Sandara Park. Image: Twitter/@krungy21
Sandara Park feels overwhelmed by the love and warmth that Filipinos extend to her every time she revisits the Philippines, which she considers her second home.
The “Pambansang Krung Krung,” who flew back to the country recently to shoot for a Korean variety show, took to Twitter to express her joy after still being recognized by Filipinos from different generations in the places she has visited—and probably filmed in.
“Sa halos lahat ng generation, naalala pa nila ako. Kahit sa mall, sa market, sa restaurant, sa lahat ng places,” the singer wrote in her post’s caption.
(From almost all generations, they still remember me. Whether in the malls, the markets, restaurants, in all places.)
Question! Pano nyo ba ako naalala hanggang ngayon kahit matagal nako wla sa Phil. Tv show. Sa halos lahat ng generation, naalala pa nila ako. Kahit sa mall, sa market, sa restuarant, sa lahat ng places🤩 kakagulat hehe I’m so happy!!!😍 pic.twitter.com/hEdKRhiycQ
— Sandara Park (@krungy21) June 8, 2023
The “kakagulat” reception she still gets from the Filipinos had the 2NE1 member asking in the same post how they could still remember her despite having left the country—and her career in Philippine show business—more than 15 years ago.
And as expected, love came pouring once again for Park as the comments section in her post became an appreciation thread for the “Super Noypi” actress.
From praises to old photos and personal anecdotes—dating back from her “Star Circle Quest” days—Filipinos impressed upon Park that she had made a lasting impact on them.
One user uploaded a video of Park’s audition for “Star Circle Quest” with the caption “Dito pa lang minahal ka na ng buong Pilipinas.” (Even with this [Park’s audition], the whole Philippines already loved you.)
Dito pa lang minahal ka na ng buong Pilipinas.pic.twitter.com/xd8fK40crZ
— Hellmerito (@hanazawa_rui) June 8, 2023
Probably the most memorable part of the singer’s audition is when a young Park unexpectedly uttered “Mahal ko kayo” (I love you all) in tears while waving her hand.
And the singer, to many Filipinos, continues to live by these three words.
One user mentioned how “full-blooded foreigner” Park “is more Filipino by deed [and] by heart,” adding that the singer-actress has “fully embraced the [Filipino] culture.”
You left an indelible mark in Philippine entertainment industry as the #PambansangKrungKrung 🇵🇭 A full-blooded foreigner who is more Filipino by deed & by heart. You fully embraced the culture & embibed the ‘happy lang’ trait. Moreover, you have never forgotten the Philippines ❤
— Mommy Menchie (@Momshie_Mench) June 9, 2023
Another user expressed appreciation for the singer, pointing out her genuine love for the country, and declared that Park represents the Philippines “like a real Pinoy.” They also explained how the Filipinos are just repaying the 2NE1 member with the same genuine love she deserves.
because you’re genuine when you say you love the Philippines and is proud of it. We just give back what you deserve, a genuine love also from the Filipinos. You relly represent our country like a real Pinoy. 🥰🥰 Thank you.
— SoneOT9 (@SoneOT97) June 8, 2023
One reply echoed the sentiments of many in the thread, claiming that the former Star Magic talent has “never forgotten the Philippines.” The user also praised Park for having “always been grateful” for the opportunities she has had in the country, adding, “Such [a] person with a beautiful heart will never be forgotten by Filipinos.”
Despite everything, you have never forgotten the Philippines. You have always been grateful for the opporrunity that you had here amd still considers PH as your 2nd home. Such person with a beautiful heart will never be forgotten by Filipinos.
— YEDAM IS STILL A BABIE 🦊 | TAETEE 💙💛 | semi-IA (@arsheen1017) June 9, 2023
Despite a rather brief run in the country’s entertainment industry, Park was able to appear in a number of Kapamilya series and land movie roles including those opposite former love team and “Star Circle Quest” batch mate Hero Angeles. The “In or Out” singer would make her comeback to Philippine reality competition in 2016 via “Pinoy Boyband Superstar,” where she served as a judge alongside veteran actor Aga Muhlach, singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino and comedian-host Vice Ganda, with whom she reunited recently. /ra