Sandara Park on growing up loved in PH: ‘Hindi kaya Pilipina talaga ako sa past life ko?!’

K-pop star Sandara Park once again warmed the hearts of Filipino fans after expressing how deeply the Philippines shaped her life, saying the country raised her and changed her even before she entered the entertainment industry. 

The 2NE1 member sparked a wave of Pinoy Pride on October 13 after unexpectedly visiting a Filipino fast-food chain at Orchard Road in Singapore. 

In a post on X, Sandara shared a selfie and recalled how seeing the restaurant immediately settled her dinner plans. 

“Nagulat ako!!! Sabi ko ito na ung dinner ko!” she wrote. 

The singer said that she was immediately recognized by Filipinos fans when she entered the restaurant, even though she was wearing a mask. She fondly referred to them as “mga kababayan ko” as she recounted how they ended up taking a group photo together. 

“So pumasok ako para mag order, at nakilala ako ng mga kababayan ko kahit nakamask ako! at nag group pic kami hehehe 🥰,” she added. 

Her post drew messages from Filipino fans, many of whom expressed their pride in the singer and pointed out how her genuine love for the Philippines has been returned by Filipinos wherever she goes. 

One netizen remarked that Sandara’s support from Filipinos around the world comes from the love she has consistently shown the country. 

“Kasi minahal mo ng Todo ang Pilipinas… Kaya sobra sobra ang pagmamahal ng mga Pilipino sa yo Sandara🥰,” the fan wrote. 

Sandara responded by recalling how Filipinos welcomed her when she was still young and had yet to discover the world of showbiz. 

“Kasi minahal ako nang todo ng Pilipinas nung bata pa ako. Nung wala pa akong alam sa showbiz, wala pa akong friends at wala pa akong alam sa mundo. The Philippines raised me and changed my life,” she said. 

Born in Busan, South Korea, the 41-year-old singer grew up in the Philippines, where she first gained fame before eventually building an international career in South Korea. She remains fluent in Tagalog and has continued to maintain a close connection with Filipino fans. 

Reflecting on the special bond she shares with the Filipinos and the country, Sandara playfully wondered: “Hindi kaya Pilipina talaga ako sa past life ko?! 🥹🇵🇭” 

Her remark prompted another outpouring of affection from Filipinos, with fans recalling how much the singer has meant to them since her early days in the local entertainment industry. Many also emphasized that her connection to the Philippines goes beyond her nationality. 

“Minahal at ni-respeto mo ang Pilipinas kaya deserved mo din ang 100% love, support and respect ng Filipinos. you will and forever be our one and only Ms. Krung krung,” one netizen commented. 

“Hindi kailangang sa past life. Para sa amin, Pilipino ka pa rin ngayon. At tama ka, mahal ka namin. ♥️,” another wrote. 

“Noon, pa rin hanggang ngayon, pusong Pilipina. 💗,” one more added. 

In an earlier X post on October 10, Sandara also expressed how touched she was to discover that Filipino fans continued to attend her performances and events overseas. 

The singer shared her surprise after learning that some fans had traveled to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to watch her perform at the Kaohsiung Park Music Festival. She also recalled seeing Filipino supporters at other events in South Korea. 

“Kasi lately, di ko na-expect pero laging may Pinoy sa shows ko. Pati sa Korean festival sa Incheon, meron din sa Chungju [Park Music Festival] and many other places,” she said. 

“So nagulat ako and happy!!! So isipin ko nalang, kahit san ako pupunta, at least may isang Pinoy who will be there to cheer for me🥹🧡🙏🏻,” she added. 

Known affectionately among Filipino fans as the “Pambansang Krung Krung,” Sandara first rose to prominence in the Philippines as a contestant on ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Quest in 2004.  

Her lively personality and performances endeared her to audiences, while songs such as “In or Out” and “Ang Ganda Ko” became memorable parts of her early career in the country.  

More than two decades later, the affection she received during those formative years continues to follow her around the world. 

Sandara went on to establish herself in South Korea as a member of the iconic K-pop group 2NE1, while also pursuing solo projects and other entertainment ventures.