BTS J-Hope ‘Hobi-fies’ Manila in 2-day jampacked concert

BTS’ J-Hope Live in Manila. Image from Katherine G. Adraneda

MANILA, Philippines — BTS J-Hope super-charged Filipino ARMYs as he delivered an electrifying performance on the first of his two-day “Hope On The Stage” weekend concert.

Intense cheers and chants vibrated through the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, before, during, and after every performance, proving once again his first-rate talent in dancing, rap, and singing.

“Okay, I love this sound,” said J-Hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-seok, the “Strict Main Dancer” of Korean supergroup BTS, as he expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received from Filipino fans.

”Everybody, mag-ingay (make some noise)!” he added, drawing more blaring screams and chuckles from the BTS fandom on the first day.

All throughout the concert, J-Hope had everyone engaged. He started his set with “What if…”, “Pandora’s Box”, “Arson”, “Stop”, and “More” which instantly had fans vibing.

And there was no stopping him. It was a huge party scene and a big noraebang (karaoke place) for Filipino ARMYs who not only showed their moves but also proudly flaunted their skills in singing and rapping (in Korean, English, and even Spanish languages), serving like an angelic choir to the visiting K-pop sensation.

Everyone was on their feet by the time “on the street (Solo Ver.)”, “lock / unlock”, “i don’t know”, “I wonder…”, and “Trivia: Just Dance” played.

The crowd was further energized by “Sweet Dreams” and “Mona Lisa” – the current favorites from J-Hope’s latest singles – “1 Verse”, “Base Line”, “Hangsang”, “Airplane”, and “Airplane pt.2” as if preparing for an even bigger act: “Mic Drop.”

The groovy hip-hop song’s intro of heavy guitars, drumbeats, keyboards, and synthesizers hyped the crowd all the more, erupting in the loudest fan chant and high-pitched outcry that whacked the entire stadium. Filipino ARMYs had been waiting for this moment as they long for all seven BTS members to finally come back.

READ: BTS’ J-Hope gives Niana Guerrero follow back on TikTok

Five members – band leader and main rapper RM (Kim Nam-joon), lead rapper Suga (Min Yoongi), main dancer and main vocalist Jimin (Park Ji-min), lead dancer and vocalist V (Kim Tae-hyung), and main vocalist and lead dancer JK (Jeon Jung-kook) – are still undergoing their mandatory military service in South Korea. Their expected discharge will be this June, prompting a global countdown.

Main visual and vocalist Jin (Kim Seok-jin) and J-Hope were the two members who completed their military service in 2024.

One member’s return to the Philippines after eight years nevertheless satisfied the ARMYs’ yearning for BTS since J-Hope’s strong presence fulfilled their dreams. That’s “Hobi Power”!

BTS’ J-Hope Live in Manila. Image from Katherine G. Adraneda

By the time he was singing Mic Drop, emotions have reached the high point, as it transported ARMYs back to when OT7 (One True Seven) were complete and allowed them to belch their pent-up craving for the super boyband.

But it also made them look forward to a grand reunion with the seven Bangtan Boys and a potential worldwide tour in the near future.

J-Hope likewise made sizzling Manila hotter with his sexy moves during “Silver Spoon (Baepsae),” and the party mood carried on as he tirelessly blazed through “Dis-ease”, “Outro: Ego”, “Daydream”, “Chicken Noodle Soup”, “Hope World”, “= (Equal Sign),” and “Future.”

Towards the end of the concert on Day 1, fans screamed, “Walang uuwi! Walang uuwi!” which bewildered J-Hope since he couldn’t understand, at first, what it means. Although he packed his Filipino vocabulary with more Tagalog words beyond last time’s “Pak ganern!”, this phrase was new to his ears. He tried mimicking the Filipino words, but they ended up sounding like “Walang uunge! Walang uunge,” sending the arena into paroxysms of laughter.

But J-Hope was a tease. When he learned about its meaning through an interpreter via his in-ear monitor, he said in Korean, “So, I should just stay here?” He then sat in the center stage and made a cute face. ARMYs melted, and more screaming followed.

J-Hope’s last song was “Neuron,” a fitting conclusion that sent a message of hope to ARMYs as this part of its lyrics flashed on the huge LED wall:

I’LL TELL YOU AGAIN
WE’LL NEVER EVER
GIVE UP, FOREVER
I’LL SAY IT AGAIN
WE’LL ALWAYS
BE ALIVE TO MOVE US

Lyrics from “Neuron” flashed on the big screen. Image from Katherine G. Adraneda

“Manila ARMY, you guys know how to party. It was so fun singing and dancing with you, guys,” J-Hope said.

“Mahal ko kayo! I’ll be back!”

‘Flawless show’

BTS’ J-Hope performs. Image from Katherine G. Adraneda

J-Hope’s April 12 and 13 concert in Manila signaled the kick-off of his “Hope On The Stage” tour in Asia. He finished his US tour last week.

The 31-year-old’s disarming look, humor, talent, and exceptional stamina got the audience completely hooked. ARMYs were struggling to hold on to their biases because J-Hope came out to mess up their minds.

“It’s true what they say that when you see J-Hope perform, you might be swayed. Sorry, Jungkook, I am really trying right now,” said an ARMY who requested to be identified as Vickie.

The spectacular production and storyline of his concert showcased his remarkable growth from being a street dancer to a world-class idol. The amazing stage set-up during performances was also a sight to behold.

For ARMYs, it was a “flawless show” that has “a perfect flow.”

“Ayaw mo na talaga umuwi, kung pwede lang talaga (You really don’t want to go home, if you just can),” another ARMY named Bea said. “Truly unforgettable. Sulit ang bayad, sulit ang pagaantay, sulit lahat (It’s worth the pay, it’s worth the wait, it’s all worth it)!”