I can’t believe it!
We weren’t expecting it anymore. But they were there. Appearing right before us. All of them!
Seriously, why didn’t I comb my hair???
We stood up and I fumble as I try putting my netbook back in my bag. Wennah printed a poster of SOAW and I brought some placards. We stood near the door of the bus, while holding our posters and placards. The first staff who alighted the bus immediately noticed the SOAW poster and was surprised, “Oh?!” he said. We greeted everyone who’s alighting the bus (in Korean). Some smiled back to us, others greeted us back, and some were simply surprised seeing us and the posters we were holding.
Then finally, after what seems like hours, the last few people started alighting the bus (last few people = the 4 leads seated at the back). First it was Eom Ki Joon and Soe Hyo Rim. Then Lee Dong Wook.
But honestly, I didn’t seem to notice any of them. Yes, even Lee Dong Wook (to any Lee Dong Wook fans here, I sincerely want to apologize). Because my heart only knows one person – HER. I was getting more and more excited that my heart almost stopped beating. No. My whole world stopped. I can’t see anyone else aside from the one at the back of Lee Dong Wook. The last person alighting the bus. Our Suna Unnie.
Really, I didn’t notice of Eom Ki Joon nor Seo Hyo Rim and not even Lee Dong Wook. Again, I know a lot of fans might hate me. But really, I didn’t notice them at all. So I didn’t know what were their reaction when they saw us and our posters. But I’m sure they also saw our placard that reads “사랑해요 김선아 – We love Kim Sun Ah”, so maybe they know we are after Suna Unnie.
As Suna Unnie alights the bus, I called out to her “선아언니! 선아언니, 저 디야예요.” (Suna Unnie, Suna Unnie, It’s me Dia). And she looked back and with a very surprised look on her face. She said,”Oh! Oh! Oh!!!” – cutely.
She was with a staff. We don’t know if he was her manager or her own staff or a SOAW staff in-charge of her. We handed Suna Unnie our letters. The staff told us politely not to take photos, but Suna Unnie said “괜찮는데…” (Kwaenchaneunde – It’s okay) I can’t exactly remember nor understand everything they were talking about (since my Korean is still very bad) but I heard the staff said “something something something 아는 사람 (a person you know) something something something?”, most probably asking Suna Unnie if I am someone she knows. And Suna Unnie confirms she knows me and even told the staff that I went to her Taiwan Fanmeeting last year and even pointed out our photo together in Taiwan to the staff (I put our photo on the letter that I gave her).
Me???? A person that Suna Unnie knows? Me???
ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
I still can’t believe it until today… ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Afterwards, that staff read my letter to Suna Unnie (!!! uhm… how about some privacy? lol well it’s okay… my letter was short (and my Korean is erroneous) but it’s from my heart, so I hope that him reading the letter would make him get to know how much i really love Kim Sun Ah)
Wenna asked Suna Unnie to sign the poster. It was Wennah’s first time seeing Suna Unnie. I didn’t want to ask Suna Unnie for an autograph anymore. Wennah even asked me if I want to have something signed. I said not anymore. I already have a lot. A few years ago a friend from Sunaforever gave me a signed poster of Suna Unnie. And last year I received Suna Unnie’s white day gift with a signed photograph. It even has my name on it (and it was even 2 copies – coz she cutely made a mistake on one of them), so those were enough. I don’t want to ask for more. Of course having a photo (a ‘proof’ shot) would be great, but if none, it would just be fine. I really just want to meet and greet her for a short while.
Later on, when we were in a hostel, I looked at Suna Unnie’s autograph and was surprised to find MY NAME on it! She wrote MY name!!!! I didn’t tell her to write my name on it. It was not even me who handed the poster to her. It was wennah who did. And it was wennah’s, not mine! I was very surprised and very touched! But at the same time feeling guilty towards Wennah.
Afterwards, I asked Suna Unnie “선아언니 사진 찍어도 돼요?” (Is it okay to take a photo?). Suna Unnie replied “괜찮는데” (It’s okay.)
Wow!!! As in WOW!!! I can’t believe it! Me and Suna Unnie talked in Korean like that??? I felt so happy! Really! As in really really happy!
Last year, all I managed to say to her when I was asking for a photo (note, her photo, not our photo together, but she instead had our photo together taken then) was “선아 언니 한 사진” – an erroneous Korean that somehow means “Suna Unnie one photo” (*embarrassing*). But this time I was able to come up with a correct Korean sentence. A simple but correct one!
Wennah also printed the photo that Lee Dong Wook posted in me2day – the ‘proof’ shot that says “Setting off to Cebu”. We also included the caption of the photo when we printed it (세부 출발). Suna Unnie seems to find the photo and the caption amusing. She laughed when she saw it and she keeps carrying it around.
That’s why on all of our ‘proof’ shots, she has that photo with her.
Her staff took this photo. And we will forever be thankful to that nice staff.
Then we thanked and hugged Suna Unnie afterwards. Actually this is the second time I get to hug her. And it feels really great. To me she is like a real older sister. And my heart is just overflowing with gratefulness and love towards her that I cannot and probably will not be able to turn into words. Thus I hope that through our warm hugs, she’ll get the message across. That I love her and that I’m always grateful that she keeps bringing sunshine, hope and courage into my life. And I can also feel her warm heart the moment she hugged me.
I think afterwards, wennah was asking Lee Dong Wook for an autograph when Suna Unnie went to Lee Dong Wook to show the “Setting off to Cebu” photo (that she has been carrying around) she said something to him and they laughed.
I think wennah asked for a photo with Lee Dong Wook. Of course it would be nice to have a photo with him, but I really don’t care much. Having seen Suna unnie is enough for me (and yeah, enough to make me crazy that I don’t know what is happening around me anymore). But I actually don’t know what happened, but me and Suna Unnie suddenly joined the photo. Seems like Suna Unnie joined and I joined too (?), since she’s there. Or her staff motioned me to join… I actually don’t know…
Anyway, again, she still held the “Setting off to Cebu” photo.
Before the photo was taken, I told wenna (in Korean), “Shall we do the na-yo pose?” And some staff who were near us laughed upon hearing it.
When the staff put down the camera, Suna Unnie even asked if it’s done already (벌써? (beolsseo?) I’m not exactly sure if that’s what she said, but seems like that).
Some staff were asking who we are (I think) – again in Korean, then I said tried saying (in Korean) that I’m a long time fan of Suna Unnie. And Suna Unnie explained it further. I can’t understand everything she said but, if I remember it right, she mentioned Sunaforever and/or fan cafe (I’m not sure which is which).
And once again, I was surprised. Alright, maybe not surprised anymore. Because Suna Unnie is known for having a good memory. Maybe TOUCHED is the right word. Just who am I for her to remember? We met in Taiwan, but that was very brief and it was the first and only time we met. And one year has passed already. Yes, we had our photo together. But how many fans have had photos with her in Taiwan? Actually she surprised me a lot in Taiwan. It was the first time we saw each other, yet she recognized me after I said my name. And now, she even remembered that I was in Taiwan and that I am a member of her fan cafe. I really still can’t believe it. What kind of actress is she?
(SIDE NOTE: For our dear shippers… now that I think about it… since their group is really large, most of the team went inside the airport. Aside from the fact that Suna Unnie was the last one to alight the bus since she was the one seated at the rear, we also stalled her, thus almost everyone, except for a few staff (that now I think were Suna unnie and LDW’s staff), were already inside. In fact even EKJ and SHR were inside as far as I can remember (coz if they were still outside, Suna Unnie must have asked them to join our photo together). Now (again sorry to LDW’s fans), we actually completely ignored LDW as soon as Suna Unnie stepped down the bus. No actually we’ve ignored him right from the start. And we just hang around Suna Unnie’s side for a few minutes. But our dear Wookie was still there outside and didn’t get in with EKJ and SHR… probably… just probably… waiting for Suna Unnie? Why would he stay outside? Especially when we were ignoring him all those times. Shipping aside, I think that was very nice and gentlemanly of him to wait for Suna Unnie, despite the fact that he was completely ignored – when he is equally famous anyway).
Then we walked with them as they enter the airport. I tried telling Suna Unnie that I’m glad she get to rest well in our country – in Korean. But my Korean failed me this time. But I struggled with 쉬다 swida (to rest). I often confused it with 쉽다 swipda(to be easy) and I got confused on how to conjugate it. So, Suna Unnie didn’t understand me. So she asked me “쉬?” “쉬?” “swi? swi?” (cutely!) So I gave up and talked in English. And Suna Unnie talked to me back in English!!! Our Suna Unnie is really great!! Unfortunately I forgot exactly what she said (whenever I’m beside her my head turns to a mess) but it’s something like “Yes, I was able to rest.” Then I wanted to tell her that we are worried about her shoulder operation but I just ended up saying that we were all worried when she got sick last time – and this time I was able to say it in Korean.
Then wennah reminded me that there’s a gift that jastinel, another Filipino fan, wants to pass to Suna Unnie. We almost forgot about it. So I gave it to her and told her it was from Jastinel. And Suna Unnie said, “Jastinel.” Immediately recognizing the name. I was surprised. She haven’t met jastinel, yet she recognized her name. She put it in on top of her bags in her trolley. Our Suna Unnie is really great.
We were all still walking then. All these time Lee Dong Wook was walking in front of us and probably (shippers: deliberately) overheard our conversation, stopped walking, looks at us, and butt in (!!!). He said “maganda” – which is the Tagalog of beautiful, probably wanting to brag his few Tagalog (Philippine language). Then Suna Unnie, corrected him (seems like) and said “Salamat” – which is “Thank you” instead.
OMONA~!!!!!!
Our Suna Unnie is really really cute!!!
And once again I’m so touched! Finally I got to hear Suna Unnie speak in Tagalog!
Last year in Taiwan, after we took our photo together, Suna Unnie told/ask me, “xie xie Philippine?” I didn’t understand what she was trying to say. Only after a number of video rewinds (luckily that moment was captured on video), I figured out she was trying to ask me how to say xie xie (Chinese of thank you) in Filipino/Tagalog. I hated myself for not understanding it right away. I hated myself because my Korean sucks then. Suna Unnie probably refrained from asking me how to say thank you in Filipino in Korean – because I may not be able to understand it. I hated myself because I missed the opportunity to make her speak in Filipino.
Then, one time in Facebook, she left a message with thank yous in different languages. I jokingly left a comment saying why there is no Filipino. (흑! 필리핀 말 왜 없어요 언니??? 농담이예요… ㅋㅋㅋ) She replied saying if I’ll teach her, she’ll write it (아!!필리핀말,,???음………………날 가르쳐줘봐요,,,,써서올리게.ㅎㅎ). So I taught her how and she edited her message the following day.
But now, hearing her say a Filipino word, is really really awesome! I never thought that another opportunity like that would come.
Then wennah called my attention, telling me that I left my bag outside the airport. Yeah, right!! My bag! As I’ve said, whenever Suna Unnie is around, my head is a mess. I left my bag with my wallet and my laptop… with everything on it. Good thing no one took it. I asked wennah to get it for me (ha! I’m such a bad friend!).
There is a long line at the airport. There were already a lot of people, plus the fact that the SOAW team were about 20. They lined up and we just stayed by her side. I told Suna Unnie“이렇게 미향해서 죄송합니다.” (Sorry for stalking you like this.) Because I really feel a bit bad and awkward. They went here for a vacation, not for a fan meeting. I also don’t want Suna Unnie to feel bad. But Suna Unnie said “괜찮는데… 놀랐어” (It’s alright… (in fact) I was surprised!) or something like that. What a relief! I really don’t want to upset Suna Unnie. I also told her (in my broken and erroneous Korean again!) that we also went to Imperial Palace but we were too late, and she said yes they stayed in Imperial Palace. OMONA!!! We talked in Korean again!!!! I really can’t believe it!!
She went to talk from one staff to the other, so I just stayed where I am standing. Then I thought, since they were all still waiting in line, it’s not too bad to ask for some autographs. After all, it’s not everyday that you’d get to meet and entire cast of a drama that you love.
So while Suna Unnie is busy talking with some of the staff, I went to Lee Dong Wook (who is diligently in line) and asked him “사인 주세요” (Please give me an autograph). And as he sign my notebook, he said (in Korean) “이름이 뭐예요?” (What’s your name?)
OMMAYA!!!!!!!! He asked for my name! Although I know it’s normal for actors to ask for your name if you’re asking for an autograph, but still, it’s Lee Dong Wook. Our Kang Ji Wook asked for my name! In Korean!!! I can now die!
I said “디.야.예요” (It’s Dia). Lee Dong Wook wrote my name then. In Korean. I really can die now!
After that, I said “감사합니다 본부장님” (Thank you bonboojangnim (general manager)). Lee Dong Wook flashed me a smile. The nearby staff who heard me laughed. Actually until this very day, his voice is still resounding on my head… Ireumi mwoyeyo? Ireumi mwoyeyo? It’s making my heart flutter! And I can still remember vividly the smile that he flashed.
Oh! Seriously! I can die now!
Afterwards I asked for Eom Ki Joon’s autograph who was in line just behind Lee Dong Wook.
It would have been wonderful if I had addressed him as 똥석 선생님 Dr. Poopie Seok, but I guess I was still stunned by LDW’s voice and smile that my brain stopped working (again!) and didn’t get to act cute (!!!) in front of EKJ. 😦
Maybe because the line is still long, the four of them along with a few staff, decided to go out for a bit of fresh air. We followed them. And as they walk past the line of other passengers, Korean girls swoon over Lee Dong Wook one by one. We heard different versions of OMOs as Lee Dong Wook passed by. It was fun! ^^
I guess they weren’t recognized much by people in Cebu. Filipinos won’t recognize them. Since there are a lot of Koreans and Korean tourist in Cebu, Filipinos won’t take a second look at them. Lee Dong Wook is famous because of “My Girl” but he looks a bit different now and My Girl was such a long time ago. Only those who are really into Korean dramas would’ve recognize him. But since he is handsome, he can get some attention. I remember seeing a twitter post from a Filipino who saw him in Imperial Palace who took a picture of him but can’t even recognize who he was (Really now!!!!!!!!!!!!). Suna Unnie on the other hand…. more than her, it was Kim Sam Soon who’s more famous here. Kim Sam Soon is very famous here that every Filipino probably knows her. Even though MNIKSS has been a long time ago, Filipinos still remember Kim Sam Soon well. So more than Seol Kong Chan (LDW’s My Girl character) Kim Sam Soon is more famous. But Kim Sun Ah looks very different from Kim Sam Soon so no one would recognize her. (My mom even joked that even if we tell everyone that it was Kim Sam Soon, people will never believe us)
For Koreans, maybe because there are a lot of other Koreans, they also wouldn’t take a second look at other Koreans. And they don’t act like some kind of superstars. They dress and act like an average Korean.
When they were going back to the airport, I asked Suna Unnie to sign a couple of autographs for other Filipino fans. I actually feel bad having to ask her more favors, but I also feel for her other fans who would love to have her autograph.
I just wrote their names and let Suna Unnie sign. I was wondering why it’s taking Suna Unnie a long time to sign two autographs. I later found out that she re-wrote the names of the fans on her own handwriting. Wow! Our Suna Unnie is really great! And isn’t that sweet?
We just stand somewhere near them in the airport and waited until they get to enter. When Suna Unnie was about to get inside, we told her “미리 생일 축하해요” (Advanced Happy Birthday) and she thanked us. On her way to the door, I called out to her and said “언니 잘 가세요!” (Unnie, go well / have a safe trip) and she smiled and waved back. Then a Korea ahjussi on the line muttered, “Unnie?”
😀 😀 Why ahjussi? You can’t believe it? (well me neither!)
Then I went nearer the door and again bid Suna Unnie goodbye, this time in English. She again smiled beautifully and waved at us.
We watched them as their things were being checked. Seo Hyo Rim was standing behind the glass panel in front of me. Our eyes met and I smiled at her and I bow. She smiled back sweetly. She seems like a very nice sweet girl, very far from our Se Kyung. I also love how she is so close to Suna Unnie. She is tagging along Suna Unnie like a little sister. She is always beside Suna Unnie all the time.
Funny thing, when it was Suna Unnie’s turn to enter, she was holding her cellphone, so the detector beeped. She went back, put her phone on the conveyor belt for the scanner (without even putting it on a tray) and re-entered.
Then they were gone.
And I can’t believe that we met them. Until today, I still can’t believe it.