Concert Roundup: AHOF Proves Their Love for Filipino FOHAs at Two-Night ‘The First Spark’ Manila Concert

After successfully meeting Filipino fans through previous fan events, South Korean boy group AHOF returned to the Philippines on a much bigger stage as they brought their 2026 AHOF 1ST TOUR: THE FIRST SPARK to a packed SM Mall of Asia Arena for a two-night spectacle. The concerts marked another major milestone in the group’s first-ever concert tour, which began in May 2026, while celebrating both AHOF’s remarkable rise and the deep connection they have built with their Filipino FOHAs.

Composed of STEVEN, JEONGWOO, WOONGKI, SHUAIBO, HAN, JL, JUWON, CHIHEN, and DAISUKE, AHOF has quickly established itself as one of K-pop’s fastest-rising acts. In just over a year since debut, the group surpassed 368,000 first-week album sales with its debut mini album, topped the August 2025 Rookie Idol Brand Reputation Rankings, reached new career highs with its second mini album The Passage, earned seven music show wins, and collected 13 awards, including Best New Artist at the Asia Artist Awards 2025 and Rookie of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards in June 2026. Those milestones were evident throughout the evening as fans celebrated every song and every achievement alongside the group.

The concert immediately set the tone with “Ignition,” opening with breathtaking fiery visuals that perfectly matched the explosive energy inside the arena. Deafening cheers welcomed the members as they made their entrance, with fans enthusiastically singing along from the very first song. The excitement only continued during “The Universe,” as thousands of voices echoed throughout the venue, creating an atmosphere that reflected the strong bond between AHOF and their Filipino supporters.

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came when the group performed “Little Stars,” a song they dedicated to FOHAs who have remained by their side through every challenge and milestone. Before the performance, the members sincerely thanked fans for believing in them since the beginning, making the emotional stage even more meaningful. It was a touching reminder that AHOF’s journey has always been built alongside the unwavering support of their fandom.

Showcasing their versatility, the members also treated fans to special unit stages. WOONGKI, SHUAIBO, CHIHEN, and JL delivered a lively and energetic cover of IVE’s “Bang Bang,” highlighting their charisma and stage presence, while STEVEN, JEONGWOO, HAN, JUWON, and DAISUKE impressed the crowd with an emotional rendition of BTS’ “I NEED U.” The special performances allowed each member to shine in different ways while giving fans something unique to experience during the concert. Adding even more excitement to the setlist, AHOF performed their rendition of EXO’s “Love Me Right,” drawing loud cheers from K-pop fans inside the venue

AHOF also performed many of their beloved songs, including “Pinocchio,” “Everything is Love,” “Rendezvous,” and “Butterfly.” During “Butterfly,” the arena transformed into a touching sea of paper planes as fans lifted handwritten messages dedicated to their respective bias members. The simple yet meaningful fan project created one of the most visually beautiful moments of the night, leaving several members visibly touched by the heartfelt gesture.

However, perhaps the biggest surprise came when the group performed “Just Say Yes.” The members shared that they had intentionally saved the song and had not performed it during previous stops of the tour because they wanted to present it in a place they considered truly special—the Philippines. The announcement was met with overwhelming applause, making the performance one of the night’s biggest highlights.

As the concert approached its finale, AHOF performed “Run To You” and “Our Story,” ending the evening with gratitude and heartfelt emotions. The members thanked Filipino FOHAs for creating unforgettable memories together and promised they would work hard so they could return to the Philippines again soon.

Night 1 carried an extra layer of celebration as member JUWON marked his birthday with Filipino fans. During the ment segment, he happily shared that throughout rehearsals, his fellow members kept greeting him with birthday wishes every time they finished performing a song. He expressed how grateful he was to celebrate such a meaningful day in the Philippines, making the occasion even more memorable with thousands of fans singing for him inside the arena.

For Filipino member JL, the concert represented much more than another stop on the tour—it became a full-circle moment. Throughout the evening, he radiated pride as he performed on home soil, receiving some of the loudest cheers from the crowd. During one of the emotional ment segments, JL revealed that it was his very first time standing inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Years ago, he recalled waiting outside the venue with friends just to attend a K-pop concert. Now, he stood on its stage as one of the artists headlining the arena himself.

The emotion became even more overwhelming when JL shared that his entire family was present to witness the concert. Fighting back tears, he expressed how he would cherish the moment for the rest of his life. He also thanked his fellow AHOF members for believing in one another and making their shared dream a reality. In one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, he told the audience, “Batang kalye lang po ako, but now, nakakatayo ako dito sa stage. Para po akong nananaginip.” He added, “I am really, really happy that I found the members in my life that I can be together with in this room,” a statement that reflected both his gratitude and the family’s bond the group has formed.

More than an evening filled with polished performances, impressive choreography, and unforgettable fan interactions, AHOF’s Manila concerts became a celebration of dreams, perseverance, and the special relationship between the group and Filipino FOHAs. Every song, every heartfelt message, and every emotional moment reminded everyone inside the arena why this tour was called The First Spark, it symbolised not only the beginning of AHOF’s journey but also the lasting memories they continue to create with the people who support them.

As the lights dimmed and the members took their final bow, one thing became certain: AHOF and their Filipino FOHAs had created memories that would last far beyond the final song. The overwhelming love inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena reflected the special bond the group has built with their fans in the Philippines, leaving everyone hopeful for the day they return to share the stage once again.

Special thanks to Applewood Philippines
Photos by © APPPLEWOOD / F&F Entertainment
Words by Kevin Pableo

The post Concert Roundup: AHOF Proves Their Love for Filipino FOHAs at Two-Night ‘The First Spark’ Manila Concert appeared first on MANILA CONCERT SCENE.