The ultimate fanmeet: Stray Kids comes to Manila for the second time around
a concert
Nothing quite beats talent, but mix it with heavenly looks, and it elevates into a surefire deadly combo. That’s what the boys of Stray Kids are—cool, talented, and a sight for sore eyes. The leading fourth-generation K-Pop champions have been on the rise ever since their debut in 2018 with hits like “God’s Menu,” “Charmer,” and their recently released song “Case 143.” To cap off that fantastic year, they were named Rookie of the Year to the surprise of no one.
Back in April 2022, Bench unveiled its latest brand ambassadors, an eight-member boy group called Stray Kids composed of Bang Chan, Felix, Hyunjin, Han, Changbin, Seungmin, Lee Know, and I.N. They join the global Benchsetter lineup, which includes the likes of Itzy and Twice, among other K-pop heavyweights. Near the tail end of that same year, November to be exact, they also proudly shared to the world, much to their fans’ delight, that they would be coming to the Philippines for a presscon and a fanmeet.
Meet the Media
After a delayed flight, the boys were put on a tight schedule and so the presscon had to end as soon as it started because their fanmeet at MOA Arena would be starting in a few hours. Luckily, I was able to conduct a one-on-one interview with them, courtesy of Bench. It lasted eight minutes, but Stray Kids gleefully answered all my questions related to fashion, food, and overall lifestyle. Here’s what happened—beginning from the presscon to the interview, and then eventually ending on a high note at the actual fanmeet.
The host, Sam Oh, first came in. A lot of spiels were said, teasing the eventual appearance of Stray Kids, and then a special behind-the-scenes video was shown with the performers modeling some of Bench’s new pieces. Many an expectant thunderous applause later, everyone fell silent, and Stray Kids arrived. To say that they were handsome is an understatement because they honestly looked like they were sculpted by none other than Michelangelo himself. They bowed before they introduced themselves. A small talk between the host and their interpreter ensued, and then it was time for the media to do their magic and find out what truly sets these boys apart from other boy groups.
Coming over for the second time, their first being in 2019 for their sold-out concert called the Unveil Tour “I Am…” held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, they just could not get enough of anything and everything “Manila.” Bang Chan, the group’s leader, recalled that they had an unforgettable first time here. He added that their fans’ screams were so loud that they could hear them even through their in-ear monitors.
In this day and age, nothing is without fans anymore. Almost everything you can think of has a follower or five…million. Stray Kids, on the other hand, have their “Stays.” It’s what they call their avid supporters, and they gush whenever they talk about them. When asked why they are called the way they are, they proudly answered that if you removed the letter R from Stray, it becomes stay, and that R means reason. They are the reason the boys stay the way they are—grounded even in the limelight and the flash of paparazzi cameras while touring the world.
There were so many questions asked, and they had as much to say, especially when asked about their “Stays” and what it was like to be a global Bench ambassador.
First, Bench is a local brand that has stood the test of time and will stay for years to come. It feels unreal to say that you can get high-quality clothing and accessories at such an affordable price point, but that’s what the brand is about. And the boys had a lot to share about it.
They all agreed that it was truly a great honor to be part of the Bench family and that it was nice to have a wider reach with Filipino Stays, outside of their music. When asked about what they loved about the brand, Changbin took to the mic and said that the clothing was good and that he could totally wear it from day to day. I.N. butted in to gush about the red tee he wore.
Stray Kids have their ‘Stays.’ It’s what they call their avid supporters. When asked why they are called the way they are, they proudly answer that if you removed the letter R from Stray, it becomes stay, and that R means reason.
There was more to gush over when the topic of Filipino food came in. Felix excitedly shared that his Pinoy friends in Australia always recommended he try the ever-famous adobo. The reporters shouted they try sisig (a hearty Kapampangand ish made from pork), sinigang, and lechon. The boys took note of all the recommendations, excited to try them out next.
According to Bang Chan, they love eating—a lot. After a successful concert, they would dig into anything and everything they could munch on, and everyone heartily agreed. But Hyunjin specifically said he goes for a hot bowl of ramen.
We talked a lot about fashion as well, and they could not stop mentioning Bench. They just love how they can wear it on any occasion or even on any ordinary day out in the sun. As versatile as these boys are, that’s how Bench is for a lot of its wearers—cool, chic, and inspired.
The Filipino Stays
At the fanmeet, swarms of Filipino Stays were already lined up outside of MOA Arena as I was finding myself a parking spot, and I could not help but get excited that I’d see the leading fourth-generation kings performing for and interacting with their fans.
At around 7 p.m., inside the arena, the lights dimmed. The fans were shouting, and out came Stray Kids. The first note of “God’s Menu” played, and everyone lost their minds. The boys were dancing and singing to their heart’s content. It was insane how amazing they were in person. When the song ended,
everyone was not finished shouting at the top of their lungs.
Chairs were put out as they were waving to their Stays, and the interview just flowed naturally before the actual madness started—parlor games. A few games were played, some with missions, and these said
games were named after the boy group’s songs. They played this Jenga game that had the words “mission” and “safe” on the blocks, where the former had some sort of mission to accomplish, and the
latter just meant that anyone who picked it just continued with their lives. And then there was the ever-famous silent relay game every K-Pop and Korean fan saw on variety shows. Everyone was laughing and
gushing when Changbin tried to pull a few silly antics.
The highlight of the night was when they showcased their hidden talents in the arts. Eight easels came out with a blank Bench tee, where they were tasked to draw whoever was on the photocard attached to it.
The catch was one lucky fan from the VIP section was going to go home with the finished artwork. I couldn’t help but get jealous because Bang Chan’s drawing was cute and fun, while Hyunjin’s was just amazing. It was, to say the least, a good day to be a Stay.
To cap off the night, they performed “Case 143” from their recently released album Maxident. It was so full of energy, and they danced and sang with so much gusto, making me wish I didn’t have two
left feet. The song’s climax came with a white confetti shower, and the show ended. It wasn’t bittersweet,
but it sure was bitin.
Ending this, and making up for such a short yet worthwhile show, here’s what they told me when I asked them what they could say to their Filipino Stays. They answered, well Bang Chan mostly did, “We’re gonna
be back soon. We’re gonna prepare a lot for them, so we hope they all get their hopes up and get interested in what we’re going to bring.” I’d like to think I’m speaking on behalf of the Filipino Stays when I say that, yes, I am getting my hopes up for a freaking good show.