Moonbin and Sanha, members of K-pop boy band ASTRO, held their first show as a unit in Manila nearly seven years after their first visit to the Philippines.
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha at their Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha at their Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha at their Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha at their Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha at their Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
ASTRO's Moonbin at the Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
The duo held their “2023 Moonbin & Sanha Fan Con Tour: Diffusion in Manila” on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater.
ASTRO, as a complete group composed of Cha Eun-woo, Moonbin, Sanha, Jinjin, MJ and Rocky, first performed in Manila on Sept. 3, 2016 for the 200th episode of the Korean TV music program “Show Champion.”
Hosted by comedian Kim Shin-young and Super Junior’s Heechul, “Show Champion in Manila” featured ASTRO, BTS, BAP, VIXX, Astro, KNK and M&D (composed of Heechul and TRAX’s Jungmo), and girl groups AOA, Sonamoo and Gugudan.
ASTRO performing at the “Show Champion" in Manila on Sept. 3, 2016 (Jonathan Hicap)
ASTRO’s visit to Manila happened just a little over six months after their debut in February 2016.
At the fan con, Moonbin remembered their visit and said Pinoy fans welcomed them warmly.
“Actually, even seven years ago, Arohas [ASTRO fans] welcomed us. Upon our return, the way you welcomed us is still the same. Ang init [it’s hot],” said Moonbin.
“To be honest, we missed our Philippine Arohas so much,” said Sanha.
Moonbin and Sanha debuted as an ASTRO unit in September 2020 with the release of the album “In-Out.” They dropped their new album “Incense” last January.
The two K-pop stars opened the show with “Who,” a cut from their “Refuge” album released in March 2022, followed by “Bad Idea” and “Dia.”
During the talk portion, hosted by Sam Oh, Moonbin and Sanha talked about their visit and performing together.
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha at their Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
The Philippines was the first country that the two visited after launching the fan con tour in Seoul.
“Among the different countries, since the Philippines was chosen to be the first stop for us, we were really nervous about this. But when we see how you cheer for us, it gives us strength,” said Moonbin.
About places they wanted to visit for vacation in the Philippines, Sanha mentioned Cebu and Palawan.
“I was recommended to visit Palawan so I really love to visit Palawan,” said Sanha.
Moonbin said, “Since the Philippines is known for beautiful places, I would like to visit Boracay. But I also think that rather than coming here as a vacation, I would love to come here to perform for all of you.”
Moonbin and Sanha also learned Filipino phrases at the fan con including “Ang init (It’s hot),” “Charot (just kidding)” and “Mahal ko kayo (I love you).”
During the show, Moonbin and Sanha did the viral “Ting Ting Tang Tang” dance challenge.
When they were asked if they had a TMI story that happened in Manila, Sanha said, “I was asleep in my hotel room today. My room was kinda wide. So I was scared to even sleep. I was trying to sleep but I heard noises from outside. And I saw that it was just the air conditioner.”
Moonbin said unlike in Korea where the weather is still cold, the weather is hot in Manila so he was able to wear shorts during rehearsal.
“And it’s been a long time since I saw my feet so I was happy,” he said.
During the show, Moonbin and Sanha went down to the audience area to be closer to the fans.
Sanha performed “Wish” while Moonbin did a sexy performance of “Perfumer” and “Desire,” which elicited loud cheers from the fans.
The duo also sang “Madness,” “Chup Chup,” “Alone,” “Dream Catcher,” “All I Wanna Do” and “Your Day.”
“I’m kinda embarrassed to say this with my own mouth but I can feel that the Arohas love us. And it makes me feel more that it is a shame that I didn’t get to come back for seven years. But I’m so happy and glad that I got to come back here even as a unit and enjoy together with the fans,” said Sanha.
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha at their Diffusion in Manila fan con on March 25 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
Moonbin said, “After seven years, as a unit, we finally got to come back to the Philippines. As Sanha have said, I kept thinking ‘what if we came back earlier?’”
“If we can get the chance in the future, if you would call us once again, we will make sure to come back. Until that day, I hope everyone will remain healthy,” he added.
The “2023 Moonbin & Sanha Fan Con Tour: Diffusion in Manila” was presented by DNM Entertainment.
필리핀 로하덕에 좋은 시간 보냈습니다🥰#아스트로 #아로하 pic.twitter.com/yb3r3rXJSJ
— ASTRO 아스트로 (@offclASTRO) March 26, 2023