Arabelle Dela Cruz looks back on fondest memory in South Korea

Arabelle Dela Cruz fondly reflected on her most cherished memories in South Korea following her successful stint on the South Korean talent show “Veiled Cup Korea." 

In a media interview on Wednesday, the Sparkle star said that her trip to South Korea was full of “first times.”

“Siguro isa sa fondest memory ko doon is first time ko kasing to travel alone. First time traveling alone, first time out of the country and competition pa siya,” Arabelle shared. 

According to the Kapuso singer, she missed the warmth of the Philippines and Filipino cuisine during her two-month stay in South Korea, having eaten mostly Korean food throughout her time there.

“I stayed there for almost two months, so everyday ayun ang kinakain ko. Ang na-miss ko talaga is 'yung Pinoy food. 'Yung food talaga at ‘yung warmth pa rin talaga ng mga Pinoy,” she added. 

Arabelle also shared that her first order of business upon arriving in the Philippines was to eat in a famous Filipino fast food chain.

“I’m really a foodie talaga. Sabi ko talaga pag-uwi ko mag-j-Jollibee ako! Pagkalapag na pagkalapag ko dito, naghanap talaga ako ng Jollibee. Sabi ko kasi, iba kasi ‘yung food sa Korea. May distinct flavor eh,” she said.

While there was a Filipino restaurant near her area in South Korea, Arabelle noted, “Iba pa rin talaga dito,” expressing how nothing compares to the flavors of home.

“Iba pa rin talaga dito. Lalo na ‘yung gulay. Although may gulay naman doon, pero iba pa rin ang gulay ng Pinas! Iba ‘yung isda. Iba ‘yung luto ng manok," she shared. 

“Takam na takam ako tuwing mag-video call kami ng family ko. Sana all talaga." 

Despite missing home for almost two months, Arabelle added that she is happy for her once in a lifetime experience in South Korea.

“Pero siyempre iba pa rin ang experience na nabigay sa akin doon. So I’m very happy," she said. 

Arabelle, or "Laguna Diva," performed "Feeling Good" to bag the trophy in “Veiled Cup Korea.”

"Veiled Cup Korea" is a reality singing show where the singers perform behind a veil and are only known by their nicknames and hometowns.

Arabelle was the only Filipino to advance to the grand finals.

Fellow Filipino singers Garrett Bolden and Thea Astley were also part of the competition.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News