As fangirls and fanboys at heart, we’ve all dreamt of meeting our favorite idols at least once in this lifetime. But did you know that they, too, admire a handful of artists to the same degree?
Photo: Shaira Diaz-Guzman, Niana Guerrero/Instagram
Take it from these Filipino celebrities, who’ve been loud, proud, and unapologetic in their adoration for Korean pop (K-pop) megastars and hitmakers, BTS. Just like us and millions of ARMYs around the world, our homegrown talents aren’t afraid to share their K-pop stan agendas with their own loyal fanbases. Whether they’re heartfelt projects, charitable initiatives, or even viral dance covers that earned them collaborations with the members themselves, we can’t help but cheer them on as their Pinoy ARMY dreams become a reality.
Most of us might be used to seeing these star-studded ARMYs own the spotlight on TV and social media. But as soon as Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook enter the picture, these celebrities’ unparalleled love as fans brings them closer than ever to fellow Filipinos who support the K-pop icons in the same ways.
That’s why we’re celebrating them this ARMY Day—the anniversary of BTS’s beloved fandom. Every ninth of July, ARMYs come together to remember their roots and what it truly means to be a BTS fan through and through. As we gear up for the boys’ much-awaited Arirang concert in Bulacan next year, let’s take a look at how these local artists embody the essence of an “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth.”
AC Bonifacio
@andreebonifacioo HOOLIGAAANN @BTS @mnijungkook
An exceptional dancer, a remarkable singer, a well-rounded actress, and a die-hard ARMY? That’s AC Bonifacio for you. After years of tirelessly expressing her love for the group through must-watch dance covers, she recently reached a new milestone when Jungkook and J-Hope followed her on TikTok. Talk about pinagpala to the highest level!
“Inspired akong mag-dance cover pa! Gusto ko lang talagang i-support ang BTS, and that’s what I’ll continue doing as an ARMY,” AC proudly shared on It’s Showtime last May.
Niana Guerrero
@iamurhope Thanks for coming!😁 MONA LISA w/@nianaguerrero
Niana Guerrero has never failed to surprise us in the best way possible with the world-class dance collaborations she has earned over the years. One of which is her once-in-a-lifetime team-up with J-Hope, with whom she also became mutuals on social media not long ago.
Like her bestie, AC, Niana’s pursuits as an ARMY have gained prominence alongside her passion for performing. We’re stoked to find out where her fangirl breakthroughs will take her next.
Chanty Videla
@_philipruss 2.0!! @Chanty 🔥 @BTS #BTS #BTS_ARIRANG #btsarmy #StarsOnTheFloor
Actress, singer, and idol Chanty Videla couldn’t contain her joy upon discovering that Jungkook followed her on TikTok. It was a dream come true for her in every aspect, especially as a long-time ARMY with ample experience in the K-pop industry.
“I still can’t believe it!” she shared on Instagram last March, complete with crying emojis and the fandom’s signature purple hearts.
Shaira Diaz-Guzman
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If dedication had a face, it would be Shaira Diaz-Guzman, who travelled all the way to Goyang, South Korea, for BTS’s opening shows of their Arirang world tour. She’s living proof that all the hassles and inconveniences of concert preparations are worth the irreplaceable memories you’ll make with your idols and fellow fans.
Shaira couldn’t have said it better: watching BTS in person is an “unreal” experience that every ARMY, famous or not, deserves to cherish.
Megan Young and Mikael Daez
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Lovebirds who fangirl and fanboy together, stay together! Megan Young and Mikael Daez are no strangers to the vibrant dynamics of K-pop stan communities, and their adventures as ARMYs can attest to that.
Sure enough, supporting their biases has become a source of energy and stress relief beyond the limelight.
Lea Salonga
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There’s no denying BTS’s power to heal hearts through music. That’s exactly what made Lea Salonga an ARMY. For five years and counting, the globally renowned performer and theatre icon has been listening to the group’s songs to keep a hopeful outlook on life and maintain her well-being.
Last month, ARMYs even spotted Lea handing out freebies at the Arirang concert in Busan. It just goes to show how the seven superstars have established a universal language that brings people together, no matter what they may be going through.
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Happy ARMY Day! Will you be attending BTS’s concert in Bulacan next year? Sound off and let us know in the comments below!
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