Hi, my Hive friends and everyone who is reading this blog! I’m so happy you’re here and how are you today?
Right now, I’m already so thankful that you’re listening to my first international flight and concert in Bangkok. Enjoy the funny moments and meaningful realizations!
📷: alyanaramosx
What is the concert?
I attended the SUGA | Agust D Tour the first solo worldwide concert tour by a member of BTS, which is Suga, also known as Agust D in his solo albums on June 10, 2023, Saturday.
It kicked off in the US, but Asian countries were also included. Sadly, Philippines was not listed, and with two BTS members already rendering their military service, one could imagine that Filipino Armys think this is their rare chance to see him. (Hi, I’m Filipino Army 🤣)
To be honest, it wasn’t planned: Everything just fell into place. I had a new job, which makes the concert tickets a celebratory gift to my two years of being an exploited employee from my former work, and my speakerships were happening left and right. With the help of Hive, I was also unburdened by some of our expenses.
At the time of the ticket selling, I had just gotten my passport. The timing of each major expense like the flight tickets and accommodation lined up to when I was receiving professional fees. I am 100% convinced that the universe wanted me to be there. Albeit anxious, there was peace in my soul in every process. The universe said I’m going to Bangkok on June 9-12.
How was my first flight experience?
It seemed like I ran out of good luck since on the morning of June 9th, I had my scheduled booster shot for anti-rabies. At 6 o’clock in the morning, my sister and I rushed to the animal bite center with our luggage just for my right shoulder to be poked by a needle. And it stung a bit. Take note: Our boarding time at NAIA Terminal 3 is at 5 o’clock in the afternoon.
From SM Lipa, we traveled by bus to PITX and then a van to NAIA Terminal 3. What we stumbled upon was unfortunately an unairconditioned place, mobs of people, and zigzag lines to the Immigration Office. Thankfully, my sister made sure we were checked-in online so all we had to do was line up for the immigration interview.
With a binder full of documents on one hand and my emotional support plushie under my armpit, I nervously answered the officer’s questions. He wanted to make sure I was indeed a concert goer so I handed him my concert ticket. That’s when it was slowly sinking in – Yes, I’m seeing Suga in person and I’m flying approximately 2,261 km to cheer him.
However, our ascend from the ground was the craziest for me. I mean, this wasn’t my first time flying a plane, but perhaps because of my booster shot and the hassle in the airport, I was too drained to give myself a sense of security. It felt like my gut fell on the bottom of my feet. I gripped the armrest tightly. I shut my eyes closed. What was probably just seconds felt too long for me. I felt my heart rate quicken and I was afraid it would burst. No kidding, I told my sister how my heart is too weak for this.
📷: jahzielleigh
Eventually, we landed in Don Mueang International Airport and bought our own sim cards, booked a Grab car, and busted in our BnB (I tried to alliterate hehe but we respectfully entered 🙃). Our accommodation is just 8 mins away from the airport and close enough to IMPACT Arena.
How was the concert?
The following day, we had time in the morning to explore and go to Foresta Café (but that’s for another blog!). Here’s a glimpse of this enchanting and refreshing café:
After filling up our tummies with delicious food, which would quickly be digested due to the adrenaline rush, we finally arrived at IMPACT Arena. By the time we went to the concert grounds it was two o’clock and those who got VIP seats were already waiting in line. For reserved seating, like our group, we were free to wander around and meet other Armys.
Speaking of, I made a Thai friend! I don’t know how to exactly spell her name, but it’s pronounced almost like “Pretty,” and since she is pretty, that’s what I call her in my mind. Our conversation went like this:
I tapped her shoulder and pointed at the top of her head
“I like your headband!” I said.
She smiled brightly
“When I come in, it lights,” she said.
“It lights? Wow!” I said. “Who’s your bias?”
She pointed out her whole outfit that is covered by Suga’s face
“Ahhh Suga!”
“Yes yes!” She said. “How old are you?”
“I’m 24! And you?”
“Guess!”
“Ummm, 27?”
“Noooo”
“Higher or lower?”
“Higher!”
“28?”
“No, close to Suga! (Who is 30 years old)”
“Ohhh hahaha you don’t look like in your 30s!”
“29?”
“YES!”
“Working or learning?” She asked.
“Working now, how about you?”
“Work as nurse, and when patients see my necklace (she held her necklace out), they call me Suga, but I say nooo I’m wife!” 🤣
At this point, we were also talking to the other people in line. We were getting to know each other and even sent friend requests on Facebook. There’s something magical in being with people you have an instant connection with, whether that’s because we all love BTS or we’re simply good people being good.
But the sweat forming on my back and dripping down my forehead kind of affected my extrovert energy. I went quiet and soaked in the comfortable silence.
At times I thought this is just like Manila in the Philippines. The scorching heat, the humidity, the same roads. Then I snapped back telling myself, hey, this is Thailand. You’re in Thailand right now, and it would excite me again. As a result, I put on an announcer voice, going around the crowd, saying, “Mga kababayan,” just to check if there were other Filipinos around. Sure enough, a pair approached and kindly helped us take some photos.
What was it like to be in Suga’s concert?
We were seated near the middle of the arena, high up in the L row, but we could see everything clearly.
Soon, our Army bomb, or light sticks, were synced up to the venue and it began to light up in blue and red hues. The VCR played and my breath escaped my lungs for a moment. This is it, I thought. Here’s what I’ve been waiting for since 2018. To come “home” and enjoy the music which saved my life during my darkest time.
I held on to my Army bomb like I was never letting it go, but when I saw the spotlight turned to Suga, I shook it real hard that I thought it would come right off my hand. I matched it with screaming at the top of my lungs.
One thing is sure: I enjoyed the hell out of that concert. When I knew the lyrics, I shouted it. When I felt like doing a dance move, I did. I was so attuned to Suga that whatever he did, I copied.
During one of his melo songs, I realized how long have BTS been sustaining my life as my reasons to keep going. 6 years. I was just a naïve college student back then, I almost died several times, I moved out of an abusive household, and here I am. They said to love myself and to dream regardless of what other people said, so I did.
As the sun went down and the arena lights opened with an empty stage, there was a look of overwhelm in everyone’s faces. It was so good that you’re unsure whether it really happened. How surreal it was that yesterday I was just in my homeland and then I was in a foreign place and experienced such an amazing show. We were all probably thinking the same thoughts. However, deep down, we were all very, very, very thankful.
The whole event became my proof that I have been strong and resilient. Choosing to wake up each morning allowed me to be here. And where shall I go next? If I could go to Bangkok, I could go anywhere else I want to, if I put my heart and soul into it.
Shoutout to my moon rituals, manifestation time, and self-care! Creative and abundant energy flowed right through me because I learned I am worth of this. And so are you!
Is there a country you’d like to visit soon? Let me know in the comments 😊
Until the next Bangkok trip blog! Thank you for reading and supporting this 💜
ᴬˡˡ ᵖʰᵒᵗᵒˢ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐⁱⁿᵉ ᵘⁿˡᵉˢˢ ᵒᵗʰᵉʳʷⁱˢᵉ ˢᵗᵃᵗᵉᵈ.
