Jolly Welcome: Alan Shirahama Arrives Manila for &FRIENDS Festival 2026

DJ and GENERATIONS from Exile Tribe leader Alan Shirahama received a warm and jolly welcome from his Filipino Dreamers on June 18, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He is scheduled to perform at &FRIENDS Festival 2026 on June 19 and 20 at Okada Manila as part of his “My Quest” World Tour 2026.

Alan announced his arrival on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, sharing details of his flight. He also encouraged fans to come and welcome him as he arrived in Manila ahead of the upcoming event.

Despite it being a weekday, fans took time out of their schedules to prepare banners and gather at the airport to welcome their balikbayan*. Some supporters had traveled from distant locations, including Japanese fans who were also present, demonstrating their dedication to Alan. Although the flight experienced a slight delay, the fans remained patient throughout the wait and followed the airport staff’s instructions precisely.

A cheerful group of people holding 'Welcome Home Alan Shirahama' and promotional banners in an airport arrival area, smiling and posing for the camera.

When Alan finally emerged from the arrival gate, he greeted the Filipino Dreamers with a bright smile and a shy wave. The fans greeted him with “Okaeri” [Welcome home], which he warmly embraced while giggling at some of the creative banners they had prepared for him. Without hesitation, Alan approached the fans one by one, offering high-fives while repeatedly saying “Salamat” [Thank you]. At one point, he recognized a fan who greeted him with, “Nice to meet you again,” and excitedly shared the moment with his staff.

“Let’s take a picture,” he said in English as he handed his phone to a staff member. He even moved his luggage aside to make more room for everyone, a gesture that fans found especially endearing. “Sige sige, lahat” [Yes, everyone], he added as he encouraged the crowd to gather closer for the group photo. Afterward, he also took individual photos with each fan.

Group photo of a diverse group of friends smiling and posing together at an airport welcome area, holding banners and signs.

He also signed albums, photobooks, and other memorabilia that his fans prepared. Noticeably, GENE DREAMERS PH had made a Jollibee*-themed welcome banner known as something Alan is very fond of. After his solo photoshoot with said banner, fans willingly gave it to him as a gift for his arrival. He excitedly waved it while speaking in Filipino, telling the fans thank you and that he’ll hang the banner at his house.

A crowded scene in an airport lobby with a group of fans gathering around two individuals, one dressed in black and another in a light-colored top, while others hold cameras and papers, capturing the moment.

The interactions continued as everyone had a chance to meet him, with plenty of laughter and lighthearted jokes exchanged along the way. After roughly 15 minutes of heartfelt interactions, Alan and the Filipino Dreamers bid each other farewell. “See you tomorrow!” he called out as he waved goodbye, carrying the Jollibee welcome banner with him.

Born to a Filipino mother and Japanese father, Alan was appointed as a Philippine Tourism Ambassador in 2023. He also shares proudly about his Filipino roots through his works and even during variety shows, making Filipino Dreamers have a special place in his heart.

Born to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father, Alan was appointed as a Philippine Tourism Ambassador in 2023. He has consistently expressed pride in his Filipino heritage through his work and appearances on various Variety shows, making Filipino Dreamers hold a special place in his heart.

Alan previously performed back at “MUSICKLIFE” live at KAO Manila in April 2024 as part of his “null” Asia Tour 2024. He also had a collaboration vlog with ANA (All Nippon Airways), showcasing not only his memories and love for his 2nd home country but also the beauty Manila has to offer.

Alan Shirahama is set to perform on Day 2 of &FRIENDS Festival. Catch his banging set on June 20 at Okada Manila. Tickets are still available on &FRIENDS Festival 2026’s official website.

☆ Follow Alan Shirahama for more! ☆
☆ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alan_shirahama_official/
☆ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ALANSHIRAHAMAofficial
☆ Twitter https://twitter.com/_alan_official

*Balikbayan literally translates to “returnee to the country” or “return to the homeland”.
*Jollibee is a fast-food chain well known in the Philippines.

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