A limited edition barongs featuring drawings by RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News

Hundreds of sleepless and eager ARMY or fans of K-pop phenomenon BTS flocked to SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Friday, hoping to score the exciting Filipino-made official merchandise of the septet exclusively sold at the Space of BTS Pop-up.

Queuing before dawn paid off for ARMY Karen as she was the first to bring home one of the 15 limited edition barongs featuring drawings by RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.

“ARMY, I know, sold-out fandom yan,” she said.

“I never imagined magkaka-collab. For Filipinos, wow. We have waiting for this. Ito way feeing namin to acknowledge Filipinos,” she said.

Though the barong designed by Randolf Clothing carries a price tag of around P30,000, Karen argued it’s worth every peso, highlighting that the rare top proudly showcases rhe Filipino cultural identity.

“It is a piece na very Pinoy piece. Ang cute. Forever ko naman siya tre-treasure din. And as a fan may allotment ako para ready na pag may mga di expected na drop,” she said.

ARMY husband Myro Casas also waited in line for hours, determined not to miss the chance to gift his wife the coveted barong — a rare collaboration that’s a dream come true for any Filipino ARMY.

“It is very exclusive. It is Philippine exclusive. It is what she wants. She is into it. I support her,” he reasoned.

Another crowd favorite were the handmade woven bags and bag charms from upcycled fabric created by the sustainable Filipino Fashion brand Rags2Riches.

The bags, which were made in limited numbers, as they were etched meticulously put together by artisans, were immediately sold out.

“We will try our best to re-stock,” Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, president and co-founder of R2R, said. “We made more than our usual inventory. But takes a while to make kasi. When you buy the product you will see nakasulat the artisan who made it actually. to give them representation.”

Fernandez-Ruiz, a pandemic-era ARMY, described the collaboration as a dream come true and a full-circle moment. She was drawn to BTS because of the causes they champion, which align with the brand’s core — making this partnership especially meaningful.

“When they opportunity came sobra kami kinilig. ARMY kami ever since 2020. Personally, BTS has been my happiness during the time of isolation and everyone was afraid. I am not the usual fan girl but I feel their values align,” she recalled.

“Taking care of people, yourself, deeper meaning and empowerment. We proposed a few products and we are happy some were approved,” she added.

Tumbler collaboration with Sunnies. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News

The founder of R2R stated that they took special care to create designs for these proudly Pinoy pieces, blending cultural heritage with an appeal that resonates with ARMY fans.

“We also know what will work for ARMY. We added a ring para madali dagdagan ng anik-anik. Even the way we put the colors together it is very intentional for ARMY,” she noted.

Other proudly Pinoy-made merchandise is the tumbler collaboration with Sunnies and several apparel — including a shirt featuring a jeepney.

“This is to showcase how creative with the Filipinos. i wanted the Filipino identity to be presenr. And These were made, the pop up for the fans talaga. This is for them,” Agno Almario, of Apop Collections, a verified localized arm of HYBE Merchandise, said.

BTS t-shirt. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News

Covered products from different BTS lines, eras, and solo projects, that were sold-out on Weverse, such as Artist Made merch, Fiesta items, etc., are also available at the pop-up.

“Malaking bagay to for ARMY na bumibili abroad, wala na waiting time! Saka iwas scam to. Malaki tipid. Ta's nakikita mo 'yung gusto mo,” ARMY Angelica Villanueva said.

“Hindi din super pricey. For me, mas accessible kahit limited edition. This is food for ARMY,” Pauleen Pascual added.