The lengths we go to for our kids can be quite crazy at times, but this one definitely took the cake for me. I bought a concert ticket (singular – ticketing was the hardest one I’ve experienced my life, so I was only able to secure one), booked a hotel, and flew my daughter all the way to Bangkok, Thailand – her first international trip at that.
Our mission (or her mission, really)? To see the virtual K-pop group, PLAVE, perform live. Yes, we flew over 1,400 miles so she could witness five animated idols on a massive stage. Will I ever understand her fascination with PLAVE? Hopefully one day. Do I support her happiness? 100%!
PLAVE Concert in Bangkok
Photo from PLAVE / Instagram
As mentioned, this trip wasn’t just special because it was my daughter’s first concert without me. (Big girl vibes!) But it was also her first-ever international flight.
Since I wanted her inaugural journey to be smooth and stress-free, we chose to fly with Cebu Pacific. I have to give them credit. The flight was so comfortable and hassle-free. Everything from check-in to landing was easy, which meant I could actually relax and focus on my daughter’s excitement of the trip instead of worrying about travel logistics. Seeing her face light up as we took off for the first time was a memory I’ll never forget.
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
To be honest, flying across borders to see a virtual performance sounded excessive, even to me, but the reality of a PLAVE concert in my daughter’s eyes is nothing short of magic. To be clear, PLAVE doesn’t show pre-recorded videos on the screen. The members are actually there, wearing motion-capture suits, controlling their avatars in real-time on a massive screen. That level of technology is mind-blowing! And thus no surprise that they didn’t have a Manila spot. Lol.
When we arrived at the venue in Bangkok, the energy was immediate and overwhelming. I saw hundreds of PLLI (PLAVE fans) gathered there, clutching their light sticks and wearing their fan merch. It really felt like any other KPop concert, even though Yejun, Noah, Bambam, Eunho, and Hamin are all avatars. Plus, my daughter made so many new friends whilst there.
This pilgrimage to Bangkok showed me that modern fandom is so much more than just music. It’s about community and connection. It’s about being present for a groundbreaking moment in entertainment, celebrating technology and artistry all at once.
For me, the best part was truly the bonding experience of making a completely unique, slightly crazy memory together. We navigated a beautiful city, shared our love for food and music, and, most importantly, I got to celebrate her first international adventure with a hassle-free flight and an unforgettable show. Thank you so much, Cebu Pacific!
Make sure to check out their latest videos on their YouTube channel here. Here’s one of our personal favorites:
