Eight Fantastic VIP Years

2007-2008

I admit, I never knew about BigBang until I heard their song “Lies” 8 years ago. At that time, I was more into DBSK, and Fin.K.L (long after they disbanded). 

When I first heard of “Lies”, I liked the song, but I thought BigBang was just another amateur group who wouldn’t last in the industry. Despite that negative thought, I got hooked, and I started researching about them. In 2007, it wasn’t an easy feat because I didn’t have an internet at home, and I had to spend hours in computer shops, enduring slow internet connections.

I watched a number of their videos on Youtube, and downloaded their song lyrics. I didn’t know how to read Hangul yet, so I had to struggle with the romanized lyrics. Before I knew it, I was already addicted. BigBang became my guilty pleasure. I was transformed from a skeptical K-Pop fan to a total VIP overnight.

I was then specifically drawn to TOP because of his unique voice, amazing rap skills and of course, that perfectly chiseled face. Yes, I am a TOP-biased for 8 years. It never changed, really.

2009

When I got to MedSchool, I met friends who were also into BigBang, and imagine my happiness for having someone share my fandom with. But then, things became pretty busy and I sort of lost my way. I would watch random BigBang videos when I got the time, but I wasn’t able to follow all their activities anymore, unlike before.

In 2009, I bought a BigBang Lightstick online. Online shopping wasn’t as easy before, and I had to make sure the seller was legit before spending my hard-saved money. Though I never got to use the lightstick for concerts, I used it as a night light in my room. Very convenient, though.

In the same year, I started watching Family Outing re-runs on Youtube. Daesung and Lee Hyori were actually the reasons why I started watching the variety show, but I wasn’t able to watch all episodes due to problems with availability and copyright. Later that year, I was again lost to follow-up and wasn’t able to watch until the show’s season-ender in 2010.

2010-2011

I wasn’t much updated with BigBang anymore because I’ve been concentrating a lot with MedSchool, but then GD&TOP released their first subunit album and I just couldn’t help myself. At this time, I already had unlimited access to the internet at home, and I even had my own laptop to spend nights with. I would spend most of my time at home watching videos of GD and TOP (instead of studying. lol!)

2012

Things got pretty rough in MedSchool that I decided to drop my K-Pop and K-Drama addiction for a little while and concentrate more on my studies. In 2012, BigBang came back with their “Alive” album, and I had to die a lot inside when they held a concert in Manila. I was very much stressed with MedSchool that BigBang’s Alive album became my breath of fresh air. I had to buy the album online, and would listen to it on my iPod every time I study.

2013

I wasn’t really that much updated unlike before, that I didn’t even follow much when GD released his EP’s in 2013. Though I watched their MAMA performance, the only song’s from GD’s EP that I knew were the ones he promoted on music shows.

Later that year, a friend of mine introduced me to Running Man and my very first question was, “Is there an episode where BigBang came?” She said there was, but couldn’t remember the episode number so I had to search for it myself. I couldn’t find any download link so I had to stream it at home and voila! I found it. I’ve never been too excited my whole life. I came back, and I felt like I was coming back for good.

I watched and re-watched all the shows where they came as guests, and then the long wait started. I lined up in the queue of VIPs waiting for their KINGS to come back. TOP starred in the movie “Commitment” and even that I had to wait for its release on DVD since it wasn’t shown in our local cinemas.

2014

In 2014, Taeyang released an album and even though I was disappointed that it wasn’t a group comeback, I am a VIP and therefore I gave my full support to Taeyang’s RISE album. Later that year, GDYB released a single titled “Good Boy” and TOP released his digital single “Doom Dada” which drove me literally crazy. He then had another movie, which I was only able to watch 2 months ago (worth it, though).

I’ve been hearing a lot of comeback rumors, but after those didn’t actually come true, I stopped expecting, and just started reminiscing through their Alive album.

2015

Early this year, YG officially announced BigBang’s comeback. I was like, “I won’t believe until they really do.” And they really did. Apart from the comeback, they started their world tour in April, and once again died inside when they announced their Manila concert on July. I am currently on my internship year, and I knew I couldn’t go and watch.

BigBang dropping songs from their MADE album every month was too much for me to handle. Before, they used to be my guilty pleasure. I never told my friends how much I am addicted to them but this time, I am proudly screaming to everyone out there that yes, I am a proud VIP for 8 long years now, and for 8 more years after.

HAPPY 9^th ANNIVERSARY, BIG BANG! Thank you for the music, laughter, and love for all the VIPs around the world. xoxo