My journey to this fan meet began not as a die-hard fan, but as a supportive friend.

Months prior, my friend Clea Banal—an avid K-pop fan and proud CARAT—joined the “Snickers With Mingyu” promo. Back in February, while we were both in Manila for a different event, we even went around multiple 7-Eleven branches searching for Mingyu standees so she could take photos to join the promo. And surprisingly, that paid off!

By March, Clea casually mentioned that she had won two tickets to the fan meet and asked if I could come with her. My Taiwan trip was in April 4 to 9 and the fan meet in Manila is on April 11. So I had to rebook my flight from April 9th to 12th. I was hesitant at first because, let’s be real. My Taiwan trip was still expensive and if I rebook going back to Davao to join the fan meet, I’ll be literally away from home for like 10 days and had to ask permission to work remotely on weekdays.

But who would pass up an opportunity like that right? Andito na tayo eh, so push na yan. Thank you Cebu Pacific for assisting me in rebooking my flights.

While I’ve admired Mingyu since 2025, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a full-fledged CARAT. I know a few of SEVENTEEN’s popular songs, but beyond that, my knowledge is admittedly limited.

There was a brief moment of hesitation—was I “qualified” to attend a fan meet meant for devoted fans?

But admiration doesn’t always have to be measured by how many songs you know or how often you follow an artist right? Sometimes, it’s simply about appreciating an artist for who they are. And for me, Mingyu stood out—not just for his talent and charisma, but also for breaking the mold. His brown skin adds a distinct charm that sets him apart in an industry often defined by uniform standards. That alone made the experience feel personal.

The fan meet also marked my first time exploring Quezon City and stepping inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It reminded me of the MOA Arena—only more intimate. The overall flow of the event was smooth and well-organized, from entry to exit.

Seated at Section 204, Row 1, we had a surprisingly good view—close enough to fully take in the experience without feeling disconnected from the stage.

As expected, the energy inside the venue roared the moment Mingyu stepped on stage. Filling the coliseum with excitement that was both overwhelming and contagious. Even as someone who doesn’t follow every detail about SEVENTEEN, it was impossible not to get caught up in the moment.

Mingyu kept things simple. He wore a fitted white shirt paired with black slacks. He definitely carried himself with confidence. It was a reminder that true presence doesn’t rely on extravagance.

The program itself was light and interactive. It included a short interview, a “this or that” segment, a basketball shooting game, and the introduction of three new Snickers flavors. It wasn’t a concert, and it didn’t try to be. Instead, it focused on connection—giving fans a chance to see a more relaxed and playful side of Mingyu.

The entire event ran from 6:00 PM to around 8:30 PM. Short, yes—but meaningful.

What stood out to me the most wasn’t just seeing Mingyu in person—it was experiencing the fandom.

CARATS filled the venue with energy, warmth, and creativity. From banners to cheers, their presence added another layer to the event. It was a community built around shared admiration, and even as an outsider, I felt welcomed.

That night, I didn’t just attend a fan meet—I stepped into a culture I had only observed from a distance before.

Looking back, this experience was a series of spontaneous decisions—helping a friend join a promo, rebooking a flight, and saying yes to something unfamiliar.

And yet, it turned into one of the most memorable moments of my year.

Maybe I’m still not a full CARAT—but I’m definitely closer than I was before.