Welcome to my first post after a bit of hiatus. It’s only fitting that I write about j-hope –BTS is also back after a 2-year military-related hiatus!
WE ARE BACK. Happy 12th anniversary, BTS! I can’t believe the members are now back from military service. Last night was the perfect “0613” show: the HOPE ON THE STAGE encore concert featured Jin and Jungkook on stage, and the rest of the members in the audience. It was nothing but talent, love, and inspiration.
That positive energy drove me to edit the many videos I took during our trip to Macau last May 2025. Seeing j-hope & BTS in their element + sharing the love through this blog and video = unlimited borahae. Enjoy! 💜💜💜
*Yeah, this blog is coming out before any of our Europe trip last April… Fun fact: My sister and I actually booked tickets to see j-hope’s concert in Macau because we were still in Europe during his Manila tour dates. It’s called being extra.
j-hope’s HOPE ON THE STAGE in Macau
j-hope’s skill and style in singing, rapping, dancing, and entertaining cannot be exaggerated. We were blessed with two hours and thirty minutes of him performing his solo tracks, three thematic sections from different albums and eras, and covers of some iconic BTS songs. The physical stage was clever and so cleverly used. And all the dancers brought their own game and flavor to the show.
In conclusion: Jung Hoseok remains crazy athletic, stable, amazing, and funny. Your faves could never. (*Literally my bias Jimin probably can and will not do a solo stage like this. I love him anyway.)
Also don’t ask me to name a favorite set, because that is impossible!!!
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Why is he so cool???
The Macau ARMY were also absolutely lovely (though still quieter than PH Army). One of the people in our queue even gave us some hobi ‘Jack in the Box’ era buttons. Thank you!
Galaxy Arena is conveniently located if you’re staying at a nearby hotel. The Cotai strip is the reclaimed area where you can find the biggest hotel-casinos in Macau –Conrad, Grand Hyatt, Raffles, etc. The arena is also connected directly to the Galaxy Hotel and its related properties. For us, it was only a few minutes’ walk from our hotel. The concert experience felt safe, efficient, and comfortable.
My sister did most of the hard work booking tickets, so I can’t comment on that. But it was definitely easier to book in Macau than it is to book in Taiwan. Plus, I think there were less concert-tourists compared to Singapore and Bangkok. (So less competition for better-priced tickets!)
Hobi is both our bias-wreckers, confirmed.
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P.S. Thank you Lea for lending me your army bomb!
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Read more: BTS!!!
The rest of Macau is a good place for a one or two-day visit. You can spend a few hours in the historic centre, but leave space for food, coffee, and drinks in the shade.
Macau Highlights in 2025
The original vision was to go to the concert and just have a ‘staycation’ at The Venetian. But there are actually many things to do in Macau, and you can fill in one or two days exploring and eating away. We didn’t get to explore Taipa Village, so if I do come back that might be on the list.
I also found it interesting how much of Portuguese culture and architecture remains in old Macau. I don’t think I appreciated or even knew that during our previous family trip way back in 2008. There are a lot of glazed tile art, Portuguese signs, and even the streets were a little hilly. It was also like a little reminder of the walking tour we took in Lisbon just the month before.
Two-Day Highlights
➡ Cotai: The Venetian Macao & Galaxy Arena for j-hope’s HOPE ON THE STAGE tour in Macau concert
➡ Historic Centre of Macau (UNESCO World Heritage List): St. Augustine’s Church, Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s
➡ Sei Kee Cafe (pork buns), Pace Coffeeshop, A Porta da Arte (cafe and cultural hub), Estabelecimento de Comidas Leung Pun (local chinese food)
➡ Hac Sá Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail
➡ Coloane Village: Lord Stow’s Bakery, Hac Sá Beach, temple and library
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This was us fresh from the plane. #Nonstop.
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Our mom’s cousin toured us around. He’s been in Macau for a long time, and he can even speak fluent Chinese. It was very chill and fun, thank you so much for hosting us. :)
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I am manifesting the privilege to see a reunited BTS in concert some time in the future — 2025 or 2026, let’s go!
It’s been busy the last few weeks (and pretty stressful on top of it). I’ve been exhausted mentally and physically more often than not at the end of the day. But the prospect of traveling and vacations always give me a little more juice. I may or may not go back to Macau some time soon, but I am thinking of going to Hong Kong next month for a conference. In any case, I hope to write more moving forward!
P.S. Catch j-hope’s new single, Killin’ It Girl (ft. GloRilla), out now! He performed it last night for the first time. K-Armys are truly lucky!
Until next time! ♥
jari m 
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