December 18, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — K-pop boy group ENHYPEN recently brought the heat back to Manila, meeting their Filipino fans for the third time this year at their sold-out “DES7INED” fun meet, hosted by Dunkin’ Philippines.
The Big Dome buzzed with excitement as the septet — composed of Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Sunghoon, Jake, Sunoo and Ni-ki — appeared on screen, emerging from backstage onto the main stage to perform their latest single, No Doubt.
“It’s always so great to come back here. Good to see you again, Manila,” said Jay, raising a thumbs-up sign to the crowd as the group discussed visiting the country for the third time this year.
The last time the group visited the country was for a fan meet by a local clothing giant in May — three months after holding the “FATE” concert on Feb. 3 at the New Clark City Stadium.
Fans, fondly known as ENGENEs, along with host VJ Ai dela Cruz, exuded unmatched energy throughout the more than one-hour event that featured fun Q&A sessions, performances and interactive games.
Jake drew laughter and “kilig” when he made a wild guess about the meaning of Dunkin’s tagline, “pasalubong ng bayan” (nation’s take-home treat).
“Does it mean ‘take me home’?” Jake raised the question, prompting cheers from the crowd.
“I think we can just change what it means, right?” VJ Ai jokingly asked ENEGEs, drawing enthusiastic “yeses” from the audience.
ENHYPEN strengthened their bond with fans as they played “Wheel of Destiny,” completing challenges based on the options displayed on a digital wheel.
On the other hand, Jungwon charmed fans with his cute impression of a cat, Heeseung serenaded fans with The Weeknd’s Can’t Feel My Face, and Jay danced to their song XO (Only If You Say Yes).
Jake, meanwhile, made a love confession in Filipino, stealing fans’ hearts with the pickup line: “Kape ba kayo? Masaya kasi akong ‘kape-ling’ kayo.”
On the other hand, Sunghoon was asked to offer some “TMI” (too much information). He revealed that they secretly visited a Dunkin’ branch and indulged in donuts before heading to the “fun meet.”
Sunoo then captivated the audience with a good 10-second staring contest at the camera, while Ni-ki, the group’s youngest member or maknae, was tasked to do three aegyo (cute) poses, drawing playful teasing from the older members.
ENHYPEN treated fans with a performance of their song Bills before the group’s connection was tested in the second game. Each member guessed which body part shown on the screen belonged to whom. Sunghoon, Sunoo and Ni-ki initially tied with five points each, Sunoo eventually won after several tie-breaker rounds.
As the event drew to a close, the boys sat comfortably on bean bags as they watched a fan project ENGENEs prepared as a tribute in celebration of the group’s fourth debut anniversary last Nov. 30.
The coffee and doughnut brand also presented a special video for ENHYPEN featuring local tourist spots, each representing the initials in the acronym “DESTINED”: Davao, Eastern Samar, Surigao, Tuguegarao, Ilocos, Nueva Ecija, Echague, Isabela and Dagupan City.
ENHYPEN no doubt enjoyed the stage for their final performance of the show, with pink, orange and white balloons cascading down as they performed their track Brought The Heat Back.
Before bidding goodbye, the group expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the warm energy and support they’ve consistently received from their Filipino fans.
“I feel like whenever we come here in the Philippines, you, guys, send us so much love, so much support and I think that’s why we always like coming back here, so thank you, guys,” said Jake.
To wrap up the fun night, the group’s leader Jungwon extended his early holiday greetings, reassuring fans of their return to the country in a few months’ time.
ENHYPEN is set to stage their “Walk The Line” concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on March 1, 2025.
Jake said, “And like Heeseung said, we’re gonna try our best to come back as soon as possible, so stay tuned, stay healthy, and we’ll see you soon. Mahal kita,” before blowing a kiss to the audience.
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