[PHILIPPINES] From Debut to Dream Stage: AHOF’s Unforgettable First Manila Visit

AHOF – short for All-time Hall Of Famer and a play on the Korean word “aheop” (아홉), meaning “nine” to represent their members – was formed through SBS’s global survival show Universe League. The group is composed of Steven, Jeongwoo, Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, JL, Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke.

Their debut EP, Who We Are, released on July 1, quickly surged in popularity, becoming the best-selling rookie debut of the year with over 369,850 copies sold in its first week.

Barely sixty days after their debut, the demand for their first FanCon was overwhelming. When ticket sales for Rendezvous in Manila opened on August 2, the entire Smart Araneta Coliseum sold out within just 30 minutes – a clear testament to AHOF’s skyrocketing popularity and their strong fanbase in the Philippines.

Meeting the Press: First Impressions in Manila

A day before their most-awaited FanCon, AHOF was officially introduced to the Philippine media. The members gamely answered questions, offering a glimpse into their journey and aspirations.

When asked about the most challenging part of being in a survival show, Steven admitted that it was the constant pressure to deliver on every stage. Still, he said, those experiences taught them how to manage stress and perform better under pressure. Jeongwoo added that, while it wasn’t always shown on-air, the competition was mentally difficult—he even confessed that there were moments when he cried.

On their debut album Who We Are, Woongki shared that it reflects the group’s sincerity: “We really tried to show who we are, and at the same time relay the message that we might still be lacking, but we’ll try our best.” Han added that each track highlights the individual colour of the members, while their title track, Rendezvous, carried a distinct band sound with minimal English lyrics, underscoring their identity as a uniquely Korean group.

When asked about winning their first music show award so early in their career, Shuaibo admitted they couldn’t believe it at first, thinking it was all a dream. Daisuke reflected more seriously, noting that the level of competition in Korea is tough, and receiving the award motivated him to work even harder.

The press also had lighter moments with the group. JL’s Filipino roots naturally became a topic of conversation, with Jeongwoo revealing that JL taught them how to say “mahal kita” and “maraming salamat po.” He also developed a love for pancit canton, a Filipino instant noodle dish, while Daisuke confessed that JL’s lessons in adding “po” for politeness stuck with him so much that he sometimes blurts out “konnichiwa po.” Woongki, meanwhile, praised the sweetness of Philippine mangoes, calling them “so delicious.”

Looking ahead, the group expressed interest in exploring concepts that suit them best, with JL saying they are still searching for the right genre and concept to define their identity. When asked about musical inspirations, he cited 2NE1, Sarah Geronimo, and The Beatles, while Juwon mentioned Jennie, praising her ability to command the stage even solo.

As for their group’s chemistry, Steven described it as “synergy,” saying that while each member has different strengths, together they create something stronger than they could alone. Shuaibo poetically added that their bond is like “shining” that he shines brighter when standing with the group.

The press conference wrapped up with the question of dream collaborations. Juwon humbly noted that they weren’t at that level yet, but Woongki couldn’t resist jokingly countering, saying he would love to collaborate with Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande before laughingly adding, “Our DMs are open, so please send us a message!”

The media session ended with AHOF performing Rendezvous and The Universe, giving everyone a taste of what was to come.

A Night to Remember: Rendezvous in Manila

On August 30, 2025, the anticipation finally came to life as AHOF stepped onto the stage of the Smart Araneta Coliseum for their first Philippine FanCon. The venue was filled with lightsticks, cheers, and banners as fans welcomed the rookies with deafening screams.

The group performed songs from Who We Are, including their title track Rendezvous, and surprised fans with a heartfelt cover of SB19’s Go Up, a tribute to Filipino talent that drew thunderous applause. Between stages, the members played games, answered questions, and expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming love they’ve received.

JL, performing in front of a home crowd, grew visibly emotional. “This is a dream come true,” he said, his voice shaking. “To stand here at Araneta with my brothers and with all of you… I will never forget this night.”

The evening closed with The Universe, their fan-dedicated track. As confetti fell, AHOF promised to return soon, leaving their Filipino fans with memories of a magical night that cemented the group’s place as one of K-pop’s most promising rookies.

We would like to thank SBTown for inviting us!

Written by: Zee
Photos by: F&F Entertainment, Zee

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