Enhypen in PH: A love story written in fan chants and music
Mastering a fan chant is no simple feat. It demands sharp precision, perfect timing, and relentless stamina to keep up. But if there’s one thing Filipino Engenes (Enhypen’s fandom name) have, it’s a strong set of lungs. During Enhypen’s performance of “XO” and “Go Big or Go Home” at the “Walk the Line” concert held at the Philippine Sports Stadium on March 1, the fandom flawlessly recited the members’ names—loudly, continuously, and most importantly, clearly.
This is what sets the Philippines apart from Enhypen’s other stops. Filipino fans’ training for moments like this began during the pandemic lockdowns, and after two concerts and three fan meets in the country, they have perfected it. They have balanced the East Asian fan chant culture and the Pinoy culture of singing along with the artist. Engenes have proven that they are among, if not, the best fan chanters in the world.
And there’s no artist that deserves such dedication more than Enhypen. Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki have brought comfort to their fans since the pandemic lockdowns. The septet and their fandom are growing up together. The boys of Enhypen match their fans’ loyalty with growth in their artistry—and for this tour, they created new takes to familiar songs.
They gave “ParadoXXX Invasion” a rock arrangement, while they remixed “Future Perfect (Pass the Mic)” and made it more dynamic and intense, adding new layers to the original sound.
Their debut song “Given-Taken” was once again part of this set list, which was absent at last year’s “Fate” tour.
The boys were divided into two units. The 2002 lineup of Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon (yes, they were all born in 2002) performed the vocal heavy “Lucifer” with, ironically, an icy terrain in the background. Meanwhile, Heeseung and the maknaes (youngest) Jungwon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki gave us an intense performance of “Teeth.” It’s always a delight whenever we see them show more of their talent onstage. Jay showed us a glimpse of him as a rock star when he performed the opening of “Blessed-Cursed” on guitar and Heeseung wowed everyone on the piano as he played the intro of “XO.”
Uplifting, sincere lyrics
Enhypen has a lot of alluring songs including “Fever,” “Bite Me,” and “Sweet Venom.” Watching these songs live is always a mesmerizing experience. But the group also excels in performing their comforting songs. “Not For Sale” was very uplifting to hear in person. To be told that your value has no price tag is heartwarming. It felt like they were reaching out and giving everyone in Bulacan a very tight hug. Then we have the fandom song “Highway 1009” that celebrates Engenes. The number 1009 refers to the birthday of the fandom and the song has the lyrics: “I told you like a million times/ With you, everything will be alright/ I’ll hug you tighter/ ‘Cause I’ll be there, be your engine now.”
Heeseung produced this track while the rest of the members wrote its lyrics. There’s something about self-produced songs because you see the sincerity of the artists’ heart through their words and melody.
Concerts are exciting because it’s an opportunity to listen to tracks live. “Walk the Line” gave fans a lot of those great moments. “Fatal Trouble,” “Your Eyes Only,” “Scream,” “Hundred Broken Hearts,” “Moonstruck,” and “No Doubt” were some of the tracks heard for the first time in the Philippines. “Orange Flower” was part of the “Fate Plus” tour last year in the United States.
The stage design looked stunning, too. Their LED screen wrapped one side of the stadium almost from edge to edge, adding the element of fantasy. Enhypen transported their audience from the stadium in Bulacan to a world where beautiful vampires exist in beautiful castles, and a universe where the moon and all its phases take center stage.
True performers
Enhypen members are consummate performers. They have reliable and steady vocalists, hitting the notes that need to be hit. As dancers, they are precise, powerful, and effortlessly synchronized, executing the choreography with sharpness and grace.
But it is the way they connect with fans that make them precious idols. In “Walk the Line,” they split up, covering all corners of the main, extended, and the second extended stage, making sure they all spent time with their fans. Those seated in the bleachers were given the opportunity to get close when the members rode their jeepney-inspired carts. To keep their memories of the day forever, they took selfies with their fans using their Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra while they were onstage.
The song “Shout Out” was not part of the set list, but Engenes found a way to include it. They sang it before the encore as part of their fan project. Jungwon told Super once that “Shout Out” reminds them of the Philippines. When the concert was over, the fans walked out of the venue singing the song collectively.
The country has been spoiled by Enhypen’s frequent visits, and the love Engenes feel for them knows no limits. They can keep coming back and they can expect red carpet treatment each time because the Philippines will always be a nation for Enhypen.
