Still on a BTS High? Here's What You Can Buy From the Manila BTS Pop-Up Store
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It’s a great time to be a fan of Korean boy band BTS. After Festa 2021-the event where the group celebrates its debut anniversary with Army, its legion of fans worldwide-and the two-day muster concerts Sowoozoo (culminating event for this year’s Festa), fans are now going gaga for the BTS meal offered by fast-food giant McDonald’s.
Then, of course, there’s still the BTS Pop-Up: Map of the Soul Showcase in SM Megamall, which we were finally able to check out recently. The store has a very strict admission policy. To ensure safety and order, those who want to visit the store should pre-register online via booking platform Morningkall. To manage the number of people and ensure safety amid health protocols, Morningkall opens 390 tickets for the 13 timeslots per day for one week every Wednesday at 10 a.m. But, as you can expect, demand is very high. It’s not easy to register as weekly slots are snapped up five to 15 minutes after registration opens. You can try your luck, though, as the store allows five walk-in guests per time slot.
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Guests are given only 45 minutes to do their shopping and other stuff, such as picture taking, and will be asked to leave as the store prepares to welcome the next batch of visitors.
The pop-up store features hot BTS merchandise with products ranging from apparel, bags, accessories, stationeries and even household items. The store’s name is from BTS’s fourth studio album, Map of the Soul: 7, which features the singles “On” and “Black Swan.” These two songs are the theme upon which the designs of some products in the store are based, including belts, make-up brushes, masks, ball caps, hoodies and others.
Other BTS eras are also represented in the Manila store with song-themed merch featuring BTS hits “DNA,” “Mic Drop,” “Fake Love, “Boy with Luv” and “Idol.” BTS animated characters Tiny Tan products are also sold there. Just be ready to spend because the price range of the merch in the pop-up store is from P300 to P8,000.
Another reason for Armies to visit is to have their “selcas” or selfies taken on the Instagram-worthy photo areas inside the store. There are photo walls featuring the disco sign from the “Dynamite” video and the LED wings inspired by the “Black Swan” video. There is also an installation cage with the words “Bring the Pain,” which is obviously inspired by the song “On.” Armies can also take photos with the standees of their biases or with the OT7 on the Tiny Tan photo wall.
The BTS Pop-up is only open until August 29, 2021. It’s located at third level of SM Megamall's Mega Fashion Hall.
Here are a few snapshots inside the pop-up and what you can buy there:
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