FIRST LOOK: Space of BTS in Metro Manila

(SPOT.ph) When it comes to shopping in physical stores, it's a whole experience. From the store entrance and lighting, down to how merchandise are arranged. South Korean boy group BTS is a visual feast onstage and on the red carpet, and their physical pop-up stores across the globe are no different. SPOT.ph got the chance to visit the Space of BTS in Metro Manila at the SM Mall of Asia, the group's latest limited pop-up, to give you the lowdown on exclusive merch, prices, and mechanics.

Loyal ARMYs know lines get long for these pop-ups, so if you're a newbie fan looking to go for the first time, prepare yourself for a long wait. Mall management has gotten used to handling a crowd, so the most you can do is arrive early, prepare your wallet, and blast BTS music in your ears.

Also read: BTS in Active Service: What to Know About Korea's Military Enlistment

Here's a look at the Space of BTS in Metro Manila

BTS has had several pop-ups throughout the years, but what makes Space of BTS special are the country-exclusive items. Apart from collaborations with local brands, Space of BTS is also a consolidation of all of the group's eras, from their powerhouse releases to even their solo endeavors. Expect to see merch from the "Butter" era, their Dalmajung drops, TinyTan goods, and yes, even their elusive artist-made line. 

We even spotted Wooteo and all the jewelry, apparel, and miscellaneous merch from all the members' solo releases. Our eyes are on the Festa merch, too, which sold out pretty quick when they first hit Weverse. If you're after sold-out merch from the past, now's your chance to get them.

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Philippines-exclusive items at the Space of BTS in Metro Manila

Several collaboration items with three Filipino brands will be available at the pop-up. A handmade barong (P30,000) from Randolf Clothing is embroidered with the members' drawings. Only 15 of these were made and once they're sold out, they're all gone.

Next up is a bag series from Rags2Riches, a social enterprise brand that advocates for intentional, slow fashion and provides livelihood to local artists and workers. Four pieces are available; the Buslo Micro Bag (P4,800), a bucket bag woven in deep purple and lilac, with a teal strap, the Puso Micro Bag (P3,700), a triangular pouch with a wrist strap and a chain, the Wonton Bag Charm (P850), a triangular bag keyring with a zip that doubles as a pouch or wallet, and the Sobre Bag Charm (P850), an envelope type bag charm that can also be a pouch or wallet.

All Rags2Riches pieces are handmade, and each bag or accessory comes with a card signed by the artisan who crafted it.

Sunnies Flasks were all the rage when they came out, and now fans can get their tumbler in a BTS-esque colorway, complete with a loop that accommodates keyrings, photocard holders, and other anik.

The Sunnies Flasks (P2,495) are available in Purple, Grey, and Chrome. Each flask is engraved with the BTS logo and comes with a special loop that can carry keychains and more, plus you'll get a photocard holder and stickers with every purchase. The Chrome edition of the flask is available only at the pop-up. Sunnies can also engrave the flask for you—just bring over your BTS flask after purchase to any Sunnies branch and they can get the job done. There's a 15-character limit, so keep that in mind when you're at the store.

The shirts priced at P2,500 each are also country-exclusive, with the purple one sporting a jeepney at the back. The socks which are priced at P650 a pair are a pastel lavender with lilac accents.

Also read: BTS Monochrome Is Now Open in SM Mall of Asia

Queueing system and photobooth at the Space of BTS in Metro Manila Pop-Up

Now that we've told you all about the merch, let's talk about the line and everything else in between. A group of 30 people are allowed to enter per batch, each with 30 minutes to shop. Before you head in, make a checklist of everything you want to get because you might be short on time once you're in there. The pop-up accepts cash, GCash, and debit and credit cards, so you don't have to worry about payment methods when you're at the counter.

Stocks are limited, especially for the country-exclusive merch. The handmade barong alone was sold out upon opening. The bags are still available, along with the shirts, flasks, socks, and keyrings.

Don't forget to snap some pics alone or with friends at the photo booth, which offers unique frames limited to the pop-up. There are photos with one photo, two photos, and one with a grid if you want several poses. If you're alone, the solo and 4-grid are best, and if you're a group, the solo and 2-shot are recommended. Each print is P300 and comes with a QR code you can scan to get your digital copy of the photo and a moving image of your session at the photo booth.

There are familiar props you've seen on BTS members like the sunflower headdress, shades, a bunny hat, and a purple flower crown. Plan your poses ahead of time, because each shot is only about five seconds long, with filter selection at 10 seconds long. There are no retakes, so you only have one shot to make it count. 

Space of BTS in Metro Manila is located at 3F SM Mall of Asia next to Uniqlo and across Sunnies Studios.