looking for authentic Korean restaurant, Yedang should be your go to place. You’ll know this is the real thing by looking at its loyal visitors who are mostly Korean. It just shows that the food they’re serving at Yedang has the taste of home to these patrons. Do try their extensive barbecue menu but don’t forget their precious Bibimbab.

How Much: Around Php1,200.00-1,400.00 for 2-4 persons. Location: 88, Meralco Commercial Complex, 88 Meralco Avenue Corner Julia Vargas, Ugong, Pasig City, 1604 Metro Manila Contact number.: (02) 636 1461 Operating hours: Daily from 10:30am- 11:00pm

Korean-style fried chicken

Sambo Kojin

Sambo Kojin is a Japanese fusion and Korean barbecue restaurant often found in malls and offer a wide array of buffet foods like Sandubu Chige (spicy soft tofu), Chapchae, Kimchi Pancake (Dalgjin) and hotpot. It’s advisable to book a table to avoid the long cue.

How Much: Children from 4- 4’6? Php380 3 – Below 4 ft. Php330 Below 3 ft. free Php688- Mon to Fri (lunch) Php838- Mon-Thurs (dinner) Php888- Fri (dinner) Php888- Weekends, Holidays (lunch and dinner) Location: 15 West Ave, Quezon City, 1104 Metro Manila, SM Megamall, Eastwood, SM Southmall, SM Fairview Contact number.: (02) 9212973 Operating hours: Mon- Fri from 11:30am-2:00pm and 6:00pm-10:00pm Sat-Sun from 11am-2pm and 5:30-10:00pm

Don Day Fresh Korean BBQ

Don Day Fresh Korean BBQ

Another reasonably priced Korean buffet restaurant is Don Day Fresh where you can delight in as much as you can grill pork and beef. They have sides like kimchi and soups included in their menu. The restaurant is also big enough to accommodate groups of people.

How Much: Php399- Unlimited Pork Barbecue (lunch) Php499- Unlimited Pork and Beef (weekdays) Location: Sunshine Boulevard Plaza Quezon Avenue Corner Scout Santiago Street, South Triangle Quezon City and 75 Kalayaan Avenue Diliman Quezon City Telephone no.: (02) 7097500 Operating hours: Daily from 11:00am-2:30pm and 5pm-10pm

Bibimbap at Korea Garden Restaurant photo via FB Page

Korea Garden Restaurant

Tucked in a rather unassuming part of Makati is this gem where Korean dreams are made of. The interiors are well-maintained though they don’t have a tabletop grill like typical Korean Restaurants do. Their menu includes Spring Onion Cakes, Kimbop and Bogumbop and many more authentic Korean dishes.

How Much: At least Php1,200.00 for 2 persons Location: 128 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City Telephone number.: (02)8955443, (02)8964361 Operating hours: Daily from 11:30-10:00pm

Buljib Samgyupsal at Samgyupsalamat

Samgyupsalamat

The name of the restaurant translates to “Pork Belly Thank You” coming from Korean term, samgyupsal which means pork belly and salamat, Filipino term which means thank you in English. The atmosphere of the restaurant isn’t your typical Korean but their menu says otherwise. They offer buffet menu as wells as Korean noodle dishes and sides.

How Much: Php399- Unlimited Pork (lunch) Php449- Unlimited Pork and Beef (lunch) Php449- Unlimited Pork (dinner) Php499- Unlimited Pork and Beef (dinner) Location: 4 Captain Ticong, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila Contact no.: (02)484 3084 Operating hours: Mon from 11:30am-2:00pm Tues-Sat from 11:30am-12:00am Sun from 12:00pm-11:00pm

Hwaroro Korean Grill Restaurant

Hwaroro Korean Grill Restaurant

HwaRoRo is the perfect Korean restaurant to go to if you’re more of a night person since their Kalayaan branch is open until late hours. If the other restaurants played it simple in terms of decorations and motif, HwaRoRo is quite extravagant with their design even having a photo area which features the picture of Gyeongbokgung Palace as a backdrop.

They also have different photo displays of celebrities who have visited the place. You can either dine ala carte or feast on their buffet.

How Much: Around Php800.00 for two persons Location: Kalayaan Plaza, 89 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone number.: (02) 435 7447 Ext 5007004 Operating hours: Daily from 11:00am-12:00am

Bibimbap

Soga Miga

If you love Samgyeopsal, you must head to Soga Miga because they serve one of the tastiest versions of the dish. The quality of their food is superb and the only downside is the limited serving. It’s a family-owned restaurant hence the way they designed the place with tables attached to each other much how family would gather together.

How Much: Around Php1,200.00 for 2 persons Location: Molito Complex, Madrigal Ave. cor. Alabang-Zapote Rd. Contact no.: 807-3008 Operating hours: Daily from 11:00am-11:00pm

Korean BBQ photo via Yoree FB Page

Yoree

Yoree is owned by Amado Group Corporation. This restaurant shows their love for their loyal customers by using smokeless grill which makes sure that the overall dining experience is unforgettable. They have set meals and ala carte meals.

How Much: Around Php1,500.00 for 2 persons Location: The Forum, 7th Avenue Corner Federacion Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Contact no.: (02)8660432/+63 9294660032 Operating hours: Daily from 11:00am-3:00pm and 5:30pm-10:00pm

The Best Korean Restaurants In Metro Manila

*Food Prices may change without prior notice.

We will constantly update this list, please recommend your favorite Korean Restaurant in the Metro by posting comments below.

See Also:

Beating the Summer Heat: 6 Affordable Beach Trips near Metro Manila

For Your Purrfect Weekend: List of Cat Cafes in Metro Manila

Weekend Getaways: Long Weekend Holiday destinations Near Metro Manila

The Best Korean Restaurants In The Metro Melo Villareal

[ghostycore]

the signs are blaring neon, the colour that warnings would be made of if sodam's eyes were any less hopeful. or inebriated, maybe; danyi picks up another white claw and waves to the attendant, pointing to sodam and her lovely card that it'll be charged on. "'dam, i can't tell you what the signs are! you've gotta feel them for yourself," a pointed finger taps her friend's nose, cold from the condensation frosting the metal can, "not force them, y'know." a lie she's been saying since high school, promising a fate that they haven't gotten to yet. "besides, a reading's twenty bucks... but i'll make it ten for you, special!"

danyi lets herself be yanked along to their next destination, lady luck left far behind. the top of her can's popped open and spilling along their path, giggles shared between the two of them like bubbly beer. it's a strange little friendship they have, the lies woven in that make it stronger than it should be, danyi encouraging in a way that's definitely just enabling, and bumping up into sodam's extensive line of ill-fated soulmates along the way, another one that has her whirling around with her cheeks flushed.

"that guy?" she orientates herself to sodam's right and looks direct at the newest guy, features awash with the same glow that has everything's covered in the mini golf course. it's weird that he's alone in glogolf, but that's a chance if she's ever seen one! "you go," danyi instructs, taking the glasses from the other, "and it'll fall into place. trust me, the stars know it all." the disbelieving psychic gives sodam a wink and pats her bum, pushing sodam in the direction of said med student. "c'mon, you're hot and he's... okay," a wiggle of her fingers, "so we can, whatever, hit a ball his way and if it's fate... it'll happen!"

she takes another sip of her cocktail, elbow resting against the bar top as she watches her friend score (that is, if she could even call it one). course two and sodam's already on double bogey, the same way these mini golf outings have been two too many. not that she's complaining — she's been reminded countless times that patience is key, plus danyi's good company. not a big price to pay if what's promised will be given to her some time, next time, any time now. a soft chuckle escapes her lips, hands clapping together at danyi's small win. good things come to those who wait, so she does.

the grin on danyi's face is matched across her own, though not as wide or electric. "direct action. got it," she parrots, nodding to cement the mental note she's made in her head. "you know i believe in you. you're never wrong." usually a glass half full kind of person, today a drink too many to be told to put two and two together. "but really, you gotta start telling me what the signs are. why do you think i wear contacts? i'm pretty much blind without this prescription." bright features begin to grimace like a petulant child, letting confusion take control. sodam notices the poor worker behind danyi finished with keeping score, thanks them before pulling her friend in the direction of their next course.

"holy shit!" an abrupt stop, followed by a sharp pivot to face the younger. "danyi, my three o'clock. that's the med student i was telling you about." faintly tilts her head to the side, a subtle cue towards what should've been buried and gone from the night of the kyungdae party. but if they're here now, at the same time, the same place, is the universe trying to tell her something? oh. so this is what danyi meant. "what do i do now? do i just go up to them?" her hand lifts up to remove neon glasses off her nose, no longer covering the red that tints her cheeks. "not that i don't trust myself, i'm not a fucking coward. but you know what's best. come on, how do i direct action?"