Sometimes, a simple day out can feel extra special—especially when it combines something you love, good food, and quality time with family.
Since my husband suffered a stroke, most of our time has naturally been focused on his recovery and adjusting to a different routine as a family. I haven’t really had many opportunities to go out just to enjoy something I love, so this particular day felt extra special.
I’m also lucky that my husband supports my BTS fangirl side. He knows how much I enjoy being an ARMY, so when I found out that Jungkook and Namjoon’s birthdays were being celebrated through the ARMYs of the EAST PH Kookie & Joonie Cup Sleeve Event, my daughter and I headed to SM Center Antipolo Downtown to join the fun.
It turned out to be the perfect opportunity to Max out our day with BTS, food, and family bonding.
Celebrating Jungkook and Namjoon at RoyalTea Philippines
Our first stop was RoyalTea Philippines at SM Center Antipolo Downtown, where fellow ARMYs gathered for the Kookie & Joonie Cup Sleeve Event.
The celebration had BTS-themed displays, special cup sleeves, photo spots, games, and activities prepared for ARMY. Instead of simply dropping by for a drink, fans could stay, participate, take photos, and enjoy the birthday celebration together.
My daughter and I had fun checking out the displays and joining the festivities. Seeing other ARMYs there also added to the experience—that familiar feeling of being surrounded by people who understand the excitement of celebrating your favorite artists.
Of course, we couldn’t visit RoyalTea Philippines without trying some food and drinks.
We had the Kiwi Apple Fruitea Boom paired with a Dark Chocolate Cookie, as well as the Royaltea Latte with a Chocolate Chips Cookie.
The Kiwi Apple Fruitea Boom was refreshing and fruity, while the Royaltea Latte was the creamier choice. The oversized cookies paired nicely with the drinks and made our little mother-daughter BTS date even sweeter.
For me, that was one of the nicest parts of the day—being able to enjoy something I love and share the experience with my daughter.
Our Ramen Side Quest at Kyu Kyu Ramen 99
After the event, fangirling quickly turned into hunger, so it was time for our next stop.
We headed to Kyu Kyu Ramen 99 at SM Center Antipolo Downtown for lunch.
Our table was filled with Japanese comfort food: Spicy Ichiban Ramen, Cheesy Tonkotsu Ramen, Gyoza, and Beef Gyudon.
The Spicy Ichiban Ramen gave us that flavorful kick we were looking for, while the Cheesy Tonkotsu Ramen was rich and creamy. We also enjoyed the Gyoza on the side, plus Beef Gyudon for a filling rice option.
What I appreciated about Kyu Kyu Ramen 99 was being able to have a satisfying Japanese meal at an affordable price. After spending the morning walking around, taking photos, and enjoying the cup sleeve activities, sitting down to a warm bowl of ramen was just what we needed.
Our ramen stop ended up being the perfect food side quest to our BTS celebration.
An All For You Kind of Day
What started as a trip to celebrate Jungkook and Namjoon became something more—a chance to enjoy a fandom I love, spend time with my daughter, and have a relaxed meal with my family.
After the changes we’ve experienced at home these past few months, I’ve learned to appreciate days like this even more.
It was an All For You kind of moment: making space for something that brings me joy while still being surrounded by the people who matter most to me.
And the best part was that we didn’t need to travel far or plan an elaborate itinerary. From our BTS celebration and drinks at RoyalTea Philippines to a comforting lunch at Kyu Kyu Ramen 99, everything came together in one easy day at SM Center Antipolo Downtown.
BTS, good food, mother-daughter bonding, and family time all rolled into one.
Definitely our kind of Gala to the max. 💜
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