September 3, 2016 would go down in history as the first time ever that a major Korean music show was held in the Philippines. Presented by All Access Productions, MBC Show Champion officially marked its 200th episode at the MOA Arena with thousands of fervent fans who cheered and partied with 9 of the most outstanding K-pop acts to date.
Hosted by the energetic Kim Shin Young and the ever perky Kim Heechul of Super Junior and M&D, the show was an uproarious hit. MBC Show Champion is a weekly music show in South Korea which features the performances of top K-pop acts, with the singles ranked based on a precise point system. It started airing in Korea on 2012 and has since become a major avenue for upcoming and rising K-pop acts alike.

Each group showcased their definitive charms as they performed their latest and catchiest tracks.
First up, the nine-member rookie girl group Gugudan sweetened the air with their “Wonderland”. They were followed by the dashing gentlemen of KNK who showed an edgy performance of “Knock” and “Back Again”.
Astro lived up to their bright and playful image as they performed “Breathless” and “Hide and Seek”. The boys also amused the crowd by playing the Pak Ganern game onstage.

One group that the crowd really, really liked too was Sonamoo. The seven-member girl group infused more color to the show with the danceable “I Like U Too Much” and “Round N Round”.

M&D thrilled the crowd with their blend of rock, disco and trot. Kim Heechul’s magnetic carefree presence onstage was well balanced by Kim Jungmo’s rocking charisma. The duo performed “Close Ur Mouth”, “Ulsanbawi” and “Rokugo”. Midway, Heechul also made a striking announcement “Philippines, coming soon: Super Show 7!” which totally riled up the crowd.

AOA spiced up the evening, and almost gave their fanboys a “Heart Attack” when they made their appearance. It was the group’s first time in Manila since their debut in 2012, but they seem to be well adored by the Filipino crowd. They also performed “Good Luck” and “Like a Cat”.

VIXX pulled the crowd into the attractively dark side of things as they presented the semi-gothic strings of “Fantasy”. It was their second time to come here, and they were very pleased with the reception they got from Starlights (the name of their fanbase). VIXX also showed their groovy side with “Love Me Do” and “Dynamite”.
Another highly anticipated act for the evening was the boys of BAP who once again proved to be showstoppers. The last time they were here was in 2014. Based on the frenetic energy of the crowd, it seems that they were greatly missed as everyone in the Arena instantly turned up to the pulsating hiphop beats of “That’s My Jam”, “Young, Wild and Free”, “No Mercy” and “Bang X2”.

For the finale, Bangtan Boys once again set fire to Manila only a month after their Epilogue concert in the very same stage. The crowd, made up of a by a great number of ARMYs (the name of BTS’ fanbase), screamed, danced and sang their hearts out as the boys boldly showed their powerful performance of “Save Me”, “Boyz with Fun” and “Dope”.

The confetti blasted off, marking the ending to a remarkable show. All 9 acts entertained and thrilled the crowd with their definitive performances. The stage production, massive as it was, did not disappoint either.

This begs the question: Are we going tosee more K-pop music shows in Manilafrom now on?

MBC Show Champion is set to be aired in Korea on September 13.

Special thanks to All Access Productions.

by Sandra Mae Laureano