I was one of the lucky few who was able to purchase VIP HOPE package tickets for “Hope on the Stage” (HOTS) Manila Day 2. These tickets include early entry to participate in the sound check before the concert and access to the send off for j-hope. Even if I have been stanning BTS for years, I never thought I would ever be lucky enough to participate in events where the opportunity to be up close and personal with any member was even in my destiny.
The precious signed bandana
As if that wasn’t enough, he also graciously autographed my HOTS bandana. It all felt so surreal.
Reliving the joy of our close encounter with j-hope by memorializing it with a photo
The sound check of every concert is one of the most anticipated by every Army. To get early access and an extra 15 mins with your idols is a gift. Day 2’s sound check started with one of j-hope’s newest singles, Sweet Dreams. It was then followed by Daydream, one of j-hope’s older songs from the album Hope World.
The last song for sound check was Just Dance, a song from my favorite trilogy, Love Yourself.
j-hope’s piercing gaze fulfilled the delusions of everyone in our area
The BTS Army always think about their concert outfits. It is deliberate and intentional. Here are my friend Kat and I just minutes before we went for ticket verification and strapping. It is common practice for K-pop concerts to require the ticket holders to present their ID to confirm that the purchased ticket belongs to the person whose name is on it. After that, those who are entitled to soundcheck access are given a wrist strap and gifts (in this case, a cute j-hope black tote) and then we proceed to our queue. All our tickets are assigned a queue number and we enter the venue in accordance with that number. It is truly very organized and democratic.
I was one person shy of the barricade on the right side of the stage. This gave me a really good view of j-hope’s handsome face and killer dance moves.
And best of all, a clear view of everyone’s favorite hip thrusts during Baepsae (Silver Spoon) from The Most Beautiful Moment from the Life Era.
My friend, KJ Amurao, also blessed me with tickets for Day 1. This time, we were seated in the lower box, sharing my favorite parts of the concert.
Look at that stage!!! BTS never disappoints when it comes to production value, and the creativity of j-hope shone through with this powerful opening. He was soooo HOT.
My favorite segment of the concert was the “Hope on the Street” part, where j-hope showcased his dancing prowess. He is BTS’ main dancer for a reason.
I Don’t Know allowed j-hope to show his versatility by dancing house style effortlessly.
j-hope would speak in Tagalog every now and then. Needless to say, the crowd ate it up every single time.
Hangsang = SWAG PERIOD
The Army knows what’s next as soon as j-hope poses this way.
Mic Drop is one of BTS’ most iconic songs. I am sure you can tell by the way ARMY sings it. I have missed our fan chant so much. Shouting it with all my heart gave me goosebumps.
Baepsae from a different point of view is just as satisfying!
This has got to be my favorite j-hope song and performance, Ego.
Hope World is such a vibe.
