BTS’ J-Hope loves Pinoy food, names his favorites
Screencap from frncsfriesx/TikTok
It seems the Philippines didn’t just leave a mark on Hobi’s tour calendar, but on his taste buds too.
K-pop superstar J-Hope lit up Manila with back-to-back, sold-out shows as part of his “Hope On The Stage” tour, but it was a sweet and spontaneous fan encounter that left Filipino ARMYs talking long after the music stopped.
Held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the two-day concert event was a celebration of J-Hope’s solo artistry, showcasing his signature high-energy performances with hit songs and messages to fans.
But beyond the stage lights and choreography, the BTS star made sure to create intimate moments with his supporters during the fan signing event, one of which became an instant viral hit online.
@frncsfriesx MY SEND OFF EXPERIENCE WITH HOBI STILL FEELS SO UNREAL 😭😭 We were placed at the very end, near the exit, thinking, we were last, but I got shocked when Hobi came out on our side first 😭 NA-STARSTRUCK AKO MGA BEH!! SOBRANG NANGINIG ANG FERSON 😭 IM STILL SO HAPPY THAT HE TALKED TO ME AND SIGNED MY ALBUM 😭💜 HALO HALO, JOLLIBEE AND MANAM MGA KINAIN NYA 😭💜 HOBI, ILOVEYOUSOMUCH😭😭😭💜💜💜💜 DI PARIN AKO MAKAPANIWALANG NAKITA KITAT NAKAUSAP😭💜 MANILA, WE DID A GOOD JOB. 💜💜 #제이홉 #jhope #jhope_TOUR #HOPE_ON_THE_STAGE_TOUR_Manila #HOS_TOUR_Manila #SENDOFF #HOS_TOUR_Manila_SENDOFF #HOPE_ON_THE_STAGE_MANILA_SENDOFF #Sendoffexperience #FYP #jhope #Hobi #JungHoseok #foryou #foryoupage #halohalo #Jollibee #Manam @hobipower @BTS
During the send-off event following his final performance on April 12, a lucky Filipino fan named Frances (@frncsfriesx on TikTok) had the chance to interact with the artist up close. She asked, “Do you love Filipino food?”
J-Hope’s face lit up as he enthusiastically replied, “Yeah!” He then listed his favorite local eats: “Halo-halo… Jollibee, right? And Manam.”
The response drew joyful cheers from fellow ARMYs present at the venue, delighted to hear that the Korean idol had not only tried Filipino cuisine, but genuinely enjoyed it.
From the cold and colorful halo-halo, to the iconic fast food chain and the Filipino restaurant known for its modern takes on classic dishes, J-Hope’s food picks captured the hearts (and appetites) of fans.
Frances later shared the surreal moment on TikTok, expressing how overwhelmed she felt. “MY SEND OFF EXPERIENCE WITH HOBI STILL FEELS SO UNREAL… NA-STARSTRUCK AKO MGA BEH!! SOBRANG NANGINIG ANG FERSON. IM STILL SO HAPPY THAT HE TALKED TO ME AND SIGNED MY ALBUM,” she wrote.
She added, “HALO HALO, JOLLIBEE AND MANAM MGA KINAIN NYA. HOBI, ILOVEYOUSOMUCH. DI PARIN AKO MAKAPANIWALANG NAKITA KITAT NAKAUSAP. MANILA, WE DID A GOOD JOB.”
