Choi Minho’s first fan meet in Manila

Choi Minho went back to Manila for his first-ever fan meet. He is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and actor who debuted in 2008 with SHINee, a K-Pop boy group under SM Entertainment. Additionally, the distinguished boy group excels in various musical styles like contemporary R&B, pop, and hip-hop. To name a few hits from their discography, “Replay”, “Sherlock”, and “View” are some that gained global recognition.

SHINee member Choi Minho wears barong during his concert in Manila. PHOTO COURTESY OF MANUEL CHUA AND OVATION PRODUCTIONS

Choi has delved deeper into hip-hop and R&B for his debut as a solo artist. Six songs make up “Chase – The 1st Mini Album,” featuring the title track, “Chase,” an R&B song with a relaxed vibe and tempo. The musician also worked with singer Lim Kim and rapper Gemini on the tracks “Waterfall” and “Runaway.”

Subsequently, his first solo fan meeting dubbed “2023 Best Choi's Minho Lucky Choi's,” commenced in Seoul last December. Following this, Filipino fans were ecstatic to hear that the singer would be back in Manila after SHINee's performance in 2017.

The fandom has always been supportive and loyal to the idol, as Choi was the last person to release a mini album among the members of SHINee.Furthermore, even before the show began on January 28, Filipino Shinee World, or Shawols, erupted in cheers from all across the Mall of Asia Arena.

To no surprise, Choi opened the show with an exhilarating performance of his song, “Heartbreak”.

It is his second digital single with a smooth R&B sound, which is also his most streamed song on Spotify.To put the show into motion, select attendees got to join Choi on stage in accomplishing missions such as striking a group pose in the first segment called “Lucky Box.”

Even more thrilling is the fact that opportunities to interact with the idol were also based on luck. The all-around entertainer and his staff made sure the fan meet would be worthwhile by putting on enthralling performances and engaging in interactive fan activities, making it the kind of fan meet that any fan would have desired.Shawols who were fortunate to go on stage shared their gratitude to Choi for visiting the Philippines to meet the fans, also wishing their idol to always stay in good health.

Consecutively, Choi drew lucky items such as our very own Barong Tagalog. Once he wore the barong and tried the local Pandango dance, fans made sure to capture the moment since it's a rare sight to witness a K-Pop idol indulging our culture.Moreover, he showed off his acting prowess in the second segment called “Lucky Moment.”

He attempted a viral dance challenge and reenacted swoon-worthy K-Drama scenes. In addition, when asked about a time when he felt lucky, Choi said that his luckiest and happiest moments come from encounters with the people he values most, such as his fans.Choi did not lie when he said he wanted to pull off the best fan meet as he prepared a medley of SHINee's songs such as “Don't Call Me” and “Atlantis” on top of all the surprises. Fans loved how he performed charismatically, singing and rapping live on every stage.In a short clip that followed the performance, the audience learned more about the artist. He shared that he has been listening to a song called “UFO” by one of his collaborators on his mini album, “Gemini.”

He even sang a snippet before he performed “Runaway,” a rhythmic hip-hop track from his latest album.More details were revealed about the idol through the “Keyword Talk” segment, asking for his opinion linked to song titles from his album. He shared, “if I run away somewhere, the Philippines will be the best place, with the hot weather, great food, and kind people.” In addition, if Shawols came to South Korea, he would like them to visit Seoul, particularly Kwangya (in their company).

There, they would have kimbap and samgyupsal, then, later on, try a 4-cut instant photo booth in their company.Ultimately, Choi performed his latest single, “Chase”, for the first time in front of Filipino Shawols! Fans gave their warmest support to make the idol feel welcome and appreciated a couple of years later.

Minho also shared his sincerest appreciation to his fans after waiting so long. Inevitably, he concluded the night with a soothing ballad entitled “I'm Home”. It was undoubtedly a night filled with heartwarming interaction between the idol and his fans.***After his first successful solo concert at the CCP under the “Triple Threats” series entitled “All Of Me,” Arman Ferrer takes on “Another Chance” at the BGC Performing Arts Theater on Valentine's Day, February 14 for the benefit of the Angat Buhay NGO.

Award-winning Crossover Artist Arman Ferrer in his Valentine concert will be joined by special guests- OPM Icon Mitch Valdes, Theater Royalty Shiela Valderrama -Martinez, Toma Cayabyab and Debonair District plus exemplary actress-host and comebacking singing sweetheart Jackie Lou Blanco.

Like the critically acclaimed and box office hit CCP show, Arman's Valentine concert will be written and directed by Floy Quintos with Gino Cruz as musical director.

Book tickets now thru Ticketworld 88919999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.