[Fanday Mondays] Boices ensure CNBLUE is heard
The Philippine K-Pop community is a vibrant group of people, young and young-at-heart, who express their passion for Korean music, drama, food, pop culture and all things K-Pop.
To recognize and celebrate this energetic subculture of fan clubs, talents, and personalities, Yahoo! OMG! Philippines is starting a feature called "Fanday Mondays." Every first and third Monday of the month, Yahoo! OMG! Philippines, through its "oK Pop" blog, will feature one local K-Pop fan club or personality. The goal of this series is to increase awareness and foster camaraderie among local K-Pop fan clubs and K-Pop fanatics. Check out our past Fanday Monday features here, here and here.
Today's feature is on BOICEPH, also known as CNBLUE Philippines or CNBLUEPH, dedicated to the talented Korean band CNBLUE.
To view photos of CNBLUE, click here.
Club Name: BOICEPH (or CNBLUE Philippines)
Website: www.boiceph.com
Related K-Pop Star(s): CNBLUE, Jung Yong Hwa, Kang Min Hyuk, Lee Jung Shin, Lee Jong Hyun
Fan Club Year Established: 2009
Date of Artist Debut: January 14, 2010
From One Boice to a Thousand Boices
BOICEPH was started by one 'boice' (i.e., 'Boice' is the name of CNBLUE fans) by the name of Jade Emerald Acla who discovered CNBLUE through the band's unconventional introduction into the K-Pop industry. Unlike other bands who debut as a musical group, CNBLUE took an different route by introducing its lead singer Jung Yong Hwa first through the hit Korean drama 'You're Beautiful.'
Jung Yong Hwa portrayed the role of the unrequited lover 'Kang Shin Woo' in 'You're Beautiful'. His unforgettable performance won him a lot of admirers especially since his role is similar to Boys Over Flowers' Jihoo, which made Kim Hyun Joong the star he is today. Jade was one of the many who fell under Yong Hwa's spell. Naturally, she started scouring the Internet for all things "Yong Hwa". This is when she discovered that her new idol is part of a band called CNBLUE. At that time, CNBLUE was already active in Japan and is planning a Korean debut. Jade listened to their songs and instantly became a true "boice." This is where BOICEPH started.
Jade realized that there was no local forum or club which catered to boices like her so with much enthusiasm (along with the unselfish assistance of other K-Pop fans Kaye, Angie, and Bryan of A.N.Jell Philippines), BOICEPH was born.
Since then, BOICEPH as become one of the most active and committed K-Pop fanclubs in the Philippines. The BOICEPH forum now has more than 1300 registered members and more than 600 official card carrying members.
Ensuring CNBLUE and Boices are heard
BOICEPH is perhaps one of the most impressive K-Pop fan clubs in the Philippines today. Considering that CNBLUE is still a young artist with less than 3 years in the K-Pop industry, BOICEPH has already achieved several accomplishments as a group. I distinctly remember their booth during the 2nd Philippine K-Pop Convention as one of the most memorable and well-designed booths in the convention. The excellent execution of their design is a testament to their club's goal of "bearing the responsibility of making CNBLUE known in the country and representing the group and the fanclub in all Korean community conventions."
Aside from serious convention participation, BOICEPH also participates in marketing CNBLUE's albums by participating with local companies during CNBLUE album launches and voting for CNBLUE in the local music video channel chart, MYX Daily Top 10.
BOICEPH ensures that Filipino Boices are heard and felt by their idols through consolidated fan projects including a 100th Day Scrapbook, video greetings, and special birthday gift packages for the members. They also hold fan gatherings for BOICEPH members including the BOICEPH 1G and BOICEPH 2G. But perhaps the most imaginative project BOICEPH accomplished is the formation of "FanBoice", the official local cover band of CNBLUE. The 'FanBoice' performs CNBLUE songs during events such as album launches and gatherings and just like the real CNBLUE, they play their own instruments!
Boices enjoy the fruits of their labor
Being a "boice" sure has its perks specially when your idol recognizes your commitment and thanks you for it.
BOICEPH is acknowledged by CNBLUE as its official fan base in the Philippines. In CNBLUE's video greeting for Philippine fans, they called the fans by its name "CNBLUE Philippines" which according to their local distributor was the first time a K-Pop artist greeted a local fanclub by its name. CNBLUE also made more than 8 video greetings for Filipino boices. BOICEPH also had the privilege of accepting the "Rookie of the Year" award for CNBLUE during the 2nd Philippine K-Pop Convention.
So, what's next for BOICEPH? I am sure their booth will again be a "must-see" during the upcoming 3rd Philippine K-Pop Convention this December. With their commitment, I do not see why CNBLUE will not grant their fanclub wishlist which includes a CNBLUE fan meeting and concert in Manila and for CNBLUE to cover an OPM song. Are you a Boice? What OPM song do you think CNBLUE can cover? Share your thoughts with us.
Photo courtesy of SportsKorea
Catherine Deen blogs for Yahoo! Philippines OMG! She lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas, and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.
