Month: January 2026

American alternative rock musician Nathalie Lu, famously known as Wisp, graced the Philippine concert stage on January 28, 2026, for her If Not Winter tour at the SM North EDSA Skydome. Fans flocked to the intimate, one-night-only show to experience the magic of her electrifying sound and “lighter-than-air” vocals.

Wisp began her musical journey with her TikTok-viral debut single, “Your Face,” released in 2023, which eventually made its way onto the Billboard charts. She followed this with her debut EP, Pandora (April 2024), and her first full-length studio album, If Not Winter (August 2025). With a growing fanbase among rock, indie, and nu-gaze enthusiasts, Wisp has become a rising icon in the music industry, amassing millions of streams on major music and video platforms and selling out shows worldwide.

The show opened with Baguio-based alternative rock band TILAPAYASO, who set the tone with an energetic performance of their hits. When Wisp finally took the stage with her band, she delivered a night to remember, opening with songs like “Pandora,” “Enough for You,” “Mesmerized,” “Mimi,” and “Save Me Now.” Her heavenly vocals paired with an intoxicating alternative rock ensemble captivated the audience, and she continued to thrill fans with “Breathe Onto Me,” “Guidelight,” “If Not Winter,” and “Sword.”

Wisp closed the show with the heartfelt performances of “Black Swan” and “Your Face,” showcasing her dedication and passion for music. Before leaving the stage, she expressed her deep gratitude to fans for their unwavering support and for making the Manila stop of her tour unforgettable.

If Not Winter Live in Manila was proudly presented by PULP Live World.

On the evening of January 17, 2026, the Music Museum in San Juan City became a space defined less by spectacle than by atmosphere. South Korean singer-songwriter COLDE, on the Manila stop of his Blueprint+ Tour, offered a performance that was meticulous in its pacing and intimate in its emotional resonance.

Colde’s music has always straddled genres, R&B, hip hop, and indie pop, without ever feeling derivative. In Manila, that sensibility translated effortlessly. His songs were not designed to dominate the room, but to invite the audience into the nuances of his sound, where quiet melodies and intricate beats carry as much weight as any chorus.

The night opened with DJ Skope, a South Korean producer whose electronic and techno set coaxed the audience from their seats. By the time the lights dimmed, Colde entered quietly, dressed in understated streetwear, opening with “Toxic Love” and “Heartbreak Club.” Early in the set, he performed “When Dawn Comes Again,” a collaboration with Baekhyun, marking the song’s first live presentation on the tour. The song’s intricate harmonies and understated production highlighted both artists’ voices while immediately signaling that this stop would offer exclusive moments for the Manila audience.

Colde addressed the crowd briefly, noting that he had tried to learn some Tagalog for the performance, but found it unnecessary, given his comfort with English. The remark, modest and self-aware, reflected the kind of intimate connection he sought throughout the evening.

Midway through the set, Khakii joined him on stage. Known for his performances on Show Me The Money, Khakii delivered a series of rap sequences, including collaborative tracks “BASS” and “Juicy,” which contrasted sharply with Colde’s measured melodies. The interplay between the two artists underscored the careful pacing of the concert, balancing intensity and reflection.

Colde returned to the stage later in the set, introducing unreleased material and performing “Sunflower,” during which he handed crochet flowers to fans in the front rows. The gesture, small but deliberate, mirrored the intimacy of his compositions and highlighted the concert’s rhythm: emotional investment over spectacle.

The emotional apex came with “Star,” Colde’s contribution to the See You in My 19th Life soundtrack. As the house lights dimmed and phone flashlights dotted the room, the audience entered a shared, almost meditative space. Familiarity and immediacy combined, creating a moment that felt like both memory and presence.

The encore returned the energy to a kinetic high. DJ Skope resumed his set, Khakii rejoined Colde, and the trio closed with “All in Motion,” blending hip hop and electronic textures. The room responded physically as well as emotionally, moving with the music until the lights rose and the night concluded.

Across the evening, the Blueprint+ Tour in Manila demonstrated that intimacy and precision need not compromise impact. Colde’s ability to control pacing, navigate collaborations, and engage the audience created a performance that was both restrained and resonant.

---

Photos and Words by Arielle Elep

It took a year and a half, but RIIZE finally made their long-awaited return to the Philippines for RIIZING LOUD in Manila last January 17 (SUN) at the Mall of Asia Arena, and the moment they stepped onstage, it felt like coming home.

Seeing Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton again was emotional in the best way. Since their RIIZING DAY fancon on July 14, 2024, PH BRIIZE had been counting down nonstop, and judging by the screams inside the arena, the wait only made everything hit harder.

The excitement didn’t even start with the main show. During soundcheck, the members surprised everyone by doing the “Wag Ipagsabi” TikTok challenge, taking turns and clearly having fun with it. Watching them naturally adopt a local trend, and then seeing them upload the video the next day, made us miss them almost immediately.

RIIZING to the Occasion

When the show finally began, the arena exploded. RIIZE kicked things off with “Ember to Solar,” then went straight into “Siren,” “Odyssey,” and “Combo.” It was loud, intense, and impossible to look away, an opening that made it clear they were back and better than ever.

Once they paused to talk, the energy shifted into something warmer. Sungchan shared how the crowd’s reaction made it feel real that they were back in Manila, and when RIIZE told BRIIZE how much they missed us, the response was immediate: a full-arena shout of “We love you, RIIZE!”

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Things softened with “Memories,” as the entire arena sang along like one big choir. It was one of those moments where you could really feel the connection between RIIZE and BRIIZE.

They kept the mood light with their Japanese tracks “Be My Next” and “Lucky,” then leaned into their sweeter side with “Midnight Mirage” and “Hug.” By the time “Love 119” played, hearts were definitely gone.

That “Pinoy-Coded” Rizz

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Manila show without some extra fan service. RIIZE is fully committed to the bit, delivering Tagalog pick-up lines that sent the crowd into full kilig mode:

• Sungchan: “Keyboard ka ba? Kasi type kita.”
• Shotaro: “Alarm clock ka ba? Kasi ginising mo ang natutulog kong puso.”
• Eunseok: “Siomai ka ba? Kasi I’mma siomai love for you.”
• Wonbin: “Ube ka ba? Kasi I only want U be.”
• Sohee: “Math ka ba? Kasi sa’yo ang bagsak ko.”
• Anton: “Water ka ba? Kasi my love for you is tubig (too big).”

Every line was met with screams, laughter, and the kind of joy that only happens at concerts like this.

From Soft to Wild

Riding that happy high, RIIZE moved into “9 Days” and “Show Me Love.” They slowed things down with “Honestly,” giving everyone a quiet moment to breathe before launching right back into the fun.

The energy shot up again with “Talk Saxy” and “Impossible,” turning the arena into one big dance floor. Then came the switch. “Fame” hit with all its emo, rage-filled intensity, and suddenly everyone was screaming their feelings out.

Just when we thought they were done surprising us, RIIZE pulled out a confident, charismatic cover of EXO’s “Monster.” The crowd lost it. From there, it was nonstop with “Bad Luck,” “Get a Guitar,” and “Boom Boom Bass,” before soaring into “Fly Up.”

A Promise We’ll Wait For

Before the encore, it was BRIIZE’s turn to give back. As the lyrics to “Inside My Love” filled the screens, the arena showed off the famous Filipino Throat Chakra, singing at full volume from start to finish.

As always, the end came too fast. RIIZE closed the night with “The End of the Day” and “One Kiss,” waving goodbye with the softest smiles and countless “Salamat po.”

It felt less like a goodbye and more like a promise, one that we’ll be waiting for, hopefully at an even bigger venue next time.

South Korean artist and member of renowned K-pop girl group Red Velvet, WENDY, returned to the Philippines for her first solo tour <W:EALIVE> last January 17, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater, officially concluding her tour with Manila as her last stop.

Blue lights representing her color, and pastel coral from the mandubongs of fans in the crowd, perfectly illuminated the theater with a sea of dreamy lights, looking like little fireflies among the audience. As soon as Wendy went centerstage, fans went wild and got excited to see Wendy again performing for her fans in Manila.

The opening stage was prepared with nothing but a sincere heart as Wendy sang her songs “Fireproof,” “Hate²,” and “Queen of the Party.” Wendy felt the surge of energy from her fans, saying that with their loudest cheers, she couldn’t even hear herself with her in-ear. Wendy continued to show her greatness through her music as she performed more of our favorite songs, such as “Why Can’t You Love Me,” “Best Ever,” “Chapter You,” “His Car Isn’t Yours,” “Better Judgment,” and “Vermillion.”

Wendy couldn’t seem to get enough of Manila as she shared a few memories from her arrival, her favorite Filipino dishes, and her plans for vacation in the country. Among her stories, she recounted her arrival in Manila the night before her concert and how her fans prepared food for her, which she shared with her staff, saying that she had tried Jollibee’s menu and enjoyed it a lot. Apart from that, Wendy mentioned ordering Filipino cuisine adobo from her hotel’s room service as she always made sure to eat it when she visited Manila. A true foodie herself, Wendy said she will try halo-halo and Llaollao the next time she visits for a vacation in the country.

The concert tour VCR highlighted some behind-the-scenes footage of her tour preparations, and also showed how grateful she is to her fans. Wendy mentioned writing her memories in a diary and keeping them vividly remembered through photos, as the feelings from those moments come alive again. “Thank you for always being by my side,” Wendy gave a sincere and utmost gratitude to her fans who have always expressed their support and love for her.

As the show reached its peak, performing with a 4-man band composed of amazing musicians Lee Byeongdo (keyboards), Youn Gapyol (guitar), Jung Boik (bass), and Song Jaeyoung (drums), W:EALIVE truly kept the crowd alive and at the edge of their seats as Wendy continued to show an outstanding stage with “Like Water,” which was the title song of her very first solo album, “When This Rain Stops,” “Believe,” and her OSTs “Goodbye” from KDrama <The Beauty Inside,> “Because I Love You,” which she sang during her time during her SM Rookies days. “I sang it very well back then, but I wanted to show myself and the fans that I’ve grown so much as a singer skillfully and emotionally.”

Moreover, Wendy showed us an unforgettable OST medley still, continuing with “If I Could Read Your Mind” from KDrama <Yumi’s Cells,> saying that this song is quite different from her emotional ballads as this song is an upbeat one with cute and lovely tones to it, “Two Words,” fromK-drama <Start Up,> and “Airport Goodbyes,” which was produced by The Black Skirts.

ReVeluvs were certainly feeling the nostalgia as Wendy sang “Light Me Up,” reeling the fans in as Wendy playfully changed the lyrics for the second chorus from “Oh, boy” to “Oh, girl.” “For my ReVeluvs out there, Light Me Up is a must song.” Wendy definitely lit up the theater as she also promised to return and perform more Red Velvet songs with her members in the future. Wendy finally reached her concert’s end as she performed “Wish You Hell,” “Sunkiss,” “Best Friend,” “The Road,” and “Existential Crisis.”

“Thank you, Manila [fans] for coming to my concerts… because of you, I can do all these things as a singer,” Wendy expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her fans who were all eagerly cheering and supporting Wendy since day 1.

Wendy’s fans prepared fanprojects for her return to Manila, which seemed like a homecoming for the queen that they have all been waiting for. From light wristbands, banners, and a surprise video compilation of messages for their beloved Wendy, they surely prepared so much, with these gestures making her Manila stop the best. With the warm hearts of the fans, Wendy returned for an encore, singing her songs “Vermillion,” “Hate²,” and “Wish You Hell.” When fans thought the night was over, Wendy went down the stage and personally met her fans who were seated in the crowd, making sure she sent them off well and thanked them with a heart full of love.

As Wendy’s world tour ended, she prepared a letter saying that “the most beautiful ending here in Manila” made her discover what happiness truly feels like and realize her dream, marking this tour as “the most luminous chapter” of her life as an artist, carrying her fans’ love like a torch that will illuminate her path moving forward.

<W:EALIVE> 2025 Wendy 1st Solo Tour in Manila was made possible by L-SQUARED PRODUCTIONS.

Former Super Junior member Kangin returned to Manila to kick off his fan meeting tour, ‘Stunning Together,’ on January 11 at the SM North EDSA Skydome.

Officially returning after 13 years, with his last visit being in October 2013 for Super Junior’s ‘Super Show 5’ concert, Kangin was naturally shy at first. As the show progressed, however, he shared, “I was very excited, but nervous as well. Thanks to your passionate welcome, I think my anxiety levels are going down. I’ll make sure to create the best memories for you guys.”

The singer delivered on his promise as the segments went on. His excitement was palpable as he shared the Filipino food he tried and loved, including Jollibee, halo-halo, and crispy pata. After hearing the crowd’s reactions, Kangin even joked, “By any chance, do you have crispy pata in your bags?” earning laughter from the audience.

The show became even more intimate yet playful as Kangin entertained fans with dance challenges flashed on screen. He drew louder screams when he attempted ‘Budots,’ a Filipino dance trend, and happily obliged when fans asked him to do it again.

He also played a game of charades with lucky audience members. When asked what he wanted to say to his fans, Kangin shared, “One of the biggest goals for my fanmeet was to make you guys smile or laugh. The biggest desire I have through this fanmeet is to create memories with you. So take pictures of me now.” He added humorously as he walked around the stage, striking different poses.

Although shy at first, the energy of his fans fueled him to show his fun and playful side. Throughout the show, Kangin repeatedly mentioned how nervous he had been at the start, but relaxed as he felt the warmth of his audience.

He went on to perform “Mientes” and “Love Is Pain,” before coming down from the stage to greet fans with flowers while performing Super Junior’s “Pajama Party” for his encore.

Fans prepared a surprise video expressing how much he is appreciated, leaving Kangin visibly thankful for their continued support through the years. In one of his closing messages, he said, “It is really meaningful for me that my first stop is the Philippines. It’s been so long since we’ve been able to meet again. I missed you as much as the time that has passed. I really wanted to meet you guys so much.”

Instead of saying goodbye, Kangin left his fans with a heartfelt promise: “Just like how we’re stunning together, I’ll do my best to grow even more.”

KANGIN’s ‘STUNNING TOGETHER’ fan meeting in Manila was brought to fans by CDM Entertainment.