[Fanday Monday] The Triple S Philippines Sisterhood
The Philippine K-Pop community is a vibrant group of people, young and young-at-heart, who express their passion for Korean music, drama, food, pop culture, and all things K-Pop.
To recognize and celebrate this energetic subculture of fan clubs, talents, and personalities, Yahoo! OMG! Philippines, through its "OK POP" blog presents "Fanday Mondays". The goal of this series is to increase awareness and foster camaraderie among local K-Pop fan clubs and K-Pop fanatics.
Today's feature is on Triple S Philippines, the official local fan club of popular idol group SS501.
Club Name: Triple S Philippines (TSPH)
Website: http://triplesph.co.nr
Twitter: http://twitter.com/triplesph
Related K-Pop Star(s): SS501, Kim Hyun Joong, Heo Young Saeng, Kim Kyu Jong, Park Jung Min, Kim Hyung Jun
Year Established: 2007
SS501 Sparks Sisterhood
Triple S Philippines was organized as a response to the stir of excitement inspired by Korean idol group SS501. Popular for their extensive discography including K-Pop and J-Pop albums, SS501 gained tremendous following especially after leader Kim Hyun Joong shook the industry as "Yoon Ji Hoo" in "Boys Over Flowers" in 2009. It must be noted, though, that Triple S Philippines was established even before Kim Hyun Joong's breakout role. In fact, SS501 already made a name for themselves in the K-Pop and J-Pop industry before "Boys Over Flowers," which also featured a number of SS501 songs in its soundtracks.
Stirred by their devotion to SS501, Triple S Philippines aims to unite all Filipino SS501 fans and help introduce the group to others. Triple S Philippines aims to be acknowledged as the largest fanbase for SS501 in the country but what is most touching about this group is that it is not just a fan club, it is a sisterhood.
Triple S Philippines members come from various backgrounds including students, young professionals, and even older fans. Still, the members are able to relate and work together to support their idol. Triple S Philippines expressed that "probably the greatest testament to our unity—and one of our proudest achievements as a fan club, is being able to make the SS501 members who have already visited here (the Philippines) smile and feel appreciated."
Seriously Superior Support
Triple S Philippines is one of the most active K-Pop fan clubs in the country. The group has taken their role as the fan support arm of SS501 seriously. Investing not just their time but also their money, Triple S Philippines achieved so much in less than 5 years. Just look at their impressive fan club achievements.
Triple S Philippines was given official permission to organize a fan meeting with Kim Hyun Joong on June 18, 2010. One hundred Triple S Philippines members were able to enjoy an evening with Kim Hyun Joong complete with buffet dinner, signed CD, and group photo. What is more admirable, though, is that Triple S Philippines was able to organize this event without any corporate backing or sponsorship.
Triple S Philippines organized dance performances to support release events including the release of SS501 leader's solo mini album Breakdown. Triple S Philippines also performed during the pre-event for Kim Hyun Joong's Hi-Five Touch Event last August 25.
Not a lot of fan clubs get their idols to acknowledge their existence but Triple S Philippines has managed to secure the attention of the group through their meaningful fan gifts borne out of consolidated efforts. Kim Hyung Jun even greeted all Filipino fans through the efforts of one Triple S Philippines staff who visited Korea.
Sensitive Social Services
Similar to other SS501 international fan clubs that completed meaningful projects (i.e., blood donations, volunteer work), Triple S Philippines also completed innovative socio-civic projects including the "501 Challenge," a sports festival benefiting the La Mesa Ecopark. Funds earned from this sports event was used to adopt five narra seedlings named after each SS501 member.
Triple S Philippines also organized a meaningful birthday celebration for SS501 member Kim Hyung Jun through a charity party for the children and staff of Abiertas House of Friendship. The group catered to a total of 70 children and their caretakers and teachers.
Aside from their club efforts, Triple S Philippines is also active in supporting Gawad Kalinga serving as volunteers for cleanup drives and other efforts as an active member of the Philippine KPOP Committee.
Triple S Philippines is indeed an exemplar of how a sisterhood fueled by fan-love is not just about fangirling but is also about friendship, unity, and making a difference.
Catherine Deen blogs for Yahoo! Philippines OMG! She lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas, and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.
