Celebrity ARMYs share their BTS superfan stories

MANILA, Philippines — Even as celebrities themselves, Arci Muñoz, Isabel Oli, Ysabel Ortega and Shaira Diaz experience the same joys, excitement and even challenges that come with being BTS fans — make that superfans.

The four actresses, all proud members of the South Korean group’s global fandom known as ARMY, shared their experiences with The Philippine STAR and other select media during the Philippine launch of ARIH x BTS.

With BTS set to perform three shows at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on March 13, 14 and 16, 2027, as part of its “Arirang” world tour, they are among the many local fans wanting to see them live here. And the struggle to secure tickets has been real.

Arci, an ARMY since 2019, has seen BTS perform “more than 20” times, including shows in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and, most recently, Spain.

But she still experiences ticket-buying anxiety. Asked whether she personally queues for tickets, she replied, “Oo, ever since ganun kami.”

She recalled that securing seats was easier in 2019. “Ngayon impossible na talaga,” she said.

Ysabel also had trouble getting tickets for the Bulacan concerts.

“We tried to get tickets here sa Bulacan. Kaso sobrang, as in parang two days ata kaming nakapila and it was so hard to get tickets. Ang dami talaga nagmamahal. Kahit nung nag-third day, ang hirap talaga,” she related.

“So now, we’re trying to get tickets to Australia or somewhere else,” she admitted.

Isabel also missed out on Philippine tickets, but husband John Prats encouraged her to see BTS overseas instead.

Their devotion, however, goes deeper than concerts.

For Arci, BTS came into her life when she didn’t realize how much she needed their music.

“Well, they came at the right time when I met them,” she said. “Out of nowhere, I discovered them na hindi ko, unconsciously, kailangan ko pala yung music nila.”

She even planted trees in honor of BTS. Arci is especially fond of Jimin, whom she jokingly called her “love life.”

“For seven years. I’ve been a fan,” she said, adding, “Inspiration ko sila hanggang ngayon.”

Ysabel discovered BTS through Dynamite during the pandemic.

“Nagustuhan ko yung message nila, yung friendship nila,” she shared.

Shaira, on the other hand, first encountered BTS through Fake Love on the radio.

“Parang naiintindihan mo sila at ang ganda-ganda ng mensahe,” she said.

Their partners have also embraced their fandom.

Shaira joked that husband EA Guzman understands her admiration for Jungkook.

“Okay lang kasi si Jungkook yun. Gano’ng level,” she quipped.

EA, she added, is a low-key fan and knows BTS songs himself.

As for Ysabel, she said boyfriend Miguel Tanfelix performed BTS songs on GMA’s “All-Out Sundays,” much to her delight.

Isabel, for her part, described John as one of her biggest supporters. He orders BTS-endorsed merchandise, sometimes before she does, and encourages her to attend concerts.

She also collects merchandise and recreates outfits worn by her favorite member, V.

“My gosh, ewan ko ba kung normal pa ba kami,” she joked.

But these celebrity ARMYs aren’t spared from criticism, particularly from fans who believe stars enjoy special treatment or access to BTS.

Ysabel acknowledged those sentiments but pointed out that celebrities also go through the same frustrations and difficulties, like the ticket-buying process.

Shaira, likewise, admitted experiencing negative comments herself.

“Well, syempre nakakalungkot kasi na-ruin yung experience mo,” she said.

She, however, feels that no one should decide who deserves to see BTS live, and that celebrities shouldn’t have to explain their every decision as fans.

“Kasi parang sa amin, hindi naman namin obligation i-explain yung lahat ng ginagawa namin sa kanila. Kasi parang tao lang din naman kami,” she said.

Arci was similarly firm: “Pinaghirapan ko lahat ng nakuha ko. And they can say whatever they want to say... But this is my source of happiness.”

These celebrity BTS fangirls were among the ARMYs to show support for the arrival of ARIH in the Philippine market. The Korean food brand was developed in collaboration with BTS and Korean companies Paldo and hy. The launch event was held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.

Brought to the country by Nextrade Philippines, the brand was developed with personal input from BTS members on flavors, noodle texture and packaging. Its three initial locally introduced noodle flavors are Truffle Bulgogi, Soy Sauce Butter and Black Pepper Tteokbokki, with additional varieties planned.

Arci had already tried the products and named Truffle Bulgogi her favorite, while the rest looked forward to sampling the noodles for the very first time.

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