‘Beyond expectation’: BTS’ J-Hope promises Manila return
MANILA, Philippines – BTS’ J-Hope electrified the Manila crowd in his ‘Hope on the Stage’ concert, then vowed to come back as his Filipino fans came in droves.
J-Hope said Manila’s BTS ARMY, the K-pop group’s fan club moniker, “inspired him,” saying the huge crowd that packed the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, April 12, was “beyond expectation.”
“It’s such a long time since I last visited Manila, Philippines, and of course, it’s beyond expectation,” said J-Hope with the help of a translator during the opener of his two-day concert.
“Na-absorb ko talaga ‘yung energy ‘tsaka ‘yung vibe niyo kaya I’m looking forward to this Asia tour. (I really absorbed your energy and vibe that’s why I’m looking forward to this Asia tour.) And with that, you guys gave me a lot of inspiration today.”
Before his encore performance composed of his songs — “Equal Sign,” “Future,” and “NEURON” — J-Hope tried to repeat the phrase “walang uuwi” (no one’s going home), which was being chanted by Filipino fans, who enjoyed his attempt to engage with them, and had a laugh as he was saying it incorrectly.
The 31-year-old dancer and rapper featured songs from his solo mixtapes — Hope World (2018) and Jack in the Box (2022) — and collaborations with BTS’ Jung Kook, HUH YUNJIN, Gaeko, Yoon Mi-rae, and Miguel, among others in the 25-song setlist.
Manila’s BTS ARMY also prepared surprises for J-Hope over his two concert showings.
On Day 1, fans were given squirrel masks to be worn after his song “STOP.” On Day 2, sunflowers will be distributed to be placed on light sticks before “Sweet Dreams.”
J-Hope was the second among the seven members of BTS who entered mandatory military service after Jin. He was discharged on October 17, 2024.
The Manila concert also marks the beginning of the 70-day countdown until all seven BTS members complete their military service.
BTS has held three concerts in Manila, the last one in May 2017 for “The Wings Tour.” – Rappler.com