Last December 3, I covered HELLO! STAYC: 1st Fan Meeting in Manila for Kmusify. I am going to be honest with you. A few weeks back, I had no idea about STAYC. Sure, I was excited when I was assigned, but I tempered my expectations. As a die-hard ONCE, I thought no one would catch my attention the way TWICE did. I would just be there and write about the event.
Don’t get me wrong though. I have nothing against other groups. In fact, I listen to their music too. I stream long enough that their songs are included in my Spotify Wrapped Playlist. I listen to tracks that I like, no matter the artists. However, at the end of the day, I will mainly support one girl group.
Then came, STAYC.
Disclaimer: I’m not going to compare groups. This piece is about my STAYC baptism — the night I finally chose to stan another KPOP Girl Group. Moreover, I hope you know a little bit about baseball because I will use that as reference on how they won me over.
All set? Buckle up because it’s going down!
Since this was my first time to see them live, I made sure I would come to the fan meeting prepared. I joined and liked a STAYC Facebook group and page, listened to their songs for days, and watched two Weekly Idol STAYC episodes to be familiar with the girls.
I arrived at the venue an hour before the call time for the media because in my mind I must start things off on the right foot. Moments later, the members of the media were called for the presscon at last. Eventually, the girls walked to the stage.
First thought: Sumin. Sieun. Isa. Seeun. J. Yoon. They’re much more beautiful in person.
With their fans queuing up outside the FYM Hall waiting to get in, I already saw the excitement and gratitude in their eyes. This event was two years in the making.
“We want to thank the Filipino fans who have been waiting for a long time,” Sumin said.
And they didn’t disappoint come showtime.
STAYC captured the hearts of Filo SWITHs right out the gate. The girls wasted no time showcasing their talent, opening the show with the Stranger Things-esque intro of their debut song, SO BAD, and finishing off the first act with the hit track, Beautiful Monster.
Just like that. The FYM Hall was electrified.
Base #1 for STAYC winning me over.
SWITHs AND STAYC CONNECTION
The next part of the event was for SWITHs to get to know STAYC deeper. Before the fan meet, fans wrote letters and asked STAYC questions on sticky notes. Those were then given to the girls to answer.
From J letting SWITHs know that she’s currently into green tea to Sieun raving about our delicious maja blanca. From the Philippine beaches Seeun wishes to visit to Isa’s favorite food salmon. I, including the supporters, were seeing the real STAYC. They displayed not just their talent, but also their transparent selves.
On top of all those, though, Yoon stole the spotlight.
Interviewer: *reads the question* What’s the first thing you say when you hear “The Philippines”?
Yoon: *pause* MAHAL KITAAAAA!
SWITHS. SCREAMED. THEIR. HEARTS. OUT.
That is what I look for in idols. They connect with their fans genuinely.
Base #2 for STAYC winning me over.
GAME TIME!
Team Maganda (Sumin, Isa, and Seeun) vs Team Masarap (J, Yoon, Sieun)
Now this part made everybody burst out in laughter. To cut it short, both teams were tied with two points each after the game Secret Box.
But in the second game, Guess My Pose, J put Team Masarap ahead after three rounds and bagged them the win.
With all the antics each member pulled off throughout the games, SWITHs were the ultimate winners. They’re just like us. We will do anything and everything to win.
Base #3 for STAYC winning me over.
THE LAST ACT
The fan meeting was nearing its end, but the girls kept on giving fans presents. They first brought out another explosive performance with So What, and as they were to say their goodbyes, they delivered another parting gift: singing President Nadine Lustre’s Paligoy-ligoy.
Well, this is not something new for foreign artists when they perform in the Philippines. Nonetheless, Filipinos still find it amusing. It means that they recognize our art as much as we recognize theirs. This is how they show appreciation for the support we have for them.
And of course, what would a KPop event be without a fan project? It was PH SWITHs’ turn to send STAYC their deepest gratitude through a video. For some, STAYC serves as their happiness. For others, perhaps, STAYC serves as their escape.
After two long years, through the pandemic, the girls have been their life-support and they finally got to see them up close. If that wasn’t pure bliss, I don’t know what is.
And the best thing after this? Star To A Young Culture, tearing up with tears of joy, swore to come back in the future.
“Thank you so much guys. Thank you for making this special unforgettable memory tonight. I just wanna say that we promise we will come back to the Philippines,” Sieun vowed.
To cap an exceptional fan meet, STAYC put the icing on the cake with a performance of their global hit, ASAP.
Home run for STAYC, the fans, and a new-born SWITH like me.
Going back to my intro, I came in with tempered expectations. Now, I have a late addition to my Spotify Wrapped Top Artists for 2022 and they will be a staple for years to come.
I’m grateful that I went through the full STAYC experience. High Up Entertainment’s debut girl group rising to fame because of their extraordinary talent, dynamic discography, and a strong bond with their fans — take a bow, ladies.
Now as I end, I want to thank Neuwave Events and Productions for a breathtaking fan meet experience. I know you’ll bring STAYC back here soon.
