Ripples for hope
In a very rare instance, the ever-competitive K-pop fandoms in the Philippines joined forces to celebrate one full day of camaraderie and K-music at the “Ripples for Hope 2022: A K-Pop Friendship Day & Night” held at the Mall of Asia Arena last Nov. 26.
This event sprouted from the idea of Happee Sy-Go, COO and vice president of Pulp Live world and founder of The Ripple Society, a non-profit youth-oriented organization, as she was thinking of ways to revive the organization and gather the fan clubs after years of the pandemic.
The Ripple Society is an avenue for fans to not just celebrate their love for Hallyu but at the same time spread kindness to other fellow fans and youth through programs that advocate generosity and a positive mindset. The Ripples for Hope event came to life and was fully supported by hundreds of fans that participated.
It was a jam-packed day that started with six fun games played by 12 teams that were comprised of 19 K-fandoms: Not Shy Shy Shy (Twice PH and Itzy PH), PinkDay (APink PH and Girls Day PH), Oh My Bebe (Monsta X PH and Oh My Girl PH), MayFly (Stray Kidz PH, ATeezPH, and BTOB PH), Bangkon (BigBang PH and Ikon PH), Sone Ace (Girls Generation PH), Team Treasure (Treasure PH), Team NCT (NCT PH), Team EXO (EXO PH), ElfBuddy (GFriend PH and SJ United PH), Team Seventeen (Seventeen PH), and WinnerCity (Winner PH).
It was an unusual sight to see fans actually battle it out for the pride of their teams, as we are used to seeing them online or when they come to watch concerts. But at this event, everyone was physically and mentally present, as they eyed the grand prize of Golden Tickets for a Pulp concert and raised the name of their ultimate bias groups!
Wearing their jerseys, each team opened the event with a grand parade, followed by a recitation of a quirky version of Oath of Sportsmanship and the games.
The event was further made special as Go personally composed a song titled Be Happy, which was sung by K-pop fans and volunteers to commemorate the occasion.
At the end-of-the-day program, Team Bangkon stood out and won the title of the first-ever Ripple Champion!
The sports-fest activities in the afternoon were followed by a grand K-pop concert in the evening headlined by three sensational acts: AKMU, Momoland and Everglow. AKMU serenaded the crowd with a long set of chart-topping hits such as Dinosaur, 200% and Nakka. Momoland made the fans feel that the Philippines has a special place in their hearts by giving an all-out performance. Everglow, on the other hand, wowed the audience with a charismatic set and cute takes on Tagalog phrases they have learned. To top it off, the Top 3 teams were also awarded by these K-pop groups and were celebrated onstage in front of a huge crowd.
Ripples for Hope 2022: A K-Pop Friendship Day & Night was sponsored by The Ripple Society, Pulp Live World, and Happee Hour. In the years to come, the event is projected to be held annually, as The Ripple Society continues its mission of giving hope and kindness to the youth through its future charity programs and activities.
