Chapter 3 – Dream Come True

Two weeks after DAY6's concert, I was still on cloud nine. I already received my refund for the ticket I paid, as well as my work pay for that night. But what I was really happy about was our photos on the backstage and during dinner that Miss V posted on Instagram and Twitter.

As it was already October, I was already waiting for a call from our executive producer. December was approaching and we had to start producing a film for next year's Metro Manila Film Festival. I already submitted them our script a month ago and we were just waiting for the go signal to start shooting.

Finally, the call I was waiting for came that morning. It was what welcomed me upon arriving in the office. Excited, I went to our executive producer's office.

"So when can we start filming?" The first thing I asked upon taking a seat on the couch. He was smiling, so it was obvious that what he wanted to tell me was good news.

But Sir Richard, our executive producer, shook his head on my surprise.

"That's not why I called you here," he said. "I already passed the film to Kate. They already began shooting last night." He was referring to the other director.

My smile faded because of what he said. I could not believe it!

"But I have good news for you."

I listened although I felt like crying.

"We collaborated with CJ E&M for an upcoming movie project and they requested for you."

I frowned. The name was familiar, but I could not remember where I read or saw it, so I remained silent.

He stared at me for a while, probably waiting for my reaction. When I did not budge, he sighed and told me further what it was all about. "You have a one-year contract waiting in South Korea."

My eyes widened and I stared at him with disbelief. "One-year contract? In South Korea?"

His smile returned. "Yes, Krizza. A one-year contract with CJ E&M."

"Wait, is that for real?" It still had not sunk into me. It was far from believable! "I mean, why…how?

"Were you not listening last time? The CEO told us that we will be partnering with an international film production company. He did not tell us the company name, but he was already so sure about it."

I did remember something like that, but it just slipped my mind. I was busy with deadlines and some volunteer works. Plus there was the concert.

"We decided to send you since I know you have an idea with the Korean culture, plus you're our ace."

He continued talking, but I was no longer listening. My mind was already roaming the streets of Seoul. I was only brought back to reality when Sir Richard tapped the center table thrice.

"You're spacing out again."

"I'm sorry," I apologized with a wide smile. "I just can't believe it!"

"Well, it's understandable. I know you're excited and all that." He said. "That's why we decided to give the film and your crew to Kate. Since you'll already be leaving on the first week of November—"

"That early?" Although I was excited, I was not ready to leave that early. November was only two weeks away.

"Yes. They will be releasing the film on January and the shoot already started last August."

"What film?"

He shrugged. "I don't actually know. They did not give us the details, but it probably features famous actors."

And my mind just suddenly thought of Lee Min Ho although I knew he was still in the military.

After that day, the last two weeks of my October had been dedicated to meetings and preparation for my flight to South Korea. Sir Richard already assured me of my accommodation in Seoul. I also had to review my Hangeul and my knowledge of the Korean culture. I did not want to go there clueless.

The day after my birthday, the 2nd of November was the day I had to fly to Seoul. My family and production crew took me to the airport. They were crying as if I would no longer come back.

"Bring me oppas, okay?" Mara, our writer and my good friend, said while tears streamed down her face.

I rolled my eyes at her and hugged her. "Just tell me who and I'll send him to you."

After a while, we were already called to board our plane. I bid my goodbyes to my family and friends, and left with an excited, scared and lonely heart.

…

Upon arriving at Incheon Airport, I was welcomed by two ladies working at CJ E&M. They introduced themselves as Park So Eun and Jung Ji Soo.

From the airport, we directly went to CJ E&M. I hadn't yet enjoyed my first breath of Seoul air and I already had to attend a meeting! But the meeting only lasted for 20 minutes. (Thanks, God.) I was introduced to the management and the director of the first film I would be working in.

They also briefed me again with the contract. We already had an online meeting before I left the Philippines, where they explained to me what the contract was all about. It was a one-year collaboration between CJ E&M and Studio Roman (the company I was working at), with me working as a co-director on their upcoming films.

They would be providing me with a place to live other than my pay through the course of my stay. Really good, wasn't it? But I was still scared that I might not be able to adjust in the new chapter of my life; that I might mess up. Anyway, it was still my first day.

After the meeting, So Eun and Ji Soo took me to my apartment. They told me about a few things I needed to know and finally left me on my own.

"Hah! New life!" I told myself out loud upon looking around my new abode.

I went to the window and pulled the blinds up. There was the neighborhood, so new to me and so unfamiliar. I tried not to worry too much.

Winter was near and it was really cold even inside the apartment with the heater turned on. However, I still went out to the terrace and took a photo of the clear blue sky with my phone. I uploaded it to my IG account with the caption, "A beautiful day in Seoul...but I already miss Manila."

One heart, two, three...Then people started to comment, mostly my family, long-time friends and friends from the industry. But I was surprised to see a comment I never expected.

YoungtotheK: Waaahh...PD-nim, you're in Seoul? Since when? I told you, we'll tour you, right?