Tsismis: Latest Pinoy gossip

She still speaks Tagalog and declares she's still the same pambansang krung krung (Philippines' craziest girl) — that's how Sandara Park greeted the media at a press conference prior to her show at the Araneta Coliseum on June 4. The teen pop star, who's now a member of the popular Korean all-girl group 2NE1, which had their first concert in Manila, said she had been eager to get back to the Philippines as a performer. "Sobrang na-miss ko kayo and natutuwa ako na nandito pa rin kayo [I miss you all so much and am happy that you're still here to support me]," said Park, who was once one of the most popular teen stars in the Philippines. She had her first taste of fame when she won second place in the 2004 edition of Star Circle Quest, a celebrity search competition. Her funny antics and charm endeared her to Filipino fans, making her an instant celebrity even before the competition was over. "I spent some of the best years of my life in Manila, and I credit part of who I am now to my experiences here," said the Korean singing sensation, who also considers herself a Pinoy at heart. Her brief stardom included a series of platinum-selling albums and back-to-back box office movie hits like Can This Be Love and D' Lucky Ones. But things went awry when she and former love and fellow actor Joseph Bitangcol fell out of love. "I became uninspired and got really depressed. That's when I thought going back to Korea would help heal the wounds," she said. ‘More to offer' By this time, her star had somewhat dimmed, and going back to Korea in 2005, to take acting workshops, was a chance for her to take a look at her options in her native country. Park returned to the Philippines after six months, but found her career in the doldrums. She returned to Korea for good in 2007. She was then spotted by an agent and signed to a contract to be part of an all-girl group that was being established at that time. Named 2NE1, they have since become one of the hottest girl groups in Korea. It sort of vindicated Park, and validated her talent. "I knew I had something more to offer, and I'm glad I had that chance in Korea. But I am even more delighted because I have the chance to perform in front of my fans here in Manila. When I told my group mates — I tell them everything about the Philippines — they were also very excited," she gushed. Park revealed there are groups in Cebu and other cities in the Philippines who have sent invitations to 2NE1 to stage a concert. "We're all excited to do that, and hopefully it will materialise very soon."