Favorite Memory Unlocked with ZOONIZINI’s Roll the Dice in Manila

AROHAs finally unlocked their Favorite Memory with ASTRO’s newest sub-unit, ZOONIZINI, made up of MJ and JinJin, as the duo brought their 2025 ZOONIZINI FANPARTY [ROLL THE DICE] to Manila on October 11, 2025, at the UP Theater.

MJ, ASTRO’s main vocalist, and JinJin, the group’s leader and main rapper, officially debuted as a sub-unit on August 13, 2025. Their first EP, DICE, features six tracks that showcase the duo’s versatility and distinct musical colors, giving fans a glimpse of their refreshing dynamic as a unit.

ROLL THE DICE in Manila

The energy at the venue peaked as ZOONIZINI took the stage to perform New World. The duo was all smiles, instantly mirroring the excitement and joy that AROHAs had felt since the fanparty announcement, now overflowing as the event finally began.

Cheers echoed throughout the venue as the duo greeted their AROHAs after nine years since their last visit to Manila. MJ cheerfully said, “Mabuhay! Ako po si MJ!” followed by JinJin’s equally bright, “Mabuhay! Ako po si JinJin!” that instantly energized the crowd.

“Just as much as you guys have waited, the welcome is really loud, and we’re really happy right now,” JinJin said, touching the hearts of AROHAs who had patiently waited for their return.

The duo also delighted fans by learning a few Filipino phrases. MJ sweetly said, “Lagi namin kayong namimiss” (We always miss you), while JinJin was asked to say, “Mahal namin kayo” (We love you). He instantly replied that he already knew the phrase and even remembered it from their 2016 visit.

Let the Fun Roll with ZOONIZINI

Game #1: Rollaround Relay

It was MJ versus JinJin in a fun challenge featuring classic Filipino games, with missions in a relay that included jackstone, luksong baka, tumbang preso, and piko! The duo gave their all to finish each task within a short time. In the end, MJ took the win, while JinJin, as the loser, had to face the consequence—a shot of calamansi juice while smiling. And JinJin nailed it!

After the first game, ZOONIZINI had to deliver another performance. “I think it’s really cruel that I have to perform the next song after drinking the calamansi juice,” JinJin funnily shared as he explained their next song to perform, Favorite Memory.

Game #2: Roll the Lyrics

For their second game, ZOONIZINI took on the challenge of guessing their own songs with the lyrics translated into Filipino. With help from AROHAs and the host, who acted out the translated lines, the duo tried their best to figure out each song title. Every time they guessed correctly, MJ and JinJin had to dance to the song, which made the moment even more fun for everyone watching.

ZOONIZINI nailed the challenge as they guessed, danced, and vibed to ASTRO hits like Crazy Sexy Cool, Breathless, Cat’s Eye, Like Stars, and Confession.

Rolling Through ZOONIZINI’s Tracks!

Right after, they performed Utopia, which turned the atmosphere into a literal party. During the song, AROHAs unveiled their fan project, a confetti-like lace in green and orange, which they waved throughout the performance. ZOONIZINI expressed their gratitude and thanked the fans for their thoughtful gesture.

With the energy peaking, JinJin asked, “You’re feeling the heat right now, right?” Upon hearing the crowd’s loud “yes,” he quickly quipped, “Because you guys are so hot!”

Then came the playful chant of “Abs! Abs! Abs!” as fans teased JinJin to reveal his abs. Laughing, he replied, “We came yesterday, right? So I ate a lot of food. I am not ready now.” MJ, siding with the fans, encouraged him by saying, “That’s okay!” To this, JinJin responded, “AROHA, just one time, okay?” granting the crowd’s request.

Not letting MJ off the hook, AROHAs began chanting his name next. He joked, “Six packs? No, one pack!” which sent everyone laughing. JinJin then asked if MJ could show his arm muscles instead, but MJ playfully said he couldn’t because “the shirt might burst.”

“It’s been a long time since we came to the Philippines, and we were able to receive a lot of energy from our AROHAs. Because I was able to receive a lot of good energy from you guys, I thought I should definitely come back here,” JinJin heartfeltly shared. MJ added that they felt sorry for returning to the Philippines after such a long time, and promised that if given the opportunity, they would do their best to come back again.

While JinJin was introducing the next song, the familiar phrase “Next song is…” was mentioned, with AROHAs playfully repeating and prolonging the word “is.” Earlier this year, Yoon Sanha, ASTRO’s maknae, also visited Manila for his solo fan-con, where the funny moment that became a meme first began. Now, the fans did it again, prompting JinJin to laugh and say, “Wow! Did you guys practice it? I love it!”

Afterward, ZOONIZINI rocked the stage with Starlight Voyage.

Final Roll: ZOONIZINI’s Gratitude and Happiness 

“With this opportunity today, I’ll make sure to come here more often,” MJ shared. He added, “I want to say that I’m really, really thankful for today. I want you to stay happy, and mahal kita!” expressing his heartfelt gratitude to their fans.

“Please cheer for our ASTRO members just like what you are doing now. I want to say thank you for waiting for us for nine years,” JinJin said, acknowledging how difficult it must have been to wait that long and expressing how sorry they felt toward AROHAs. “I think I can go back to Korea happily with this energy,” he added with a smile.

Finally, ZOONIZINI invited everyone to stand up and enjoy their final stage, Restart.

2025 ZOONIZINI FANPARTY [ROLL THE DICE] in Manila is made possible by Wish Us Luck.