Anneyong (Beomgyu style)!! 🧸
Today is an exciting day for Moament. I finally got to check off a box on my MOA bucket list.
I got to talk to MOAs from the Philippines! 🇵🇭
As many of you know, Filipino (filo) MOAs have a very strong presence online and offline. Their enthusiasm and awesomeness are on a whole other level. I remember during the recent comeback many filo MOAs would stay up till 3 AM to stream for tubatu. That level of dedication is honestly so impressive and admirable.
So today, I reached out to some filo MOAs to talk about their life and TXT! Let us welcome @byeoleaf @tubatuprint @S00BIM @scintillatxt @kimangie0925 and @ajjenomoto! This interview Ask a MOA is around 4000 words, but I promise it’s worth every single minute!
Given how fun and amazing this has been, I would like to keep Ask a MOA as an ongoing series with MOAs from different countries! I know for sure Round 2 for Filo MOAs will happen.
Are you someone who wants to share your love for TXT? Do you want to introduce friends and moots to Moament? Feel free to like, share, and comment/message us! Current editions under plan include Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico.
The responses are lightly edited for clarity. There are many hyperlinks, pictures, and embedded videos for your convenience! Enjoy! - Michael
I decided to use tubatu’s baby picture for today! Time flies, right?
How did you know TXT? How did you fall in love with them?
@byeoleaf: I found out about TXT around April 2020. An ARMY (ex)friend of mine who also follows TXT mentioned them to me so I was interested but not entirely yet. But YouTube recommended me their Big Hit photoshoot and I was adored by them and watched their Studio Choom New Rules and RA Halloween video, which really made me love them more. To me they just seem like utterly talented dorks. And so, the rest is history :>
@tubatuprint: I know since the very beginning. When there were rumors about Big Hit’s new group, I thought I should be updated about them, though at that time I still have no plans on actually stanning them. Then fast forward, their introduction films got released and soobin really caught my attention. From then on, I keep wanting to be updated with TXT. Fast forward again, a day before their debut, I decided to create a fan account just for them. But I never thought I would get so attached to this group. Their music really hits close to home. I relate so much on their songs. And their debut album was so great. It was really one of the best debut albums ever so I decided to fully stan them. I feel like TXT is the first group I became a fan for in this intense way.
@kimangie0925: I know TXT since pre-debut and I love them even more since August 2019 when I started streaming Crown and Cat & Dog music videos.
@S00BIM: I'm an anime fan for years now. As I was watching Black Clover, Everlasting Shine caught my attention and I really loved the song. That time K-pop is over hyped on my TikTok. I'm an ARMY before so I know how the K-pop world works. I tried watching some contents and I ended up watching the playground. I'm really fond of Yeonjun and Taehyun at that time. They are so cool and enthusiastic. They caught my attention there and I concluded that they are the ones who sang Everlasting Shine. I became a causal listener, I memorized 0x1 = LOVESONG and LOSER = LOVER. I decided to stan them. I searched "How to start TXT contents?" and some carrd redirected me to One Dream. I was crying so hard at that time because they were so working hard and seeing how successful their latest comeback makes me even more emotional.
@ajjenomoto: I knew TXT before their debut. I was an ARMY back then and was casually listening to their songs until 2021. I really really want to dwell more on TXT since 2019, but always failed in that until I listened to 0X1 = LOVESONG. I started watching every content they have and fell in love with their personality.
@scintillatxt: I knew them since debut. I heard bighit will have a new boy group so I waited for their MV to be released with my friends. But I became a full pledge MOA when I found out they will sing the OP for Black Clover. • What drawns me to them at first was their unique music and discography. They have storylines which are fun and thrilling to decipher and most of all, these five boys are performers. The five of them are well-balanced in terms of singing and dancing. Another one is their personalities. They are honest, loving, and caring to their fans, family, staffs and all the people around them. That's why I feel loved.
What makes TXT special to you?
@byeoleaf: As someone who's around their age, I think TXT really speaks to Gen Z a lot. Not to say they can't appeal to other age groups, but in particular the story and message of their songs and TXT as people themselves feel very relatable and real.
@tubatuprint: Their passion. I mean yes other groups also have passion. It is not something that is completely unique, but TXT’s passion towards music and their fans really just feels different. They were so dedicated to become a better artist since day 0. Honestly their age range being the same as mine makes me relate so much to them. And also, their concept is just so unique. It is really amazing how a group has so much consistency when it comes to their story about growth. Everything matches so well from the lyrics, the music video, and the album. Everything was so well thought out. They don’t just release an album for the sake of releasing it, but because they want to convey something. In this era of saturated K-pop, TXT always stands out.
@kimangie0925: They are healing. They are my remedy. They healed my broken heart back in 2019.
@S00BIM: I found TXT during my lowest time. I can say that all of them saved me. Their songs, personalities, choice of words, and humor are so special to me.
@ajjenomoto: They're special to me because when I started focusing on them, I encountered my darkest days in my entire life. They are my safe haven and I literally took Run Away seriously (Michael: this song teleports…) because whenever I want to forget about reality, I just listen to their songs.
@scintillatxt: They are people who radiate energy. Their passion for music is very admirable. It also reflects on me, urging myself to give my best in everything that I do. It also warms my heart how they trust us MOAs and share the little details of their everyday routine. As a fan I feel included, loved, and important. The relationship they've built with the fandom is not a simple (artist-fan) interaction but a friendship that I will treasure the most (Michael: so well put!).
What are your favorite memories being a MOA?
@byeoleaf: In general I enjoy getting to talk about TXT with people. I think one very memorable moment for me in the fandom was the 2021 award show voting season. I was there for 2020's so the energy and hype MOAs had during 2021 was really fun especially seeing our improvement.
@tubatuprint: Every fanlive was so special to me. Although to be honest I haven’t even legally watched one because I’m just a broke college student, every moment there was unforgettable. The Twitter timeline was so active, everyone was talking about the performances and the segments. Being a MOA especially on those days feels so good. Every comeback too of course. Just the thought of waiting for another great music album, talking about the concepts, theorizing about the possible connections to their universe makes me so excited. But one thing I will never ever forget is when they attended their first award show and received their first Rookie of the Year award. That was such roller coaster night.
@kimangie0925: When I met so many kind MOA moots from different countries!
@S00BIM: Interacting with MOAs is really fun for me because MOAs are so nice. I can also say they are homies. I also love the stress of voting and streaming inside Moaville. I love working hard to make TXT more successful. Seeing them smile because of their wins fulfill my heart so much.
@ajjenomoto: My favorite memory as a MOA is during their first offline fanlive. I was still emotional till now because they longed for that moment harder than most of us did and it makes me so happy to see them being with MOAs again.
@scintillatxt: I have lots of favorite memories but I will highlight three. First, when TXT bought a subway ad for MOA's birthday. This was very thoughtful of them. Second was when I and my friend hosted a streaming party for CROWN and the tags trended worldwide. I'm glad I can help in any way to reach goals and milestones. And lastly, the pre and comeback season. This time is the most nerve-wracking of them all (Michael: I agree, the anticipation is intense) because the whole fandom waits at every 12am and we got to hear new music from them.
What is underrated about tubatu in your opinion?
@byeoleaf: I don't think it's neceessarily underrated, but I really do appreciate how TXT shows so much confidence in themselves in such a way that it doesn't come out as boastful and still remains humble. Being asked on who's the visual and they all point to themselves, acknowledging their utter talent yet always striving to improve it. And it's really inspiring especially for people who may have self-esteem issues. TXT themselves mention that they do have troubles from time to time to appreciate themselves, but the repeated compliments they give themselves are genuinely helpful.
@tubatuprint: For me it’s their choreography. Within the fandom I think it gets appreciated well but for casual listeners and other non-MOAs I think it is not appreciated enough. TXT is literally one of the most synchronized group out there. Their choreography always tells a story. It is well thought out and structured. And I love how they always try to employ imagery. Their formations are insane and the way they transition or change positions is so smooth that you can barely notice it. But I think TXT is always under-appreciated when it comes to choreography discussion in K-pop in general, so I hope people will realize soon that TXT are also the best when it comes to choreos.
@kimangie0925: [I don’t think they are underrated] because they are the most talented group, all rounders and because they are from Big Hit?
@S00BIM: Their choice of words in their songs and contents. I think it's not praised enough that they are so careful and transparent. It seems like they really have a great connection with their fans. They can understand very well and always shows love in their masterpieces and contents.
@ajjenomoto: Their dedication. A lot of people think that TXT is only known because of their senior group or company but no. A lot of these people don't realize how dedicated TXT is to their crafts and that's what makes me proud of them even more.
@scintillatxt: I think TXT’s choreography should be more appreciated. They are very synchronized and their dance always tells a story. It deserved much more recognition.
What makes filo MOAs so awesome and enthusiastic?
@byeoleaf: I think Filipinos in general just brim out enthusiasm in their blood. I think fellow Filipinos would know the saying that even in grim times someone can and will joke around. I think it's part of Filipinos' resiliency. They always try to keep themselves motivated and firm in challenges. And this shows with filo MOAs’ humour and engagements.
@tubatuprint: I think it’s the energy and humor? Filipinos’ energy during concerts is just above the roof. Filos will even try to sing a song in a language they don’t understand. I remember one time when IU had a concert here in the Philippines and everyone really sang the entire song and IU was so shocked. My dream someday is to attend a TXT concert (Michael: you will!) and if I do, I will scream with all my lungs. Another thing is our positivity. Even on the most difficult times, there is always that one filo MOA who will try to start a joke for the laughs. I guess it speaks volume on how many filo MOA accounts are on twitter (many are big too).
@kimangie0925: Filo MOAs are very hardworking and friendly! (Michael: I agree)
@S00BIM: I think filo MOAs are really funny, their humor and love for TXT is really top-tier. They can express their interests and love for TXT very well. They are also good at motivating other MOAs. Filo MOAs are also firm and very approachable. Witty contents and comments are always from filo MOAs, they always make Moaville laugh.
@ajjenomoto: Filos MOAs have undeniably top-tier personality and humor. Also, the dedication they show is huge. I have a voting team and the majority of my members are all filos. They are very hardworking and good at encouraging everyone ^_^
@scintillatxt: There's a lot of filo MOAs who are very dedicated in voting and streaming. They also host projects for TXT and fill my timeline with positivity. Moreover, they have great humor. Filo MOAs are funny and witty in terms of promoting TXT.
What do you want TXT to eat when they come to the Philippines?What about places to go and things to do?
@byeoleaf: I would LOVE for TXT to try out Filipino street food and of course our beloved Jollibee. I think it'd be a fun challenge, considering I feel like at first glance they wouldn't find eating barbequed chicken intestines (aka isaw) appealing to eat for example xD. I think they'd enjoy halo-halo (crushed ice and evaporated milk topped with a variety of toppings). I'd like to also see them try out folk dance, like tinikling (dancing in rhythm with bamboo sticks), pandanggo sa ilaw (fandago but you balance candles), or maglalatik (which involves hitting coconut shells attached to parts of the body).
@tubatuprint: Philippines has too many great dishes. I would highly recommend for them to try “Sinigang”. It is my favorite dish. I also think Soobin will love Halo-Halo so much. And of course, they should all try eating in Jollibee. They love chicken so much so I think they will like the signature chickenjoy. For the places, there are just so many. I can’t even think properly on which to recommend. First, they should go to Cebu since they already mentioned it several times. Next is Palawan. There so many great places in Palawan. The beaches there are just so amazing. The next place is not commonly mentioned but I would like for them to go to Guimaras Island. It is just a small island province in Visayas but is has so many wonders. Guimaras is famously known for its high-quality mangoes so they definitely should try it. Another is the Batanes Island. It is on the Northern-most part of the country and the scenery there is just so amazing. I think they will also be amazed with the stone houses that were built there to be typhon resilient.
@kimangie0925: I want them to eat Jollibee spicy chicken haha and have a concert in MOA Arena.
@S00BIM: In the Philippines, we have so many delicacies. I think we have lots to offer for the five members like "Dirty Ice Cream", empanada, different kinds of noodles, halo-halo, unique candies, fluffy plushies, smoothies, and Sisig. I also want them to go to Cebu and film their contents there while enjoying the beach and foods. Beomgyu wants to go there again so I think he will really appreciate that. Philippines has lot of things to offer which I know they can enjoy. Filo MOAs can also make concerts memorable for them. Filo MOAs are so loud and enthusiastic I think they will enjoy that.
@ajjenomoto: I recommend kare-kare as the main dish, that's my favorite filipino food. I also want them to experience Tagaytay. They can visit Batangas too and try their famous dish, bulalo.
@scintillatxt: When the members come here, I want them to try adobo, sinigang, and lechon which is the Filipino's favorite food. I would love them to visit El Nido Palawan, specifically the Underground River of Puerto Princesa that is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world. They can go to Baguio and pick strawberries for Taehyun and enjoy the tourists spots too.
What do you most look forward to during this comeback?
@byeoleaf: First and foremost, the music. TXT has an immaculate discography, and it's always so thrilling to have more music from them. Next is the promotional content, both music show performances and variety show content. The latter in particular really is fun to watch for TXT's fun chaos.
@tubatuprint: Well comeback already happened as of this writing but for this comeback I looked forward for MOAs’ growth the most. Freeze and Fight or Escape both had amazing results. And this comeback as well. It makes me so proud how we are growing consistently ever since. And this is all because of TXT’s great music. I have a pride of how many new MOAs became one after discovering how great TXT’s music is. Everytime I read a compliment, my ego boosts.
@kimangie0925: Their new music videos and choreography and of course to see them win a lot in music shows.
@S00BIM: Songs, concepts, MOA's mind blowing theories and more wins for TXT.
@ajjenomoto: I looked forward to the genre the most. I knew TXT could pull off any genre but this darker concept is a really newer and fresher vibe.
@scintillatxt: It's the new music, concept, and genre. TXT always brings something new to the table. I’ve been their fan for 2 years, but they're still unpredictable. There're so many possibilities that they can pull off, so I'm really thrilled during every comeback.
What are your favorite TXT songs?
@byeoleaf: Magic Island and Everlasting Shine are my top 2 favorite TXT songs. They bring me a lot of comfort. Magic Island feels quite bittersweet and remniscing with a simple hum and whistle tune, while Everlasting Shine is full of hope and encouragement to get through things. My current favorite is Thursday's Child Has Far To Go, looking forward to what comes next despite not knowing what may come after them. It feels like a more hopeful version of Way Home to me (Michael: that is really interesting, you should write more about it!).
@tubatuprint: Everytime someone asks for my favorite TXT song I really had to think several times. For starters, my all time favorite and also Soobin’s favorite: Our Summer (Michael: me too!). This song is just so good. It puts me in a good mood everytime I listen to it. And I am patiently waiting for Big Hit to release that tropical remix they used during ACT:Boy concert (Michael: they better do that soon or I will go mad). Next are Everlasting Shine, Eyes and Dear Sputnik. Everytime I listen to these songs while doing my schoolworks I feel like I become so productive. Wishlist, Ghosting, 0X1 = LOVESONG, Can’t We Just Leave the Monster Alive, New Rules, No Rules, Can’t You See Me and many more (yeah, I can’t choose properly!) are also my favorites.
@kimangie0925: Our Summer acoustic mix, 20cm, Anti-Romantic, Eternally and Nap of A Star.
@S00BIM: All, but Maze in the Mirror and Sweat are my to-go favorite song whenever I'm having a hard time (Michael: indeed, they are tear-jerkers). 20cm, Way Home and Wishlist are the songs I listen to when i want to feel butterflies.
@ajjenomoto: My favorite is always Run Away. I would listen to it many times and I wouldn't grow tired with it.
@scintillatxt: My all time favorite is Magic Island. It brings you comfort and warmth, especially when you have watched the whole music video. It's a song about innocent promises of friendship, the assurance of not being alone because you will always be remembered (Michael: you said it best). It’s such a bittersweet song but I really love the message.
Who are some great MOAs to know?
@byeoleaf: Of course, the fanbase/streaming/translating accounts, all of which are detailed in this carrd made by @FloralSoobin: I want to also specifically mention @txtlyricism because they really do encourage talking about TXT's discography, which deserves a whole textbook. Additional shoutout to @moachartdata for not only reporting chart status for TXT but also making graphs and informative threads to understand them further. @txtlov of course, the beacon of this fandom's encouragement and movement and personally @evahane because she always somehow puts my thoughts into words in appreciating TXT and bringing insights into their music's tale.
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@tubatuprint: There are so many great moas not just on twitter but other platforms as well. For example, the person behind the moment newsletter (Michael: OMG thank you!!), @evahane and @lainasunflower who is so great at analyzing TXT’s concept, @txt_book who gives updates TXT contents, @translatingTXT, @304verse, @chewbycheww, @serotyunnin, @TXTUNOFFlClAL, @txtdcm, @myjoytxt, @txt_sarangdan2, @mo5_txt, @ideal__txt, @supernova0304, and I’m pretty sure there’s still a lot that I haven’t mentioned. On TikTok I like user @txtidol. They always hype TXT’ss releases there and the edits are so amazing.
@kimangie0925: @mymusetxt @JeonCheYeon89 and @jhemmelody18!
@S00BIM: @ajjenomoto @QBeeLover @FloralSoobin @hyukaisfanboi and @oppsjan.
@ajjenomoto: @S00BIM, my lovely younger version. She's really really hardworking (Michael: I love your love for each other).
@scintillatxt: My hardworking friends @mymusetxt @KimAngie0925 @oppsjan @QBeeLover @iridescentcyj_ @adshenture2 @tdcm @TXTUNOFFICIAL @txtlov, our fanbases.
What is something you want to see in Moaville?
@byeoleaf: Motivation to be consistent. With the writing of these answers it's quite evident especially xD The bursts of energy we have can be amazing, but it shouldn't be temporary. And I think encouraging people to promote is good too. Another thing I wish is that we trend tags with unique tweets and not just "dropping the tags". We trend them to get people interested. They wouldn't want to see spams of the tags. If you can't make unique tweets, hype other people’s.
@tubatuprint: It can be something that’s already happening or something new. Have a healthy discussion I think? Because there are MOAs here on twitter who tend to subtweet or quote retweet when they disagree with something. Quote retweet is fine. But subtweeting really just makes the whole discussion fragmented and ends up with no resolution. It would be nice if both parties will just talk to each other directly in this way. Then the issue won’t spread that much and it will end quickly. Although of course there is no way to control how someone tweets. This is just a suggestion anyway (Michael: I fully agree with you, I even wrote a 7k word essay on this but it won’t get released haha).
@kimangie0925: I want to see the pure growth in Moaville. i want to see more hardworking MOAs in my timeline.
@S00BIM: MOAs are already so kind and loving. I want to see more teamwork and a more organized Moaville in the future ^_^
@ajjenomoto: I want to see more cooperation. Sure we already have that now but they should keep the hype. We all should cooperate with one another especially to our fanbases. My message to Filo MOAs, to more sleepless nights with you all!
@scintillatxt: Another improvement and growth is streaming, voting and engagement. It would be nice to have a healthier environment for MOAs when they can have fun freely while reaching our goals for the boys.
Bonus: Can you write a message for filo MOAs?
@S00BIM: For my co filo MOAs! Pls let's be there to TXT no matter what happens. I'm really thankful for all filo moas, from pre-debut MOAs to baby MOAs for helping TXT to be successful and creating path for them. Let's be there for them tomorrow too ^^ Let's wait for TXT to have a concert in MOA Arena HAHAHA let's make a memorable things for us and for our boys.
@ajjenomoto: My message to Filo MOAs, to more sleepless nights with you all!
Bonus: Are there any inside jokes among filo MOAs that you want to share with us?
@ajjenomoto: About the inside joke, one time a filo TV show was airing the TXT shopee performance on there and they pronounced MOA as literally M-O-A. FIlos are really crying and laughing hard that time everytime they mention "EM OH EY" and what's funnier is because it was on national TV. I think they don't want locals to be confused because there is a big mall here that's called MOA too.
That is it for today. Thank you for reading! Please give these lovely MOAs and their friends a big round of applause and support.
If you have read to this point, you should subscribe to Moament newsletter! We aim to cover things tubatu and keep it fun!
Wow!! What a well-written piece!❤️ I really enjoyed reading it! As a Filo Moa, its very great and indeed relatable. Thank you very much 💙💙
i enjoyed reading this, the moas really explained the thoughts of every filo moa 💙💙