Joseph Bitangcol renews bond with ex-girlfriend Sandara Park on her recent visit

[mihsayam.livejournal.com]

Recently, Sandara Park, who holds the monicker as the “National Krung-Krung*” of the Philippines during the peak of her popularity went back to the country to reconnect with her old friends.

As of late, Sandara is steadily gaining popularity in her homeland, South Korea. She is now known as Dara from the all-female group 2NE1.
Before Sandara left the Philippines a couple of years ago, her breakup with fellow teen actor Joseph Bitangcol was a huge issue.

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) was able to get a chance to talk to Joseph last Aug. 17 at a media event. Joseph shared on what happened when he met up with Sandara a few days back for an SCQ* reunion.

“When I arrived at the venue where we were supposed to meet, I got excited because it had been such a long time since I last saw her. I immediately wanted to talk to her to give my greetings and congratulate on her success. When we saw each other, of course there was a bit of awkward shyness. But it turned out okay. She also felt shy.”

“I can’t easily begin the conversation with her because for every little chance that I try to initiate the talk, our friends would immediately tease us. They’d begin whispering then they would tease us all over. Then I started the conversation. I asked everything about her current life. I asked how her family is doing. I also asked about the other members of her group (2NE1) like if they are being nice to her. Of course it is a group, it would be hard to avoid jealous fits.”

“When time passed, we managed to bond more. We were supposed to go out again the next day but eventually we had to cancel it because her schedule was so packed and she had to return to Korea soon.

Joseph admitted that his heart fluttered whenever he saw his ex-girlfriend, which was even more so fuelled when they were teased by their friends.

“Our relationship did last for three years. I was happy that we had the SCQ reunion. But of course, I was happy that I was able to see Sandy (Dara’s nickname) whom I haven’t seen for so long because she is now based in South Korea.

Joseph also mentioned that the last time he met up with Dara during the latter part of 2008, she still didn’t have a career in Korea because she was still undergoing training at that time.

“That was the last time I have heard from her then we lost communication which is why I was surprised that her patience eventually paid off.”
What changed about Sandy?

“She really changed a lot from head to foot. Physically-wise and even her stance seemed to change. She really turned stylish. Even her dancing improved. I joked that she could now join us whenever we dance (Dara’s ex is known to be a pretty good dancer) but she simply laughed it off.”

“In the beginning, I only heard about her success from friends or the TV until I decided to search her up on Youtube. I was even able to watch a video where she performed “In or Out” on a program there.”

Joseph said that he is proud of Sandara because even though she had left the Philippines to have a career in Korean show business, she chooses to go back to the country from time to time.

“That is actually the pleasing part because even though she got popular, she never forgets. The fact that she chose to go here when she was given a three day vacation even if she could freely go to other countries. I am very proud of her and I’m admittedly her fan.”

Sandara left good memories for her SCQ friends especially to Joseph. The Korean girl hasn’t changed a bit and even with popularity remains true to herself.

On a final note, PEP asks Joseph if he still has feelings for Sandara. Is there a possibility that they get back together?

“Because of the current state of her career, it would be impossible. But I am not denying the possibility. The feelings are still there. It truly feels different when you see the person. The feeling suddenly comes back. For now, what’s important is that we have good careers. I am okay here and she’s okay there. Only time could tell if we’re truly meant to be.”

T/N: omitted parts about other SCQ people not being able to come and the part about his kissing scene with a guy on a movie.
*Krung-Krung – crazy or weird.
*SCQ – Star Circle Quest, the talent search Dara joined in.

pep ph, source

An online friend asked for the translation of this article and after all that work, I somehow felt compelled to post this up here. Somehow, it could give everyone a glimpse on Dara from a Filipino POV. Please feel free to state if there are translation mistakes.

Comments

[zomoandzo.livejournal.com]

:O she was so pretty back then!
well she still is.

how scandalous.

[ficcy.livejournal.com]

They're a pretty couple. <3

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Korean netizens will have a field day with this (I'm still amazed that they haven't yet find about her and Joseph, but just only about her faux love relationship with Hero). I will never understand why dating is so no no for Korean idols. I also really really hope that YG would allow 2NE1 girls to date freely as their fans are mostly female.

[erbalurbal.livejournal.com]

It is a no no because the fans go insane. It is probably to protect their safety

[vindicated21.livejournal.com]

And nothing against the guy or anything, but by the way he spoke (ie. kept referring to (san)Dara as his ex-girlfriend), it felt like he was leeching off of her fame?

THIS! THIS! THIS!

MTE!

[alphaeuspawns.livejournal.com]

THEY LOOK DAMN GOOD TOGETHER

[pretzel-knot.livejournal.com]

oh. wow. i hope this is....idk, okay for her. LMAO.

[jonghyun.livejournal.com]

OH.
(tbh, i find it really weird to be reading about this *A*)

[jecca-o9.livejournal.com]

I was like, WTF IS JOSEPH'S FACE DOING ON OMONA

[parkjinyoung.livejournal.com]

omg i can't imagine any idol with a boyfriend/girlfriend o_o
(not being a rabied fangirl, just saying lol)

[vindicated21.livejournal.com]

even if i know they really loved each other, i still think there is something wrong with their relationship way back.

ngl, Sandara was really popular than Joseph when she was still here. Joseph was seriously nobody until they were together. then suddenly his career "boom!" they even had a big hit(?) movie together! and then when Sandara left the Philippines i don't know where is Joseph now.

anyway, in fairness to Sandara she never forgets and that's a good thing. I just hope Joseph won't use Dara's fame if he plans to get back together with her. IMHO.

[kawaiisis86.livejournal.com]

ah i dont know much about Dara in the Philippines so its good to learn, what movie was it?

[xperfect-lines.livejournal.com]

PFFFFFFFFFFT. Stop riding her wave, dude hahaha

[jecca-o9.livejournal.com]

“Because of the current state of her career, it would be impossible. But I am not denying the possibility. The feelings are still there. It truly feels different when you see the person. The feeling suddenly comes back. For now, what’s important is that we have good careers. I am okay here and she’s okay there. Only time could tell if we’re truly meant to be.”


/snorts. That is such as Filipino-showbiz answer 8,D. I haven't ever seen a Filipino celebrity who answered that question with a direct "No". You could say that that's the standard answer for that question.

[jecca-o9.livejournal.com]

“I can’t easily begin the conversation with her because for every little chance that I try to initiate the talk, our friends would immediately tease us. They’d begin whispering then they would tease us all over.

Right, I'm just curious. In other cultures and in other parts of the world, do people do this? Because it's quite normal in the Philippines for that kind of teasing, but I'm wondering if we're the only ones.

[shiawaseni.livejournal.com]

qt

now get back together!

[shardeens.livejournal.com]

What the hell.
They look damn cute together in that picture.
Now, get back together. >:|
Lol, jk. But, that would be cool.

[izabera.livejournal.com]

I also asked about the other members of her group (2NE1) like if they are being nice to her. Of course it is a group, it would be hard to avoid jealous fits.

Tell all Joseph, we want to know more about the jealous fits.

[ganesa.livejournal.com]

it would be impossible. But I am not denying the possibility.
...lol.

[mihsayam.livejournal.com]

Trust me. Did you also notice the part where he describes how much she changed then later on says "she didn't changed at all"...

My mind seriously went whut...

[tigerlark.livejournal.com]

They're so cute!!! I think I ship it. Please get back together right now. :X

[t8l8.livejournal.com]

You do know that YG is trying so hard to deny this past affiliation? I hope the Korean media won't catch on to this article that's posted. This issue was uncovered a few months ago and the Korean online media and news sources had a field day with this. They should leave it alone because past is past and damn you Joseph because you're probably going to get Dara in trouble again with your statements, making it seem like there's still a chance between you two when most likely there isn't anymore.

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

There were lots of articles about her love team pics with Hero, but I don't remember Korean media writing much about her and Joseph. Or maybe I just missed it.

[mls-addxn.livejournal.com]

Oh lol. Why is it that this interview doesn't sound very real? IDK but his answer to whether there is a possibility of getting back together makes me want to throw something at something/someone -____-

[jecca-o9.livejournal.com]

LOL But then all Filipino celebrities answer that question that way. @.@

[heroismine.livejournal.com]

No, Joseph and Sandy's relationship is real, they have been dating even before Hero and Sandara's movie started, but they had been hiding because of the loveteam. It was real and I am witness to it.

they did meet up, but I dont think to the point they'll get back together again, its good they are friends now, the media can't help but ask about it so its not leeching for other's popularity, its the media who approached not joseph, Joseph is a quiet person he's not kind of person who will boast and stuff

[jem-aime.livejournal.com]

yeah. he's not that kind of guy who will boast. I witness it during their SCQ days. He's quiet.

[unsospiro.livejournal.com]

And then this happened


Thanks Google.

[crypticbluerose.livejournal.com]

lmao, well hello

[robileczuya.livejournal.com]

I'm from the Philippines, tho.
This couple was real. Really.
But there were rumors of Joseph being GHEY or something. Yeah.

[extraenchanted.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't be surprised. Being ghei in Philippine showbiz is normal.

Look at Piolo. He's obviously gay, but everyone in ABSCBN and the entire industry are denying it, saying he's really manly. OH COME ON MAMON. Even Mich Dulce, before she got on celebrity PBB, wrote on her lj he was as gay as a line is straight.

[jem-aime.livejournal.com]

WTF? Joseph is infiltrating OMONA. Hahahahahaha.
Anyway, guys, this couple was real. It's not a love team or whatever. we all know that Joseph and Sandara was dating when Dara was teamed up with Hero.

[kaiweasley.livejournal.com]

Saw pics from the SCQ reunion. Looked like fun though :)