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Apr

2021

Good Things That Can Turn Bad

Reading Time: 3 minutes

There are everyday things that we enjoy doing. They are fun, relaxing and give us a sense of calmness and fulfillment. We need them in order to maintain a balanced life. They are good for our overall well-being. It is not good for the health if it is all work and no play. However, if done in excess, these things can have an opposite effect. They can be detrimental to our wellness. Here are five good things that can turn bad if done excessively:

1. Drinking Tea

There are many different kinds of teas. Each one has different usage and benefits. For one, some tea has antioxidant properties. Teas also have cleansing properties so they are good for gut health and can also reduce blood sugar levels and can also reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, drinking tea is also good for the heart. Teas reduce the risk of stroke and blood pressure . They also lower blood cholesterol in the body. Thus, moderate drinking is greatly beneficial for health.

But too much of everything is bad. Drinking too much tea can lead to anxiety, headaches and disrupted sleep patterns. More so, too much tea can lead to the formation of kidney stones because of the oxalate found in teas. Drinking more than 4 cups of tea per day is already considered toxic.

2. Drinking Wine

Research suggests that drinking wine is good for the heart because just like tea, wine contains antioxidants. Wine protects the body from heart diseases and inflammation. It is best to take red wine because it has higher levels of antioxidants compared to white wine. The US Dietary guidelines recommends drinking wine in moderation. Moderation means one glass per day for women and two glasses for men.

A piece of warning though, drinking excessively can lead to dependence and even alcoholism.

3. Eating Chocolates

Studies reveal that chocolates are good for your health. The flavanols found in cocoa beans, the main ingredient of chocolates are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. Damaged cells lead to cancer. They also protect the heart by reducing low-density cholesterol, thus preventing plaque built-up in the artery walls.

However, do remember that chocolates are still sweets. It is loaded with extra calories, sugar and unhealthy fats. So in order to get the maximum benefit of chocolate, it is better to eat chocolate bars with at least 70% cacao or higher. In short, always opt for dark chocolates with less sugar and saturated fats.

4. Sleeping

A good sleep is very important for our overall health and wellness. Having 7-8 hours of good quality sleep helps boost the immune system. Moreover, a full night’s sleep results in a sharper brain and healthier heart. According to the Sleep Foundation, a lack of sleep is associated with several medical conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, poor mental death and even early death.

However, too much sleep can do more harm than good. Sleeping for more than 9 hours each night is already considered oversleeping. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases and calcium buildup in the arteries are often attributed to people who sleep longer than needed.

5. Watching TV

Watching your favorite movies, shows and Korean dramas is good for you. It is a form of entertainment. It helps you relax and take a break from all the hustle and bustle in life. Some shows even provide educational content and some can serve as inspiration in life.

However, watching too much can already affect your health physically and mentally. No physical activity can lead to muscle degradation, fatigue, obesity and can lead to laziness. It is bad for the eyes. It also affects the brain. And besides, it takes your time away from doing important things.

Feature Photo by Elina Sazonova from Pexels

Feb

2021

Korean Dramas About Pursuing Dreams

Reading Time: 4 minutes

What is your dream life? How will you describe your perfect spring day? If you want to have a better life, you must always start with defining your goals and dreams. Once you have figured out what you want, then you are now ready to pursue your dreams. However, pursuing dreams and goals is never easy. You need to focus. You also need to persevere. It helps if you have passion for what you are doing. To have a clear idea on what it takes to achieve your goals, take inspiration in these some Korean dramas about pursuing dreams.

1. Dream High

Video Credit: KBS World T V

Dream high is about a group of young talented kids who entered the toughest art school in the country in order to achieve their dreams. It is a story of growing up, friendships and competitions among peers. It is about dedication and passion for the arts. Most importantly, it is about the desire to be successful in their chosen fields.

2. Dr. Romantic 1 & 2

Video Credit: Viu Singapore

Unlike the rest of the dramas where people had to start from the bottom to achieve their dreams, the dramas Dr. Romantics 1 and 2 are different in the sense that the leads are already doctors. However, something happened in their lives that got them reassigned to a small unknown hospital in the countryside. There, they met Dr. Kim, a genius surgeon who became their mentor. Dr. Kim helped them achieve their dreams of becoming better doctors. In addition, they also become better persons in the process.

3. Itaewon Class

Video Credit: The Swoon

Pursuing dreams is always a challenge. More so, if you have to start at the bottom. If you love stories about underdogs, then Itaewon class is for you. An ex-convict, sociopath, transgender, gangster, illegitimate son and a foreigner teams up together to open a bar in Itaewon. These misfits were able to overcome challenges together and rose to become the biggest in the food industry in the country. It shows the importance of a dream team in achieving success in life.

4. Last Empress

https://youtu.be/cepBlvRMgtA

Video Credit: Viki Global TV

The Last Empress is a fictional drama set in a premise of a modern-day South Korea under a constitutional Korea. It is about a man who wants to find out the reason for his mother’s death and vows to take down the corrupt monarchy. Although the goal of revenge is something that should not be advocated, the drama shows how a weak person can rise to become a palace bodyguard who will be responsible in bringing about justice to a lot of people.

5. Record of Youth

Video Credit: Netflix Asia

This drama is about the lives of young individuals struggling in the world of entertainment. Known as the most cutthroat industry, it is notoriously hard to break and become a success in the entertainment industry. Find out how three ambitious young people from different social classes navigate their way in the industry to pursue their dreams.

6. Remember: War of the Son

https://youtu.be/e_qG3vPgtPw

Video Credit: Viki Global TV

Although it is a sad story that shows the dark and corrupt side of the law, Remember: War of the Son is a story of a 22-year old man whose main goal is to prove the innocence of his father. He becomes a lawyer in order to achieve his goal. It is a courtroom suspense drama that will bring tears and some laughter in your eyes.

7. Revolutionary Love

Revolutionary love is the story of a prodigal son who was able to rise above his sheltered and privileged life to become an advocate for workers’ rights in their own company. Although he started not knowing what he wants in life, he was able to find love and purpose in the story.

8. Start-Up

Video Credit: Netflix Asia

Start-up is drama about the challenges and struggles in putting up a start-up company. It shows how young individuals work together in order to achieve their dreams. The drama also shares business lessons for young entrepreneurs who are starting their businesses.

9. The Entertainer

The Entertainer is about a man who is already on top of his field as a music producer and talent manager who gave it all up to start his own business only to end up losing everything. It is a story of how he was able to get back right up on his feet and restart pursuing his dreams again. You will also see the character development of the main protagonist from an arrogant jerk to a respectable and kind-hearted person. The drama depicted how every adversity can make a person change for the better.

10. WWW

WWW is all about girl power. The three female leads have very strong characters. They are focused, strong-willed and successful in their own careers. It is not so much about romance but rather the advancement and job security of women in their professions. it is all about women empowerment in the workforce.The drama is a realistic portrayal of women trying to pursue their dreams in their professional lives in a male-dominated society.

Video Credit: Viu Singapore

Do you know of any other Korean drama titles about pursuing dreams?

Photo by Nadi Lindsay from Pexels

Special thanks to Lyrie , Sher and Isabel, certified Kdrama fanatics, for recommending some of the titles.

Sep

2020

Korean Dramas to Cry Your Heart Out

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Are you having difficulties in your life right now? Is something weighing you down? It is normal for everyone to go through problems in life. That’s just how life is. Challenges are necessary for growth and success. What is important is how we react to these challenges. In order to rise above your difficulties, the first step is to embrace your pain. Embracing your pain means feeling your pain. Yes, it’s okay to not be okay for awhile. Give yourself time to grieve, to be angry, to be sad and to be frustrated. You can also cry your heart out to be mentally strong. Remove all that pent-up emotions. That’s the only way forward. If tying to make yourself cry is a little bit difficult for you despite your heavy burden, try watching some Korean dramas to cry your heart out.

Here are 10 Korean Dramas that can make you cry your heart out:

1. Angel Eyes (2014)

Park-Dong Joo fell in love with a blind and neglected girl, Yoon Soo-wan. They were forced to separate because of a painful family circumstance. They met again after twelve years. This time, Park-Dong Joo is already a successful surgeon while Yoon Soo-wan is now a paramedic after a successful eye transplant surgery.

2. Autumn in My Heart (2000)

Two baby girls were swapped at birth. One baby, Eun-Su grew up in a loving family with a brother, Jun-Suh. The other grew up in poverty raised by a single mother. The swapped was discovered when they were teens because of an accident. Because of this, the girls were returned back to the their original places. Jun-Suh was deeply saddened with what happened. They lost touched when Jun-Suh’s family migrated abroad. Years later, Eun-Su met Jun-Suh again. They reconnected and resumed their sibling relationship but ended up falling in love with one another. Autumn in My Heart is a tale of love and loss.

3. Contract Marriage (2016)

Kang Hye-Soo is a single mother who struggle to make ends meet. She is being chased by a loan shark for the debts incurred by her diseased husband. To make matters worse, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. To make sure that her daughter has enough money to sustain her livelihood towards adulthood when she passed away; Hye-Soo agreed to enter into a contract marriage with Han Ji-Hoon . Ji-Hoon will give Hye-Soo enough money in exchange for her liver, which he needs in order to save his mother who desperately. needs a liver transplant. It is drama about family, hope and love.

Video Credit: dimsum entertainment

4. Hi Bye, Mama! (2020)

Hi Bye, Mama! is a story of a ghost, Cha Yu-ri who refused to leave the earth because of her attachment to her husband and newborn child. She died 5 years ago in a tragic accident and now given a second chance in life. She must reclaim her place back into her family’s life before the 49 days is over or else she will die again and this time, for good. The only problem is that her daughter barely knows her. Her husband on the other hand had just started to live a new life with his new wife after the going through the excruciating pain of losing her. Although the story is unrealistic, it leaves a very powerful lesson on life, regrets and the value of cherishing your loved ones while you still can.

Video Source: The Swoo n

5. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryo (2016)

A 21st century woman got transported back to the year 941 in the Goryeo Dynasty during a total solar eclipse. She woke in the body of Hae Soo and befriended the royal princes of King Taejo. Remembering her history lesson that there is famous tyrant king who killed his brothers to get to the throne, Hae-Soo did her best to try to change history. She knew that the future king is going to be one of the princes and she did not want to see the princes killing one another for the throne. She ended up being caught in the middle of the bloody fight among the brothers.

Videe Credit: Iflix Malaysia

6. Queen for Seven Days (2017)

Based on a s true story, it is about the tragic love story between King Jung Jong of the Joseon Dynasty and Queen Dan Gyeong, who was dethroned from her position after only 7 days. Queen Dan Gyeong is known as having the shortest reign as queen in the history of Korea. It was said that the King and Queen spent the rest of their lives longing for one another.

Video Credit: KBS World

7. Road No. 1 (2010)

Road No. 1 refers to the road that connects Seoul, the capital of South Korea to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. In the story, Lee Jang-woo joined the military so that he can have enough money to send her childlhood sweetheart, Soo-yeon to medical school. Soo-yeon studied hard and became a doctor while she patiently waits for Jang-woo’s return but one day she received news that Jang-woo had died in battle. After some time, she then decided to put her past behind and marry officer Tae-ho Shin. However, on the eve of her wedding Jang-woo reappeared again. On June 25, 1950, the Korean war started and the two men were immediately sent to fight in the frontiers and the two became comrades in the battlefield.

8. Stairway to Heaven (2003)

Song-Joo and Jung-Seo grew up together. Their parents are close friends. They share common dreams and goals. They also both share the pain of losing one of their parents when Song-Joo’s father died in a car accident while Jung-Seo lost her mom through eye cancer. The two learned to depend on each other for emotional support. Their world crumbled when Jung-Seo’s dad remarried. When her stepmother moved in, she brought her scheming daughter, Yoo-ri with her. Yoo-ri is jealous of Jung-Seo and made her look bad to the family. She also likes Song-Joo and did everything to get his affections. The story is about how Song-Joo and Jung-Seo lost one another and the sufferings that they had to go through in life. It also tells about how they found one another again after so many years only to lose each other once again.

9. That Winter The Wind Blows (2013)

This is a story about a gambler and con-man Oh-Soo who pretended to be the long-lost brother of a sole heir of a large corporation, Oh-Young. Playboy and cold-hearted Oh-Soo has been targeting rich women, but his plans took a turn when he fell in love with the unsuspecting blind heiress, Oh-Soo. He ended up helping her fight those who have been manipulating her.

10. Uncontrollably Fond (2016)

Shin Joon-young and Noh-Eul were inseparable and very much in love when they were young. They had a painful break-up because of uncontrollable circumstances. They met again as adults when Noh-Eul, now a documentary producer was tasked to film a documentary about Shin-Joon-young, now a popular singer-actor. The drama is about the pain, frustration and struggles of living and finding the true meaning of life.

Feature Image by Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Special thanks to Lyrie and Isabel, certified Kdrama fanatics, for making some of the recommendations.

May

2020

Must Have Items in a Man’s Wardrobe

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Fashion changes. It changes fast. Every season, there is a new trend. It is hard to keep up with trends unless you have the means and the closet space to do so. But style is different. Style is all about you. Style is constant. It does not follow the trend. Style is forever. If women has a list of must have items, there are also must have items in a man’s wardrobe.

If you want to look stylish at all times, there are certain pieces that you must own to help you achieve that classic, timeless and stylish look. It is easy to build any outfit from these essential items.

1. Plain White T-shirt

If you will have only one t-shirt in your wardrobe, it has got to be the classic plain white t-shirt because It never goes out of style. It is timeless and so versatile that you can pair it with anything. In other words, it is so simple yet so stylish.

2. Jeans

Denim jeans are a must have in a man’s wardrobe. However, not all jeans are created equal. You should choose the correct fit, cut and color to achieve that classic stylish look. They will only look good if they fit you perfectly. If you will only have one pair, get the slim in dark blue.

3. Dinner Jacket

A dinner jacket is known as man’s best friend. Also known as a tuxedo jacket, it is a type of jacket worn on formal occasions matched with tuxedo pants. Yet, you can also use them for smart casual events when paired with jeans or even shorts. The most important aspect to consider in buying a dinner jacket is that it should be tailored fit to your body. Get a black or a navy blue jacket.

4. White Button-Up Shirt

Every man should have a white button-up shirt. You can wear it in any dress code. Buy something that has good quality. That way you will not only look cool while you are out with friends, you can also exude confidence while in the boardroom.

5. Black Trousers

Any man should have black trousers in their wardrobe. They are classic and timeless. Black is the colour that is most dependable. It is an integral part for any business look. You can wear them on formal events. You can also wear them on your day-to-day activities.

6. Polo Shirt

If the button-up shirt is too formal and the t-shirt is too casual, then a polo shirt will do the the trick. Choose basic colours like blue, black or white to achieve that simple yet classic look.

7. White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is an essential item for your everyday casual look. They literally go well in almost anything. Opt for the minimalist look. Just make sure that they are always clean.

8. Black Oxfords

Oxfords are dress shoes with shoelaces. Although it is a must-have for formal wear, you can also wear them for business and smart casual wear.

9. Wristwatch

A wristwatch is a necessary accessory for men. There are many kinds of watches available out there. Choose something that you can wear with any outfit. Look for something classy and timeless. Invest in a luxury watch if you can because it can also serve as an heirloom piece.

10. Black Dress Belt

Most of the time, your outfit will not feel complete without a belt. Choose a belt that you can wear on a formal event, a job interview or in your everyday casual wear. A black dress belt is the perfect finishing touch to complete your outfit. Buckles should be clean and simple. As for the colour, pair it with your wristwatch. For example, if your watch is silver, go with a silver buckle.

First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 07.24.2019

Feature Image by R A from Pixabay