MANILA, Philippines - Not even Typhoon Helen could stop the thousands of Super Junior fans from trooping to Trinoma Mall last Wednesday to catch a glimpse of the famous Korean boy band’s two members, Siwon and Donghae, who breezed into the country for an event for Bench and a special meet-and-greet session.
Siwon and Donghae are the current endorsers of the proudly Filipino clothing brand Bench. Super Junior is the most famous boy band in the Philippines and one of the most popular boy groups in Asia and arguably, even in the world.
Super Junior fans collectively called ELF for Everlasting Friends braved the torrential rains and endured long hours of standing (they’ve been in the mall as early as 10 a.m. when the program was scheduled to start at 5 p.m.), all in the pursuit of seeing Siwon and Donghae in the flesh. After all, it’s been a year and a half since Super Junior staged their Super Show 3 concert in February of last year at the Araneta Coliseum.
Teener Jocelyn Pangilinan said she skipped school and didn’t tell her parents that she was going to the event because she truly missed the boys.
Chloie, a die-hard fan, was oblivious to the overcrowding and pushing at the second floor as she’s just happy at the thought that she’s breathing the same air as her K-Pop idols.
The meet-and-greet started a little past 5 p.m. and the moment the boys came out on the stage, fans let out deafening and ear-splitting shrieks so unimaginable.
Even Donghae and Siwon couldn’t believe the overwhelming display of love and fanaticism.
The short program was hosted by Korean hottie and FHM model Jinri Park, who also served as the translator. She then proceeded to ask the boys a prepared set of questions.
Donghae sent hearts a-flutter and drew a thousand piercing screams, after greeting the frenzied crowd in Tagalog.
“Miss na miss ko na kayo. Mahal ko kayo,” he said, further drowning the mall in shrieks.
The two said they felt very honored to be chosen as models of Bench, known for its world-class quality and style.
Siwon and Donghae join the roster of international Bench endorsers, which include Lee Min-Ho, Liam Hemsworth and Lucy Hale, in the company’s bid to truly go global.
The boys chorused that they like the stylish clothes of Bench very much.
They said if they had the time and opportunity, they would love to visit the picturesque islands of Cebu and Boracay.
“I would like to go to Boracay with all of the Filipino fans,” Donghae and Siwon said through a translator, eliciting more screams.
Siwon mentioned about “thinking about the Philippines during a time of disaster” and said they’re praying for the flood-affected victims of the monsoon rains.
“We’ll always be with you,” said Siwon.
As culminating activity, fans got to meet the two Korean superstars up close and personal. The fans received signed posters and other stuff from Siwon and Donghae.