ARMY Month Day 10: A New ARMY Glow Up Goal

So. I was hospitalized for four days at the Makati Medical Center due to acute pancreatitis, GERD and, after an endoscopy, gastritis. 

My Tita ARMY friend Abby, rushed me to the Emergency Room at around 6.45 PM just when ARMYs and Makatizens were trooping One Ayala. I left my wares to Tita Teena Ordono and her daughter who sold them till Day 3, Sunday July 8, 2024. Tita Shawie and Tita Poochie, friends from Titas of BTS fanbase packed my stuff and what remained from my merch. I was scared. I was frustrated. I was graced by friendship of Tita ARMYs. 

Indeed, this is one Pearl ARMY Festa to remember! 

 I am on the road to recovery, having seen my doctor this week for a follow up checkup. My lab results are unremarkable save for the cyst and polyps in my liver and stomach. Needless to say, my body is growing old and it needs a different kind of care. This leads me know to take a course towards changes in eating habits, managing stress and time and, saying NO. 

Since this medical adventure happened on ARMY Festa weekend, I commit to a new ARMY Glow UP goal!

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Meet Titas of BTS @WGN Morning News

Last Friday night, March 10, I had the pleasure of being with Demai Sunio-Granali, founder of Titas of BTS and  Jabba Tantay, admin of Titas of BTS for an interview over on WGN TV Morning News, Chicago, Illinois. It was a 5 minute interview - almost and for Filipino Aunties, we know how short that is, right? We wanted to say so many things!  

I wanted to say so many things on top of their music being very good and their discography being amazing!

Here are seven more things I love about Bangtan that centers on their discography based on lyrics and themes of their songs. 

1. Kim Namjoon believes in the galaxy of each and every ARMY. That is an indicator of exceptional leadership.

2. Kim Seokjin strives to touch the sky because he is inspired by his six brothers. He takes the role of the mathyung seriously. A leadership role that helps Kim Namjoon steer the group into the desired path and achievement of goals.

3. Min Yoongi may be scared of the demons that wait in the wings but he recognizes them as part of his identity. This is where loving oneself begins - when we accept the shadows and the lights that dwell in our consciousness, our dreams and waking moments.

4. Jung Hoseok jumped out of the box and convinces us that it costs nothing to be kind. He sings and dances on the street and it is always for us!

5. Park Jimin offers himself as light to ARMY and at the same time, he encourages us to be our own light. Relationships are reciprocal. A promise fulfilled!

6. Kim Taehyung is happy to acknowledge "my boy, my boy is gonna change". Yes, V. We will nurture the child in us because, together, we are young!

7. As for JK, the youngest of the seven, he wants us to stay gold!

And so, we will! Borahae! ApoBangPo!

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Day 3 at the Pearl ARMY Muster: Holiday Ever After 2022

The PAM: HEA was also a place where members of Titas of BTS (TOB) had meet ups; availed of membership cards and TOB exclusive merch; where Pearl ARMYs played games and had arts and crafts. At ARMY Time, young ARMYs had their time to shine as they showcased their talents! Titas of BTS celebrated TaeJin’s birthday at Mary Grace on D3 of the PAM: HEA. Whoever said fangirling is only for the young must have not known and realized Bangtan’s (unintentional) message against ageism. There is more to this “Kpop band” than meets the eye.

@zarahg_08 Titas of BTS celebrates Taejin Holidaze at Mary Grace @ayalamallsmanilabay on Day 3 of the #pearlarmymuster2022 ♬ It's Definitely You - V & Jin

Namkook 22: When Art is a Conversation

 

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Back in the National Museum of Fine Arts with Titas of BTS

We made the reservation for a guided tour a month before the scheduled visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts. It was a tour planned for a small group of 30 people, all women including their daughters, from the ARMY fanbase Titas of BTS. 

It is Namkook Month. Our biases and idols, Kim Namjoon and Jeon Jungkook celebrate their birthdays on September. Among ARMYs, Namjoon is the group's leader and Jungkook is the golden maknae. Casual listeners would identify them as Kpop idols.  However, Joon and JK have evolved into global ambassadors of art and culture. One is an aesthete and the other is a natural visual artist. This visit at the country's National Museum of Fine Arts is a fitting Namjooning activity celebrating JK's artistic inclinations as well. 

As lead coordinator of the tour, I was nervously excited. But all ARMYs know this: You never walk alone. In the morning of Saturday, September 24, 2022, we trooped to the National Museum of Fine Arts with high expectations. 

The National Museum did not disappoint. It is brighter and brilliant from the one I knew back in 2019. The Spoliarium is glorious and Botong Francisco's mural at the Old Senate Session Hall is awe inspiring. Select light wells and stairways have installation art pieces punctuated by chandeliers that glow of yellow and white light. Gone are the dark and creepy corners! Even the hallways and alleys are well lit that paintings of the Quincentennial Anniversary of Manila were exhibited there. There are new exhibit halls and the tour guides and staff are uber friendly and approachable.

Indeed, there is so much to see and enjoy from the tour. A half day visit is not enough. We will definitely go back!

Many thanks to the admins of Titas of BTS and the moderators whom I share this love for BTS, especially our bias and favorite maknae, Lynnette and Chellay. The tour was made extra special as I met my dear friend from way back, Rosette Crelencia who now heads the Research, Collections and Conservation Division. 

Borahae! ApoBangPo!

Namjooning at the National Museum of Fine Arts

 

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Kuwentong Bangtan: Pearl ARMYs as a Force of Good

Because fanbases, especially those composed of women, can be a force of good.

I am a proud member and moderator of Titas of BTS  (TOB), an online community of working women, empowered and accomplished in their own field of discipline who stan BTS. For nearly two years now, I have an active involvement in the many activities which the TOB Admins and Moderators design, plan and roll out for its members. The experience is not for the faint of heart, but it is equally fulfilling. Besides the usual "kilig" over BTS, we come together to live out the experience of what BTS stands for.

Bangtan speaks of many things of value to living a full and happy life in the face of challenges and struggles that are personal and societal. They inspire ARMYs to constantly seek meaning and self worth. Through their songs, they invite ARMY to walk with them as they have expereinces similar and significat to fans despite their "idol" status. If not intentionally, they promote fun and play, intelligent humor and the nurturing of deep friendships in the most natural way. I am still perplexed at the display of authencity of the Bangtan Guys but, they are sincere people without even trying. They are not perfect and in many interviews, live vlogs and socmed postings, they express their fears, admit their mistakes and show ways to make up for it. Over the years, they have learned to draw the line between their personal lives and "idol" or artist persona.

Needless to say, they are learning constantly. Theirs is a journey of becoming. As ARMY, it's a ride I am willing to take on with them. So, it is not surprising how Tobbies (a nickname we fondly call each other) such as myself can organize activities and events for a good cause. It's Namkook Month this September and we have a book club discussion for self care and personal growth; a book donation drive to share this love for oneself to others; and a tree planting activity at Happy Farm, Pototatn Iliolo. For those saying that ARMYs are freaking, shrieking 15 year old girls, think again. 

Also, 15 year old girls who shreik over their idols are a collective force to be reckoned with. That is the future you are mocking. STOB it. There are ways to guide, harness and grow such energy into something creative and beautiful.    

Kuwnetong Bangtan: Titas of BTS Membership Kit

 

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