It was impossible for David Archuleta to conceal his joy at having performed in the Philippines once again. The American singer-songwriter first gained prominence on “American Idol” in 2008, capturing the hearts of many fans, particularly in the Philippines. Following his rise to fame, Archuleta returned to Manila multiple times for concerts, fan meet-and-greets, and charity events.
David was overjoyed to be back in the Philippines and to connect with his Filipino supporters. David Archuleta’s admiration for the Philippines is evident in his decision to return to the country to perform his most popular songs for “The Best of David Archuleta.” Known for his engaging stage presence, often connecting with fans through his music and personal stories. The Filipino audience, known for their passion for music and support for artists, has consistently welcomed him warmly, making his performances memorable experiences for both him and his fans.
David performed “I’m Yours,” followed by “Invincible.” While the crowd got their first jolt singing “A Little Too Not Over You,โ with him. David was taken aback by the large number of his fans who packed the New Frontier Theater for his comeback, commenting, “There’s so many of you here tonight, my gosh.” David Archuleta remains popular in the Philippines, proclaiming that the country is his “second home.” He even referred to his audience as “cousins.”
Displaying his growth as an artist, David bravely came forward, addressing his personal challenges between balancing his faith and public life. After a touching story about how he came out three years ago, David sang his latest single, “Hell Together,” which he dedicated to his mother. He has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, seeking to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help. His candidness has helped destigmatize mental health issues within the music community. He continued to evolve as an artist, releasing new music and collaborating with various artists. He has explored different styles of music inspired by his personal experiences. He hyped the crowd with “Up,” a mash-up of “Zero Gravity,” “Something ‘Bout Love,” and “Afraid To Love.”
David surprised everyone by inviting Morisette onstage; the two singers then covered Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s recent collaboration “Die With A Smile.” It was a beautiful moment when the two sang together in the same microphone when David had issues with his. David sang “Notice Me,” then moved to the keyboard to perform Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” from the “Barbie” movie. He then teased the crowd with his new music coming out and played a pop song demo from his phone. David also performed a cover of Side A’s “Forevermore.” He also performed “OK, All Right,โ “Movin’,” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” Everyone stood up again when David sang “Touch My Hand,โ “Faith In Me,” “Nandito Ako,” and “Crush” conclude his set.
David Archuletaโs journey exemplifies resilience and passion for music, and he remains a beloved figure in the industry. His ability to navigate personal challenges while continuing to pursue his artistic vision makes his story resonate with many, further solidifying his connection to the country. His visits highlight his commitment to using his platform for good, and he frequently expresses gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support over the years. Keeping a promise of always coming back to the country, he thinks of as his second family.
โIโve always felt very welcome here in the Philippines. I donโt know why it is that you love me here, but I want you to know that Iโm extraordinarily thankful for it and I donโt take it for granted,โ Bruno Major told the crowd at the PICC Plenary Hall.
The Philippines was the only country he went back and forth in the span of a few days. On September 7, he held his first show in Manila in the same venue wherein a full house welcomed him warmly. To follow his tour schedule, he flew to Hong Kong the very next day only to return to Manila to return for his second show here and to conclude his world tour.
The 36-year old British singer-songwriter has gone around the world since last year with breaks few and far between. After the release of his widely acclaimed 3rd album Columbo in July 2023, he immediately began his quest to play as many cities as possible in his Tour of Planet Earth, spanning more than 40 shows, many of which were sold out.
Still, Manila was special to him. Bruno Major later revealed that his biggest crowd for his tour was also here. โI sold more than 7,000 tickets here. This is the most tickets Iโve sold in my life,โ he said, thanking the crowd for their overwhelming appreciation.
On his 2nd night in Manila, he made his entrance in a black tank top and red-black flare pants, a bit of a polar shift to his usual immaculate suit jacket and trousers combo. A short introduction was played and then ironically the first lines he sang were โThe credits roll, you got the girl. The bad guy was defeatedโ from โThe Show Must Goes Onโ.
From then on, it was a slow and beautiful descent into the Majorโs brand of sacred melancholy, the kind that goes between being despondently blue (โFair-Weather Friendโ, โColumboโ, โPlaces We Wonโt Walkโ) to being hopelessly in love (โRegentโs Parkโ, โHomeโ, โJust the Sameโ). The 2nd night crowd got a special insert song with the piano acoustic rendition of โTapestryโ from the 2020 album To Let A Good Thing Die.
The audience unanimously took in each song in silent awe. It was almost theatrical how the crowd waited on his every word, respectfully taking in the music and singing along just a little to the lines that hit closest to home.
Bruno Major shared a few insightful anecdotes about his songs. He recounted that during soundcheck, a fan asked him what his favorite song that he wrote himself, and he thought โStrange Kind of Beautifulโ was possibly the best answer. After singing โTell Herโ, he said that he wrote it when he wrote it while he and his girlfriend were having a tough time, but thereโs a plot twist: theyโre still together. โColumboโ was a song he wrote about his beloved Ivory White 1981 Mercedes which he unfortunately crashed.
โThank you so much for opening your heart to me and my music. I will do my best to return the favor. I love you very much,โ he thanked the crowd before heading into the encore with โEasilyโ.
On his Instagram post a few days after the concert, he said, โMy mind is still strong but my body and soul need to rest ~ Iโm going to go away for a while, to make another album. Promise me youโll be there when I come back!!โ
Special thanks to KARPOS!
by Sandra Mae Laureano
Bruno Major – PICC Plenary Hall, September 11 (Night 2) Setlist
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus stormed back into the Philippines with an explosive performance that reignited their connection with fans in Davao and Manila after an eight-year hiatus.
The bandโs comeback show on September 12, 2024, at the SM North EDSA Skydome was a sold-out spectacle, presented by PULP Live World, that confirmed their place in the hearts of Filipino rock enthusiasts. Formed in 2003 in the small town of Middleburg, Florida, the band swiftly established itself as a key player in the emo rock genre, becoming a mainstay on our playlists. Given that Filipinos are among the largest communities of emo enthusiasts, itโs no surprise that the show was a complete sell-out.
Face Down and No Damn Regrets
From the moment they hit the stage, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus delivered a setlist packed with their most iconic hits. The crowd was treated to a powerhouse performance of their top Spotify tracksโ”Face Down,” “False Pretense,” “Your Guardian Angel,” “Damn Regret,” and “Cat and Mouse”โall from their acclaimed 2006 album Don’t You Fake It. These tracks, which have resonated with fans for years, turned the Skydome into a sea of raised fists and sing-along voices, underscoring why these songs remain fan favorites.
The bandโs commitment to fan engagement was on full display as they took interactive experiences to new heights. In a standout moment, they invited fans on stage for a lively game of “Guess That Song.” Ronnie Winterโs playful snippets of their tracks had the crowd guessing the song titles, transforming the concert into a shared celebration of their mutual passion for music. This fan-centric approach not only highlighted the bandโs dedication to their supporters but also tapped into the Filipino love for interactive and participatory experiences.
Ronnie Winter also took time to reflect on the nostalgic bond between the band and their fans. He noted that many in the crowd likely grew up listening to The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus during their high school years. This connection was further emphasized when the band covered Blink-182โs “All the Small Things,” a track that resonated with their teenage years. โYou listen to us during your high school years? We wanna share with you what we listened to during our high school!โ
This gesture underscored the lasting influence of their music and created a bridge between past and present, reinforcing the deep-rooted connection they share with their audience. The concertโs high turnout was a clear indication of the bandโs enduring popularity and the excitement surrounding their live performances, even after years away. The overwhelming response from the crowd highlighted how eagerly fans had awaited this moment and reaffirmed the bandโs significant role in the Filipino rock scene.
As the show wrapped up, it was evident that The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus had solidified its status as a beloved fixture in the Philippines. Fans left the venue buzzing with excitement and anticipation for their next visit. Ronnie Winter promised, “We’ll be back in 2026”, and this powerful reunion reminded everyone that, despite the passage of time and the life changes, the bond forged through their music remains as strong and meaningful as ever.
THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS ASIA TOUR 2024 LIVE IN MANILA – Setlist
Is This the Real World False Pretense Waiting In Fates Hands Damn Regret Brace Yourself Justify Misery Loves Its Company Cat and Mouse Your Guardian Angel All The Small Things – Blink 182 Cover Face Down
Jedi robes, Darth Vader helmets, clone trooper uniforms and lightsabers of different colors filled the halls of The Theatre at Solaire on September 7 and 8. Star Wars fans of all ages arrived in their preferred intergalactic fashion โ some content with just a simple shirt while some going all the way with their mini Wookiee and Grogu plushies. For two nights, Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert was playing, and everyone who witnessed it got an experience of a lifetime.
The concept of โfilm concertsโ is slowly but surely finding its niche in the Philippine concert scene. When this concert was announced, the demand was so astounding, it gave rise to three shows over the weekend. Watching an entire movie accompanied by a live orchestra could be an unusual idea at first, but wait until you experience it for yourself, and youโll surely be singing your own praises..
Under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga, the force of the 81-piece Filharmonika Orchestra played the scores composed by the legendary John Williams as the movie ran. Just like the usual theater set-up, the movie was projected on the big screen at the center of the stage. Underneath it was the orchestra, waiting on cue to play on cue.
The Filharmonika Orchestra played seamlessly, so much that sometimes, it was easy to forget that an entire troop of people were actually there, performing live as each scene went on. Itโs only when you look down and see the machinations rolling or when you hear that unmistakable drop of the beats that youโre wonderfully reminded of the fact.
The concert made the experience of watching Star Wars: A New Hope so immersively intense, that it induced goosebumps and a few tears at times. When the booming trumpets and horns of the main theme came in during the opening crawl, the sense of excitement was just palpable. When the strings swelled as Luke Skywalker gazed longingly at the binary sunset over the Tatooine Desert, it ushered in a mixture of melancholy and hope. There was also the thrumming thrill of the Battle of Yavin wherein the Rebel Alliance destroyed the Death Star. Although we mostly knew the penultimate outcome, the tension was amplified a hundredfold. Lastly, the Royal Award Ceremony at the Throne Room up to the credits roll was a blast of resounding triumph.
As a welcome bonus, Gerard Salonga and the Filharmonika Orchestra returned for an encore performance of the โStar Wars Main Themeโ. As a perfect closing to the evening, the audience expressed their appreciation by giving them a standing ovation.
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert elevated the experience of watching a beloved classic, inspiring a newfound appreciation of its masterfully rendered soundtrack. We could all re-watch the same movie on our television screens, but the opportunity to see it with a live orchestra rarely comes by. After the concert, weโll probably never hear the main theme the same ever again after this. Going by those perks alone, being there was worth the money and the time.
Making her debut on the Philippine concert stage, Tori Kelly finally took center stage at the New Frontier Theater in her Purple Skies World Tour on August 23.
The Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter/diva thrilled her fans called Toraays with an enthralling showcase of her new music and old favorites.
Photo by Live Nation PhilippinesPhoto by Live Nation Philippines
As early as the afternoon, long queues were seen outside the theater. Toraays longed for this moment, and they made sure to welcome their beloved star warmly. Many of them have known Tori Kelly from her YouTube cover days as a teenager up to her American Idol stint in 2010. They have steadily followed her career as she released an independent EP Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly in 2012 and her mainstream breakthrough album โNobody Loveโ in 2015. Now, with the release of her self-titled album TORI., the 31-year-old diva shines at her brightest as she unleashes a diverse set of songs that showcase her immense growth as an artist.
British singer Maisy Kay glammed up the stage with her colorful dance-pop melodies, a splendid opener for the evening. When Tori Kelly made her way to the stage, loud cheers welcomed her. Starting with โthing u doโ and โunbelievableโ, she had the crowd singing and dancing along to her melodies.
Tori Kelly is a vocal powerhouse, and watching her perform was mesmerizing. Even with a full live band accompaniment, her stellar vocals stood out as she effortlessly hit all the high notes, her pitch not once faltering. Throughout the show, she had this natural elegance and charisma on stage which made the concert even more captivating.
The Purple Skies setlist featured most of her new music including โdiamondsโ, โspruceโ, โhigh waterโ and โshelterโ. However, she also took the time to pay homage to the older faves. Armed with only an acoustic guitar and her raw vocals, she asked the crowd for requests of which she played โDear No Oneโ, โFunnyโ, โAll in My Headโ, โPaper Heartsโ. It was a nostalgic trip to the past when she performed Frank Oceanโs โThinkinโ โBout Youโ.
โThis is my first time in Manila, and it definitely wonโt be my last. You guys made this little girlโs dream come true,โ Tori Kelly told the crowd. She closed the show with โalive if i dieโ and โmissinโ uโ.
Photo by Live Nation PhilippinesPhoto by Live Nation Philippines
Steadily surfing the waves of the new breed of K-Pop acts, renowned Korean boy group THE BOYZ met their Filipino The Bs last August 25, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for their Manila leg of ZENERATION II Concert Tour.
The 11-membered ensemble, namely Sangyeon, Jacob, Kevin, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Q, New, Juyeon, Eric, Sunwoo, and Haknyeon, were all excited to meet their Filipino fans and receive their warm welcome. THE BOYZ have done several shows here in the Philippines, making the country a prime destination for them to showcase their talents once again and see their Filipino Deobis on a one-of-a-kind event.
Lights gradually filled the concert hall as the show started, with THE BOYZ’s explosive performance of their hit songs “Diamond Life,” “Out of Control,” and “Maverick.” Their VCRs were perfectly visualized for the fans to appreciate, showcasing the members’ distinct features and charisma. The group continued to elevate the quality of their stages as they performed “Tattoo” and “Levitating.”
During their first ment, THE BOYZ introduced themselves and showed the fans their appreciation for them.
Eric, the group’s maknae and lead dancer, said that the Philippines, especially Manila, is like his hometown and he missed his Filipino fans so much. Kevin, the lead vocalist, interacted with the Filipino Deobis and even did the infamous “Eyyy!” catchphrase popularized by Nation’s Girl Group, BINI. THE BOYZ also congratulated Paris 2024 Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo during their meant.
Juyeon, the group’s main dancer and visual, teasing his fans, said, “Huwag kayong titingin sa iba (Don’t look at other people!)” and hyped the Filipino Deobis who attended the concert. The Boyz continued to wow the crowd with their performances of “Back All Black,” “Breaking Dawn,” “Complete Me,” “Fantasize,” “Right Here,” “Thrill Ride,” and “DDD.”
As their concert progressed, THE BOYZ continued to give exceptional and world-class performances of their songs such as “Walkin’ in Time,” “Horizon,” “Survive the Night,” “Back 2 U,” and “Hurt Me Less.” THE BOYZ took the time to talk to their fans and express themselves. Eric once again got the chance to tell how happy it felt that he was good to be home with his Filipino Deobis, and that they promised to give better performances, music, and a better stage as a group. He also said that Deobis mean the world to them and that they will be back here in the Philippines soon.
Younghoon, who just recently celebrated his birthday, couldn’t hide his happiness performing in the Philippines and even thanked the fans for the immense energy that they received from them. Kevin was grateful to his fans for being loyal and passionate about THE BOYZ. Jacob sang a cover of Zack Tabudlo’s Binibini, making the fans melt with his honey-like voice.
THE BOYZ’s stage turned even more spectacular as it reached its end, singing their songs “Bite Back,” “Reveal,” “The Stealer,” “Watch It,” “Nectar,” and their encore song “Fire Eyes.”
Surely, Filipino Deobis enjoyed the night with THE BOYZ filled with warmth and love, and they are certainly looking forward to their next shows here in the Philippines! ZENERATION II: THE BOYZ World Tour in Manila was presented by DNM Entertainment.
Secondhand Serenade returned to Manila for two sold-out concerts last August 29 and 30 at the New Frontier Theater, after such a long time.
Presented by PULP Live World and Skesh Entertainment, the concerts were a reminder of why Secondhand Serenade’s music remains beloved by fans, especially in Manila.
John Vesley, who first gained attention on MySpace in 2005, found global fame with the release of โFall For Youโ in 2008. The song, a deeply emotional track, struck a chord with listeners worldwide, but it was in the Philippines that it became an enduring favorite. Manila fans have always been some of Vesleyโs most passionate supporters, and their energy was on full display throughout both nights.
The concerts opened with a set from Valentina Ploy, a Thai-Italian artist whose heartfelt lyrics and melodies perfectly introduced the evening. Her performance warmed up the crowd by bringing her unique sound to the Manila audience, setting the stage for what was to come during this exciting night.
As soon as Vesley began his set, the atmosphere in the theater started to rise continuously. Songs like โMaybeโ and โBrokenโ were met with an outpouring of emotion from the audience, who sang along to every word. The pinnacle of the night came with performances of โYour Callโ and โFall For You,โ both of which drew an overwhelming response from the crowd, transporting them back to the time when those songs first became part of their lives.
In a special moment, Vesley shared that new music is on the horizon, giving fans something to look forward to. The night ended on a high note with an encore of โLast Song Ever,โ leaving the audience with a final, lingering memory of a concert that felt both familiar and fresh.
For those two nights, the New Frontier Theater became a place where old memories were relived, and new ones were created, all to the soundtrack of Secondhand Serenade.
Remembering THE DREAM SHOW 3 through countless seasons: NCT DREAM and NCTzens once again beautifully colored the MOA Arena with hues of Neo Pearl Champagne in the boy group’s final Asia stop of their third world tour, THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE.
From their inaugural solo show in the Philippines in a venue with 2,385 seats to their most recent concerts in an arena with 20,000 seats, NCT DREAM has triumphantly filled every venue in their every visit to the country, showcasing their power as one of K-Pop’s powerhouses with each visit.
Photos by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
The ascent of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung is unstoppable. The boys have repeatedly demonstrated since being introduced as one of NCT’s subunits that they are capable of ruling the music industry, garnering recognition from numerous award organizations. Most recently, they were nominated for Best K-Pop at the MTV Video Music Awards and received a Daesang, or Grand Prize, from the Hanteo Music Awards and Seoul Music Awards.
Before making their way to the Philippines, the boy group performed 15 shows in May and June, drawing large crowds in eight Asian cities. The boys will take their tour to Latin America and North America after the Philippines, where they will play 11 shows in 11 cities. They will then continue their tour in Europe, performing five shows in five cities before returning to Seoul for a three-day concert at the Gocheok Sky Dome.
It was an honor to watch NCT DREAM perform on stage as their fan base continued to expand with each performance. These boys who sang “Chewing Gum” on hoverboards eight years ago have evolved into men who never cease to astound with their new songs and performances.
Photo by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
The 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR <THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE> in MANILA is a testament to NCT DREAM’s unwavering love for NCTzens, and the fandom’s steadfast dedication to the boys, making the two-day event an incredible, joyous memory for everyone in attendance. For the August 10 and 11 shows, only six members of the boy group performed as Renjun is currently on hiatus due to health reasons.
A packed SM Mall of Asia Arena witnessed THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE in MANILA, a nearly three-hour concert of superb performances of 28 songs, spectacular stage design and production, and beautiful fan interactions.
Photo by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
The concert began with a dazzling display of stage lighting and effects to the tune of “Icantfeelanything”, before the boys appeared in their black-and-red outfits, accompanied by their dancers. Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung then started the concert with “BOX” and “119”. The boy group performed “SOS” next, with Mark leading the way and each member taking the stage one at a time. Then, without missing a beat, they transported everyone back to 2018 with “GO,” a song from NCT’s debut studio album, NCT 2018 Empathy.
The arena echoed with Mark’s “Ayo, Manila!” as NCT DREAM formally welcomed NCTzens to THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE in MANILA. The artists who had not performed on a local concert stage for over a year since THE DREAM SHOW 2: IN A DREAM in 2023, acknowledged their joy at being back. Haechan said, “Thank you for filling up this space.” Chenle, who was unable to attend the previous show owing to health issues, expressed his happiness to be back in Manila and pledged to performย his all. “Finally, I am here! All the energy I have saved up, I will show you guys this time,” heย stated.
NCT DREAM maintained their commitment to the Manila audience by performing with passion on “Poison” and “Drippin’” stages. They returned to the stage with their team fits for “Arcade” and “We Go Up” following a brief intermission. The group sang “Bungee” as they made their way around the stage, attempting to stop at every angle to engage with theย audience. To the delight of NCTzens, they sang a lovely rendition of “Walk with You” in pairs. The boys continued their serenades with “Never Goodbye” and a moving rendition of “Breathing,” the lyrics of which reverberated beautifully throughout the venue and were complemented by a subtle yet exquisite fog effect. With Mark’s “Manila, this one’s for you,” the boy group and NCTzens traveled to the “UNKNOWN”.
New fits on, NCT DREAM performed “Tangerine Love (Favorite)”, “Yogurt Shake”, and “Pretzel (โก)” on stage following a break. During these performances, Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung walked around the stage and interacted with the audience members. With extra sweetness added by heart-shaped confetti, the fan favorite “Candy” returned to the Philippine concert scene with all of its excitement and vibrancy. Singing along loudly with NCT DREAM, NCTzens’ “๋จ์ง ๋ ์ฌ๋ํด ์ด๋ ๊ฒ ๋งํ์ง / ์ด์ ๊ป ์ค๋นํ๋ ๋ง์ ๋ง์ ๋ค๋กํ ์ฑ / ์ธ์ ๋ ๋ค ์์ ์์๊ฒ / ์ด๋ ๊ฒ ์ฝ์์ ํ๊ฒ ์ด, ์ ํ๋์ ๋ฐ๋ผ๋ค๋ณด๋ฉฐ” echoed wonderfully within the arena.
With gold-embellished white jackets on, the boys played hits including “Dream Run”, “Better Than Gold”, “Fireflies”, “Hello Future”, and “Broken Melodies” with unwavering intensity. But with NCT DREAM and NCTzens, the good times never end. As Manila made loud and proud cheers for their favorite boys, Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung set everyone rollin’ on a “Skateboard”. No matter their MBTI, the crowd was full of energy for NCT DREAM’s “ISTJ” performance on stage. And yes, sir, first time on the Philippine concert stage, “Smoothie” was next.
Photos by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
NCT DREAM’s encore shows featured performances of “Dive Into You” and “ANL” with butterfly confetti flying across the venue. Amidst the most adorable “eyyy” during the last segment, the members expressed their sincere gratitude and pledge to NCTzens. “Because of you, guys, I have so much funโฆ Will you come back if we come back for THE DREAM SHOW 4? See you then,” Chenle said. Haechan also expressed gratitude for the time spent with the NCTzens, promising that the next time they return, they will be with Renjun. “Thank you, although this is the last time of our Asian tour, I hope you had fun during the time we have spent. Next time, we will come back with Renjun. Until then, please wait for us. Mahal kita! Salamat po,” he said.
Jisung, like his hyungs, stated that he owed Manila Czennies for the fun he had during the show. He reiterated Haechan’s vow to be back for their upcoming concert tour. “I had so much fun, because the Manila Czennies are such a crowd to be with. Like what other members have said, we will be back with THE DREAM SHOW 4, complete with Renjun,” he remarked.
Jaemin was overcome with appreciation for the NCTzens who gathered at the arena and showered them with love throughout their concert. He declared, “Thank you for coming here tonight. Thank you for giving me a lot of love. As much as you give us so much love, we will definitely give that back to you, guys. Take care of yourselves as much as you can until we come back again. Manila, thank you for filling up this arena. Mahal kita, Manila. Love you so much!”
Jeno expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they consistently got on their visits to the Philippines. He additionally spoke about the group’sย plans, which include a brand-new record. On August 23, NCT DREAM is scheduled to release a new song titled “Rains in Heaven”. Jeno said, “It’s been a while since we came back to Manila to meet Manila NCTzens. But the whole day, I was able to feel how much you waited for me. Although we are not here so often, every time we come back, you welcome us so amazingly. We are preparing for a new album. Please wait for us a little more and we will be back. Manila, salamat po. Mahal kita! Kita tayo ulit.”
Mark conveyed his admiration for the Manila crowd, which consistently brings the highest level of energy for NCT. “You guys did it again. Thank you so much for being an amazing audience, Manila,” he stated. He continued, “I, personally, have a lot of good memories in Manilaโall thanks to you, guys. I appreciate your energy every time I’m here. You guys are amazing. You guys proved it again today. Thank you guys for being safe, being energetic. I’m saying the same things over and over, that’s how much I mean it.”
The boys concluded their messages with Jaemin’s reminder: Don’t skip a meal.
Photos by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
NCT DREAM ended THE DREAM SHOW 3 in MANILA with “Like We Just Met”, the most adorable waves of laughter thanks to the overflowing confetti, a promise between them and NCTzens to stay with each other forever, and words of “salamat po”, “mahal kita”, and “see you again”.
Seeing NCT DREAM perform songs from different stages of their career makes evident how much their vocals and performances have evolved. Even though some of the songs had been heard before, each performance offered a fresh take on NCT DREAM, growing stronger and more fervent than the previous. The drive stays resilient for the members whoย enjoy playing on every stage.
And, at every stage, the devotion and encouragement of NCTzens remains steadfast.
Photos by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
NCT DREAM was no stranger to the Philippine concert scene; in 2019, Renjun, Jaemin, Jeno, Chenle, and Jisung made their debut in Manila as the main act at the 2019 K-Pop Friendship Concert in Manila. The boy group without Mark was the final K-Pop act to perform live in the nation in 2020 before borders closed and live events and concerts came to an end. Renjun, Jaemin, Jeno, Chenle, and Jisung were among the first K-Pop performers to perform in the nation when borders opened and events resumed in 2022. They did so in a combined concert with Alice, WEi, and SHINee’s Key. Without Mark and Haechan, NCT DREAM returned in October of that year for a second joint performance with Alice, Xdinary Heroes, Golden Child, and another NCT sub-unit, WayV.
THE DREAM SHOW 2: IN A DREAM in MANILA last year was special because it was their first concert in the Philippines with Mark. Aside from their appearances with NCT DREAM, Mark and Haechan have shared the stage with NCT 127 in the Philippines in 2022 for a solo concert. This was NCT 127’s first solo performance in the country and their second visit overall, having come for a joint concert in 2018. Then, in 2024, NCT 127 came back to the Philippines for their first stadium concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
Photos by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
8 YEARS WITH 7DREAM: It is certain that as the years pass, the love will only deepen and become stronger, with a promise that in this place we are together, we draw the same dream. And the fan projects that the fandom thoughtfully and genuinely organized and executed for the two-day concert are evidence of this love and commitment: from blue ribbons and birthday celebrations for the members to colored oceans and lamp post banners, videos on the MOA eye, hand, and drop-down banners, loud cheers for 7DREAM, and more.
While 7DREAM performing on the Philippine concert stage remains a dream, the promise to patiently wait for the realization of this dream remains as well.
The 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR <THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE> in MANILA was presented by Live Nation Philippines. Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines.
Words by Dan. The article contains events that transpired during Day 1 of the concert.
As part of their second world tour, ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR [BORN TO BE], Korean girl group ITZY made a return visit to Manila on August 3, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The anticipation of Filipino MIDZYs was palpable as they saw Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna exhibit their skills and play live.
Photo by JYP Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines
A striking performance of their tour’s title, “Born To Be,” as well as B-side songs, “Racer,” from their Checkmate EP, and “Kidding Me,” from their Guess Who EP, kicked off the evening. Each member owned the Manila stage, enthralling the audience with their signature moves and powerful vocals.
The girls gave their introductions to the audience and gave warm greetings to the fans. Yeji expressed to the fans how much they were looking forward to their performance in the country and how much they missed the Manila crowd. Ryujin went on to remark that they had chosen well to begin the show with their tour title and song “Born to Be,” and that the audience should eagerly anticipate the upcoming performances that they have planned. ITZY thereafter enthralled the audience on stage with renditions of “Mr. Vampire,” “Swipe,” and “Wannabe.”
Photo by JYP Entertainment/Live Nation PhilippinesPhoto by JYP Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines
The members were also able to exhibit their solo performances during the tour. Chaeryeong’s “Mine,” a dance piece that featured reflections and mirrors, Ryujin’s “Run Away,” a song that exuded a girl crush and rocker chick vibe while captivating the audience with her deep, husky voice, Yuna’s “Yet, but,” which wowed the audience with her dreamy vocals and energizing aura, and Yeji’s “Crown On My Head,” which exuded confidence and showcased a jaw-dropping performance for Filipino MIDZYs.
With their electrifying performances of “Untouchable,” “Gas Me Up,” and “Dynamite,” ITZY returned to the stage, leaving the audience eager for more songs by the group. They engaged with their fans once more and discussed their solo performances. ITZY said that they usually record challenges and video clips for their #WHAT_MIDZY_WANT_2024 tour hashtag when they are on tour. For the Manila leg, the girls danced to the hit song “Pantropiko” by P-pop sensation BINI, which truly thrilled the audience and made them feel very proud of themselves.
ITZY also showcased their band and dancers for this tour, acknowledging their talents and showing the individuals behind the success of their tour and presentation. The girls further demonstrated their abilities with songs “Psychic Lover,” “Don’t Give A What,” and “Loco.” Without playing the songs “Not Shy,” “Cake,” “Sneakers,” “Kill Shot,” and “Escalator,” the tour will never be complete. Still, Filipino MIDZYs will always be waiting for more performances and opportunities to connect with ITZY, making the tour a comprehensive fan experience.
Filipino MIDZYS were also the stars of the “Hot Stage for MIDZY!” special segment, where fans danced to their favorite ITZY tunes as they were flashed on the large LEDs onstage.
Filipino MIDZYs surprised ITZY with a fan-made video presentation, perfectly expressing their support and love for the girl group. ITZY returned for an encore performance, serenading the fans with touching songs “Love Is” and “Be In Love.” Since the tour date with Manila also symbolizes the girls’ 2000 days with MIDZYs, the girls were very moved and emotional. It was amazing to celebrate this momentous day in Manila.
As Yuna reflected on their growth from trainees to idols, she noted how far the group had gone and expressed her gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. Thanking their MIDZYs for sticking by them, Chaeryeong added that she had truly earned a lot of confidence from their fans throughout the tour and that it was a lot of pleasure to see their MIDZYs in person. With a smile, Chaeryeong says, “Tonight will be an unforgettable night for me,” addressing the fans who were very excited to watch them perform live in Manila.
Ryujin revealed that their parents were there when they performed in Manila last year and remarked that “the Manila fans are amazing.” The girls even mentioned that they always look forward to meeting their Filipino fans since they are so passionate and energetic. “It was perfect,” Ryujin said, expressing gratitude to the fans for their wonderful experience in Manila. Yeji thanked their Filipino MIDZYs for being there for the girls and for constantly waiting on them. Yeji continued, “You know, Manila MIDZYs are the best!” They want to become their beautiful and priceless MIDZYs’ strength and energy as a group.
As they concluded the performance with the hits “Boys Like You” and “Dalla Dalla,” the girls expressed their gratitude to the audience for coming to support them and seeing them throughout their Manila leg of the tour.
ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR [BORN TO BE] MANILA was presented by Live Nation Philippines.
With his wide array of new songs, FELIP led us through the next chapter of his musical career as a soloist, with a concert named after this first full-length album release-7sins.
Giving life and scenery on a newly-built venue, Space at One Ayala, A’TIN and Sisiws (as FELIP’s fans are called) flocked and gave their warmest support for FELIP.
Picturesque Set up
From medieval stage design resembling the underground to magnifying sounds of thunder with a narrative voiceover to flashing lights varying the mood per song, the viewers appeased not only their ears with FELIPโs music but also their eyes with his teamโs craftsmanship. More than a concert, everyone witnessed an exhilarating art exhibit.
Diverse Repertoire
Known for his introverted personality, FELIP used his music to channel his inner thoughts, along with the acceptance that we as humans are bound to commit mistakes. From this perspective, the concert circled a diverse repertoire.
Like his fiery red hair, he set the stage on fire with unique performances, showcasing his genre versatility at the same time. He opened the show with a heavy metal-themed โFoesโ and โEnvyโ, took a mellow break with โGreedโ, then a sensual take with Belgian singer and fellow composer Cyra Gwynth with โLustโ.
After their collaboration song, Cyra stayed in the solo spotlight with her songs, โ1+1โ and โCut The Bsโ. He returned on center stage with holographic lights as he sang โPrideโ paying homage to his Visayan roots. A different level of artistry wowed the audience, as he performed โGluttonyโ with a dancer covered in filth, along with musician pals Player Two. After the trioโs solo set, Felip shared the stage with them for a quick ment and an on-the-spot sample of their song, โPagdali.โ
The last set of 7sins songs revolved around โWrathโ, a sample of an additional song in the album entitled โTokyo,โ another banger โSlothโ and the emotional โAcheโ, with dancers covered in white clothes.
Closing off the feast were his songs โKanakoโ played in the background and his first EP named COMโขPLEX tracks โRockstaโ and โMicTestโ. With a shower of confetti and curtain call including guests Cyra and Player Two, FELIP thanked everyone including his team for the eventโs successful run.
This concert is presented by Warner Music Philippines.
Indie-folk band Munimuni held their concert titled Alegorya at the UP Theater on July 20, in celebration of their latest album of the same title.
It is the third major concert of their career, and their biggest one yet. Presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, the show drew a crowd of more than a thousand people composed of Komunidad (their fanbase name) and music enthusiasts.
Composed of Adj Jiao (guitars/vocals), John Owen Castro (flute/vocals), Jolo Ferrer (bass), Josh Tumaliuan (drums), Ben Ayes (guitars), Munimuni went far and beyond normal concert expectations to make sure that the three-hour show would be a worthwhile musical experience.
Even before the show started, the stage effects were on point. Entering the theater felt like entering a cave. In the background of the stage, stacks of blocks were illuminated by light radiating from water, as the sound of water droplets echoed mellifluously.
When Munimuni first appeared on stage, the five members played in their usual band set-up, starting with โAko Lang Ba?โ, a song that opened the descent to the preeminent emotion of the first part of their setlist: sadness. This was followed by tracks from their latest album Alegorya such as โKapayapaanโ, โIsang Araw ang Lumipasโ, โAlatโ and โSikat ng Arawโ. Adj asked the crowd in jest if they could still take more sadness after this, a comment which made the crowd laugh. The mood lightened up a few shades afterward when they played โMatimtimanโ, โKalsadaโ, โDito Muna Tayoโ and โMaligayaโ.
The show went on a short break as the stage set-up was adjusted to accommodate their unplugged set, as well as their backing chamber orchestra. The members shared that this was the kind of set-up they were accustomed to when they were starting out since they did not have a drum kit at the time. Decked in all-white fits, Munimuni sat side-by-side in front of the stage and proceeded to play โTanikalaโ. Joining them after were their special guests: Sofia Abrogar in โPagsibolโ, Clara Benin in โTahananโ and Keiko Necesario in โOrasโ. Each singerโs distinctive vocal color matched by the string arrangement made for some goosebump-inducing moments in the concert.
Their setlist also gave a spotlight to their heavier, angrier tracks such as โRespetoโ, โAlegoryaโ, โBukas Makalawaโ, which culminated into the cathartic blend of the somber โTiwalaโ and the discordant โAlpasโ.
Veteran singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis later joined Munimuni on stage to perform โTupaโ, a collaboration song off their latest album. Before their performance together, Owen got a bit emotional while taking the time to thank the crowd. โItong buong concert na โto, it is a step of faith for us. Di namin ma-imagine na more than 1,000 people are here to celebrate our music,โ he said with a shaky voice. Barbie cheered on the band, saying that she and her husband are big fans of the band.
โMaraming salamat sa pagpunta,sa pagcelebrate kahit di ito parang normal celebration,โ Adj also told the crowd. โDi lang siya celebration ng album, pero ng pagiging tao, โyung halaga ng buhay ng tao.โ Adj further explained that their purpose as a band is to inspire hope in people โ the kind that gives people a reason to keep living. โAng pag-asa, nandiyan siya, isang magandang salita, isang magandang konsepto. Ebidensiya siya na lumalaban ka, na may hangad ka para mabuhay,โ he said.
By all means, Munimuniโs Alegorya went beyond the concept of a usual album launch/concert. The UP Theater was the perfect venue for it as it was primarily the kind of show that demanded the audience to be still, to listen, and to take in every detail. From the get-go, it was evident that the band put every ounce of thought into giving the concert a strong visceral impact, a feat they achieved by fine-tuning the acoustics, synching the lighting to each track, coordinating with a chamber orchestra, and more.
The acoustics of the venue sounded so crisp and clean, making the string arrangement all the more stirring. The lighting direction was orchestrated so meticulously, that it felt like they were dancing to the melodies of each song. The setlist was arranged as if it follows a narrative that gradually unravels โ one that begins with sadness, continues in hope, and ends in love/togetherness. The three hours were undoubtedly long, but it was a captivating journey, and every minute of it was valuable.
For the finale, Komunidad raised their orange lights as they sang along to the Munimuni anthem โMarilagโ, a loud, magical moment in a show that was marked with solemnity. The band was about to leave the stage, but the audience called for an encore. The jovial โBukang-Liwaywayโ officially closed the evening.
IVE, the six-member girl group from Starship Entertainment, returned to the Philippines this year for the Manila leg of their ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE’ concert, presented by Live Nation Philippines, on Saturday, July 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Since their debut in 2021, IVE has captured global attention, with two members gaining initial fame from a popular survival show. Their appeal has only grown, making them beloved worldwide.
Photos by Jasper Lucena, provided by Starship Entertainment
IVE opened their much-anticipated concert with “I Am,” followed by “Royal” and “Blue Blood.” Each member then introduced themselves: Liz, Leeseo, Yujin, Wonyoung, Gaeul, and Rei. Gaeulโs energetic floor checks hyped up the audience, setting the tone for the night.
Following the introductions, they performed “Blue Heart,” “Cherish,” and their debut hit “Eleven.” Another VCR transitioned to the next part of the show, where the girls, now in sparkly pink outfits, performed “Shine With Me,” a song dedicated to their journey with their DIVES.
Rei, Gaeul, and Wonyoung stayed on stage while the others took a break. Wonyoung shared that “Blue Heart” was written for those with broken hearts, and the trio chatted about Filipino food. Wonyoung mentioned fried bananas, Gaeul talked about fruits, and Rei enjoyed turon. They playfully named themselves the “Banana Girls.”
Yujin, Leeseo, and Liz returned, allowing the โBanana Girlsโ to step out too. The new trio continued the food discussion, with Liz praising our halo-halo, Leeseo talking about ube ice cream, and Yujin mentioning chicken adobo. They also discussed their outfits, with Liz dubbing herself the “Manila Princess.”
They then performed “Lips,” “Mine,” and “Off the Record.” Leeseo and Yujin engaged with the crowd, doing the Small Girl challenge. Leeseo shared her favorite outfit of the night and commented on the passionate energy of the Manila DIVEs, felt from the very first moment they emerged on stage that night.
The solo and collaboration stages began with Gaeul performing “7 Rings,” Rei singing “Every Summertime,” and the duo performing “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. Liz and Wonyoung delivered “Reality,” and Yujin and Leeseo performed “Woman Like Me.”
As the concert neared its end, a VCR played before the group returned for a series of hits. They changed into black outfits for “Hypnosis” and “Accendio.” Leeseo noted PH DIVEsโ love for “Accendio,” and Gaeul and Wonyoung mentioned how well they fit the songโs concept with their pigtail hairdos. Rei and Gaeul shared a playful moment from their earlier performance where they lovingly kissed each otherโs cheeks.
The night continued with their title tracks “Love Dive,” “Kitsch,” “Baddie,” “After Like,” and โHEYAโ, which drew loud cheers. During the fan interaction part where each fan gets the chance to be featured on the LED screen, one little lucky DIVE was captured dancing energetically to “After Like” on the LED screen. The encore began with “OTT,” and they took a group picture with a banner prepared by their PH DIVEs.
Photos by Jasper Lucena, provided by Starship Entertainment
In their final ment, Rei expressed excitement about returning to Manila, Gaeul connected with fans who attended their last concert, and Wonyoung promised a swift return. Yujin noted the loud cheers, Leeseo expressed happiness at meeting the fans again, and Liz shared her high expectations for the night, which were met twice as much.
The encore song “All Night” was repeated multiple times, driven by the boundless energy of PH DIVES, perfectly ending the night with this energetic song.
IVE THE 1ST WORLD TOUR <SHOW WHAT I HAVE> IN MANILA was presented by Live Nation Philippines. Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines.
Japanese alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku made their Philippine concert debut at the Eastside Events Place on July 6.
Composed of vocalist and guitarist Moeka Shiotsuka and bassist Yurika Kasai, assisted by drummer Yuna from the band Chai, Hitsujibungaku played an 18-song setlist of their most recent hits. (Their original drummer Hiroa Fukuda has been on a hiatus since May.) Presented by The Rest is Noise and Gabi Na Naman Productions, the show marked the bandโs first stop in Manila for their first-ever Asia Tour, drawing in a good number of J-rock and anime fans as well as music enthusiasts.
Hitsujibungaku, which translates to โsheep literatureโ, started in 2011 when the members were still in high school. In their early days, they played covers of bands like Chatmonchy and Sambomaster. It was not until 2017 that they started releasing official EPs. They gained local acclaim by releasing their songs โ1999โ and โNingen Dattaโ in 2019. Recently, their name started making waves globally when their song โMore than Wordsโ was featured in the Shibuya Incident Arc of the wildly popular anime series Jujutsu Kaisen.
Starting with a short instrumental snippet from โYokanโ followed by โAddictionโ, the trio played each track. Their setlist was predominantly composed of their songs from two of their most recent albums. From their latest album 12 hugs like butterflies, we also heard โhonestlyโ, โGO!!!โ, โShinkokyuโ and โFOOLโ. From their 2022 album our hope, they played โLuckyโ, โhopiโ, โOOPARTSโ and โMayoigaโ which were among the crowdโs favorites that evening.
The Filipino crowd also got to be one of the first crowds to hear the gritty, angsty riffs of โBurningโ performed live as it was only released 3 days before the concert as the closing theme of the anime series Oshi No Ko. Of course, a high point of the show was when they played โMore than Wordsโ back-to-back with another stand-out track โHikaru Tokiโ which had everyone dancing and singing along.
The audience also sang โHappy Birthdayโ to Moeka who celebrated her birthday on July 3. โIโm having a lot of fun. Thank you for the warm welcome,โ Moeka said in Japanese near the end of the concert. She did, however, come with a curious arsenal of Filipino phrases. From the typical โKamusta kayo?โ, โMahal ko kayoโ and โsalamatโ, she also said โGusto ko ng San Mig at Red Horseโ and โMasarap ang pancitโ, much to the delight of the crowd. Small update: She shared a can of Red Horse with a band member post-gig, as posted in a photo in her Instagram story.
Seeing Hitsujibungaku live in Manila, in a rather intimate venue, was a great way to spend a Saturday evening. It was a rare opportunity as well since not a lot of Japanese artists stopped by the Philippines for their world tours. As someone who knew them from their song in Jujutsu Kaisen, I found their music to be a treasure trove of alt-rock tunes that I could keep going back to in my regular playlists. Hoping for more Japanese acts in Manila soon!
Special thanks to The Rest Is Noise and Gabi Na Naman Productions
by Sandra Mae Laureano
Setlist – Hitsujibungaku Live in Manila Yokan (Instrumental) Addiction Sabaku no kimi e honestly GO!!! Burning Lucky Shinkokyu Kiniro hopi OOPARTS Mayoiga Eien no Blue More than words Hikaru Toki FOOL Aimai de iiyo Wonder
A solid show from a solid artist with an equally solid fandom. The 2024 SUHO CONCERT <SU:HOME> IN MANILA was beautiful, endearing, and unforgettable as EXO-L once again turned the Araneta Coliseum into a starry night, starry night with Eribong shining brightly and cheers echoing proudly for Suho.
The first solo concert of Suho in the Philippines, his comeback to the Philippine concert scene, was eagerly awaited by his Filipino fans. Furthermore, after Seoul, the Philippine concert was the first stop on the 2024 SUHO CONCERT <SU:HOME> Tour.
“I’m always thankful for your love and support,” he remarked, praising the Manila audience for their enthusiastic participation in the show. “Iโm so relieved and so happy that Manila is the first country of this tour,” he stated.
Magsama tayo magpakailanman. Mahal kita! Mahal na mahal kita!
EXO’s SUHO
With thousands of EXO-L standing behind their leader, Suho commendably ruled the stage with live performances spanning over 20 songs, backed by a live band and an exquisite stage production. In his interactions with fans, he was very giving and gave in to their wishes. And, with all of this, the concert wasย completed with EXO-L’s steadfast devotion to and affection for their Junmyeon-ahโseen in touching fan initiatives that proved EXO-L is here to stay.
Suho stunned everyone when he emerged from a lift that had been styled like a bedroom. With an instrument in hand and captivating vocals, the singer officially began his solo show with stunning performances of “Mayday,” “Morning Star,” “Grey Suit,” and “Self-Portrait.”
Greeting everyone on his concert tour, Suho said, “Kumusta kayo, Manila? Ako si Suho from EXO!” He remarked, “Sobrang na-miss ko kayo. I think you don’t know how much I missed you,” and mentioned that the Philippines was both his most and last country he visited. He went on to say with pride that Manila was the first place he took his concert tour. “I think it’s destiny,” he said. He was beaming and merrily interacting with the audience, who returned the smiles and laughs with cheers that kept becoming louder and louder as the performance went on.
Suho continued the concert with performances of songs from his third extended play and most recent album, 1 to 3, bringing out “Zero Gravity”, “Cheese” and “1 to 3”. He then closed the set with his 2022 song, “Hurdle”. Astounded by the great display of energy, Suho said, “You, guys, really know how to enjoy!” and showered them with compliments.
Suho’s melancholic and poignant renditions of “Curtain” and “Starry Night” soothed The Big Dome following the intense performance. He then sang “Wishful Thinking,” “Moonlight,” “Decanting,” “Bear Hug,” and “For You Now,” showcasing his talent and commanding vocals even more. However, Suho is not the only one with amazing vocals; once again, the audience in typical Philippine concert flair dazzled the performer with their vocal skills.
Suho’s rendition of EXO’s “The First Snow” gave Philippine EXO-L an early Christmas present. Ten years after its release, the song from the boy group’s second extended play, Miracles in December, which was released in 2013, went viral in South Korea and other countries, and on December 23 it topped the weekly Circle Digital Chart. In the middle of 2024, “The First Snow” took over the Philippine concert stage at Araneta Coliseum, featuring Suho and EXO-L singing together. Suho said, “Manila, EXO-L are number one. You guys are number one.”
Give it to EXO’s leader to bring the boy group back to the Philippine concert stage with a mashup of their biggest hits, “Growl,” “Overdose,” and “Monster”. As the songs reverberated throughout The Big Dome, Philippine EXO-L demonstrated one more that the nation is prepared to welcome EXO back to its concert stage.
Suho then descended onto the stage wearing a charming bunny hat and performed “Alright, Alright” while moving around the floor. “O2” and “Let’s Love” rounded up his concert’s last set.
Subsequently, the most precious sight and sounds filled the space as EXO-L presented Suho with a rendition of “Made In You” and a banner that said, “Junmyeon-ah, Philippine EXO-L are made in you and by you. Let’s love each other forever!”
After that, Suho returned to the stage for the encore, opening with “Moment”. While speaking to his Filipino fans, the singer became emotional. “For the Manila EXO-L who have been cheering hard for me, thank you so much. I would like to give a round of applause for you, guys,” added the singer. He also talked about how being called “Suho-yah” or “Junmyeon-ah” is only appropriate for close friends or family in Korea. He went on, “I like it so much because you call me in a friendly way,” and he invited the audience to do the same. “It gives me comfort in my heart,” he stated.
“Our SUHO, when you need strength, come home to us.โ
Philippine EXO-L to EXOโs SUHO
โOur SUHO, when you need strength, come home to us.โ – Philippine EXO-L to EXOโs SUHO
Prior to giving his parting speech, Suho treated the audience to a brief excerpt from his official soundtrack for the Missing Crown Prince, “Love You More Gradually”. “I’m always thankful for your love and support, Manila. I’m so relieved and so happy that Manila is the first country on this tour. Magsama tayo magpakailanman. Mahal kita! Mahal na mahal kita! Until now, this is EXO. We are one! Thank you so much!”
With “Made In You” and words of thanks and assurance, Suho concluded SU:HOME in Manila. “Mahal kita, EXO-L. Manila, thank you for waiting for me and EXO. I will come back to Manila as soon as possible with EXO, so wait for EXO and Suho. See you next time. Thank you so much and I love you! Saranghae!” And together with EXO-LโWE ARE ONE! EXO SARANGHAJA!
WE ARE ONE, EXO SARANGHAJA 🫶
โMahal kita, EXO-L. Manila, thank you for waiting for me and EXO. I will come back to Manila as soon as possible with EXO, so wait for EXO and SUHO. See you next time. Really thank you and I love you!โ – SUHO to the Philippine EXO-L whom he calledโฆ pic.twitter.com/KOHXrRO0AN
LUCAS makes his Philippine concert stage debut with the Manila stop of his first fancon tour!
Presented by L-Squared Productions, rapper and singer LUCAS shone his brightest light in Manila, the second city stop of his first solo fan concert tour, LUCAS FANCON TOUR IN ASIA <FIAT LUX : ็>, held on June 15, 2024, at the New Frontier Theater where Filipino LUMIs showed up pumped and excited to see him perform his songs.
FIAT LUX : ็, which translates to “Let your light shine” or “Let there be light,” aims to spotlight not only LUCAS as an artist but also his LUMIs whom he considers as his inspiration. The rapper was excited to make happy memories with his beloved Filipino fans, gamely playing Filipino childhood games like jackstone, tumbang preso, and pukpok palayok during the segment entitled “LUX-ON” and interacting with them in his Q&A segment entitled “SHOW ME YOUR LUX.”
LUCAS was questioned about his choices and his fans’ wishes, such as what they wanted LUCAS to say to them or which choice they wanted him to make. The rapper shared with Filipino fans during this part his interest in modeling, some Filipino phrases he’s learned to say to them, and his statement that if he gets the chance to promote or advertise anything, it would be for a sports drink.
Between each session, he had VCRs ready to show his supporters behind-the-scenes videos of him getting ready for rehearsals, photo shoots, and his solo show. He also conveyed in this video how happy he was to spend time with and get to know his Filipino fans, and how much he hoped to return to the Philippines for another fancon tour.
To the delight of the crowd, LUCAS took the stage and displayed his talent while singing songs like Renegade, his most recent solo debut single, Dip It Low, Crushing on You, and Bass Go Boom. As he continued to win over his Filipino LUMIs with his charm and vocals, he also sang a rendition of Paul Kim’s Every Day, Every Moment.
LUCAS expressed his deep gratitude to his supporters for attending his fancon as the program came to an end. He was moved by the unwavering support of his fellow Filipino LUMIs and pledged to give his all in his future professional endeavors. It was undoubtedly a memorable evening for him and his Filipino LUMIs.
LUCAS FANCON TOUR IN ASIA <FIAT LUX : ็> IN MANILA was presented by L-Squared Productions.
Words by Vinny Real
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