It’s one thing to command a stage as part of a global sensation like BTS—it’s another to completely own it on your own. And at HOPE ON THE STAGE in Manila, J-Hope didn’t just rise to the occasion—he shattered every expectation.
On April 12 and 13, 2025, Filipino ARMYs finally reunited with BTS’s J-Hope at the Mall of Asia Arena, marking his long-awaited return to the Philippines after nearly eight years. The last time J-Hope performed in the country was during BTS’s WINGS Tour in 2017. This time, he returned as a soloist, bringing with him two unforgettable nights filled with passion, precision, and heart. And we’re still not over it!
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| J-Hope HOTS in Manila D1 |
Both shows sold out in a flash, with hundreds more fans camping outside the arena just to catch a glimpse of the action. For over two and a half hours, J-Hope took fans on a thrilling ride through his discography, blending rap, hip-hop, R&B, and dance into a tight, high-energy set that showcased his evolution—from BTS’s main dancer and rapper to a fully realized solo artist.
Here’s what you might have missed:
- J-Hope’s flawless tribute to hip-hop culture, celebrating the roots that shaped his artistry.
- Iconic BTS tracks like “MIC Drop” and “Silver Spoon” bringing waves of nostalgia to the crowd.
- Heartfelt fan interactions where he spoke in Tagalog and made sure every ARMY felt seen and appreciated (he even held hands with a lucky ARMY!).
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| J-Hope HOTS in Manila D1 |
The next part of the show went full throttle with fiery performances of “Arson,” “STOP,” and “MORE.” The arena was lit (literally) with explosive pyrotechnics as J-Hope rapped his heart out, delivering powerful, captivating performances. The set design, with its moving platforms and massive lifts, enhanced each song, giving it the dramatic flair it deserved. You could feel the heat from the fire as it blasted from the sides of the stage, matching the flow of the chorus in “Arson”—a moment that had fans buzzing for days.
After that intense first act, J-Hope shifted gears with more reflective tracks like “on the street (solo version),” “lock/unlock,” “i don't know,” and “i wonder…,” which revealed his more emotional, introspective side. The energy was still electric, but the mood changed—fans were treated to a softer, more vulnerable Hobi, as he allowed them a deeper look into his soul. These moments proved just how versatile J-Hope is as an artist.
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| J-Hope HOTS in Manila D1 |
Midway through the show, J-Hope took a moment to honor his roots, giving the spotlight to his dancers and celebrating the importance of hip-hop dance culture in his life. It was a powerful moment that showed J-Hope’s appreciation for the craft that helped shape him, while also giving fans a chance to appreciate the skills of his amazing backup dancers.
And then, of course, J-Hope treated the crowd to some of BTS’s biggest hits, including “Airplane pt.2,” “MIC Drop,” and “Silver Spoon.” These tracks were met with loud fanchants and collective cheers as the arena turned into a sea of lightsticks and nostalgia. The energy was unreal—J-Hope brought the entire history of BTS with him, making every moment unforgettable.
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As the show entered its final stretch, J-Hope brought everything back to the theme of hope with songs like “Daydream,” “Chicken Noodle Soup,” “Hope World,” “= (Equal Sign),” “Future,” and “NEURON.” His energy never faltered, and he made sure to connect with the crowd in every section of the arena, even learning some Tagalog phrases to make everyone feel at home. When he shouted “Mahal ko kayo!” (“I love you!”) and the now-iconic “Walang uuwi!” (“No going home!”), the crowd went wild—his connection with Filipino ARMYs was undeniable.
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The Promise of More
Before J-Hope left the stage, he promised fans that he’d be back. And while we’re still riding the high of this show, we’re already eagerly awaiting the next one. The HOPE ON THE STAGE concert was a stunning reminder of his artistry, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.