Month: August 2023

Always and forever with iKON, from iKONICs.

Without exaggeration, iKON consistently succeeds in transforming the concert stage into the biggest and greatest party — a wonderful collaboration with iKONICs, who consistently arrive in the most passionate manner with lightsticks raised and ready to illuminate the stage for Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan, regardless of the number, the location, the time, or the circumstances. Cheers rang out, loud and proud, as iKON returned to the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

The boy group and their fans continued to display unrelenting and persistent enthusiasm to make the Manila stop of the 2023 iKON World Tour TAKE OFF another concert to remember despite Jay’s absence from the event owing to his military enlistment.

From their first solo concert in 2018, an exclusive gathering for a brand in 2019, their glorious return to the Philippine concert stage in 2022, to their eagerly anticipated takeover of The Big Dome last August 5, the boy group’s previous visits to the country are sufficient proof that iKON will constantly be able to dominate any concert stage with a setlist packed with timeless and current tracks accompanied by a live band and captivating stage presence.

As The Big Dome blazes red for them, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan took the stage and launched the show with “Tantara” from their third studio album and most recent release, Take Off. With endorphin, energy runnin’ deep through everyone’s brain, they promptly followed “Tantara” with the hard-hitting “SINOSIJAK” and “At Ease” and a parade of performances of their hits “Killing Me”, “Rhythm Ta”, and “Bling Bling”.

The anticipation grew when they announced their impending return with new tracks. The boys also gave iKONICs a preview of the new tracks they will be releasing.

The show continued with the national anthem, “Love Scenario,” and their most recent single, “U.” In plain white t-shirts and black slacks, iKON performed on these stages, exuding a relaxed and carefree mood that encouraged you, the audience, to let loose and fully immerse yourself in the party.

iKONICS were treated to solo performances of “Kiss Me,” “Want You Back,” “HeartBROKEN PlaYBoY,” and “Fighting” by DK, Ju-ne, Bobby, and Song, respectively. Bobby and Ju-ne collaborated on “Deep Night”. Meanwhile, Chan promised fans a solo stage at their next show in the Philippines. Then, during the interval, a charming and heartfelt VCR was played, offering viewers a glimpse into the boy group’s endearing bond and their love for iKONICs.

“When the feelings from our fans get through to me, that’s when I feel the most thankful,” Chan said. Jay added, “There was a time when I felt a little lost. When I was told, ‘I wish you’d stop feeling guilty,’ that made me tear up a bit.” Other members mirrored these sentiments and shared how their fans’ encouragement has helped them get through difficult times. “I hope we can continue to depend on and support each other,” said Ju-ne.

Brimming with emotions, iKON slowed down a bit with “Why Why Why”, “Like a Movie”, and “GOODBYE ROAD”. And this is how we celebrate, man! They then revived the party with “WHAT’S WRONG?”, “DUMB & DUMBER”, “B-DAY”, and “FREEDOM”.

The boys returned to the stage for the encore and opened it with “Driving Slowly,” acknowledging the various fan projects that the iKONICs had prepared, including the “iKONICs love iKON always and forever” sign, to which DK replied, “We love you forever, seriously. Thank you.” The fans, who also have a lot planned for them, surprised the boys with a touching video greeting that made them tear up.

Always the best party when iKON and iKONICs are present. Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan teamed up with iKONICs for a prolonged encore of “B-DAY,” “RHYTHM TA,” “Love Scenario,” “FREEDOM,” and “Tantara,” generating an unrivaled amount of energy at the Manila stop of the 2023 iKON World Tour TAKE OFF.

It’s hardly hyperbole to state that iKON and the iKONICs always put up a show unlike any other. Everyone was on their feet, chanting loudly and proudly, with KonBats blazing red. Always and forever with iKON, and indeed, the iKONICs never felt short on this promise as they consistently gave Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan the warmest welcomes and the best, most memorable parties.

2023 iKON World Tour TAKE OFF in MANILA was presented by PULP Live World and Happee Hour. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invite.

The long-awaited debut of CRAVITY on the Philippine concert stage finally happened with a masterpiece and a concert to remember.

When CRAVITY announced their tour dates for their first world tour, MASTERPIECE, fans from all over the Philippines waited for this day to come with so much anticipation! Fans from all corners of the country flocked to the New Frontier Theater, brimming with excitement to witness the stellar performances of Allen, Hyeonjun, Jungmo, Minhee, Serim, Seongmin, Taeyoung, Wonjin, and Woobin. The night was filled with euphoria, mesmerizing choreography, and unforgettable moments, solidifying Cravity’s place as a global icon in the K-pop scene.

The moment the lights dimmed, and the stage came alive with dazzling LED displays, the atmosphere inside the New Frontier Theater reached a fever pitch. Cravity emerged from the darkness, opening the show with their hit tracks Get Lifted, Baddie, and My Turn. They indeed opened their concert with their hot and powerful stages. “I didn’t know that Manila was this hot; everyone, you guys are the best in the world!” Heongjun said.

After their opening, each member got to greet Manila. Wonjin even opened with “Mabuhay, beshy!” which made the crowds go wild. Their second set was just as hot as their opening as they performed, Flip the Frame and Veni Vidi Vici. Seongmin even gave a spoiler before they performed Bad Habits. “Recently, I made a bad habit for myself. This is something I do when I feel the atmosphere is not so good and the tension is bound,” Seongmin said as he made the cutest expression saying, “Nyah!”. Taeyong also got to do the expression, and as fans chanted Serim’s name, we also got to see Serim do it! After they performed Bad Habits, it was followed by Gas Pedal.

Cravity returned to the stage with colorful outfits and a different stage showcasing their sweeter and youthful side. They sang Give me your love and Maybe, Baby and even prepared a concert version for the world tour. In a brief intermission, Hyeongjun and Taeyoung gave the fans a special treat. They performed P-pop sensation SB19’s “Gento” in person, which the pair earlier performed in a TikTok clip posted days before the Manila show. But of course, fans also wanted the other members to do the dance, and indeed they did not disappoint.

Throughout the evening, Cravity showcased their immense versatility, captivating the audience with a dynamic mix of upbeat tracks, soulful hits, and powerful dance routines. With their performances with Pow! And with their latest song Groovy, they indeed performed their hearts out as their concert was coming to an end. But before anything else, they explained how it was a part of their bucket list to experience the light wave with their fans. Of course, the entire theater did its best in doing the light wave for Cravity.

After taking the group photo, fans started cheering, “Birthday na ni Songmin! Birthday na ni Songmin!” as the cake and balloons the fans prepared were a surprise for Cravity’s make. His band members prepared him some flowers and headbands as a surprise also. Fans even teased him and chanted, “Iiyak na yan! Iiyak na yan!”

Cravity performed “A to Z” and “Light the Way” for their encore stage. They even delivered individual messages to their fans regarding the end of their world concert and the beginning of Cravity’s journey worldwide. They promised to return and create more precious memories with their fans, known as LUVITYs. The group also highlighted their enjoyment of the energetic performances and the enthusiastic response from the audience, expressing their desire to come back with even better shows in the future. They closed with the first song they ever composed, Colorful.

Taeyeon returned to the Philippines as she had promised, and the country’s SONEs made sure she did so to the biggest applause and most enthusiastic welcome on the Philippine concert stage.

Last July 30 at the Araneta Coliseum, Kim Taeyeon, the leader of Girl’s Generation and one of the most esteemed vocalists in the music industry, gave a magnificent performance of a jam-packed setlist that included 25 songs from her debut album, I, through her third studio album, INVU. The concert, which featured a live band and dancers, emphasized her vocal prowess and her performance, which delved into many genres and demonstrated her versatility.

The singer, who looked stunning in a black gown, sang the songs “INVU,” “Can’t Control Myself,” “Some Nights,” and “Set Myself on Fire” from her third studio album, INVU, which was released in 2022, to start THE ODD OF LOVE in Manila. She continued to astound the audience while wearing a scarlet outfit and performing “Siren” and “Cold As Hell” from INVU.

“Finally, I have come to Manila. It’s nice to see you all,” she said during the opening meant. She then relived her last visit to the country with a joint concert in April, recalling making a vow to return with a solo concert. She proceeded to perform “Heart” and “Toddler” to wrap up the first portion of the performance.

Taeyeon had a joyful comeback to the concert stage, shining with enthusiasm and energy in “Weekend,” “No Love Again,” “You Better Not,” and “Stress.” With purple clothing on display for the siren tonight, a rave party started during “Stress”! “I think it’s the first time to see SONEs enjoying my concert so well. You have this vibe of enjoying the concert — so good,” she commented.

She also performed songs from her fourth extended play, What Do I Call You, offering the fans beautiful and soulful renditions of “Playlist,” “What Do I Call You,” “To the Moon,” and “Wildfire.” She returned and changed the mood by giving powerful renditions of “My Tragedy,” “Better Babe,” and “Four Seasons” on stage. With a live band on each stage, Taeyeon’s vocal prowess and stage presence were more prominently shown, enhancing the impact of every performance.

She then admitted that the empty venue made her feel lonely during rehearsal. I don’t know why I had such a feeling, but seeing you now fill the venue, I genuinely feel thankful,” she continued. The crowd then cheered the artist, who returned the applause by saying “thank you” and bowing.

Taeyeon and her music transcend time. And THE ODD of LOVE in Manila was evidence of the enduring and illustrious career she has developed over the years. No matter how many years have passed, she never ceases to impress with her talents and charisma, and her music is still a staple on everyone’s playlist. Following “Timeless,” she took the audience back to the beginning of her solo career with “I,” the lead single from her debut EP, I, and with “Fine” and “Time Lapse,” both tracks from her 2017 album, My Voice.

Taeyeon began the encore stages with “Spark” while looking adorable in her ensemble. She subsequently interacted with PH SONEs in the most endearing ways as they prepared a variety of initiatives to welcome their beshy, Taeyeon, back to the Philippines. The fan projects included a rave party with purple cloths, a banner project, and a charming attempt to sing “Rain” before the encore, among others, and added to the loud applause and the intense energy they displayed throughout the show.

With the sweetest smiles, bows, and waves of thanks, Taeyeon showed her appreciation for the fans. She remarked during one of her ment, “I hope you guys invite me again to Manila.”

Indeed, it was a timeless memory that will be inscribed in everyone’s heart and mind, till a new memory takes over when Taeyeon returns to her PH SONEs. THE ODD of LOVE in Manila was completed successfully with thanks and happiness flowing from Taeyeon and PH SONEs.