San Francisco: B.A.P Live On Earth Pacific

This weekend was a blur.


Ok rewind! I guess I should start off by saying that this is going to be a non-fashion-related post, and a considerably text-heavy one at that. But I have not forgotten my earlier promise to keep readers entertained with image-based entries as I will include a minute portion of the many photos I took over the past three days.

Now without further ado, let's start the story-telling! (Attention: SPOILERS AHEAD! Read at your own risk!)



Being the studious person that I am (pffftttt what??), I registered for summer courses that would take place Mondays to Thursdays after finals ended. This leaved me with only Friday as my "free" day.

After B.A.P announced that they would be touring the U.S., I literally fell off my chair and could not contain myself. Though I was originally hoping I could attend the LA show, I attended the San Francisco show instead since that one was scheduled for a Friday instead of a Tuesday.

Alright! Now for the exciting stuff!


Thursday May 9, 2013

I suddenly decided that I wanted to make a posterboard on Wednesday night. And although I still had to pack on Thursday night, I managed to buy the poster materials in the morning and finish assembling the poster when I got back from afternoon classes.

Created from black bristol board and glow-in-the-dark paint, here is the finished product!! (Can you tell who my bias is? ;D)

Friday May 10, 2013

My flight was pretty early, so I had to leave the house around 5AM, leaving me to get only a mere 4 hours of sleep (eek!). But all was good as I was on my way to see the one and only B.A.P!!

First thing I noticed upon arriving in San Francisco was the lack of efficiency in airport infrastructure. But I won't go into detail about that.

After checking in to the hotel, we set about driving around in search for The Warfield in the early afternoon. Upon finding it, I was stunned to discover that the line outside the theatre to see B.A.P was at least 10 metres long! The doors would not open until 6:30PM, yet there had been people lined up outside since 9:30AM to get good standing seats!

A girl I met there was kind enough to save me a spot in line while I rushed back to get my posterboard. And we, as well as a bunch of Babyz, stood in line for another 3 hours or so before we were finally admitted inside.

Again though, I have to comment on the inefficiency and disorganization of the entire event. Not only did majority of the fans miss the opening act, but a lot of people also missed B.A.P's first few performances since we were still lined up outside. The doors, in fact, did NOT open at 6:30PM. The seating standing arrangements were quite a rip-off too - you could barely see the stage, were packed up so tight with other viewers that you could practically smell their B.O., and were shoved back into the pack by security every 10 seconds if you dared to take one step into the aisle.

Might I add that Verizon has told a BIG FAT LIE on their website - there were NO concert goods sold at the venue whatsover. Nothing, none, zilch. Not a Live On Earth product was to in sight.

And once again, I really wished there was an age limit for this concert. Getting puerile remarks thrown at me by munchkin elementary school kids who find flicking my sign more amusing than watching Zelo rap does not exactly coincide with my idea of enjoying a concert.

• The Concert

Oh wow. Just WOW. It's one thing to drool over your favourite K-Pop star in front of a computer screen while you watch videos of them performing. It's a totally different feeling when you actually see them. Like, FOR REAL - as physical beings in front of your own very eyes! As soon as the B.A.P appeared, I thought, "Wow. I am actually seeing them live. Like, they're HERE. Not in Korea. This isn't just a video - it's them IN PERSON. Holy OMG, I can't believe this is happening."

That completely surreal feeling still hasn't left me, and I'm still experiencing the after-effects of standing tip-toed, holding up a sign, and screaming my head off for 2+ hours.

Needless to say, they were nothing less than SPECTACULAR! But I do have some individual comments to make:

- Bang Yong Guk: He's equally skinny as in his pictures, and you could see that even through his clothes. (*Sigh~* No, he didn't strip like in Live On Earth Seoul). But OMG he is DAMN HOTT in real life. He isn't my bias or anything but his DJing completely captivated me X3

- Kim Himchan: Ahhh my bias ❤ To be completely honest, I was surprised at how he performed live. Besides the MC portion, he was rather expressionless while performing and looked extremely tired a little after halfway through the show. Another thing I noticed was that they altered the ONE SHOT choreography to put less pressure on the hands; if I'm not mistaken, Himchan's hand hasn't fully recovered enough to do the push-up dance but he still forced himself to dance. Aww baby, I know you wanted to perform with the rest of the group, but you need to rest > <.

- Jung Daehyun: My gosh boy, You really do have the voice of an angel. Daehyun's voice rang loud and clear throughout the entire concert hall. He really puts his all into his performances. What amazed me the most was his duet with Yongguk for I Remember: he gave Yoseob's part a twist by changing the key and intonation slightly. His voice was absolutely beautiful, making it sheer bliss to listen to it. OH! And you know those photos of him post-workout that he posts on his SMS accounts? Those arms are REAL guyssssss - they're even more defined than Yongguk's!!! AHHHHHHH~ ❤

- Yoo Youngjae: I've always been kind of, well, neutral to Youngjae. But seeing him live has made me realize just how CUTE and lovable he is! He is super sweet to the fans and always has a smile on his face. Watching him makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside > /// <. Oh and another thing: Though I always thought he was a "backup" singer to Daehyun, I now know how totally wrong I am. His voice stands out a LOT more in real life. And "I Believe You Can Fly" would not have been complete without him.

- Moon Jongup: Oh man, this guy can DANCE. He doesn't do it too much in the performances I've watched online, but HOLY COW! His bboying skills are top-notch! And he can sing! He doesn't have that many lines in B.A.P's songs, so I never knew what he really sounded like, but he actually sings really well!! XD And that red hair REALLY suits him x3

- Zelo: I feel like such a pedo-noona for saying this but, Zelo is incredibly SEXY - he's ZEXY! (LOL). You wouldn't have ever thought it but he's got some seriously nice arms hidden underneath that jacket. And like all the other members, he was tired by the end of the concert, but not once did an exhausted expression appear on his face. Instead, he just cooly ruffled his hair and wiped off his sweat with a towel (that he sadly did not throw into the audience).

Though Himchan was my bias (And he still is! Though now I have once more hehe ;D), Zelo had this magical ability that made my eyes follow him all around the stage. It was crazy - like his body was just one huge magnet that was slowly sucking my eyes out of their sockets. Damn boy, you were MADE for the entertainment industry.

Ok, so that's the end of my fangirling. The boys' performance was, no doubt, flawless. They really are BEST. ABSOLUTE. PERFECT.

(P.S. Cameras weren't allowed in the venue (they actually did inspect your bag) and thus, I did not bring one)

Saturday May 11, 2013

Saturday was my day to be a tourist, and so sightseeing it was!

< The above photos were taken at the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard St., and Japantown. >

And so concludes my intense three-day vacation!

Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible! Especially my family who supported me all the way and even travelled with me/sponsored me on this trip! This support has meant so much to me and I will be forever grateful.

- miyaka 

Also check out my San Francisco VLOG! =)

Let There Be Spunk

By the time you're reading this, I'll be writing my last final exam (YES!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!).

And three hours after this is posted, I'll be soaking up the gorgeous sun and the sweet smell of freedom.

Once upon a time there was a program that made students work harder than they have ever worked in their lifetime. 

They worked harder throughout the year and any of their classmates in other faculties, yet they would not see liberation until the very last day of the semester, after all their friends had completed their year jetted off home for the summer.

Ladies and gentleman, it takes SPUNK to be in such a program.

Likewise, it takes SPUNK to don a pair of two-toned shorts and wait in line for Menchies to open when Mother Nature decides that she doesn't feel like it be any warmer than 5 degrees. Glad that's all over now. (Spring is finalllyyyyyyy in full swing!)

Quilted jacket: Vintage // Aztec skull tank: Zara // Hooded vest, bow bracelet: H&M //

Gold prism bracelet, houndstooth bag: GUESS // Shorts: Hot Topic // Socks: The Bay //

Platform sneakers: Little Burgundy // Necklace: Killah // Wire headband: Daiso //

Black and white - such a classic combo. A slight nod to the trend is given through the use of a monochromatic houndstooth cross-body bag.

Flatforms - Oh yes. Nothing gets better than a pair of chunky platform heel high tops you can stomp around and feel absolutely fabulous in. I approve of this trend. Yup, this boost is just what us below five-five girls need. It is guaranteed you'll see more of these in the future.

Funky prints - Skulls is one thing my dad nor my friends are too fond of. But this one camouflages itself so nicely into this colourful Aztec design that its shape is almost unrecognizable. Game well played, mister.

Oh and that leopard? It's a fun addition to a basic black pair of shorts no? Though as much as I love a good feline touch, my upper upper half (haha that sounds funny) tends to lean towards bunny ears.

Summer break has officially started and nothing (absolutely nothin', ya hear me?!) will stop me from making the most of it!

Be prepared to get your swimsuits and mahjong tables out my friends!!

- miyaka ☆

The Blurred Borderline

Happy Easter everyone!!

Honestly, Easter should take place in spring, should it not?

Well, considering that this past week has consisted of nothing but gorgeous sunny days and acceptable weather (positive degrees!!), we ARE technically nearing spring. Though starting tomorrow, we'll begin to see negatives again (^ ^ ;).

So as you can see, the boundary separating spring and winter is quite fuzzy.

A huge trend for Spring 2013 includes the classic black-and-white combo.

I personally love the timelessness of a monochromatic pallette: the lack of colour puts the focus on all other aspects of the ensemble, while a simple switch-up of accessories can elevate the dressiness of the look within a few mere seconds.

But it might be because I was so obsessed with this in the past that I'm too scared to don a complete BW outfit now. (Heck, I'd rather go full colour!)

Either way, here's my nod to the trend, with a few additions of colour.

Cobalt suede moto jacket, leopard print dress: H&M // Star print tights: Zara //

Grey bracelet: Betsey Johnson // Backpack: Coach // Lace-up boots: Aldo //

Lace-trim over-the-knee socks, belt: Ardene // Flower necklace: YesAsia.com (Gifted)

This might be completely unrelated but I do realize that I look like I've gained an incredulous amount of weight in these photos. This is not the case, however. My face simply appears to be rounder due to the lack of layers surrounding it (which was caused by a bad haircut eliminating them).

Is grey close enough to black-and-white? Should be, since mixing them yields a smoke-hued pigment. If not, then is this leafy, flowery backpack enough to convince you that this is indeed related to monochromaticism (and spring)?

*Sigh* Spring cleaning has led me to realize that I am totally not doing my wardrobe justice. Take this two-year-old backpack for example - as gorgeous as it may be, I have yet to utilize it on any of my daily travels, mainly since I had forgotten about its very existence up till now.

I guess there really isn't much I can say except that mixing prints is fun and effective in boosting the overall aesthetically-pleasing factor of an outfit (Hey, what's not to love about leopard and stars?).

Maybe next time I'll try seashells and ice cream, reminiscent of swimming at the beach (an activity I would much rather be doing instead of my current state of cramming for my last midterm and finals)

Hope everyone has a fantastic Easter!!

(Try to refrain from eating too many chocolate eggs...but then again, when can there be too much chocolate? ;D)

- miyaka ☆

BILO THE MONKEY

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!!

No, I'm not Irish. But I am, however, a huge fan of the colour GREEN.

 Hoodie, "Bilo the Monkey" t-shirt: H&M // Prism, spike bracelets: Aldo Accessories // Zodiac bracelet: Vancouver

Panda cap, socks: Pacific Mall // Watch: Gifted // Platform sneakers: Aldo // Heart lock necklace: Roots //

High-waisted denim shorts: Garage //  Sequin backpack: Hibou @ Little Burgundy

So maybe it's not the best time to be indulging in bread pudding with caramel sauce. Nor is it really appropriate for me to be enjoying a glass of champagne and orange juice by the lake, especially since I'll have to write two midterms in the next 36 hours. (Study Mode: ON! ...well, almost. I'm still in the charging process.)

Ahhh now where should I start? The "Neon Dreams" hoodie was acquired quite a few years ago, when the world was still kind to me and studying required no effort whatsoever. At that point in time, I believe my favourite colour had been black. Grunge/punk rock influence? Possibly. Or I might have just liked the versatility of it (minus the colour's insulating effects during warm weather).

But the difference between this shopping-appropriate concoction and the 2009 version is the addition of Bilo the Monkey, in addition to some retro-ness.

I've always had a thing for monkeys - the stuffed ones with Velcro on their hands and feet, that is. So upon discovering this adorable print, I was led onto a road of nolstalgia and absolute bliss - I HAD TO HAVE IT.

Now, let's not forget about the other details though. Pandas are cute, spiked bracelets are my comfort jewellery (if such a term does indeed exist), and flatforms are my good friends. 

And nothing screams comfortable like a good pair of dark-wash, distressed denim shorts, except maybe leggings...but I think I'm done with extreme legging-donning for now. Winter's over after all =)

Off to do some indefinite integrals and graph some parametric curves now, hope everyone else is having a great weekend!

(*sigh~* Just THREE. MORE. WEEKS. We can do this!! Go go go!!)

- miyaka ☆