KISEAS Seminar

 

A chance to have a picture with Prof. Shim, an expert in Hallyu and Media Studies. After meeting him first in 2010..well... in Jogjakarta, we occasionally met for academic endeavors in Seoul. This time around..thanks to him..we met again in Busan for this seminar. 

Not much to tell..but it was indeed a good day.

Then..of course I also met my long-time friend, now Dr. Park Kwan-woo, who just got his Ph.D from Sussex University in 2014. We met back then in Jogjakarta when he studied Indonesian language and culture in Universitas Gadjah Mada..hmm was it like 2004? gee..I did not remember but..one thing for sure...we met again in Busan for KISEAS seminar..which was a big deal.

We're now researching the same topic..about Indonesian migrant workers.--which is a great thing to start. 

International Food Festival (part 5): Friends Who Invited Me into Their World

Aigerim and Elmira (not shown on picture) were the first friends who got me aware of this event. Kakaotalk-ing with me a week ago...to make sure that I could come and be a part of their annual festival. 

Let's take a moment to celebrate, Aigerim. 

One of my best friends, Jobirson. Well, We were at the same campus, HUFS, when we're still learning Korean language back in the 2011 and 2012. 

Now he's studying at KDI. 

A nice attire, Jobir. 

Then, ...what would a picture be without Felix (the guy on the right) from Ghana. Just like Jobirson, Felix used to be at the same university (HUFS) with me until he--also--started his study at KDI. 

Then..off we went again..with Jobirson from Uzbekistan.

Again with full-fledged smile on our face.:-) 

Last but not least, what would it be without photo with friends from Indonesia an other Southeast Asian countries. 

Thanks for inviting me, my dear friends.

A Gift from Bravo! ASEAN in Korea (part 6)

A small gift for each guest coming to watch the show.:-)

Well, it's really nicely wrapped inside that pink box, though.

And..I wonder if all of these guys also got one?^^

they brought a pink box along with them? -ehhmm why not!

Bravo! ASEAN in Korea (part 3)

What would be a show in Korea without K-Pop??^^

well, as a guest star, 100% showed up to surprise its fans. 

Well, seeing the manicured boys wrapped in seducing dance numbers....was like..okay...I got to see more! 

I was deafened by the screaming from all directions around the hall...even my wife was screaming...simply because she was carried away...ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 

Then, along came the appreciation award to all participants. 

Some dignitaries like ambassadors or deputy in charge...were present that night. 

The Indonesian team with the biggest number in size received an appreciation award. 

the ceremony went on for about 30 minutes or show. 

and then...Fan Favorite Award went to Thailand team.

chuka..chuka...

The whole theater at Konkuk University's Millenium Hall was packed with people who really wanted to enjoy a night full of colorful portrayal of ASEAN country members. 

And this was it. 

I think I was pretty lucky to sit on the front row. come on Suray....lucky?

see that you're obstructed by the camera crane that was just right in front of you?

oh, well.... 

Then..another cool ceremony came along.

it's a Ruffle time. 

As many as 12 give away prizes ranging from headset, I-pod, computer, and vouchers...were given away...for the lucky spectators. 

Then..a group picture of all contestant. 

So, Eyra, Freya, and Mama...did you have fun? 

Looks like they did. 

Until next year.... 

The whole group of Indonesian team.

oh...with other team right next to them.:)

Bravo! ASEAN in Korea (part 2)

 

The host (Korea) performed its taekwondo extravaganza. 

It's really a feast to the eyes. 

Was it taekwondo? was it K-pop concert? was it a theatrical performance?

all in one. 

And they sealed off the show with a parade of ASEAN members' flags. 

to signify the unity of its members along with Korea as its ally(?) 

it's Thailand team. 

which was pretty impressive: they combined contemporary dance, drawing on stage, and a Chinese zither show...all in one: symbolizing harmony. 

It's Vietnamese team. 

Myanmar team. 

They're colorfully clad in adornment that matched perfectly in tune with the music. 

I think it's one of the best shows.

Bravo! ASEAN in Korea (part 1)

I managed to secure two tickets to see Bravo! ASEAN in Korea final night. 

Yes, it's an annual event where 10 countries of ASEAN members show off their cultural performance to the audience in Korea. 

The MC opened up the curtain....  

 

Gangnam Style from The Philippines. 

A contemporary dance from Malaysia. 

A look into the audience and the hall. 

Oh, it's still from Malaysia. 

A couple (on stage & off stage) from Singapore. 

A gleeful boy from Myanmar dancing a traditional dance. 

See how gleefully happy he was? 

Taekwondo show with a modern twist from Korea. 

A fan dance + taekwondo: soft yet powerful show of force.