Klaus on Branded Stuffs

This would be a kind of opinion I guess. Or rather.. it is a confession. I'm not a person who is really into branded stuffs. I'm not a shopaholic as well. It doesn't really matter what brand of clothing I'm wearing, as long as it is not the fake ones (you know what I mean, right?). I love buying local indie stuffs. Bandung is somewhat rich of creative young designers, creating new designs which are very unique. Some of my outfits are under the label of famous indie clothing brands such as Ouvalresearch, Screamous, Dloops, Sharks and so on. Some are even under infamous labels which I don't recognize (mostly products of mass-production). 

I'm kind of person who usually gets stuck in one, two, or some favorite outfits, and leave them once they become boring. It's like wearing your favorite shirt and washing-and-drying it and ironing it and wearing it and washing-and-drying it again and ironing it over and over again until the color of your shirt fades, or you become uninterested in it, or at least, you buy a new one. No matter what the brand of your clothes is, once the clothes become your favorite, you'll wear it anyway. 

However when it comes to branded stuffs, I'm a person who dare to save-money-and-buy-'em. Of course, style and design would come first before deciding the purchase. I'm into casual style, having tendency to wear something slim-fit, with simple graphic and colors of my favorite palette (if it is not monochromatic palette, that should be blue or pastel colors). Speaking of branded stuff, it should be also related to my favorite brands. So far Nike and Converse are on the top of my list, followed by Adidas, Vans, and so on. The products are somewhat expensive. Then how do I buy those stuffs? 

Most of shopping malls in Bandung already have Twitter account to inform news such as events, promotion, as well as discount parties! Knowing the information would surely help you decide what you are or are not going to buy, and allocate your money for the stuffs. Make sure you check the price list before going to shopping mall in order to help you make better money allocation for the stuffs. Try to find the average price for stuffs of a brand (for example, Converse), find out how many percent the outlet would give for discount, and estimate your budget. For me, the updates are like unexpected chances to buy branded stuffs. Sometimes I don't have any plans to buy new branded stuffs, even the common ones. Then, I see an update informing about discount party for several tenants including my favorite ones and suddenly I become so spirited and go to the mall to buy the discounted stuffs. 

I categorize shopping centers into three types: low-end, mid-end, and high-end. In low-end ones it is less likely to find branded stuffs. Wait! Let's bear in mind that the branded stuffs I mention here refer to clothes and shoes only. In low-end shopping centers, you'll find clothes under brands you might not recognize. However, it's not impossible to find clothes of your favorite designs. Pasar Baru Trade Center is, I guess, one of the low-end shopping centers located in Bandung downtown. It has lots of clothes under various brands--which you might never hear. But when talking of design and style, you sure can't underestimate it. The prices are cheaper and you are able to bargain. My mom goes there and comes back home with, at least, six to ten shopping bags in shopping season. 

Branded stuffs are more likely to be found in mid-end and high-end shopping centers. Yogya Plaza is one of the best mid-end shopping centers in Bandung (similar to H&M, Urban Outfitters, or Uniqlo). However, the plaza is not only about clothes; it has a big supermarket, usually located at the top floors. Some brands such as Lois, 3Second, and Sharks could be found here. Interestingly, the retailer often holds discount events and for those who own member cards would get more privileges--discounts, of course. My mom has her own member card and she lets me use it to buy some branded stuffs. By using the card, I could get the stuffs for any cheaper. 

How about the high-end shopping centers? 

Yes, famous brands could be found there. The tenants are somewhat extensive. In Paris van Java mall, Sogo (a high-end clothing retailer) stretches for approximately 3-5 blocks and spans two levels. Zara stretches for two blocks, as well as Topman and Topshop. You'll find Mango, Marks & Spencer, Zara, Topman, and so on. But honestly, I'm not into them. The prices are too expensive and the style is not interesting for me. As I've told you earlier that I'm into casual style, probably stuffs like Nike, Converse, Airwalk, Quiksilver, and Billabong are more interesting for me. 

But being stylish and fashionable is not only about what branded stuffs you have. It's not only about being up-to-date to latest fashion trends as well. I don't care about being stylish and fashionable. Well, every one has their own style, right? I'm fine being like this--sometimes a bit dorky, sometimes so kiddie. I wear Converse T-shirt, Urban Outfitter plaid flannel long-sleeved shirt, skinny jeans bought at a jeans specialist in Cihampelas street, Ben10 novelty rubber bracelet, and Diadora basketball shoes. I'm so far from being stylish and fashionable, but I feel comfortable wearing them. That's it! That's the point. Being comfortable is the main point. 

Coffee, and cloudy Seoul sky

I hate to say this but I'm not feeling well today that I could not go to the campus *sighs* Lying on bed, listening to music, eating porridge, and re-reading magazines seemed so boring so I decided to do something else. I watched "The Playlist" on [V]Channel and suddenly thought of making my own playlist. It is rainy season here in Indonesia and the weather is somewhat cold. Rain comes down every day. Sky overcasts. People tend to stay home and get themselves warmed. So yeah, basically I've got inspiration for my playlist, with the hope to be played on the next "The Playlist"

I created a playlist titled "Coffee and Cloudy Seoul Sky", consisting of seven Korean tunes from various genre. Basically the songs are down-tempo tunes. Not so fast, yet not so slow (possibly in the range between Andante and Allegretto). These are the songs I would simply love to listen while enjoying a cup of cappuccino at a cozy coffee shop in a rainy day. You'd probably love to listen to these tunes as well. So why don't we check the playlist out? 

2NE1

Missing You (그리워해요)

At the first time I listened to this song, I thought it would be something upbeat; something that would make people dance (just like "Do You Love Me" or "I'm The Best"). After finished listening to the song, I concluded that "Missing You" is something unique. It is a down-tempo song, arranged in such a way that the chorus part could really give something different, something so melancholic. Accompanied by piano riffs and guitar rhythm, this sad love song is something Blackjacks must have in their playlist. Else, the music video offers melancholic scenes and, to my surprise, CL's naked part (this is actually my big brother's favorite scene). 

Park Bom & Lee Hi

All I Want For Christmas Is You

I admit getting myself teary when listening to this song for the first time. YG, collaborated with Samsung released this single and its music video on last Christmas. I could say I was one of the first viewers of the video. Back then I was home alone at Christmas. My family went on a Christmas holiday trip and unfortunately I could not join for I got to finish my mini-research before the deadline. I listened to this song on Christmas morning and I got myself teary (damned that mini-research project!). Yeah, all I want for Christmas was.. gathering with my family. 

"All I Want For Christmas Is You" is a slow rock tune, exposing the duo's singing skills. In somewhat slow rock arrangement, ornamented with piano riffs and smooth flute melody (you might hear flute melodies throughout the song), this is a really melancholic, sad Christmas carol. I guess this is my favorite version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You", followed by Michael Bublé's version. 

PS: the video cover scared me a lot back then. I thought YG made a horror movie

Big Bang

Blue

This is Big Bang's cooling-down tune that I love the most. The arrangement showcases arpeggio by piano, acoustic guitar strum, packaged in downtempo beats. The music video is another thing I like from this song (and how I wish to ride the wooden rollercoaster seen in the video). 

G-Dragon

That XX (그 XX)

I was staying in my class during lunchtime in a rainy noon. A friend of mine played this song through her phone and the acoustic guitar arrangement immediately captivated me. "That XX" is basically a vocal-guitar performance, played in D major and composed in (mostly) major seventh and minor seventh chords. The chords add soothing feeling, despite of the lyric. Does anyone know what XX refers to? He he

That XX, with XX refers to (I should have not written this actually) 새끼, means bastard in Korean. It is simply a way to censor that cuss word. 

Epik High (featuring Younha)

Umbrella (우산)

I always put this song in my rain-and-coffee stereotype playlists. I don't know but this song and rainy days really fit, so whenever it starts to rain while I'm listening to music on my iPod, I immediately play this song and enjoy the rain. It is a down-tempo, hip-hop music, ornamented with piano riffs and composed in I-III-vi-iv chord progression. I admit loving Younha's voice in this song. Her voice is somewhat soothing, calming. 

Back then I was in a car, on my way to Ngee Ann City in the famous Orchard Road. I looked out of the window, seeing Singapore under the rain while listening to this song. People walking under their umbrellas, running to nearby buildings and bus stops, raindrop drenching in every single leaves. I don't know why but really, the song suits the situation. 

Untouchable (featuring Jinsung from Monday Kiz)

Merry Go Round

This song features melancholic piano melodies, slow strings section, arranged in downtempo hip-hop beats. The chorus part is sung by Jinsung. It is the part where people could find the ballad side of this song. The bridge part connecting to the last chorus boasts its semi-glissando piano melody which brings the song to its climax. Jinsung's voice is awesome, and of course, the rap parts are awesome as well. 

Girls' Generation

Time Machine

"Time Machine" is actually sung in Japanese. However, I will still include the song to the playlist, for Girls' Generation is a Korean girlband. The music video showcases each members in different places and situations, crying, and eventually 'moving on'. I like Sooyoung's scenes; she's waiting for a phone call and eventually she is seen talking in phone with someone at the end of the music video. And YoonA's scenes! Oh gosh, she is running in (that looks like) a wedding dress in a snowy day. 

Korean Drama/Film Soundtrack - Acoustic Tunes Selection

Here I'd like to share my selection of acoustic tunes, picked from several Korean dramas and movies. Regardless the films or the dramas, (I believe) the tunes offer a calming, comforting atmosphere for melancholic rainy days, quiet sunny afternoons, and calm starry nights. 

Full House (2004)

Paradiso (by Jung Tae Yoo)

Full House (풀하우스) is a Korean TV series, starring Rain and Song Hye-Gyo, aired in 2004. The series focuses on the life of Lee Young Jae (Rain) and Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-Gyo) who set up a contract for marriage, despite their hatred towards each other. However as they live under the contract, both start to love each other. 

"Paradiso" could be found in several scenes (notably in a scene where Yoo Minhyuk realizes Ji-eun's feelings towards Young Jae, he cries in the shower). It is a melancholic tune, showcasing guitar melodies accompanied by piano riff. As for me, this is a perfect acoustic tune to accompany my quite sunny afternoon. Well, better listen to this tune while enjoying sunny afternoon in a quiet beach. 

Haru: An Unforgettable Day in Korea (2010)

Coffee or Tea (by Oh Joon Seong)

Haru is a Korean film released in 2010. It is actually a short movie promoting the tourism of South Korea, starring U-Know Yunho from TVXQ, Lee Dae Hee, Kim Bum, Han Chae Young, Park Shi Hoo, and BIG BANG. The film showcases landscape of Korea, the beauty of its nature, as well as fascinating small towns. The promotion is cleverly packaged through the scenes. 

"Coffee or Tea" is a short piece that could be heard during the scene of Kim Bum chatting with Lee Dae Hee in a train. It is an acoustic guitar piece that plays in D major, bringing sense of soothing. I love listening to this song on cloudy days, for sure. 

Jungle Fish (2010)

Knockin' on Heaven's Door (by Taru)

I kind of like this version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", followed by Avril Lavigne's live version. It's basically a vocal-guitar song, with melody of slow, string-section after the second verse accompanying in the second chorus. As you listen to the song, pay attention to the second chorus and you may think that Taru cried on that verse! 

Two Weeks (2013)

The Day You Come (by Yoo Seung Woo)

Two Weeks is a Korean TV series starring actor Lee Junki, Park Ha Sun, Kim Soyeon, and Ryu Sooyoung. Aired in 2013, the series focuses on the life of Jang Tae San (Lee Junki). He is accused of a murder that he is sent to jail. However, he breaks out and has to survive in order to save her daughter within two weeks. "The Day You Come" is a soft, melancholic guitar pop, exposing its guitar arrangement and Yoo Seung Woo's soft voice, ornamented by slow string-section and melodic piano tunes. The song is usually played during sad scenes. 

Heartstrings (2011)
Because I Miss You (Guitar Version)

Original song performed by Jung Yonghwa

This is the solo guitar version from the original "Because I Miss You" (그리워서...), performed by Jung Yonghwa from CNBlue. I refer the song as "a summer breeze kissing dandelions and apple leaves".

City Hunter (2011)

Memories of Love (Guitar version by Park Joo Won)

Original song titled 'Love' (사랑), performed by Im Jae Beom

This version of 'Love' (사랑) is arranged in a guitar solo performance. For those who are looking for easy listening guitar solo tunes, this song may be a good choice (I recommend you listening to this song in a quiet noon, while enjoying cool summer breeze). Better listen to the original song first, and then compare to this guitar version. The solo piano version is available as well in the tracklist. 

Sad Love Story (2005)

Sad Aria (by Yoon Gun)

The song features soft vox, accompanied by classic guitar arrangement and string section. Opened by guitar melody and dominated with minor chords, I don't recommend you listening to this song while feeling blue (unless you want to have a kind of soundtrack for your blue moment). 

Wedding and Marriage

Well, so far I've come to two wedding parties this year, my uncle's and my friend's. It's so nice to hear that someone I know well is getting married, because it means that there would be a wedding party. Wedding parties! Oh, how I love the decoration, the food and drinks, the music.. I guess wedding party would be one of the greatest parties I'll hold in my life and sure, every time I get invitation to a wedding party it makes think that "Okay, I'm older now. One by one my friends and relatives are getting married and, when will my turn be?" 

My elder brother and I went to a wedding party of my friend, Tami. It was a surprise because Tami had not informed my about her engagement and her wedding party. She told me a couple days before the wedding party so I was like "What? Why so sudden and.. Tami! Seriously, you're getting married!" We went there and came lately, thirty minutes before the party ended. I met my friends at the party. Sasha, Nicole, Jennifer (her name is not Jennifer actually--that's just how she refers herself in front of Fath *LOL*), and others. I saw Tami wearing a beautiful magenta dress, standing next to her husband, being congratulated by the guests. My brother and I quickly came to her to congratulate her. Oh, really, she's so beautiful in her wedding dress. Everyone there was happy. Tami was happy. Her friends were happy. I was happy. 

Then I started to talk to my friends about wedding and marriage. Seeing Tami getting married has made me envious. Gosh! I want to hold a wedding party, too! Yeah.. A great wedding party, with chamber orchestra, jazz band, chocolate ice cream, slices of Tiramisu, Martini, and a grandeur hall decorated in white and beige, and two huge crystal chandeliers hanging on the ceiling. Guest coming and congratulating. Children enjoying desserts. My wife standing close to me, whispering about the food, the drinks, and children who always come back to take slices of cake. Wedding party is a great, grandeur, and wonderful party and I believe every one wishes to have a great, unforgettable wedding party. 

However, when it came to talk about marriage life something like thunderstorm attacked my brain. No! Marriage is no picnic, said Count Olaf, quoted by Violet Baudelaire as a punchline to him. And yes! Marriage is no picnic (well it is not necessary to literally have no picnic in life). By no picnic means that everything would become more complicated than what is seen from the wedding party. Okay. Happiness and laughter, but marriage is something more serious--something you have to handle with four to ten hands. I'll become a husband for my wife and a father for my children and it means that I'm the one who looks for job, works, earns money, feeds children, gives money to my wife, manages the budget, arranges good education for my children, affords a proper house, buys (at least) a vehicle, teaches my children etiquette (as well as basic English, Korean, and Chinese), and.. do I have to include house chores here? 

I remember back then when I was in primary high school, a teacher of mine told something about marriage life in the class, saying that "Three first months of your marriage life may seem beautiful, just like a perfect life. But remember that the months coming later could be a nightmare for you. Girls! Do you think you can bear your husband's snoring and sleeptalking? Do you think you can handle house chores by yourself? Do you think feeding your baby is an easy task? Boys! Do you think you can handle your wife's grumbles and complaints about veggies and jewelry?"

All my friends and I were so.. dumbfounded.

So at last I concluded my opinion about wedding and marriage. Wedding is a welcoming gate to marriage life. Or let's say that marriage is a great country which we have never visited before. The gate is so merry, so beautiful that you can't wait to see what's inside the country. As you step into the country, you realize that things are not as beautiful as the gate looks. You need preparation before visiting the country and that's all...

Wedding party. Is there anyone who'd like to invite me to a wedding party? LOL