Filipino comfort food has long held a special place in the hearts of foreign visitors, from celebrities to chefs and K-pop idols alike. And for BTS’ j-hope, returning to the Philippines wasn’t just about music, but it was also a chance to rediscover a taste he first fell for eight years ago.
Back in 2017, during the BTS’ “Wings Tour,” j-hope got to try a bowl of Sinigang na Lapu-Lapu during a livestream together with his fellow member, Suga. That sour-savory stew left a mark, and his fondness for Filipino cuisine has only deepened since. So when he came back to Manila for his solo “Hope On The Stage” concert last April, he once again turned to food for comfort and connection to his Filipino ARMYs (BTS fandom).
Following two sold-out shows at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the K-pop superstar treated himself to a feast fit for a Filipino family gathering. In a casual livestream on Weverse, fans watched as j-hope enjoyed a spread of crispy pata, sinigang na baboy sa sampaloc, crispy sisig, garlic rice, and a cup of halo-halo to top it all off.
“This is my favorite dessert! Halo-halo!” he said, savoring the mix of shaved ice, ube, leche flan, and sweetened fruits.
The now-viral moment was instantly recognized by Filipino fans, who traced the food back to Manam, a homegrown restaurant famous for serving traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist. Known for comforting classics like sinigang and sisig, Manam quickly became a trending topic alongside j-hope’s name online.
As screenshots from the livestream circulated online, “Manam” and “Hobi” lit up social media feeds. Fans flocked to the restaurant’s branches, eager to experience the same meal their idol had. In response, Manam launched a limited-time set menu recreating j-hope’s order—yes, that includes a plate of crispy pata and a glass of halo-halo. It was eventually dubbed as Hobi Set by fans.
The restaurant also joined in the celebration, posting a message of gratitude towards fans who enjoy the local restaurant’s special menu.
“Super amazing ‘Hope On The Stage Manila’ concert this weekend! Gamsahamnida (Thank you) j-hope!! Please rest, eat well, and enjoy some Filipino fare, our beloved Jhopeee. Mahal ka namin, walang uuwi. Saranghae!” it wrote in an Instagram story.
j-hope’s appreciation for Filipino flavors didn’t end there. He also made sure to try out iconic fast-food chain Jollibee, joyfully sharing the experience with fans during his farewell at the Manila show.
Though his April visit marked his first return to the country since 2017, j-hope made it clear that the warmth of Filipino hospitality had not been forgotten. Through food, he found comfort, connection, and celebration with the fans who welcomed him back with open arms and full hearts.
In a city where cuisine is culture, j-hope’s Manila stop became more than a concert, it became a shared meal, a cultural moment, and a reminder of how food brings people together, no matter where they come from.
