Category: Concert

We love Hwang Min Hyun in every universe.

The 2023 HWANG MIN HYUN MINI CONCERT ‘UNVEIL’ in Manila at the New Frontier Theater last October 8, 2023, was an unforgettable night for his fans (called Hwangdo). The evening kicked off with a VCR, setting the mood for an evening filled with music and memories. The artist’s favorite song, “Universe,” played, and anticipation was high as the fans eagerly awaited his performance.

Hwang Min Hyun began the night by performing “Hidden Side” and greeted his PH Hwangdo with a warm “kamusta kayo.” The fans’ cheers and excitement filled the venue as he took the stage. Before diving into another performance, Kring Kim had a chance to interview him, asking how he felt about being back in Manila and what the fans could expect. The singer-actor expressed joy and promised more fantastic performances and fun segments for his Hwangdos during the concert.

The concert continued with Minhyun serenading the audience with “Honest” and “Earphone” from NUEST’s 2nd Album Romanticize, captivating the crowd with his amazing vocals.

One of the most memorable segments of the night was the “Unveil Timing Game.” This engaging segment consisted of three parts: guessing which part of the music video was displayed on the screen and performing it, singing along flawlessly to the song even when it stopped and started again, and continuing a line from his K-drama Alchemy of Souls. Despite losing the games, Min Hyun cheerfully accepted the challenge, wearing headbands chosen by fans and dancing along to “Betcha” by EXO’s Baekhyun and “Super Shy” by New Jeans. He continued to wow the audience with performances of “Perfect Type” and “Cube,” as well as the heart-touching “Tree” from Alchemy of Souls.

In the following segment, he transformed into a radio DJ and read a heartfelt letter from someone named “Yul,” who coincidentally shared the name of his character from Alchemy of Souls. As he provided advice, he sang songs by K.Will, Jung Seunghwan, Zitten, and Martin Smith, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

The emotional peak of the night came when Min Hyun performed his song “Universe.” This track held a special meaning for his fans, and his heartfelt rendition left not a dry eye in the house.

The concert reached its climax with an encore performance featuring another song from Truth or Lie, his 1st mini album, “Crossword.” As Min Hyun prepared to take a photo with the fans on stage, a fan VCR played, leaving him visibly surprised.

In closing, the My Lovely Liar actor shared a heartfelt message with his fans: “Even though you guys are from far places, you always continue to support me. It keeps me really going and gives me the energy to stand up whenever it gets tough for me. Thank you so much. I will never forget the love and support you constantly give me every single time. This will always encourage me to stand up. I’ll always remember this moment.”

Hwang Min Hyun’s concert in Manila was more than just a musical performance; it was a heartfelt exchange of love and appreciation between Minhyun and his PH Hwangdos. The night will undoubtedly be cherished in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be part of this unforgettable experience.

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The 2023 HWANG MIN HYUN MINI CONCERT ‘UNVEIL’ in Manila was presented by PULP Live World and Happee Hour. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation to the press conference and event.

The year-end event redefines the concert-going experience with “select” orchestral arrangements and special guests!

Filipino music icon AEGIS is set to stage a concert that aims to capture the spirit of the holiday season. Dubbed AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert, the year-end celebration marks the first time that the OPM stars will be serenading their fans with Christmas-themed songs as well as their career-spanning Greatest Hits set.

The concert will take place on December 20, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. onwards, at the Theatre At Solaire in Paranaque City, Metro Manila.

Backed by an orchestra and rendered with intricate arrangements that elevate the experience of listening to AEGIS live, the concert finds the Pinoy vocal powerhouse at the top of their game, celebrating with fellow Filipino people in expressing gratitude for year-long blessings and love, and for the opportunity to spend more time with family during the holiday breaks.

“It’s hard to imagine the Christmas season without music that signifies humanity and love,” AEGIS shares in a press statement. “We feel that this concert is a great way to uplift our spirits during trying times. We want this event to be as festive and colorful as possible, but at the same time, we want to perform with the goal of spreading happiness and positivity among those who are yearning for something to make them feel at home.”

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, October 13 at exactly 1:00 pm via Ticketworld outlets nationwide and their official website.

AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert is presented by True Creators Studio, Upplause Events, and Solaire Resort Entertainment City, in partnership with event management partner, GNN Entertainment Productions.

It took years, but on September 16, at The Big Dome — the very site where the first encounter took place — ATEEZ and ATINY teamed together to make the boy group’s first solo concert in the Philippines a tremendous success and to bring the BREAK THE WALL World Tour to a successful conclusion.

ATEEZ, composed of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho, made their musical debut in 2018 with their extended play Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. Since then, the boy group has grown significantly to become a recognizable K-Pop group noted for their exceptional vocals and raps, remarkable performances, and captivating stage presence.

They were given the titles “Global Performance Idols” and “4th Generation Leaders,” which they have lived up to, and Philippine ATINY had the good fortune to see them in person last September 16 when The Fellowship: Break The Wall World Tour, which had been on the road for nearly a year since its launch in Seoul in October 2022, finally touched down in the nation. Local fans of the boy group who had waited patiently for Manila to be added to the list of cities had their wish and a dream come true.

As a result, it was only natural that anticipation was high from the moment the Manila stop was announced until the very conclusion of the concert. Despite Jongho’s absence from the concert due to health issues, ATEEZ and ATINY did not hold back in giving each other the time of their lives.

A variety of tracks from their early releases to their most recent discography were included in ATEEZ’s setlist, which mixed distinct musical styles and performances. “Halazia” from their 2022 single album, Spin Off: From the Witness, kicked off the concert. The boy group immediately mesmerized the audience with their performance, which was further enhanced by the stage setup and lighting. They continued with their trademark greeting, made individual introductions, and pledged to offer the Filipino ATINYs a fun and unforgettable concert.

Men of their words, Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, and Wooyoung continued to display incredible performances with “Answer,” “The Ring,” and “Hala Hala,” before transitioning to their tender and uplifting songs, “Dazzling Light,” “Mist,” “Aurora,” and “Sunrise.” Each performance demonstrated the boy group’s ability to perform superbly in a variety of genres. As they conveyed the feelings of the songs, which became more apparent during their emotive tracks, the members showed off their ability to fill the room with their powerful voices and raps. This provided an appealing juxtaposition to their opening set, which displayed their stellar performance abilities.

I almost cried… with all ATINYs singing along.

Seonghwa on “Sunrise” performance with ATINY

Following these stages, ATEEZ delivered the summer-fitting twin title tracks “Illusion” and “Wave” off their 2019 album TREASURE EP.3: One To All. They then came back on stage with “Win,” an anthem of epic proportions and great force that wonderfully displayed their commanding presence on stage, followed by the explosive, electronic-influenced song “Horizon.”

But ATEEZ wasn’t through yet; they also performed “WONDERLAND (Symphony No. 9 “From The Wonderland”)” from Mnet’s Kingdom: Legendary War, which earned them first place in experts’ vote and self-evaluation and second place overall for the performance. Being able to witness the exceptional performance in person was magnificent, mind-blowing, and phenomenal in every sense. And the boys didn’t hold back, giving the audience the complete experience with costumes, amazing set design, and even a mock pirate ship. This song’s strong performance served as another example of the defining energy, which soared even higher in “BOUNCY (K-Hot Chilli Peppers)”.

Filo ATINYs doing the Bouncy challenge. #Break_The_Wall_MNL pic.twitter.com/7S3g4HMBQr

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) September 16, 2023

As everyone stood up to join ATEEZ in doing the dance, a remarkable excitement permeated the space and was amplified by the selected ATINY, who enthusiastically danced to the music. The boy group got the concert going with “THANXX”, a medley of “Good Lil Boy”, “The Leaders”, and “To the Beat” from their extended plays, Zero: Fever Part.1 and Zero: Fever Part.2.

They performed their timeless classics “Say My Name” from their 2019 EP Treasure EP.2: Zero to One and “Guerrilla” from their 2022 EP The World EP.1: Movement, to a thunderous reception from the audience. The Big Dome was electrified as the audience roared in support of ATEEZ with each performance that took the stage. The boy group that shook up the Philippine concert stage is definitely deserving of a round of applause. It was no longer shocking since, in the first place, you can rely on ATEEZ to provide more than you had anticipated and demonstrate excellence above and above the usual when it comes to fantastic and spectacular performances.

HAKUNA MATATA ❤️ Keeping this memory dearly with ATEEZ and ATINY.#Break_The_Wall_MNL @WilbrosLive pic.twitter.com/ATdFlm7Qcf

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) September 16, 2023

Additionally, Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, and Wooyoung graciously interacted with the audience members in every section, doing their best to look at everyone from the VIPs standing to the far end of The Big Dome with eyes and smiles reflecting their immense gratitude for the crowd that attended.

It was a proud moment to cherish and a memory to retain. The BREAK THE WALL World Tour served as evidence of ATEEZ’s and its fandom’s continuous growth. As the boy group wrapped up the tour with 40 performances in 29 cities across Asia, North and South America, and Europe, it served as a reminder of the humble beginning, the arduous effort, and the tenacity that allowed such accomplishment to arise.

With “Turbulence,” “Celebrate,” “From,” and “The Real,” the boy group said goodbye as Manila witnessed the triumphant conclusion of the Break the Wall tour. The concert’s conclusion was highlighted by a gracious bow to Philippine ATINY from Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, and Wooyoung, who also pledged to return.

Manila, you’re the best!

San

ATEEZ #Break_The_Wall_MNL marked the end of the boy group’s The Fellowship: BREAK THE WALL tour and its encore which staged 40 shows in 29 cities across Asia, North America, South America, and Europe.

Congratulations, ATEEZ and ATINY! #Break_The_Wall_FINALE pic.twitter.com/nXBvHDPoA7

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) September 16, 2023

The Fellowship: Break The Wall World Tour in Manila was presented by Wilbros Live. Special thanks to Wilbros Live.

Words and photos by Dan

How glorious it is to be a part of an experience brimming with electrifying energy, leaving you yearning for ways to capture the fiery atmosphere of the moment, encapsulate all the emotions, and pour them all into a bottle to preserve eternally. This is precisely how One Ok Rock’s Luxury Disease Asia Tour in Manila made us feel.

Japanese quartet, One Ok Rock, returned to the country on September 26 at the Araneta Coliseum, five years after they last came for their Ambitions tour. It was a damp and windy afternoon, but the crowds waiting at the gates were so dense that the chilly weather went unnoticed. The fans’ excitement was justified – the band was initially scheduled to perform here in May 2020 but had to move dates around because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The eager anticipation would be rewarded that evening with a setlist that stirred both tears and screams.

The venue resounded with loud cheers throughout the night, and stomps reverberated all over the arena as a dedicated crowd declared their adoration. Ryota would later remark on social media that this was the first time they’d heard stomping during their acoustic set.

“Let Me Let You Go” and “Neon” featured staggering instrumental breakdowns. One Ok Rock could be an instrumental band with how Ryota, Tomoya, and Toru enthralled the audience with their masterful instrument-playing coupled with red-hot passion and playful showmanship. Taka remained the powerhouse vocalist we’ve come to expect. Not once did his voice falter despite dancing and running in all directions. As he sustained a high note for “Clock Strikes,” jaws hit the floor while fans held their breath in sync with him.

For two hours on Tuesday, One Ok Rock owned The Big Dome. The crowd was an orchestra and Taka was the conductor. We were singing, clapping, jumping, raising our fists, and headbanging. For “Stand Out Fit In,” Taka had everyone ducking down to gather momentum for a synchronized jump. “Your Tears are Mine” involved the special participation of Filipino fans who nailed it just like another regular day at the karaoke.

The night was supposed to conclude with “Wherever You Are” during the encore, but the band decided to extend their generosity. They quipped “Are you guys still alive?” before surprising the audience with a song they hadn’t performed in quite some time – the enduring crowd-pleaser, “Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer.”

Major props go out to the technical team behind the concert. This writer has been to numerous shows at the Araneta Coliseum, but the venue has never sounded as pristine as it did on the 26th. One Ok Rock’s music is best experienced live and the crew delivered with their expertise, which we find especially meaningful knowing that somewhere in the audience is a visually-impaired gentleman we saw at the gates. He may not have seen the band, but he heard them under the best conditions.

One Ok Rock has a track record of fulfilling their commitments. During their initial Manila gig in 2016, they vowed to return and did solid on that in 2018. After their 2018 show, they made the same pledge, and now here they are once more. This time, they’ve sworn to come back in three years. After waiting for five years to see them again, what’s another three?

By Marijo Endriga

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The ONE OK ROCK LUXURY DISEASE ASIA TOUR 2023 in Manila was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation.

The Eternity with EXO’s Chanyeol this November!

With love for his craft as eternal as his gratitude for his beloved EXO-Ls, K-pop star Park Chanyeol of supergroup EXO is set to hold his first solo fancon tour, “The Eternity”, in various Asian countries on his birth month.

Presented by SM Entertainment, APlanet, and MakeitLive, the tour will kick off in Taipei, Taiwan on November 4, followed by a stop in Bangkok, Thailand on November 18, and another in Hong Kong on November 25.

MakeitLive, a Philippine-based entertainment, event, and digital production company, holds the reins as the official partner for the Taiwan and Hong Kong stops, along with official promoters GMusic and PEACE, and promotion partner FangirlAsia.

“The Eternity” is a present for his fans across the continent who have dedicated their love and support to him since his group’s debut in 2012, and with an ultimate goal of making dreams into a reality, MakeitLive promises a memorable fancon that both the artist and fans will cherish for an eternity.

Known for being a singer and the main rapper of EXO, Chanyeol, who goes by the pen name “LOEY” as a music producer, has not only graced the big stages or the recording studios, but also television and movie screens, magazines, brand advertisements, and even runways for the past 11 respectful years in the industry.

The fancon tour is an opportunity for the multitalented idol and his fans to have a much closer encounter with each other following his post-military enlistment activities and recent events with his group and as a solo artist.

The energy was off the chart as the Philippine concert crowd welcomed Neck Deep to the local concert scene for the third time last September 22!

Welsh pop-punk band Neck Deep, composed of Ben Barlow, Matt West, Sam Bowden, Seb Barlow, and Matt Powles, opened their sold-out concert at the SM Skydome with “Sonderland” and “Lowlife” from their 2020 studio album, All Distortions Are Intentional. With high-up energy from the opening, the band continued to put out hit after hit as they brought out their 2015 songs “Ka Lima”, “Citizens of Earth”, and “Can’t Kick Up the Roots.”

The sold-out Manila show also concluded Neck Deep’s Southeast Asia Tour which brought them to Kuala Lumpur, Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan, Singapore, Bangkok, and finally landing in the Philippines. Additionally, the concert marked the band’s first performance in the country after five years following their 2018 show. Neck Deep debuted on the Philippine concert stage in 2016.

Third time’s the charm, indeed, as the pop-punk band and their devoted fans did not hold back in making the evening euphoric. After putting out the 2014 song “What Did You Expect?”, “STFU”, “Heartbreak”, and “Take Me With You” resonated in the SM Skydome. “Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors”, but a great band like Neck Deep makes music that will last a lifetime. Eleven years after their formation, the band remains a powerful institution in the music scene, and the concert last September 22 was enough proof that the Philippines will want them back on the concert stage.

Wish you were there to witness lights illuminating SM Skydome in “Wish You Were Here”, which succeeded “When You Know” and “She’s A God”. But Neck Deep allowed the emotions to wave through the venue more in “A Part of Me” and “December”.

An unprecedented night and a dream that lived in reality for every fan of Neck Deep. The concert concluded with requests granted, emotions high, voices loud and proud, and moments lived in the best possible way as “Motion Sickness”, “Gold Steps”, and “In Bloom” marked the end. Ben gave a shout-out to PULP Live World and its CEO Vernon Go for bringing them back for the third time to the Philippine concert stage—three sold-out shows at the SM Skydome. “I also want to say a huge thank you to Vernon, and to the whole PULP team for having us—for putting this show on… To every single one of you who is here with us right now, you allowed us to live such a beautiful and blessed life, so thank you so much. We love you so much, Manila. Thank you for all the love in return.”

“The SE Asia tour is over and we’re real sad about it. Thank you so much to Kuala Lumpur, Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan, Singapore, Bangkok and Manila. Some of the biggest, best, and most fun we’ve had on stage and on tour. We’ll be back soon,” wrote the band.

The SE Asia tour is over and we’re real sad about it. Thank you so much to Kuala Lumpur, Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan, Singapore, Bangkok and Manila. Some of the biggest, best and most fun we’ve had on stage and on tour. We’ll be back soon 🇲🇾🇮🇩🇸🇬🇹🇭🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/FukbvQKZFw

— Neck Deep (@NeckDeepUK) September 25, 2023

joan held their first headlining show in Manila with a pop at the New Frontier Theater on September 19. Presented by Live Nation, their Superglue Tour was met with hundreds of avid fans who jammed with them.

The American indie pop duo, composed of Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford, are no strangers to the Filipino stage. They had been part of a widely successful music festival and had a run of co-headlining mall shows with Honne in 2019.

“We’ve been here 3 or 4 times. Every time we come here, it feels like a big, warm hug,” Alan told the crowd.

joan opened the show with the sentimental “life death & everything between”. This was immediately followed by their lighter bops “simple”, “feeling like dancing” and “something special”.

It was easy to get into the groove of joan’s music. Their blend of light rock, interspersed with 90s electro-pop, saccharine tunes, and relatable lyrics, easily makes them familiar and likable. The duo’s stage presence was also electric and captivating.

The mood turned mellow for their stripped-down set for “magnetic”, “monsters” and “i loved you first”.

“We released our debut album called superglue. We put a lot of work into that like every band ever, but it means a lot to us since it’s our most personal album yet. We wrote songs about our new babies, we talked about our wives, heartache, loss, the meaning of life,” Alan said before playing the song. He also thanked the crowd for the unforgettable evening.

The good vibes kept rolling as the band played their signature tracks like “tokyo”, “love somebody like you” and “so good”.

Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines!

by Sandra Mae Laureano

The Itchyworms have recently announced their three-city tour in Japan this October 2023!

The mini tour will kick off at the LIVE HOUSE GATTACA in Kyoto on October 6, followed by two more stops in Osaka (The Blarney Stone and Sengokudaitouryou) on October 7 and 8, respectively.

Prior to the announcement, The Itchyworms performed at the Tokyo Beyond Festival on November 22, 2022. They have also participated at the Kansai Music Conference in a virtual setting while delivering an exclusive live performance at the Big Baby Studios in Manila.

“There will be a lot of Filipino fans who will travel two or three hours just to see us live, so we will still be playing some hits,” the Di Na Muli hitmakers share in a collective statement. ‘We will also be playing some other songs that we think will be appreciated by the Japanese musicians and audiences. We feel that music is universal, and whether we sing in Filipino or in English, the audience will love it.”

The acclaimed band, consisting of core members Jazz Nicolas (lead vocals, drums, piano, keyboards, keyboards), Jugs Jugueta (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), and Kelvin Yu (bass guitar, backing vocals), will be joined by their new recruits Ciudad’s Mikey Amistoso (acoustic guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, tambourine) and Weckl Mercado (lead guitar, backing vocals) for this particular tour.

This year, The Itchyworms have released two new singles: “Panic In My Mind,” which was specifically written for their bandmate Chino Singson, who moved to Canada with his family to start a new life, and the Beatles-inspired “The Morning After,” which features some of their most intricate productions to date.

The Filipino alt-rock outfit has also released 2013’s award-winning album, After All This Time on vinyl last November 2022, and a repress of their 2021 album, Waiting For The End To Start on the same format. Both records are available via Backspacer Records.

For more information about the tour, visit the band’s official social media pages and revamped website: www.itchyworms.com; Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Itchyworms’ “Panic In My Mind” and “The Morning After” are available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Manila Metal Maniacs witnessed yet another unforgettable night of headbanging mayhem as The Bay Strikes Back brought together three Titans of Thrash Metal – Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel.

With a career spanning four decades of music aggression, these lords of metal show no signs of waning and it exceeded expectations at every level with The Bay Strikes Back as their witness.

Kicking the night with a blistering set was Death Angel. The crowd erupted as frontman, Mark Osegueda took the stage, with the twin guitar attack of Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguilar along with Will Carroll’s thunderous drumming, the band shook the very foundation of the SM Skydome.

Opening with “The Ultra Violence and Mistress of Pain” and then continuing with their barrage of sonic onslaught “Seemingly Endless Time”, “The Moth” and “Thrown to the Wolves” The mosh pit swirled into a vortex of chaos. Setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

As the venue continued to pulsate with adrenaline, Exodus took the stage like a storm. With frontman Steve “Zetro” Souza leading the charge, the band launched into classics like “Bonded by Blood,” and “Toxic Waltz,” and finished with “Prescribing Horror” from their latest album “Persona Non Grata” with fans forming a whirlwind of bodies in the pit. The sheer intensity of Gary Holt and Lee Altus’s guitar work combined with Tom Hunting’s relentless drumming showcased their unwavering prowess. It only proves why they are true thrash metal legends.

Closing out the night, the anticipation for Testament reached its zenith, Chuck Billy’s menacing presence and ferocious vocals were nothing short of awe-inspiring. The band’s tight performance, fueled by Alex Skolnick’s virtuosic guitar work and Chris Dovas’ brutal drumming, sent shockwaves through the audience.

Classics like “Into the Pit” and “Over the Wall” left fans in a frenzy, and newer tracks like “Children of the Next Level” from their last album “Titans of Creation” showcased the band’s enduring creativity. Proving that after all these years, they still stand as one of the Gods of Heavy Metal.

In conclusion, The Bay Strikes Back tour was a triumph for the bands and the local metal scene. Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel proved once again why they are revered as thrash metal royalty and that the metal scene here in the country is still thriving, no matter how the musical landscape evolves over time. The unbridled energy shown by the fans and the sheer musical mastery displayed by these bands will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the enduring power of metal music.

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THE BAY STRIKES BACK was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation.

Eclectic pop artist ena mori, fast-rising singer-songwriter syd hartha, and multi-awarded musician Joey Benin of Side A will be joining befriending my tears, a Clara Benin concert at the Music Museum on September 22, 2023 (Friday), from 7 pm onwards.

Both ena and syd will be performing as guest acts, while Joey Benin will reunite with his daughter Clara for a special segment.

“ena mori and syd hartha are both favorites of mine and I always feel inspired whenever I watch them perform and I think that my fans will really enjoy their performances as well as they open the show,” shares the Filipino singer-songwriter. “Every time I have a big show, I always make sure to have my dad, Joey Benin, join me on stage to play a few songs. He’s made such a huge impact on my music and being able to play with him on stage is always a fun and humbling experience.”

Celebrating the release of her sophomore studio album, befriending my tears, with a show made specifically for her fans, the concert chronicles Benin’s journey as an artist coming to terms with self-acceptance and healing while showcasing musical maturity through years of experience and growth.

Clara adds, “I can never thank my fans enough for all the love and support they’ve been giving me, especially after my album release! All I can say is, I can’t wait to meet you guys at the concert and I’m really excited for you to hear us perform all the songs from the album!”

‘befriending my tears, a Clara Benin concert’ serves as her second major show after staging a sold-out, two-night residency at Teatrino Greenhills in 2016. This time around, the Parallel Universe artist will be performing all the songs from her newly released album, along with fan favorites from her catalog.

A tribute to an album that honors Benin’s newfound artistry and emotional strength, don’t miss your chance to be part of this show-stopping concert.

‘befriending my tears, a Clara Benin concert’ is presented by CNCA Media Concepts Inc., in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment.

Special thanks to the sponsors and partners: Dunkin’, JBL, Globe, and GNN Entertainment Productions.

Tickets are almost sold out, and are available via SM Ticket online and select outlets nationwide.

HORI7ON showcased their immense growth during their first headlining concert Friend-SHIP [Voyage to Manila] at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Fans of HORI7ON called “Anchors” were fired up to give the boys a warm homecoming party with ardent cheers. Presented by DNM Entertainment, the show drew in many loyal Anchors as well as a lot of new fans.

After being the top contestants in ABS-CBN’s reality TV show Dream Maker, HORI7ON was formed with members Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus. From then on, they have been booked and busy. They did a series of local mall shows in February, held a fan meeting at the New Frontier Theater in April, went to Korea for training in June, and released their first album titled Friend-SHIP in July.

Subsequently, they made history by being the first all-Filipino group to debut in major Korean music shows like KBS Music Bank, MNET M Countdown, and SBS Inkigayo. On top of that, they also received their first nomination for topping the weekly chart of SBS The Show.

Managed by the Korean entertainment company MLD and ABS-CBN, HORI7ON is making great strides toward being a global pop group as shown during their concert last Saturday. The stage set-up was at par with regular K-pop events – with huge LED screens as the backdrop and an extended walkway to the center. The production did not skimp on the props – the lights, confetti, and fireworks were all in sync during their performances. Even better, HORI7ON’s vocal prowess and fluid choreography shone all throughout the evening.

HORI7ON blasted off with their fiercer songs “Meteor”, “DASH” and “Tiger” which easily got Anchors on a craze. Their vibrant lead single “SIX7EEN” was an obvious crowd favorite with the crowd vibing to the catchy “la la la la la” part.

“Salamat! Sa airport pa lang, grabe na ‘yung energy na binigay niyo. I just want you guys to promise us na ganyan yung energy niyo hanggang matapos. We have so much in store for you tonight,” leader Vinci said in the early part of their set. The boys were visibly ecstatic in greeting the crowd, repeatedly expressing how much they missed their Filipino fans.

Another highlight of the concert was their flashy solo performances which showcased each member’s individual prowess and charm. For their unit stages, they dished out “Death or Paradise” and “How You Feel” with the special appearance of Haeun of Lapillus. NEW: ID, a new All-Filipino group set to debut in Korea, also graced the stage.

HORI7ON also paid homage to their K-pop seniors by treating fans to astounding covers of TXT’s “Sugar Rush Ride”, ENHYPHEN’s “Drunk-Dazed” and SEVENTEEN’s “Super”. As a bonus, they even performed a cover of SB19’s “Gento” and said they admire the group for their contribution to bringing the Philippines to the global stage.

The show also had its touching moments. After the group performed “Mama”, a ballad dedicated to their mothers, a surprise video message from their parents was played. Some members couldn’t hold back their tears. This was followed by “Salamat” which they dedicated to Anchors.

As the members keep saying, they are proud to represent the Philippines in the global pop stage. They are very grateful to their Filipino Anchors for their unwavering support.

HORI7ON has come a long way in only the span of a year. They have released an album, performed in major Korean music shows, and received their first nomination in a Korean weekly music chart. Now that they successfully wrapped up their first full concert in Manila, we can definitely expect more from them in the near future.

Special thanks to DNM Entertainment.

Words by Sandra Mae Laureano

Haven’t you heard? SEVENTEEN is doing stadium tours now, and the Philippines will once again witness it happen at our very shore.

S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino return to the Philippine concert stage to bring SEVENTEEN TOUR “FOLLOW” to Bulacan on January 13, 2024, at the Philippine Sports Stadium.

After creating history with BE THE SUN IN BULACAN, where they became the first K-Pop group to hold a solo concert at the Philippine Arena, the boy group will make history once more with FOLLOW TO BULACAN, where they will be the first musical act to hold a solo concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium.

SEE ALSO: SEVENTEEN Makes History with Be the Sun in Bulacan Concert at the Philippine Arena

Live Nation Philippines has announced additional details regarding the concert, including the seat plan and ticket prices.

Tickets to FOLLOW TO BULACAN will go on sale on the following dates via SM Tickets:

• CARAT Membership Pre-sale on November 9, from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• UnionBank Pre-sale on November 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• General On Sale on November 12, 12 noon

Check out the seat plan and ticket prices below:

• VIP Gold A & B – Php 19,000
• VIP Silver E & F – Php 18,500
• Floor Standing C & D – Php 14,750
• Floor Standing E & F – Php 14,250
• Floor Standing G & H – Php 13,550
• Bleachers Premium 1 – Php 11,550
• Bleachers Mid 1 – Php 10,050
• Bleachers Center 1 – Php 8,550
• Bleachers Premium 2 – Php 8,550
• Bleachers Mid 2 – Php 6,550
• Bleachers Center 2 – Php 4,550

The prices are inclusive of ticketing charges.

SEVENTEEN will perform at FOLLOW TO BULACAN as part of their current concert tour, which will also stop in Bangkok on December 23, 2023, and Macao on January 20 and 21, 2024. The tour began on July 21 and 22 at the Gocheok Sky Dome and continued on September 6 and 7 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

Prior to the rest of Asia, the boy group will perform in Japan in November and December in Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

Since their first Asia tour, Shining Diamond, in 2016, SEVENTEEN has routinely included the Philippines in their tours. The nation hosted the conclusion of their first world tour, Diamond Edge, in 2017. Then, in Ideal Cut in 2018 and Ode To You in 2020, Philippine Carats witnessed their return to the Philippine concert stage.

The boys visited the Philippines again after more than two years to perform two sold-out Be The Sun performances in Manila in October 2022. Two months later, on December 17, 2022, SEVENTEEN made history in the Philippine Arena with Be The Sun in Bulacan.

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SEVENTEEN TOUR “FOLLOW” TO BULACAN is presented by Live Nation Philippines.