From basketball to birthday cheers and ‘Aju Nice’: Mingyu energizes first solo Manila fan meet

April 12, 2026 - 12:07 PM
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SEVENTEEN's Kim Mingyu graced his first solo fan meet at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 11, 2026 (Snickers/Released;Interaksyon/Rosette Adel)

Chants of “Aju Nice” echoed through the Smart Araneta Coliseum even after SEVENTEEN’s Kim Mingyu exited the stage, as Filipino CARATs kept the energy alive long after the program ended.

Fans gathered at the Big Dome on Saturday, April 11, for the #SNICKERSwithMINGYU fan meet, Mingyu’s first solo fan meet in Manila, a one-day event packed with games, fan interactions and playful moments that kept the crowd energized from start to finish.

READ: How fans can meet SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu in Manila this April

Staying energized through busy days

During a Q&A segment, Mingyu shared how he manages to stay energized despite a packed schedule of rehearsals, performances and appearances.

He said rest, regular workouts and proper meals help him stay balanced, while the energy he gets from fans also keeps him going.

When schedules get tight, he said he often relies on quick snacks between activities, especially on days when there is little time to eat properly.

Moments of hunger during long shows

Mingyu also opened up about how hunger can sometimes catch up during long concert days, particularly during encore preparations.

He shared that a couple of hours into a concert he can start feeling hungry, but makes sure to grab quick food before going back on stage.

If time allows, he prefers a proper meal, but when things get busy, quick snacks help him get through the day.

Basketball, birthday surprise and fan moments

The fan meet featured a mix of lively segments, including a moment where Mingyu showed off his basketball skills, drawing cheers from the audience.

Fans also surprised him by singing a birthday song, even though his birthday falls on April 6, creating a warm and memorable interaction inside the arena.

Adding to the excitement were “energy cams,” similar to fan cams, which spotlighted audience members on screen and amplified the crowd’s enthusiasm throughout the event.

The event also included the unveiling of new Snickers flavors, including Almond Dark Chocolate Bar with 50% less sugar, Butterscotch and Strawberry, with Mingyu saying strawberry flavor is his favorite.

He picked up a few Tagalog words during the segment, “bakit?” “masarap” and “merienda,” adding playful moments with the host that delighted the crowd.

A simple free day plan

Asked how he would spend a rare day off, Mingyu said he would go to the beach, bringing sunglasses and swimwear and taking time to relax.

When the host suggested Intramuros, he said he would be open to recommendations and would ask around when he gets the chance to travel.

Meeting fans again in Manila

Mingyu said being able to meet fans again in Manila felt special, especially coming shortly after the group’s recent concert in the country.

He said he is not sure when he will return, which is why he was happy to spend time with fans during the event.

He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception and said he hopes to come back when schedules allow.

“Thank you so much everyone! Mahal ko kayo,” Mingyu told the fans.

As the event ended, fans lingered, still chanting and singing “Aju Nice.”

The fan meet was presented by Snickers Philippines, which also staged a pop-up called the Snickers Energy Station ahead of Mingyu’s arrival in the country. The pop-up was set up at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, and ran until April 11.

—With Rosette Adel