K-Pop girl group Momoland impressed Filipinos with their latest music video which featured bits of Philippine culture, among other foreign cultural representations.
The video for the song “BAAM” is currently sixth on YouTube Philippines’ trending videos list. Five months before, the girl group released the viral single “Bboom Bboom” that was warmly received by Filipinos as well.
I think Momoland included the Philippines in their mv because the filipinos were practically the reason that bboom bboom was recognized greatly ?
— Dan (@makusxin) June 26, 2018
At the 2:38-seconds mark of the “BAAM” video, Nancy is seen holding a Philippine flag while she looks on behind.
BAAM is a bop!
Thank you Momoland @MMLD_Official for featuring Philippines on your MV! Lots of hearts for Nancy!#MOMOLAND #MOMOLAND_BAAM #merrygoround pic.twitter.com/0A52I0ZgXd— Jerome R. Juan (@jeromerjuan) June 27, 2018
She is then joined by another member as they walk in front of colorful Filipino jeepneys.
모모랜드 #MOMOLAND_BAAM #MOMOLAND #BAAM there is jeepney background as well ?? pic.twitter.com/7547eG3jk3
— Geth✈ (@Im_Brigeth) June 26, 2018
“BAAM” is the group’s latest single from their fourth mini-album “Fun to the World.”
Momoland is slated to visit the Philippines on August 18. On their Facebook page, the singers mentioned in a video that they wanted to visit the Philippines where they have a huge fanbase.
The Filipino ‘connection’
Momoland member Nancy is widely compared to Filipina actress Liza Soberano because of their similar facial features. In fact, when “BAAM” was released, some thought that the K-pop star was Liza herself.
For your reference. Hahaha Nagdala pa si Nancy ng Philippine flag and may backdrop na jeep. Akala ko si Liza. Lol
#BAAMhttps://t.co/BqxbObSlFf— MakatiTwink? (@makatitwinktop) June 26, 2018
The similarity was enough for Momoland members to express their excitement over the possibility of seeing Nancy’s “lookalike” in person.
Liza delighted fans when she danced to the girl group’s hit song “Bboom Bboom” at an event of one of the brands she endorses. The moment was caught on video, quickly gaining views until the Momoland members themselves watched it.
“We’re so honored and so thankful,” Nancy exclaimed when she saw Liza’s dance.
“She’s so lovely,” Ahin added. According to her, “it’d be awesome, (and) it’d be so cool” if they get to see the actress personally.
K-Pop stars’ affinity to the Filipinos
Momoland is not the first K-Pop act to have acknowledged their Filipino fans fondly.
Boy group EXO visited the Philippines for their “Elyxion” concert in April where they dedicated a video message to their Filipino fans on Facebook.
One of their members, Chanyeol, also revealed that he is familiar with the Philippines since he studied in the country 11 years ago.
“For me, the Philippines was the country I visited when I first went abroad when I was in middle school. So I really have some affection for the Philippines. I really look forward to coming here more often.”
“When I think about the Philippines, (I think) soft, warm, passionate, beautiful. Thank you for giving me this memorable moment.”
Boy band BTS also attempted to speak in Filipino during their two-day concert last year, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the fans.
Referring to their fanbase called “A.R.M.Y.,” J-Hope said, “Mahal kong mga Philippine ARMY, kayo ang aming wings. Lumilipad ako dahil sa inyo. Lumilipad tayo ng buong lakas.”
Jin added, “Masaya ako na kasama ko ang ARMY. Parang nawa’y… Philippine ARMY! Gigil niyo si iko (ako). Mahal ko kayo!”
CNBLUE member Jung Yong-hwa also referred to their Manila leg of their “Between Us” tour as the most “petmalu” concert.
He wrote in an Instagram post, “Manila! Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Dahil sa inyo, naging petmalu ang last stop for our tour. Magkita tayo ulit! I am your ‘ LODI.’ Lol.”
