It was The Rose’s third time in Manila, yet seeing them again felt like seeing them in a brand new light.

Korean rock band, The Rose, composed of Kim Woosung, Park Dojoon, Lee Jaehyeong, and Lee Hajoon, brought their Dawn to Dusk Tour at the Araneta Coliseum on January 26.

From playing venues like Samsung Hall for their We Rose You Tour in 2019 and Skydome for their Heal Together Tour in 2023, the band was now headlining the Big Dome. Flocked by a hefty number of their fans called the Black Roses, the show featured most of their newer tracks from their 2023 album DUAL plus a few songs from their older EPs, showing off the quartet’s immense growth as artists and performers.

As the lights went out, a loud buzzing shrill from a synth was heard, immediately putting the crowd into a daze. When Woosung belted out the words, “Take me to the dark” from their opening song “Eclipse”, the effect was immediate – everyone was frenetically singing and cheering. The song, which originally sounded more sluggish and downcast in the album, became more electric and upbeat. It was as if the song took on a whole new meaning live. That, among other things, was one of the many things that made the experience of seeing The Rose worth it.

Their setlist, composed of 23 songs, highlighted the recently released tracks from their new album. The synth-pop-infused melodies of “You’re Beautiful”, “Lifeline” and “Nauseous” got the crowd dancing. Meanwhile, their older tracks like “RED”, “Take Me Down”, “I.L.Y.” and “Sorry” were welcome stepbacks to their past. Things turned slightly sentimental for songs like “Angel”, “Definition of ugly is” and “She’s in the Rain”.

“You guys are truly, truly Filipinos because everybody here is a good singer, I can tell,” Woosung told the crowd that screamed every word as they played “Back to Me”. “I can see that you guys are filling in half of this concert with your voices so thank you for that!”

Indeed, Filipino Black Roses’ support was so overwhelming, that even Woosung dubbed the concert “The Rose featuring Black Roses”. They did their homework, memorized the songs, and sang their hearts out. They even prepared fan projects which included a banner event and a cloth-waving event.

Before playing “Sorry”, Woosung reminisced that it was the song that started their story as a band. They started playing together 7 years ago in Hongdae, a known area for busking and arts in Seoul. Their first show was a place that had around 20 people in the audience, most of which are their friends. “After 7 years, we are here in front of you guys in Manila, sharing our energy, sharing our music,” he said while scanning the size of the crowd. “We also believe that music is healing, music moves people’s hearts, and music finds people that need them. Thank you so much for coming!”

Likewise, it was a pleasure to see The Rose again and in a bigger venue this time. It’s amazing how they incorporated different electro-pop elements with their blend of pop-rock music which makes their songs easy on the ears and stadium-ready. Along with this, the quality of their show has also leveled up with a more elaborate stage design and lighting. All in all, it is a highly enjoyable show!

by Sandra Mae Laureano

Special thanks to Ovation Productions and AEG Presents Asia

The Rose – Dawn to Dusk Live in Manila – Setlist

1. Eclipse
2. Dawn
3. You’re Beautiful
4. Shift
5. Lifeline
6. Red
7. Nauseous
8. Back to Me
9. Yes
10. ILY
11. Time
12. Beauty and the Beast
13. Dusk
14. Angel
15. Definition of Ugly Is
16. Take Me Down
17. Alive
18. Sorry
19. Cure
20. She’s in the Rain
21. Sour
22. Cosmo
23. Wonder