Of Bliss and Blue Roses: Filipino IDs Reunite with B.I for Privé Alliance Fanmeet in Manila
MANILA, Philippines — South Korean creative artist and record producer Kim Hanbin, known mononymously as B.I, lights ablaze the Philippine stage for the third time at the SM MOA Arena on March 4, 2024. His collaboration with independent streetwear label Privé Alliance showcases a collection that speaks youthful, dream-like love, which he relentlessly imparts to his fans.
The 27-year-old rapper last visited his Filipino IDs (fanbase name) during L.O.L The Hidden Stage in Manila, his 2023 global tour, with a guest appearance from Filipino-Australian actor James Reid.
Loved at First Sight
IDs showered B.I with passionate cheers as he opened the show with the all-English track Loved.
Even host Denise Laurel spent a moment gushing over him with the fans, claiming he looked “dashing as always.”
TMI with B.I
B.I let on a little confession as the fanmeet kickstarter. He shared that he had his beauty sleep and woke up at 2 p.m. for his late lunch before the show. Talking about Filipino food, he got his fans all shook up with his newfound interest in bagoóng (fermented seafood paste).
B.I admitted he prefers a comfortable style above anything else nowadays. He was put on a spot when asked to choose between a hoodie and training pants. He initially picked the latter, though there were currently none in his clothing line.
“My favorite color is blue, but I don’t like to wear kind of like blue style, so I prefer gray hoodie or black hoodie.” — B.I
When asked to describe his own Privé apparel, he uttered a single word: comfort. Don’t we all agree?
BIN There, Done That
The Keep me up singer spills the tea about his 2024 plans. Filipino IDs have yet to wait for further official announcements about his upcoming tour, yet he promised to revisit the Philippines soon. B.I 2024 Tour HYPE UP is set to commence in Seoul, South Korea on May 18.
“Well, actually, I’m gonna go on a tour! Definitely have it here, too.” — B.I
Afraid that B.I overworks himself? Fret not, IDs! B.I revealed that the first on his bucket list is to explore a country that’s part of his tour as a treat for himself. Touring aside, he said he also needs to keep himself fit beforehand.
Finally, the answer to this million-dollar question: If B.I can travel anywhere in the world, where will he go? Simple, “everywhere!” An all-expense trip paid for by IDs, perhaps?
There is no doubt that fans want nothing but for their all-rounder idol’s dreams to come true. Throughout the entire Q&A portion, light sticks glimmered as screams lingered.
Philippines Shining Yellow
Despite not being in the setlist, B.I sang a snippet of MICHELANGELO, the ninth track in his second studio album, TO DIE FOR, after IDs persistently roared, “Sample!” The lyrics proudly exclaim, “I’m a reincarnation of Michelangelo. I transcend time.”
For him, the song that encapsulates his identity varies per country. To represent the Philippines, he particularly handpicked one about the pursuit of greatness, MICHELANGELO.
The Filipino fans later harmonized with the superstar as he performed his blockbuster hit, BTBT. In Korean, the word “biteulbiteul” refers to floundering steps, implying he had lost his balance upon falling deeply in love.
Once-In-A-Blue-Moon Privélege
The night won’t be complete without one-on-one interactions between B.I and his beloved IDs!
Somi, in her lustrous silver dress, shined on stage as she unleashed her best moves to the BTBT dance challenge. B.I unexpectedly joined in after his quick backstage retouch and asked, “Shall we do it together?” If this isn’t #goals, we don’t know what is!
In the ‘Lucky Me’ lottery segment, B.I personally drew five winners of his official merchandise. When randomly tossing the freebies, he dismissed the need for security because, according to the singer-songwriter himself, he trusts his IDs enough!
Aside from Somi, a few more fans caught the attention of their Hanbinnie.
Privé hoodie winner Mae took a sick leave from work just to attend the fanmeet. B.I jokingly scolded her, “Please don’t get caught and lie to your boss, okay?” Meanwhile, Joyce, 30, shared she has adored Hanbin since 2014.
Albert, who discovered B.I through iKON, requested the group’s former leader for a performance of the soulful bop illa illa. He politely declined yet guaranteed to do it in the near future.
Just when you thought B.I’s fanbase demographic encompassed merely the youth, the IDs present continued to prove otherwise. Camille, 37, felt sentimental while recounting her fondness for the male soloist.
“I just want you to know that your music has no limits. As a working mom, you make my life more meaningful. You mean so much to me.” — Camille
Love Is Blue
IDs won’t lose to B.I’s earnest profession of love. They played Love Is Blue on the big screen — a video project marking his success throughout his life and career. With azure roses on hand, fans delivered heartfelt messages to the artist, centering on the point, “Hanbin is love!”
“I always like this kind of event. Thank you so much for doing it again for me.” — B.I
From students to professionals, singles to couples, B.I’s music indeed knows no bounds. Speaking of bounds, it didn’t take him long before he defied the script and his bodyguards to fist-bump as many fans as possible!
As his parting gift, he signed the shirt he was wearing and intently gave it away to his IDs. He then performed COSMOS, the title track of the first half of his second studio album. Afterwards, the whole arena paused and posed for a groufie with Hanbinnie.
“I will be back!” — B.I
There is no lone definition of love, and that’s okay. But for IDs endlessly tracing the blues, there are no second thoughts: Hanbin is love.
Privé Alliance Meets B.I in Manila 2024 was brought to the Philippines by Privé Alliance and MakeitLive Entertainment Inc.
Media coverage by Shaniah Marie Atienza and Claro Reliel Taguba
Image Post Processing by Bey Bonifacio
