I've been 'swimming' against the current in the 'turbulent waters' of work for the past three weeks or so, and I am very, very (very, very, very...) tired! As the 'water' is new, and I've never swam here before - in fact, no one has ever done it before - I am getting all whipped by the unforgiving current! Dang! All my (aging) braincells are exhausted, and they are quitting on me. I feel like my brain functions are on the brink on either 'work paralysis' or 'sit down protest'. They refuse to process anything that's work-related. And, so, I'm here... in my safe haven where I can have little respite... and nudge my imagination towards anything that's beautiful... and not work-related! But before I can do that, I need to be injected with pure energy as my tank has been completely zapped, exhausted, emptied. I 'need saving'! And who else can deliver energy by the megajoules in an instant but the phenomenal lifesavers... BTS? 💜 Ah, thank God for these wonderful souls and their music!
...within this pitch black darkness, you are shining so brightly.
Give me your hand save me, save me..."🎝
Ah, that felt good, huh? 💜🙏 I like this "Tiny Desk" format because it's possible to listen to their voices clearly. They all did great in "Save Me". Their voices sounded crisp... that SUGA fast verse, hyped by all the guys, sending the notes to a mini explosion by JK's surprising power hyping (5:51-6:04 min mark) is worth 10,000 megajoules of energy; the notes rolled on J-Hope's lap (mark 6:05 min), and he 'dribbled' the notes beautifully with a pretty jam with JK (6:15 mark); the handsome 'Kim duo' in the vocal line, Tae and Jin, nailed their jam (4:55 - 5:22 min mark) - lovely. They all sang with emotions, too, but with that show of camaraderie that is always happiness to see.
This is one of my favorite live renditions of "Dynamite" because, among others, the 'raspy' quality of JK's voice is quite prominent here. My fave is how his voice transitioned from rhythmic to raspy to falsetto in one seamless go (2:34 - 2:46 min mark) - remarkable! So hard to believe... but it's JK - his talent in singing is limitless. Everyone did well though. Loved that Jimin-JK-Jin-Tae jam in "Spring Day", too (9:18 - 10:10 min mark). Too beautiful! It's like watching a doubles tennis match between Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. In their jam towards the end of the song (11:07 - 12:52 min mark), JK's raspy voice was a thing that sends you to the clouds... and Tae sang from the clouds itself - that hits different, and he knows it, too. But that J-Hope-JK jam (10:12 - 10:30 min mark) is just goosebumps-inducing! And SUGA's jam with Jimin (10:48 - 11:05 min mark) can be your only companion to the moon and back, and you'd feel heavenly.
In the whole set, everyone can see the irreplaceable role that Jimin plays in the performance. His energy is given, and it's always awesome. But, as I said before, and I'll say it again here, his unique voice timbre and singing style, truly brings balance to the all-male sound of the group. When he jams with any of the members, especially with the rap line, the contrast brings out the features of the other members' voices. He brings harmony in the BTS sound. It's like seeing a black-and-white photograph slowly getting colors until the images totally come alive and jump at ya! That's Jiminssi for ya - pure awesomeness! 💜
While we're at it, let's continue feeling good, and recovering from all the stress in the past days. Here's a shot from the (not-so-distant) past - all fun and just very good performances. Let's go!
♫"Spread, spread my wings...
wings are made to fly..."🎜
Ahh... there is SO MUCH that can be said about that set - all great and incredible such as JK's spot-on pitch - all the time, SUGA's verse at 6:48 - 7:11 min mark, punctuated by RM's baritone and J-Hope's energy; and the whole rap line jam at 6:28 - 7:49 min mark. I can go on and on, and on, and on. But I have to say that, when I think about this performance, one thing stands out in my mind by a few Megajoules of energy: RM's verse at 1:14 - 1:53 min mark. All mega rapping talent served up in his prominent baritone and loads of charm from our fantabulous leader there - unforgettable! 💜
Do you feel like you're flying now? Yes? Me, too! Kudos to the 'wind beneath our wings' - these seven lovely souls, sending us good vibes from the soulful Seoul!
Alright, time to 'get out of the water' for a while... and 'fly'! All the best, ARMY!
***
Video credit: The owners of the videos featured in this post are indicated in the video themselves: BangtanTV and NPR Music - thanks for the loan of the videos. Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
I've been asked about my 'bias' many times. Honestly, I am not sure if I have one. I've always been just about their music and phenomenal talents. I am about their rapport and synergy as a group, which shine through in all their features onBangtan TV and their other activities - inside and outside BTS. As they grow and evolve, we see the depth of their artistry, and the growing breadth of their personal interests and colorful characters, which are all fascinating and impressive. I cannot begin to explain how proud I am that these wonderful young men hailed from 'my side of the planet'... not that they ever put boundary to their musical influence because they are all about inclusiveness. So, yeah, I feel that I do not have a 'real' bias. Is that possible? Perhaps....
Admirable young men who hailed from 'my side of the planet'.
I have to say though that JK is like 'the son that I never had', therefore, he is very special to me. 💜 Watching him do what he does as a BTS member and as JK, the person, warms my heart. From his younger days when he was that incredibly cute-as-a-button kid with a load of raw talents that he slugs around patiently and enthusiastically while he stares with his expressive eyes... and to these days where he has evolved to this wonderful young man with tons of talents that are manifested inside and outside BTS... it is always a delight to watch him. He seemed to have grown in wisdom, too. He chooses his words wisely these days, and when he speaks, the words are good and well-spoken, too. He remains athletic and fun-loving, well-skilled in his favorite sports and other activities that calls for athleticism, and enviably smart in using logic when dealing with practical things and highly complex things alike. I imagine that if he was a family, he would be that one person whom you'd call when you're in a great danger... because you know, he can figure a way out for you... and would execute the plan himself in the most impressive knight-in-shining-armor way! He continues to surprise us with maturing artistry everytime he resurfaces from 'mini social media hiatus' that he takes every now and then. He becomes more and more of a man's man with that 'take-charge' confidence minus the attitude. He remains polite, cute,
JK - he, himself... the one and the only - the closest being to perfection. 💜
funny, and with that laid back stance that belies his competitive spirit. These make his sweet gestures towards ARMY all the more special... and, I imagine, very swoon-worthy to young ladies. He continues to spread his wings as an artist, and soars high with his mega talents, the level of which keeps becoming more and more unreachable for other artists. As his 'pretend Mom', I am very, very (very, very, very) proud of him! And, if I could talk to him, I'd say what that song by NSYNC says, "(God must have spent) A little more time on you", because he is the closest being to perfection - and my dearest and one and only son, therefore, fave young man in the history of the universe! 💖💜
And, what about the fantabulous, RM? Ah, Namjoon is like a favorite nephew who is intelligent, well-mannered, loving, and so talented... but fierce, too, when provoked - typical of a self-made young artist who went through so much, and came out victorious... therefore, he knows his worth, and is confident about it. 💜 His confidence makes him all the more good-looking. He is someone that I am so genuinely proud of, and it is always a delight to watch him grow so gracefully as a person and as an artist. To me, he is like that nephew that you spent time babysitting, and therefore, saw him grow up; that nephew with whom you swap books with; that nephew that you wish your son would emulate as a role model; that nephew that you hope would become your son's best friend; that nephew whose photo you carry in your wallet together with that of your son's; that nephew whose visits to your home are something you always look forward to because you know it would be a treat to listen to his stories, the new books that he read and the new art pieces that he's seen; that nephew whom you hope would introduce you to a girl that he loves and adores who is as perfect as him... who is perfect for him. He is that nephew for whom you have been saving up to buy that fabulous work of art that you know he'd love... and give it to him as gift on his inaugural as President of the country. Aawww... I'm tearing up! 💜💗
Back in Penn State University while waiting to travel to Las Vegas to watch "PTD on Stage - Las Vegas".
SUGA is like that nephew who has always been 'your favorite project' as an aunt. 💜 You know that he is a genius but it frustrates you that he gets bored in school because what he learns in a 'traditional' education system is just a little drop in his massive reservoir of brain power... and the drop jiggles and makes a lot of noise when it reaches the surface of the massive self-discovered and self-thought knowledge in the reservoir, and it hurts his ears! And so, he yawns, he rolls his eyes... and rolls out of the classroom! Hahaha... It exasperates you that he always takes numerous catnaps during family gatherings. So, very often he is left out in family portraits, and you always have to photoshop him in it! Hahaha... But everytime you find out that his band is playing at his school, you drop everything and go... even if he did not invite you! Hahaha... and you buy a roll of tickets and give them away to his band's fans, and you hide in the shadows while you dance like a crazy woman to his songs as he sets the stage on fire... uhm, no, not literally setting on fire, just figuratively! Haha... he might be a 'rebel' but he is not an arsonist... that's Jack-in-the-Box Hobi! Hahaha... Yeah, the great Yoongi is 'an acquired taste'... but once you enter his web of spell, there is no way out. Trust me, you will erase the word 'exit' or 'out' from your dictionary once you become a Yoongi fan. 💜
Hobi is like an A+ student to me. 💜 No, he is not a typical 'favorite student' because it is wrong to have favorites in school, but he is 'that student' who always comes to mind when there are major tasks in school. Hobi is like this highly talented student who works so hard, organized, diligent, and highly disciplined. And, he is so humble, supportive and friendly that his classmates always run to him for help. As such, his peers would love to see him succeed, too. When there are big events and projects at school, as a teacher, you would love Hobi to be a part of your Team because you know that, with him in the Team, you will get the job done, and done very well, too! He will use his charisma and sense of humor to encourage everyone (including the likes of Yoongi. Hahaha...) to work with the Team, and he will run the 'extra mile' to exceed expectations. And after he graduates, Hobi would be that former student of yours who becomes a family. He would be that alumnus who would always be happy to 'give back' by sharing his blessings and words of wisdom with struggling students. Hobi is a great role model for students... and because I am an educator, I'd love me a lecture hall full of Hobis! 💜
Work (Penn State U) + 'ARMY duties' = joy
Jin is like a favorite young cousin. 💜 He is this young cousin whom you'd love to have around in the kitchen when you cook - filling it with laughter and good cheers. He is your source of the perfect ingredient for the best homecooked food: LOVE. He is this young cousin who'd drive you to the farmer's market on weekends to buy ingredients for the weekend family meal... and would sweetly carry your basket for you. And because he is so handsome, you'd enjoy all the attention from girls as they secretly ogle on this handsome young man who walks alongside you, carrying your basket like a gallant prince straight from a fairy tale. In your head, you keep telling the girls, "hmmm... just you wait until you hear him sing!" And you walk with such pride... and, smugness - admit it or not. He is also one of your trusted persons because he is that responsible young cousin with whom you can leave your only son, and he'd guide your son through teenage life including enrolment at school... although sometimes, he'd lead your son to boys' 'crazy adventures', too. That's alright because, you know, he will be responsible, and your son will be in good company. In fact, he gives your son a lesson in tennis regularly... and what a relief because you always fear that your son would hurt himself doing competitive boxing. Wouldn't it be great to have Jin as a young cousin? For sure, it would be! He is already my young cousin... in a parallel universe. 💜
Jimin is like your best friend's son, and is your godson ('inaanak' in Filipino), too. 💜 As the bond is 'spiritual', it is as good as a blood relationship, and it is lasting. He is that boy whom you bought Christmas and birthday presents for all his life... and he is so thoughtful that he values them like treasures even when he already earns 100 times more than what you earn... and it makes your heart swell with pride and love. He was that boy with whom your only son played with while you and your best friend 'gossiped' about your favorite artists... and your little boys' screams, shrieks and giggles will always be music to your ears... and shall resonate in your heart for the rest of your life. And now that that boy is a successful grown-up, you enjoy the regular visits from him... the sweet messages that he sends every now and then, asking how you are doing, and telling you to always take care. Aww... that made me tear up, too! Jiminaaaaah, saranghaaaeee!! 💜
V (Tae): the prettiest face you'd ever lay your eyes on in this generation.
Last, but totally not the least... ah, Tae. He is like your long-time neighbor's only son who was your only son's playmate. 💜 They wrecked havoc in the neighborhood all their naughty-boy's lives that it's a miracle the neighborhood survived all this time! They were these boys who ran around your Christmas tree, almost knocking down the tree each time! As the boys grew up, they would sneak out to shop together in the nearby Mall on their own as they disliked the outfits that you and your neighbor buy for them with Tae being the 'mastermind' of sneak out plans. While you grimaced at their choice of outfits... when they are already wearing the outfits, one wink from Tae gets you in his spell, and you nod your head in approval... and you surprise yourself because you actually meant the approval! And now that they are grown-ups, Tae is like this handsome and very talented young man who paints every town red that he sets his prettily shoed feet unto. But you know when he's home because he never fails to honk his fabulous car until you draw open your front window curtain so he can say hello to you... with his killer wink that has become so 'deadly' that it never fails to make your heart flutter with the joy of just knowing this wonderful young man, who, over the years, have become like your own son, too! 😍
Ahhh... I have a third family, and it's BTS. How awesome! 💜
***
Back to 'ARMY duties'...
Today, we are commemorating the 2nd anniversary of the release of "Dynamite". So, let's celebrate with this...
🎜 "I'm diamond, you know I glow up. Let's go!" 🎝
***
Photo credit: (1) Collage of BTS photos during their attendance at the 2022 Grammy's were grabbed from BTS Big Hit official IG account and Bangtan TV - thanks for the loan. (2) JK - grabbed from the "Butter" video by Hybe Labels. (3) Collage of my own photos and BTS "Permission to Dance On Stage - Las Vegas" from the IG accounts of J-Hope, JK and RM - thanks for the loan. (4) Collage of my own photos and those grabbed from BTS Big Hit official IG account, and from Jimin's and JK's IG accounts. (5) Tae's photo grabbed from SBS K-Pop Inkigayo video - thanks.
Video credit: The owner of the video is indicated in the video itself, Hybe Labels. Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
Transitioning from the old Office to the new (non-existent) Office (yet)... exploring some parts of the pretty UST campus, and getting into the swing of things. 'Let's go!'
The 'heat is on'... and I'm feeling the heat! Whew!
Last week, I was in my University's main campus in the City of Manila. I met with key individuals as I am currently transitioning from my old Office to another Office. My former
Temporarily working from home and running/brisk walking in between.
Office for almost nine years is the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas (UST, or "USTe" - a term of endearment from alumni and friends of UST). Recently, I joined the Team of the Office of the Rector in the same University for a 'special assignment'... not that I am special though. Haha...Mabuti pa nga ang assignment, special, eh. Ang tao, uhm... 'regular' lang. Haha...
Anyway, the transition is not without challenges... as expected from any change, there are 'birth pains'. So, I am currently enduring that... and it's not all that easy. And, this is why I am here - to let off some steam - instead of getting agitated, getting upset and complaining, and feeling anxious. Life is short, and I am halfway through mine... if I'd live a hundred years, that is. Haha... I do not wish to spend my remaining time in this life in unproductive things, if I could find a way to be productive even when stressed out. So, aside from finding serenity in praying and meditating, I have a way of being calm in the comforts of my own room during quiet 'me time'. I am able tocommune with BTS - online and offline - through their music and many other multi-media stuff that lightens up mood. That is because I am an ARMY. Hmm... perhaps, I am 'special' after all! 💜
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RM is first... who's next?
I've been wanting to post a feature on each member as I really like all of them. However, I haven't found the time to do that. I know that Lt. Hikaru Sulu of the Starship USS Enterprise (NC-1701) in "Star Trek" (the original series) once said, "if something is important enough, you make the time". It's not that this goal is not important enough. It's just that I have to have priorities. Writing about BTS is my personal goal, my personal joy. However, I do have a 'day job'. I'm a part of a Team on whose quality of work, many people's daily lives and future
BTS: seven purple lights that light up the skies.
depend. So, personal satisfaction vs. greater good? Of course, my work takes priority, right? After all, good outcomes from work also bring personal satisfaction and joy. And, if I'm efficient, I would afford to have the time to write about BTS. As it is, only family and faith are above work in my hierarchy of priorities.
Anyway, I finally posted a feature on one of the members of BTS. Of course, the first to be featured is our fantabulous leader, RM (Kim Nam-joon). Technically though, before RM, I posted some sort of a feature for J-Hope (Jung Hoseok or Hobi) when "More" - the first single from his solo album, "Jack in the Box" (JITB), was released last July. It was not full-length but the goal was to support the release of his first solo album, which he absolutely deserves. I do adore our dear Sunshine, and I was happy that I could support him in my own little way. I salute him for his boldness to go out there, stand on his own with the blinding spotlight on him (and him alone), and fire a canon loaded with sheer talent to bring the music world to its knees! He did it, and it was awesome! However, I still owe Hobi a full-length feature, and a promised full review of JITB. I hope to 'find the time' to do that soon.
Anyway, so after RM, who's next?
Actually, my ARMY friends might have found it surprising that RM was first to be featured in this blog. They may have been expecting Jeon Jungkook (JK) to go first. And when JK goes, SUGA (Min Yoon-gi) is not so far behind.
SUGA (Yoongi) is awesomeness+++ personified.
It would be a real feat to write about Yoongi as his character is so deep, it would be a challenge to break through the thick exterior to get to the core. I have so much respect for SUGA and his awe-inspiring genius as an artist that I am not sure if I could muster the courage to talk about him and his music, and all his other skills in that deep pocket of talents that he has. I feel incredibly small and unworthy to talk about him regardless of the (huge) difference in our ages - me, being ancient compared to him. Hahaha...
Same is true with RM, actually. He is so talented, intelligent and just awesome! But I did like his Swiss Vlog so much, and I can wholeheartedly relate with his passions. He is absolutely impressive in what he does. So, when his Vlog came out, I seized the moment and just ploughed through the post! I stroke while the iron was hot so to speak. If I waited a bit longer, I would've been so intimidated that I might not have had the courage to post that feature on him. Of course, the post is just a drop in a sea of things that could be written about RM, but I can only do my best. I'm glad, I did. Someday, when I'm retired... and RM is President of South Korea (uhm, ahem!), I will re-read that feature, and I know I would be so proud and happy.
Yeah, but, who's next...?
Alright, moment of truth! I'd love the next feature to be about JK. That young man is a person that is so difficult to write a feature story about. There is so much to write about him, and it is
JK - the closest being to perfection.
impossible to focus on just one. He is so talented and so close to perfection that it's almost unfair - seriously! When I think of JK, that song, "(God must have spent) A Little More Time on You"by NSYNC always comes to mind. I saw his Vlog... it seemed 'simple enough' to write a feature story about 'cause it was just fun, fun, fun... and more fun! And then, that touching moment of him writing that profession of love to ARMY on the sand in the beach... aww,I teared up a little bit, to be honest! It was extra-special since he has not posted on his Instagram (IG) or on any social media platform for a long time when his vlog came out. So, I made up my mind a few days ago, I will write about his Vlog! But there is "Left & Right" with Charlie Puth, "Bad Decisions" with the rest of the BTS vocal line - a collaboration with Benny Blanco and Snoop Dogg. And then, recently, there is that special 8-photo folio, "Time Difference"! Man, what to do?? Maybe, I should just focus on his singing, huh? But I always listen to their old and newer songs in one go while running or brisk walking... and, oh, boy, the evolution of his artistry is just phenomenal! Too hard to write about!
Jin (Kim Seok-jin) sneaked into my heart when he did that vlog, cooking with a famous Korean Chef. I was so tempted to shoot my own video cooking, too! Hahaha... and write a side-by-side features on our menbosha. Plus, I always enjoy Jin's funny antics... he is the most effective inducer of 'LOLs' among ARMY... especially when he 'yell raps'. Hahahahaha... When I'm in a bad mood these days, I just open saved post on IG about Jin... and in a few minutes, everything in the world is right again! Aww, thanks, Jin!
Jimin's vlog is adorable... ah, well, he is adorable! I've always been into Jimin from that time when he was still this little kid from Busan with chubby cheeks who rocked Seoul with his raw artistry as a BTS member - my ARMY friends know that. In the early stages of my BTS fascination, all I ever talked about was Jimin (Park Jimin). While all seven members fight for my attention when I watch them perform, there is always that auto-focus on Jimin. I am most excited when he posts something on IG or Weverse as he is always sweet and very caring to ARMY. You can feel the sincerity, and it's heartwarming.
Aargh... and I don't even want to think about writing a feature on V (Kim Tae-hyung). That will be a gargantuan task, and I am not sure if I am equal to the task... or, if I'd be equal to the task - ever! He is like a chameleon... he switches gears a lot, and the changes are impossible to predict - even for one with a doctorate on something that involves mathematical modeling (ahem! Haha...). What one writes about V today may no longer be valid two minutes after it's posted! Hahaha... that's how dynamic his personality and interests are. Hmm... perhaps, I should pay closer attention to him, and see what is the most 'permanent' about him. But to follow V is so dizzying... he 'moves around' a lot - physically and mentally. I think it's impossible for him to stay still (mind, body and soul) even for a few minutes.
So, who is next after RM? Now, I realized that I have no definite answer to that question. Oh well... we shall see in a few days.
***
Photo credit: (1-2) The photos in the first and second collages are all mine. They were processed for the sole use of this blog, and may not be used elsewhere. (3) The photos in the second image were grabbed from BTS collection of photos online while the blue and pink light background was from RM's IG account - thanks for the loan. (4) The photos from the 3rd collage were from SUGA's IG account - thanks for the loan. (5) JK's collage were grabbed from various sources including Bangtan TV and BTS Big Hit official IG account - thanks for the loan.
By now, you must already know that I am all about 'variety', 'sari-sari' - in food, in sports, in music, in fashion, in traveling, in my approaches to teaching learning, and what have you! I am not one to stay glued in one place, patronizing the same thing over and over again. I do have 'favorites'... like a 'classic', a 'go-to' when in doubt. And, I am usually very loyal to my favorites. I also have 'something'/'someone' I 'follow' on social media... but that's only because those favorites or 'something'/'someone' keep evolving, too. They mix up a variety of things, finding the best blend... and moving forward constantly. Or, they do things with the future in mind... adopting a formula that applies to the present and to the future, which is absolutely brilliant! So, whatever they create remains good and fresh for a long time. I know that that takes a lot of work - it requires careful study, and lots of daring. That is why I have great respect for my 'favorites'... although I don't have very many.
Anyway, let me just say that I get bored so easily... when things are slow, repetitive, too parochial or too mundane. And, that's not being snotty or sassy either, far from it, actually! It's just an inclination to innovation... and FUN!Fun, most of all because innovation is fun... and change (for the better) is refreshing and fun!
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BTS is 💜
This is the reason why I like BTS very much! I listen to their music everyday for the past how many years... and I don't get tired of it. Why? It's because the quality of the songs are thickly layered and meticulously produced. Almost everyday, I discover a 'new layer'... or a new 'patch' somewhere when I thought there was a teeny-tiny 'empty space' where the notes sort of 'jiggled' a bit the previous time I listened to the song... it's fascinating! The production is so 'airtight' as I often say... and yet, they encase the songs in a multi-compartment 'music time capsule'. At any point, when a compartment is injected with a new 'component', the song would sound 'new', but the core quality remains very high because only the 'casing' can be touched, and not the 'backbone'. This is why I love the remixes of their songs, too. The 'backbone music' is intact, but the remix 'redresses' the song to fit the 'new occasion'. Just see the 'hotter remix' of "Butter" below, and you'll understand what I mean.
For starters, see RM's excited display of dancing prowess at mark 0.38-0.44 min - hilarious! The group's endearing 'craziness' is on full display at mark 1:20-1:37 min where Jin and Hobi are hysterically hilarious! SUGA let his guard down and went about being funny, especially in the end. Our three maknaes, Jimin, V, and JK are the cutest while being funny. All are incredibly good looking, of course. 💜 (Warning: addictive! 'Once you start, you can't stop!' So, be strong! Haha...)
In June 2022, BTS commenced their 10th year as a group. After debuting in June 2013, they completed their 9 years 'on air', 'on line', 'in prints'... and in the hearts of ARMY. So, in another 10 years, we shall see how well the backbones of their music would hold... given the onslaught of new things in the music industry that come and go by the second. I'll offer a not-so-wild-but-mostly-calculated guess (uhm, I'm an engineer... that's what I do, I calculate! Haha...): they will hold!
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"RM"
One of the people who are responsible for the final quality of BTS music is their leader, "Rap Monster" or "RM", whose real name is Kim Nam-joon. He is one of the perennial songwriters and producers for BTS, along with the other members, mainly SUGA (Min Yoon-gi), who is usually involved in songwriting and record producing, and J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok). Incidentally, these three make up the awesome rap line of BTS, whose 'muscular' rapping complement the beautiful singing of the vocal line... bringing the BTS music to a different level of quality that is not easy to rival these days. My view of their artistry is expressed in a previous post.
RM usually speaks on behalf of the Group in their international engagements, especially in the early stages of their career as he is most fluent in English. He speaks with tact and with diplomacy, too. He is good looking, especially when he started to mature in age and in his artistry, when he became more and more confident with himself, and BTS became more and more 'the Group to beat' worldwide. He walks tall in confident and graceful strides. He speaks with calm confidence but with courteousness, typical of his culture as a Korean. Simply put, he is a Korean Idol and a gentleman. As such, he commands respect - for himself, and for the Group that he leads.
Overall, RM is excellent in what he does as a musician and as the BTS leader... but less than excellent (uhm... far from it, actually) when dealing with practical little things such as, uhm, boiling water, peeling a little potato, or simply keeping his house slippers from losing their soles when he walks, just to name a few. Hahaha.... In their features on Bangtan TV, when something breaks, RM is usually responsible, or part of the guilty party. His intellectual capacity is in excess... but when dealing with practical everyday things... uhm, let's just say that 'his sense is not so common', far from common, actually! In fact, it is unique. Hahaha... Even he surprises himself when he breaks something... because, commonly, those are simple enough to handle without breaking them. Perhaps, his brain process has one dominant path - the complex intellectual path. And before his brain finishes processing, the moment already passed... and something slipped through his grasp already... and, yeah, break! This is why, the members call him the 'god of destruction' (god). While he usually breaks things or hurts himself, fortunately, it's never serious. Therefore, his 'not so common sense' is acceptable. Usually, it is a source of entertainment for the group, and for ARMY, too. In fact, his being "god" endears him to ARMY, regardless of their 'bias'. On VLive with Jimin, Jin sums it up in a vintage Jin way - hilarious but insightful. He said, "when I see Namjoon (being clumsy like that), I realize that, indeed, God is fair," or something to that effect. You get the picture, right? Right!
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"Namjooning" is 💜
Namjoon is a visual arts enthusiast, and an avid fan of nature. I think it is accurate to say that one of his favorite visual arts is nature itself... with some bias on crabs. Don't ask me why... it is what it is. He'll probably say the same thing if you ask him. Anyway, he goes on arts appreciation trips on a regular basis, and have been into collecting works of art in the various galleries and Art Fairs that he visits. He shares photos of his arts expeditions and his growing collection with ARMY (and non-ARMY followers) on Instagram (IG). Through example, he encourages his Followers to consider work-life balance and self-improvement though nature and arts appreciation. In his own way, he is able to support the Visual Arts industry, too, as well as the new and well-established artists alike as he has a considerable IG following. I support this as I, myself, is a huge arts fan since my teenage years. Apart from traveling and foodie-ing, reading, music and film, it is one of my favorite avenues of relaxation and a way to refresh my mind. These days, one or a combination of these activities is known as "Namjooning" (see footnote below). It gets my mind off of the 'logically chaotic' world of engineering... whenever needed.
Over time, one can see that RM's taste in Visual Arts grew in sophistication and in variety. I particularly like his preference for Claude Monet and his fascination for conceptual arts, such as the works of Roni Horn and the late Felix Gonzalez-Torres, which are currently on exhibit at the Pinault Collection in Paris, France. Earlier, some works of Horn were exhibited at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, TX. RM visited Chinati as well.
'Namjooning' at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Feb 2022)
I am a fan of Monet myself... and of impressionism as a whole. I have a collection of books on Vincent van Gogh, and something on Monet, of course. When I studied in Sweden for a year, my apartment walls were covered with posters of van Gogh's work, which I collected from visiting museums in the Scandinavian region. I was a 'poor student' that time, so all I could afford were posters and postcards. Well, it's still the same now... I'm still 'poor' - 'poor professor', that is. Haha...
My old Office was adorned with framed mementoes from museums and art galleries that I visited over the years - mostly, the works of van Gogh, Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. I have one each by Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin, too. A friend from Spain who introduced me to the art of Salvador Dali back in the old days gifted me with a nice mini poster of Pablo Picasso's work... which I lost. Too bad! Come to think of it, perhaps, RM's fascination for crabs has to do with Renoir's "Bathers with Crab" (ca. 1890-1899)...?
Anyway, yes, I love visiting museums and art galleries. The most memorable was my visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Summer of 2007. Although I've been there a few times, that particular visit was special because it was with my late father. My younger sister who is an Art and Humanities walking encyclopedia was with us in that visit, too, and we had a blast! I don't think I could ever look at a van Gogh, a Monet or a Renoir without thinking about my father. My most recent opportunity to appreciate their work was last February this year at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Carnegie has a laudable Impressionism Section where the works of the said masters are featured as part of their permanent collection.
Although I've never had the opportunity to see the works of Horn up close and personal, I appreciate what RM shared on his IG. I love how the illumination and glitters from lights are multiplied as they are reflected from the smooth glass surfaces in the Pinault Collection installation. The depth of the glass sculpture temper the multiplying of light without distorting the images. RM did a great job capturing the essence of the installation in which one can no longer distinguish between which part of the illumination in the room comes from the hanging lights themselves and from the reflection off the glass surface. It is impressive how Horn showed expertise in manipulating and making the most of his medium: glass.
My recent close encounter with glass sculpture: blown glass sculptures at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona by Dale Chihuly (March 2022).
My own recent close encounter with glass sculpture was last March 2022 at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. It was "Chihuly at the Garden" by the renowned blown glass artist, Dale Chihuly. He showed the same principle of multiplying illumination of light through surface reflection. it was very, very dramatic and so beautiful as the colored blown glass in various shapes reflected the colorful lights of the sunset... and as the glass reflected the twinkling lights in the garden in the evening. This will be the subject of another post in the next few days... once I get a little break from work, that is... uhm, if at all! Haha...
My interest in glass dated back in my student days. My undergrad thesis as a chemical engineering student was about colored glass using bagasse ash... and so, this is particularly fascinating to me. Glass possesses liquid-like structure molecularly but solid-like properties mechanically. Its properties as a material - whether as utility material or decorative - depends on one's thorough understanding of the thermodynamics involved in the phase transitions that the raw materials go through towards 'glassy state', and the rate at which these transitions take place. The fact that Horn can show how glass can be utilized as an artist's medium without sacrificing its functionality as an engineering material is beyond impressive for me. And the fact that RM sees the artistry and practical application of those installations is just awesome!
RM's recent Swiss Arts Appreciation travel, er, 'Namjooning' as chronicled in his Instagram account.
The photos he shared on 'light and space' in his visit of the Chinati Foundation got me thinking about many things. He focused on the interplay between sunlight and the structural design of the building, including the location and the way the building was oriented in order to maximize the benefit of daylight all day. The way he captured these in his photos was impressive. The art installations in that location were fascinating, too. They were made of stainless steel... but the principle of multiplying light through reflection on smooth surfaces, and with efficient angles to catch the sunlight from the windows was very prominent. These are things that we actually consider in design engineering. The fact that such practical considerations intersect art aesthetics is fascinating. Namjoon captured those efficiently through his photos.
When he joined the gathering of some of the biggest visual artists in the world at "The Art Basel" in Basel, Switzerland last July, it is obvious that he is on his way to becoming a big player in the Visual Arts industry. His attendance did not go unnoticed either. He was recently interviewed by Marc Spiegler for "Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast", Season 2, Episode 1. This was listened to by millions of RM's followers on Apple Music and Spotify. In the interview, he revealed his future plan of opening his own Gallery where he can share his collections with the public. In his recent Vlog, he shared with ARMY and to the rest of the world his visit to Switzerland, and in Paris, France.
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RM = Vlog Monster = 💜
In his "Swiss Vlog", it is evident that Namjoon was in his elements. He was funny, spontaneous, chatty... and in some key moments, quite contemplative - the artist in him kept finding its way to the surface. The camera can't lie. You can tell, he loved what he was doing. Although he kept complaining about how warm it was in Switzerland, his fascination of what he was seeing and experiencing turned his irritation as inconsequential. He uttered hilarious things like "chair party" (while some people go to 'tupperware parties', Namjoon goes to a 'chair party'), "ah, fallen ducks of Lucerne", "the famed 'Ugly Duckling'", "Makgeolli" (in various intonations), calling a hedgehog as "Ratatouille, my precious" (after alluding to the "Lord of the Rings" previously). It was not so much about what he said but about how he said them, and his timing, which was mostly unexpected! Yes, he was quite spontaneous in his vlog, and it was adorable. I think that our Rap Monster just found another thought processing path other than the intellectual pathway! Not convinced? Here, see and hear for yourself...
17:15 - 18:17 min (spiral slide at the Vitra Design Museum): "I'm scared". He*struggled* from uneven descent and from burning his bum against the surface of the slide only to find out that he missed using the protective mat. Oh, boy! He went again though (twice, actually), and enjoyed himself. Talk about not giving up... and enjoying to the fullest!
The original version of this post is four times as long as this. Haha... I went a bit crazy detailing the funny and entertaining parts as well as the interesting and introspective parts of RM's vlog. However, in the end, I thought it is better to just watch it. It's only about 35 minutes long... and it's filled with so much information, the beautiful sights and sounds of Switzerland, the humungous collection of fascinating art pieces at Art Basel, a bit of Paris, and lots and lots of wonderful 'RM moments', including foodie moments and hilarious antics (such as the fact that he kept whistling...and he wondered why? He himself didn't know why!). I am impressed at how he picked-up on the seeming 'ordinary touristic things', such as the ducks of Lucerne... and view them from funny but deeply discerning way. I appreciate how sincere he sounded in admiring Mount Rigi. I personally love how he referred to the Fjords of Norway while in Lucerne... it made me feel nostalgic, too, of that year I lived in Sweden and traveled around Scandinavia, including Norway... as a very (very, very) broke visiting scholar. Hahaha...
RM's vlog is a beautiful travelogue, indeed. There is something for everyone - whether one is an art enthusiast, a seasoned traveler who is looking for his/her next adventure, a BTS fan, an RM biased, or simply one looking to take a break from the monotony of daily grind, one will find something to be fascinated about. He did a great job chronicling his travel, and sharing them with his followers. I also loved it how he seemed to like beer... 'cause one of my research works is beer brewing - subject of another post in the future. Watch out for it! Hahaha...
So, yeah, our fantabulousRap Monster is now a Vlog Monster, too! AWESOME! 💜
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Photo Credit: The photos of myself in this post belong to me. They were processed for the sole use of this blog, and they may not be used anywhere else. RM's photos were grabbed from his IG account - thanks for the loan of the photos, Namjoon.
Video credit: The owner of the videos featured in this post are indicated in the video themselves, BangtanTV. Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
Footnote:"Namjooning" - per BTS explanation, it is the "act of living as Kim Nam-Joon. This includes taking walks through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends" (Reference: Click here.). Kim Nam-Joon, also known as "RM" (short for, originally, "Rap Monster"), is the leader of the South Korean group, BTS.
Today, we begin again. We put yesterday behind us with only its lessons and good memories in our pockets ...and we begin with hope and with the gained wisdom from yesterday.
So, today has been a happy day for me! The University of Santo Tomas (UST) officially opened the Academic Year (AY) with the traditional Misa de Apertura: Opening Mass, which is also known as "Mass of the Holy Spirit" where we invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit in walking us through to the new AY; and theDiscurso de Apertura:the "Inaugural Lecture", where an appointed official (or sometimes, an invited guest) gives a scholarly discourse to set the tone of our pursuits in the new AY.
My new Team in serving the 411 year-old University of Santo Tomas - what an honor!
This year, the Mass was presided over by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D., the Bishop of Pasig. As UST is the Pontifical University of Asia, Bishop Vergara also officially opened the AY on behalf of the Pope. The "Maestra" for the Discurso was the Assistant to the Rector for Planning and Quality Management, Prof. Clarita D. Carillo, Ph.D., who is also the former Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs - my former 'boss'... a mentor and a friend. Now, we are in the same Team at the Office of the Rector.
Prof. Carillo discussed about "3Cs" - the stages of Institutional response to crisis that leads to the attainment of institutional resiliency. These are: Cope, Control and Construct. At the initial onslaught of the crisis, we gather our collective strength and use it to deal with the pressing challenges with only our immediate survival in mind. In other words, we cope. As we realize the effectiveness of our strengths against the challenges, and gain confidence, we then determine what else can we do and what else can we put together immediately to hold the crisis at our doorsteps, or completely crush it before it reaches our door, and seal our institution from the ravages of the attacking disaster. In short, we control. And as we all join hands to continuously defend our institution from the present and future danger, we build our 'artillery' of defense, and expand our forefront to better prepare us from any other danger today and in the future. In short, we construct.
I do believe that even in our personal lives, this 3Cs approach to resiliency is also applicable. It is okay to feel frustrated (or, is it "trusfrated", according to JK? Hehe... ) when 'coping' with an unfavorable reality... but we need to keep going. After all, like love, life is not perfect when it's real. So, we need to do our best to move forward towards gaining 'control' of our lives... because it is our lives... we are responsible for own lives... and we have the right to enjoy our lives, too. Our goal should not be instant success and instant gratification. It should be to continue picking ourselves up, no matter how difficult and no matter how slow. Perseverance and patience are key to realizing our goal... gaining wisdom from lessons learned from our failures, and moving forward with gained wisdom. We build from our failures and frustrations... construct a future that is less prone to failures, and one that can turn failures to victories.
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Bulletproof-ery
While we are talking about constructing, I would go a little farther and say that we should think about 'bulletproofing', too. Inspired by BTS, of course. And why not? Doesn't it make sense? Here, see for yourself....
🎜"We are bulletproof.
They all said 'no' but we made it through.
Bad memories, countless trials, too.
We stopped them all without fear... bulletproof."🎝
It's a victory song... mulling over the trials that could have crushed them if their determination to succeed and their willingness to work hard did not render themselves as 'bulletproof'. They had a collective dream. They trudged that trial-laden path towards solid artistry and accomplishments that matter. As they slowly realize their dream, more and more fans who recognized their determined spirits walked with them. Their fans kept surrounding them, protecting them from more trials and hate. The fandom since grew to a mighty ARMY - unnerving in its size, reach, and influence. They have become the 'proof' of the growing greatness of BTS that was built from 'blood, sweat and tears'... and, therefore, built to last, indeed. The sheer volume of ARMY's love and admiration rendered BTS to be totally 'bulletproof' - unassailable in the quality of their outputs, impenetrable to hatred, the most beloved seven souls and a constant to this generation... simply inspiring!
So, you see, even BTS went through the 3Cs. They stayed the course, they persevered, they kept building and re-building. And, here they are now... BULLETPROOF! 💜
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Photo credit: I took the photos in the collage above and my brother took my photo. The photos belong to me though, and therefore, I have the right to use them for this post. They may not be used elsewhere. The photo with my UST Team was grabbed from Prof. Carillo's FB page - thanks for the loan.
Video credit: The owner of the video featured in this post is indicated in the video itself, BangtanTV. Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
