MY FANGIRLING HEART IS SO HAPPY! JUNHO THE MOMENT IN MANILA 2023 | Stef Travels

11.11.2023

This day is very memorable to me. Not only because I will be having Junho in my country and HAVE A CHANCE TO ACTUALLY CONVERSE WITH HIM (AAAHHHH!!!) but also because a lot of things happened that led up til that day.

I was in Korea for 2PM's concert when they first announced this fanmeet tour. I remember being in Olive Young with my mom; shopping for Korean skin care when my friends messaged me the news! I was literally all giddy and couldn't contain my happiness.

An hour or two have passed, I calmed down a bit. I wanted to put it on my phone calendar already. Low and behold... of all days I will be out of Manila... the fanmeet will be on the same weekend as my Boracay beach trip with my friends - and this has been planned months before. I immediately checked if our flight and hotel reservations were rebookable or refundable and unfortunately they're not. I am not making an exaggeration but I was actually sad for weeks. It's so depressing to know that Junho will be coming to Manila and I won't be there.. I go fly abroad for Junho but now that he's coming I wont make it.

A month later, I have already accepted that Junho and Me.. not gonna happen in Manila. Told myself I will watch in Singapore instead so I booked my flight tickets & hotel. Then, few weeks after.. something happened and I HAVE TO NOT GO to the trip. And so, I MADE IT! Actually I dont know how to feel about this. I was torn between Junho and my trip because both are precious to me. I just let the universe decide for me & for sure I'll be happy and grateful either way. Let's just say.. it was destined for me to be in that fanmeet because..

1. I was lucky enough to find a seat on ROW B CENTER section. Row B means I am 2nd row from the stage and I will be seeing Junho up close with a group photo fan benefit that came with the seat.

At first, I couldnt get a VIP1 seat. I wanted this section because of the group photo benefit where you will be with Junho in the same room and possibly able to talk to him. I kept refreshing the site and one seat randomly popped up. From where I was.. I ran down the stairs as fast as I can and grabbed my wallet. I bought it right away!

2. Hi Bye Session
This was a fan benefit for all the ticket holders across all sections. You get to say 'bye' to Junho after the show. When it was my turn, I stopped in front of him and did the cheek heart with my right hand because my other hand was carrying other stuff. Junho returned my cheek heart back with both hands on his cheek! (AAAHHH!!!) I took my time at that moment. I stood there in front of him until the guards/ushers made me leave and move HAHA!

3. Group Session
I had a goal as soon as I found out I will be having a group photo with him. I wanted to show him my photo with 2PM back in 2013. Maybe I just want a special moment with him where I get to tell him that I have been a fan for over 10 years. There have been a lot of new fans from all his dramas the past years and just want to be somewhat 'special' although of course there are a lot more people who became his fan first

I know the rules. No photos were allowed - even just holding the phone was strictly not allowed. And so I printed my photo and had it ready inside the ecobag I was holding. I knew I had to be quick. I knew I had to speak Korean or else the guards will stop me. Upon entering the room, I was assigned to the 2nd row (closer to Junho because he was standing at the back) but 2nd to the left. The guard was right behind me. I was so nervous but I will NEVER have a chance like this again sooo whatever..

Long story short.. I was able to do it!! Let me share my brief conversation with Junho :)

ME: Junhoya, our photo 10 years ago (in Korean)
I had to talk loud because I was not in his direct sight. The guard was blocking his vision to where I was seated

JH: Sorry, I cant receive anything (in Korean)
He thought I was gonna give it to him but I was just going to show
And the guards were saying "not allowed" "not allowed" and waving their hands in front of me to block

Me, I gave up already. At least I tried...
But Junho suddenly leaned over just to look at the photo I was holding.
I pointed who I was in that group photo and his old self

AND THE BESTEST SHOCKED REACTION CAME OUT OF HIS FACE!
His eyes widened and said "OOOOO"

Can't believe I actually had a real encounter with him. He was so genuine and nice. He was glowing.. he had fair flawless skin and his aura was just different! He gave off the feeling of genuinely happy meeting his fans in person. I told my friends that he was like a mannequin but REAL and MOVING!

As we were escorted out of the room, I planned to say more to Junho. I wanted him to know that I am proud to be his fan and will keep supporting him the best way I can. But everything.. gone! I made eye contact with him and distance was about less than a meter away. I just stared at him and said, "BYE" in which he said "bye" too while waving

Best experience ever!