For Nam Woo Hyun, I Was Insane For Doing This!
Wait… let me breathe!
So yes, it was on March 12, 2023, when I finally saw Nam Woo Hyun in a fan meeting for the first time!
I’m still floating in the clouds as I remember this beautiful memory of mine. I’ve written a blog about Nam Woo Hyun Fan Meeting in Bangkok 2023 – A fangirl story for this.
How far can I fangirl for Nam Woo Hyun?
Let’s start with some background, March 2023 was quite hectic for me. A lot of things happened. That was not the story all about though, it was just insanely unbelievable.
After the Comeback Solo Fan Meeting event, my best friend met up with me in Bangkok and we went to Cambodia together. (I’ll be writing about it soon for my travel blogs) Then it was the same month that I planned to be back home – in the Philippines.
My March was a full pack of events, not to mention that I got sick too. I felt like I was restless but then it was truly fulfilling.
Most of all, I’m finally taking a vacation in the Philippines!
Did I hear a prank?
I had a very long day on the 24th of March 2023. It was the day I arrived in Manila. Since I traveled alone with many things with me, I was madly exhausted.
Due to my own mistakes in scheduling my flights, I couldn’t fly home from Manila just yet. So, I was there in the guest house near the airport, not exactly knowing what to do with my extra time.
Ironically though, I’m always active on my social media accounts, so I was doing Facebook mostly during this free time.
That’s when I saw something that I thought was a prank! Did they say Nam Woo Hyun will be performing in Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Coronation Night?
Honestly, I kind of shared it on my newsfeed but I was worried if it was a joke or something. I went to check Nam Woo Hyun’s official accounts, but there’s no mention of it, so I was like… “Are they kidding me?”
I mean, of course, I am very proud and happy that our Nam Woo Hyun (my ultimate bias) was chosen to perform in the most beautiful night in the Philippines (that’s how they say it… hehe).
But come on? I felt that it was strange on another level. Are they playing with PH Inspirits?
Hey hey! I'm not ranting, but these were my real thoughts when I saw that announcement. Until I saw some other pages posted about it too, and my Inspirits friends also talked about it. This must be real then.
If this was real, am I able to come?
It’s a little too soon. I just had so many expenses. I’m even on a partially unpaid vacation. An Inspirit friend from Thailand encouraged me to go, but I responded to her that I can’t be certain because of the circumstances.
My PH Inspirit friends were also messaging and inviting me, and I felt the excitement of seeing Nam Woo Hyun in the Philippines.
I think it doesn’t matter wherever the event will be, I would always be very excited. But the thought of being with my fellow fans from the Philippines hits differently.
Our Nam Woo Hyun is making a history! YAY!
My Inspirit friends and I kind of speculated the ticket price, the songs he will perform, and how he would perform for a completely different event than before. Note that this is the very first time a KPOP idol will perform at Miss Universe Philippines Coronation Night.
YES! It’s a history in the making!
Regardless of many considerations, it will still boil down if I can afford to attend this event.
The days went by fast, and they announced that tickets will be on pre-sale on 2 April 2023, plus the ticket price is seriously expensive.
I was too shocked! Why very soon?
I thought, perhaps, I should just get the most affordable option so if I have the chance to be in the Philippines then, at least I can still join.
On the day of the ticket sale, that’s when it started getting wild! Can you guess what happened?
I was sitting in my bed, just by myself, really thinking so hard if I should get the Upper Box or Lower Box.
The Inspirit blocks were on the left and right side of the arena, so I thought of just getting a ticket from the stage-facing block. What stopped me though is the thought of being awkward (What if I’m the only Inspirit there?).
Remember this is for Miss Universe Philippines and not an exclusive Nam Woo Hyun event.
It would surely be nice to also be seated with Inspirits, then the idea of just getting a VIP seat occurred to me.
So I bought a VIP ticket using a credit card!
No further ado, the “budol” happened. Yes. I used my credit card to pay for the Inspirit VIP seat.
I thought I’ll just do my best to earn extra to pay it off ASAP. Believe me, I was happy I purchased the ticket but I was also scared of the choice I made.
I’m a responsible credit card user, but still this is crazy!
I thought it would be nice if this was a fan meeting or a concert, to get the most out of it. But then, it will be Nam Woo Hyun’s first-ever exclusive performance in the Miss Universe Philippines. I wanted to come to show support and be part of that history. (I love him as a fan that much T_T)
I should not be guilty of the choice I made, instead, look forward to it.
Things got a little crazier for me!
On the same day, I bought the ticket, I was also on a sea trip for about 4 hours. It’s a long time and for some reason, my mind was just stuck in planning what to do. Those 4 hours went by so fast because of so many things going on in my mind.
I sure want to see Nam Woo Hyun, however, I also don’t know what I am expecting to happen. I mean, whom can I ask?
I started formulating ideas in my mind, and it’s getting crazier the more I think of it.
If this was a solo fan meeting, at least I have an idea because I recently attended one. But this one was totally different. That’s when I thought I should just go with the flow, and maybe prepare a little extra.
Honestly, I'm laughing out loud while writing this. For me, it's really funny to share but I'm not sure if you will feel the same. (Please don't judge me so much, I just think I was being weird)
To be a little extra, should I wear a gown?
It wasn’t a fan meeting, but a beauty pageant. At first, I thought I would wear a gown! Hahaha, but I have no guts to do so. (Did I just say that?)
Then I thought, why not wear something that best represents the Philippines?
That’s when the idea to wear a Filipiniana occurred to me. [Filipiniana is a traditional Filipina dress, usually with oversized sleeves and long skirts]
I always wanted to try wearing a Filipiniana dress but I just didn’t have the appropriate event to attend so far.
I kind of feel comfortable with that idea. Days went by so fast again, and I was back in Malaysia for work. I didn’t have much time to look for a Filipiniana to wear. Good thing I found a rental just near the MOA Arena. But again, isn’t it crazy?
What about a sash with the Filipiniana dress?
Another crazy idea occurred to me, which was to wear a personalized sash. I didn’t know where to get it though until 4 days before flying to the Philippines, I realized to look online.
Hahaha, I’m sorry I know I already lost my mind.
I found a personalized one online and immediately placed an order. I knew there was a risk that I might not receive it before my flight, but still I did place the order.
Fly on the weekends only to see Nam Woo Hyun!
Filing for leave was also difficult because I just returned from a vacation leave. Even finding someone to swap schedules is almost impossible. I planned to have 3 days leave, but I only got approved for a day.
I’m grateful enough because the 13th of May 2023 fall on my rest day.
That means I can fly in the morning and still be able to attend in the evening. Then rest the next day, then fly back the following day. Just thinking about this mad schedule blows my mind!
The crazy outfit idea aren’t complete! OMG!
On the 12th, I was still working for the day and I still have no dress, no shoes, and “my crazy sash”.
But I know even without those, I can still go, right?
I can just wear anything. So it’s fine. But I was really absorbed in that crazy idea and when will I ever have the conviction of doing this again?
Just before I leave the house, the parcel came – Yes! The sash! So yeah… it was meant to be worn then.
Just like what happened last time, I flew to Bangkok right after my shift, but this time, I was going to the Philippines, and I also had to make some last-minute shopping for the shoe to wear because my old ones can’t be worn and repaired.
A quick funny behind the scene story here was that the mall was about to close, so the salesman just gave me the lowest price possible so I can make a decision to buy and go. Thanks to him, I got a proper pair of shoes at a cheaper price! YAY steal!
The D-day!
All right. Seems like all set then. I arrived in the Philippines in the morning, and the Miss Universe Philippines Coronation Night is in the evening.
I still had to get the Filipiniana dress delivered, and I didn’t have sleep yet. I was very tired but also laughed a lot at all the crazy thoughts and ideas I had.
Before taking some few hours of sleep, I requested the hotel front desk to receive my Filipiniana dress on my behalf, and I’ll pick it up later on. I got about 3 hours of sleep, and I woke up with my stomach growling for food. It was lunchtime anyway, so I had lunch.
Some little hiccups happened but I don’t find them really necessary to share. After all the preparation, it’s finally time for me to accomplish my plan.
I saw my long time Inspirit friends!
I went to the Mall of Asia Arena, where the Miss Universe Philippines Coronation night will be held. I haven’t worn the sash because I felt shy about doing so.
In the Mall of Asia Arena, I saw many Inspirits with the Yeobongs [INFINITE’s lightstick]; and the INFINITE and Nam Woo Hyun merch. The sense of belongingness again occurred to me. It’s great to be in such an atmosphere again.
I redeemed my ticket and Inspirit merch when a long-time Inspirit friend called me. I was stunned!
I’m so happy to see her again, and the fact that she has recognized me after 7 years. We had a nice quick chat, and she told me I should wear a sash.
So I thought, oh yeah! I got the courage to wear mine.
Is this going to get crazier?
This day couldn’t get crazier without me thinking, what am I doing in the Miss Universe Philippines?
As soon as I enter the Mall of Asia Arena, I saw a lot of people in their best get-ups. Bunch of photographers, pageant fans, INFINITE fans, celebrities, and many more.
I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to socialize just like during the Bangkok Fan Meeting, but I’m kind of shy to approach anyone. So about an hour before the event, I already went inside the arena. As I walk to my seat, I’m questioning myself if I was in the right place (Should I say, right mind?)
There were ushers and usherettes guiding people to their seats, and I was worried that I will be seated next to non-Inspirits. Only because of the awkwardness or uncertainty.
As soon as I get seated, I heard people near me that they were there for Nam Woo Hyun. Then some more people came and seated next to me.
I was very happy to see that they were Inspirits. It was like a get-together event for us, not just because we came for the same reason – to cheer and support Nam Woo Hyun, but because we felt like a family that hasn’t seen each other for the longest time.
I was very glad to meet those who also went to the Nam Woo Hyun’s Fanmeeting in Bangkok. We had a really nice chat exchange because of that. Finally, I can comfortably socialize! Of course, exchanging social media is a thing for me.
Guess what?
As I exchanged social media with this one girl, she recognized my name and I thought she looked familiar. We figured we have been friends on Facebook, but we both can’t remember where and when we met. What a long time it has been! Isn’t it insane?
What more can happen in this Miss Universe Philippine event?
I just can’t believe what has happened! Everything was insanely beautiful to think about, huh?
This made me realize that something unusual like going to a pageant event to support a KPOP idol can be uniquely amazing!
I know, I’ve been talking about the crazy thing I have done as a fan girl. It was even more insane when the event officially started!
Because NAM WOO HYUN did the opening performance with his energetic and fun song “Shooting Stars“.
As soon as he entered the stage, he was already looking around where Inspirits were. His eyes and expressions really brightened up when he saw his fans were there, waiting and cheering for him.
It has been 8 years! PH Inspirits missed our Nam Woo Hyun so much!
The Mall of Asia Arena was filled with loud cheering from PH Inspirits. It is as if this was not a beauty pageant event, but a KPOP concert.
I myself even forgot that I was at the Miss Universe Philippines event. I was so happy to finally see the KPOP idol I adore so much live on stage.
After the first song, Nam Woo Hyun greeted Inspirits and the whole Mall of Asia Arena in English! That was insane! (I had a little heartache here though, but seeing Nam Woo Hyun handled it well, I feel better)
The next song was “Lonely Night“.
How ironic but this night was not lonely at all!
This is a lively and sweet song that was performed with so much passion by the one and only Nam Woo Hyun. Look at how he glanced while sincerely serenading Inspirits! Then see if “lonely night” is still a vocabulary.
After his performances, we watched the Miss Universe Philippines live. Though I came for Nam Woo Hyun, I still enjoyed watching the beautiful ladies from different parts of the Philippines, the hosts Xian Lim, Alden Richards, and the one and only Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi. There were performances from the Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez as well and many more.
Frankly though, Inspirits in my area were wondering if Nam Woo Hyun will still come out on the stage. We have no idea, but of course, we didn’t want to leave. I was also messaging some Inspirit friends in the other blocks and we’re all waiting for the one we came for.
One little quick story here. Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup delivered a speech on stage, and when she mentioned something "...INFINITE possibilities"... Us, Inspirits got our ears up! hahaha I guess even if we were sleeping and we hear that beloved name, we'll get up immediately :D
While the Miss Universe Philippines event is ongoing, we saw some shared posts where our Nam Woo Hyun was seen outside the arena. We were like, “요기와서! [Come here!]” hahaha
While the judges have to deliberate on who will be crowned the new Miss Universe Philippines 2023, and before the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi farewell walk, NAM WOO HYUN was back on stage!
He then performed a powerful “You’re my lady“, not even my low-quality recording can ruin his beautiful voice.
As always, Nam Woo Hyun doesn’t disappoint with his incredible vocals! I can’t be more proud!
It’s NAM WOO HYUN! INFINITE’s Main Vocal! HE’s singing LIVE!
Fans couldn’t be stopped cheering for him.
After his performance, Nam Woo Hyun had a talk and finally with an interpreter. He apologized for keeping his fans waiting and thanked them for staying. This was also when he expressed his wish to come back next year with a solo or Infinite concert. (I haven’t been able to upload the video on Youtube/TikTok yet, but you can watch my reels here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/6366263603502201)
The funny thing, we already cheered so loud even before the interpreter could say them in English.
(To Nam Woo Hyun: Please know that we believe you, and we will wait for you, always)
Then he performed his final performance in this event, the “Nod Nod“.
This song is Nam Woo Hyun’s debut song as a solo singer. This song has a sweet, clear, and smooth tone.
As a fan who cheered for him even before he debuted as a solo singer, the song had a great flashback and reminded me of how I became a fan. I felt the journey that Inspirit and Nam Woo Hyun had shared together through that performance.
I’m still in awe as I wrote this. Nam Woo Hyun Jjang [best]!
Was that all of it?
After his song, the Miss Universe Philippines Coronation night continued. As the top 3 candidates were on stage and waiting for the announcement of who will be crowned the next Miss Universe Philippines, I also started to get nervous.
(I won’t tell you who I rooted for… hahaha I love them all)
The cheers from the pageant fans crowd became louder and louder. Each to their candidates. It was surely intense!
I can’t imagine being a candidate (hahaha hey! Imagine or reality, I will never be one…) You know that whoever wins, all the ladies did their best. I can only watch them and share the elevated heart rate and the feeling of butterflies in my stomach. Then… the winner was announced!
Congratulations Miss Makati, the new Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Daniela Dee!
I finally witnessed a Miss Universe Philippines winner reaction live in this event. I saw people crying out of happiness. It was a tough competition after all.
For someone who went to see Nam Woo Hyun, that wasn’t the highlight yet though!
While most were busy taking pictures on stage, and a lot of movement was happening, we were then approached for the photo op with Nam Woo Hyun!
We were told to move back and wait for a while. Inspirits surely waited for this! Everyone was retouching their makeup. Poor me, I only asked for a piece of tissue/napkin (choose what you like! hahaha) and wiped my greasy face~ urgh!
Finally, we were called to queue on stage for the photo op. It’s different this time, I’m more relaxed than in my previous experience in Bangkok. (Am I a pro now? just kidding!)
I mean, I get my head straight now and really remember to tell Nam Woo Hyun the message I wanted to tell him but I couldn’t last time. When he finally came out, I was already looking forward to getting closer to him and expressing my message.
When it was my group’s turn for the photo, I couldn’t get to the seat beside him so I just went to his back. OMG!
I seriously get so “kilig” here. My goodness! Imagine he was right in front of me.
I clearly heard him say we will pose “hearteu“. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling from ear to ear once again. (I found a video of this moment from another Inspirit, and I am still waiting for the permission to get a copy)
Waaaah! Here’s how the photo turned out!
After taking the photo with him on stage, I took the chance to call him “Oppa!” then I said my message… (I won’t write it here – it’s only between us. lol)
I was very happy as I went down the stage for the next group to get their photo taken.
As always, NAMU gives the best fan service possible.
@marezvirtucio #인피니트 #남우현namwoohyun interacted with #Inspirit #인스피릿 and wished them a good night sleep 😊🥰 after the #MissUniversePhilippines2023 ♬ Flower – Nam Woo Hyun
Definitely one of the most beautiful night I had!
We Inspirit waited for Nam Woo Hyun to come out of the venue, and up to the parking lot exit. I met with my long-time Inspirit friends there. Though we didn’t see Nam Woo Hyun then, we had the chance to get together for some photos and videos to be sent to Nam Woo Hyun.
This day was insane! Did I just attend that?
An Inspirit friend even asked me, “What else are you willing to do?”…
We’ll see, NEXT TIME!
Thanks for reading until the end. Please take care of our Nam Woo Hyun. Thank you for sending love and support! #NeverEnding