I said before that:

“I can now see the reason for hating these masa side-effects of popularity. Although, thinking of it as an “only in the Philippines” and “only the poor are guilty” phenomenon is where we reach our crossroads. I know people, who do not qualify as a masa-crowd, who treat kpop lightly that would offend any kpop fans (even before the so-called kpop fever). I guess it just happens to anyone, something important for someone is insignificant to someone else.”

and you replied:

“I am very interested in this phenomenon. I have yet to find a country that have this same phenomenon. I have reasons to believe that our culture and current demographics are the ones to blame.”

Well, I was looking at the comment section of an All Kpop article: http://www.allkpop.com/2010/06/a-taiwanese-variety-show-with-kpop-dance-flavor/

Comment number 41:

“oks dont hate taiwan ppl/ varitry shows…
But now they touches kpop i get angry…
Cant they use their own country music and do cover??? Whyy must they touches kpop suddenly???and on that channel it is mostly kpop!!!!! Is it suppose to be a korean channel???
Urghs.. Stick to their own music can??!?
They all uses kpop as if they really like kpop, it is an insult to us kpops lovers…!!! More ppl sudd craze into kpop and act they know alot from this….what is this!!!!!!!
### no harm to taiwanese ppl oks??? Understand???
+,just my own point of view…ask finnaly someone posted it…this has maket me upset and angry for the pass few week alrdd lahs…..”

I specially like this part:

“They all uses kpop as if they really like kpop, it is an insult to us kpops lovers…!!! More ppl sudd craze into kpop and act they know alot from this….what is this!!!!!!!”

I think this is really the issue of many pinoy kpop fan. The fact that it has become a fad in the eyes of many that being a real fan is no longer distinguishable from those teens (I expect most are teens) riding in the “in thing”. Are only the masa guilty of this? I don’t think so, though I think it’s how the masa manifest their interest in this fad that is killing you.

Like you, I can’t stop my self from swearing when I hear comments like “What’s so special about them? They all look like Sandara Park.”.

Anyway, I’ll share something.
I went to the 4minute mall tour in SM Megamall. I was just watching 4minute sign CDs (it’s once in a lifetime, I am a fangirl. xD) and so I was there, just watching. Then a couple of girls came near beside me to have a glimpse of the girls, and it seemed like they were spazzing or sth. So I thought they were fans. But what got onto my nerves was, one of the girls said, “Nasaan si Sandara?” then the other girl said, “Wala naman eh. Tara alis na tayo.”

Grr. Magtatagalog muna ako. lol. Nakakaasar, ang laki laki kaya nung mga tarps na nakasulat “4MINUTE” dun sa event center. Andami dami pang nagkalat na mga posters at tarps nila sa buong mall. Won’t they bother to at least READ THEM? WTF!
BASTA KOREAN, SANDARA NA AGAD. Sorry, I just don’t like how they stereotype Kpop girl groups as Sandara’s group or something. O.O

About the hypothetical sexbomb question, I was not imagining them trying to sing it (like any non-native speaker of any language, proper accent can’t be expected), the dance, I’m positive they can do it. The over-all performance, maybe yes, maybe not, it would be too much to expect.

About the second part, let’s see, I was referring to the annoyance cause by people to us (fans of kpop or anime or whatever former non-mainstream interest) when our interest suddenly becomes a casual interest for them. It’s as if our passion is treated as an insignificant fad that will just pass.

Now that has nothing to do with social status nor the country. Of course, your specific rant against jologs, though for me seems to be under the situation I’ve given, MIGHT be or not unique to our country. I don’t have the info to back it up.

Although if ever this mentality against jologs is unique to our country (and as you what have said before:

“There was always a divide between the poor people and the rich. It has always been like that in this country so stop kidding yourself. One way or the other, you’ve acted as an “elitist” in your life.”

You’re probably right but if ever I’ve acted like an “elitist” before (I think I had), I’m not proud of it. I don’t think we have to contribute on the perpetuation of this divide, worse, proclaim support in prolonging it.

By the way, a rather playful question, if your fear of a sexbomb dance number (yah, the horror) actually materialize BUT the sexbomb girls were able to pull it off (the dance steps, coordination, etc) properly, would you hate it? Objectively, the sexbomb girls are capable enough to do SNSD dance steps. hehehe, just curious.

If you’re just referring to the dance (the actual movement of bones and muscles that forms actions) per se, then I think they can pull it off. However, if you’re referring to the “performance”, I don’t think they’ll be able to pull it off. Don’t get me wrong, this is not me and my typical “hatred” for them, even a 5-member KPOP girl group (will not name them for fear of being flamed ) wasn’t able to gave a “perfect” rendition of Kissing You (but at the very least, its acceptable and quite adorable too!)

Although, thinking of it as an “only in the Philippines” and “only the poor are guilty” phenomenon is where we reach our crossroads.

I am very interested in this phenomenon. I have yet to find a country that have this same phenomenon. I have reasons to believe that our culture and current demographics are the ones to blame.

As for the dance steps being related to the concept, etc, well, reading that part of your reply reminded me of kpop fanwars. Much like some 2ne1 fans and/or Kara fans questioning the relevance of SNSD’s steps with RDR. So I guess, objectivity is not to expected.

By the way, a rather playful question, if your fear of a sexbomb dance number (yah, the horror) actually materialize BUT the sexbomb girls were able to pull it off (the dance steps, coordination, etc) properly, would you hate it? Objectively, the sexbomb girls are capable enough to do SNSD dance steps. hehehe, just curious.

I can now see the reason for hating these masa side-effects of popularity. Although, thinking of it as an “only in the Philippines” and “only the poor are guilty” phenomenon is where we reach our crossroads. I know people, who do not qualify as a masa-crowd, who treat kpop lightly that would offend any kpop fans (even before the so-called kpop fever). I guess it just happens to anyone, something important for someone is insignificant to someone else.

However, unlike you, I can’t turn a blind eye on the people responsible for murdering RDR in ASAP. And unlike you, I blame this to the mediocrity that is prevalent in the Filipino culture.

So let us analyze a little further ASAP’s RDR: Why is it so sucky then?

One late morning (say 9 am), the PD of ASAP said “Hey guys, KPOP is so in. Let’s do a KPOP number.” This PD then texted someone from Myx and asked “what is the coolest KPOP song today?” and someone from Myx replied “RDR from that band with 9 cute girls… I forgot the name”. So the PD told the alalay to search this “RDR song” on the Internetz and notify the gay choreographer that we need a choreography for that song later this afternoon. So the alalay found RDR and showed it to the gay choreographer. The gay choreographer, who I bet is not an expert on KPOP choreography, arrogantly said “That’s easy. I can choreograph that in an hour. Just give a me a pretty actress and a bunch of douchebags”. And then the gay choreographer taught these people his choreography for about an hour and they practiced for about 3 hours, and then that’s it.

They didn’t even cared what the song is about (How the hell is the PEACE sign related to RDR?), they didn’t gave much thought about the concept. They just murdered it. And did you see the look on that actress’ face? She looked so ashamed. Wearing a smile that said “my elitist friend from high society will now hate me for dancing KPOP — because KPOP is not cool but Justin Biever and Lady Gaga is”.

And you know why they didn’t care? Why should they? Their main audience are the MASA which do not care at all about all of these stuff. When they see their beloved artist look slutty on stage, they’re already freakin satisfied!

Local noon time shows are marketed to these type of people (MASA). People like us who care more about quality and concept are not relevant to them (ASAP). And this is why I am pissed off. We deserve better, but because of the MASA, we are not being heard.

I’ve just watched the ASAP RDR.

I’ll be honest, I consider myself as an SNSD fan (since the Gee days) and I do not like the ASAP version.

Let’s us just focus on the ASAP performance (I still do not agree with your opinion being against SNSD’s popularity here).

ASAP made me appreciate more how good the girls (SNSD) are. Keep in mind though that these ASAP dancers are celebrities who probably prepared for the dance for 3-4 hours. I’m not saying that’s ok, they should have practiced more. Doing a remix version, was not that bad for me, though again, their execution itself is annoying. I still believe in Filipino talent (clearly, not the one seen in that ASAP performance or most variety shows, they rely much on star power) but the performance could have been given more justice if more time for preparation was made.

Now, am I hating the fact that SNSD hit no. 1 in Myx thus triggering the said production number? Still, NO!

It spreads the love and appreciation for SNSD. Yes, some ignorant people (the kung-ano-uso-yun-ang-gusto crowd, not necessarily from the masa crowd, more likely are teenagers of all social status) will like it in ways that most Kpop fans will not approve of. Still, as an SNSD fan, I believe that any positive recognition for the girls makes me happy.

Just like in Korea or any country, SNSD (or any other groups) have casual fans or someone who treat them lightly. To the blogger (Ian right?), I still believe its your elitist way of thinking that’s making you hate the fact that more and more from the masa are appreciating SNSD or Kpop for that matter.

I can somehow say that I experience this dislike for having my interest accessible to more people. I’m an anime enthusiast. I watched Naruto way before it was aired in the Philippines. It annoyed me that when it was aired here, all of a sudden, every one were “ninjas” and talk how they knew Naruto without really having a clue beyond the show. It vexed me that, I, who spent a lot of time reading about Naruto, heck researching, are hearing people talk about Naruto like its just a fad. And yes, I hated seeing the poor-quality posters available everywhere.

Sounds much like your dislike for the sudden interest in SNSD of other people.

Now how do I feel about it? Nothing, I don’t care. I’m secure with myself as an anime fan. I let others have their way, I’ll continue being the anime fan that I am.

Now I also like Kpop (more on SNSD and some other groups). I watch subs of Korean programs, read song translations, research about them, etc. Yes, it may make me sigh or have my eyes roll whenever I hear someone say “I like Girls Generation” when all they know about SNSD are the videos played in Myx.

BUT, in the end, I’m still happy SNSD is making waves in Asia including the Philippines.

And again, I still do not agree with your jologs bias against our country.

Now it’s more like “gay dude”, fag, jologs, etc.

as piracy is a part of your definition of jologs
some countries have pirated stuff too

in korea, there are some items with faces of kpop artists printed on it such as mugs, wall clocks, notebooks, etc.

in thailand, same applies

parodys are also a hit in some countries

actually before, i have the same sentiments as you do
but now, i try to understand
with their music being in the mainstream, we could support them even we’re in the philippines

fans who could afford are the ones who could only buy the korean released goods (price + shipping = MONEY!!)
but now, you could purchase them for around 500pesos
it will also lessen the chances of downloading

chances of kpop artists performing in our country will also be big, just like shinee, suju, fti, 4min and ukiss

but it makes miss my old fandom
where the “masa” are not aware of kpop
where there are no haters
where it’s okay even if people thinks you are weird
where there is peace in the fandom
hehehe

Firstly, I empathize with your concern. However, the recognition that SNSD has garnered in the Philippines (thanks to local media) is one step in helping them expand their popularity. Here are two points: 1. Kpop is widely popular in other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Thailand. These are rich countries and they have the purchasing power. It should be an honor that the PH is also a part of that wagon. 2. The Korea-Ph friendship thing is not enough if we want kpop artists to be distinguished in the country. We need to show them we have the purchasing capability and that we have a strong fanbase.

The piracy is inevitable simply because we are not a rich country. We are mostly comprised of the masses, the majority of below middle-earners who will choose to buy food than an album. Piracy is their only chance of experiencing the wave and nobody should judge them for that.

I, myself am proud that SNSD has garnered such popularity. The only problem I see is, these artists are not properly introduced. They put out a song and voila, that’s it. Only Sones like us bother to know the story behind the girls. That might be the reason why you are reacting this way. You know them too well and refuse to ‘desecrate’ that cognition.

Please don’t get me wrong. This is only my opinion too.

All I know is, most, if not all, Pinoy SONES almost rallied in front of ABS-CBN when they murdered RDR.

i feel bad na ngmmukhang jologs yung mga idols ntn dto.
thanks for posting this. now i know that i’m not alone in this battle. XDD

Anyway, what you are saying is DEFINITELY TRUE. I really hate it when people-who-doesn’t-know-kpop-but-always-watching-myx become an “INSTANT FAN” because they only saw k-pop artists being played without even knowing them.

As mentioned in the last reply ASAP XV MURDERED Run Devil Run in both music and dance. This is one of the reasons why I disdain local variety shows. If you’re going to copy it, then copy it right damnit.

We fans hold the songs in high esteem that’s why we do not want it to go mainstream. Knowing the love of filipinos for novelty songs, we already felt the need to protect the artists and songs from the masses. KBP published a finding that the average mental age of a TV viewer is 4 years old so it would not surprise me why people such as our writer, and at some points myself, do not want the songs to go mainstream. It would be dilluted and dumbed down for the masses in which the song would lose its integrity.

ASAP XV rendition was worst thing ever and I’ve seen a lot of dance covers in video streaming sites.
Let the killing end there. Stop local variety shows from murdering these songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXLR0Dm9P2c

PS: Who is that girl? Skill = 0; Talent = 0; Looks = 4

PSS: Kim Yuna performed a better rendition of RDR… on a fuckin ICE RINK! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcdxnRZ_hRA

These people are the reason why we are still a third world country. On second thought, its not really their fault isn’t it? Why would you give your 100% if majority of the people that will watch it are from the class C and D demographics who have mediocre expectations?