Category: Concert

Attention, Manila! Spotify is bringing the KALYE X Concert to Manila – FREE for Spotify users*

After electrifying the Queen City of the South where Bisaya Hip-Hop royalties Midnasty and Cookie$ unveiled their Spotify Single ‘Wa Na Wa’, and igniting the hip-hop scene in Davao with Mindanao-raised hip-hop collective Morobeats and their hit ‘Kendeng’, the Spotify’s KALYE X concert series is now heading to its grand finale in Manila.

The KALYE X Manila concert will star hip-hop legend Gloc-9, together with rising lyricist Ramdiss and flow master Hero, where they will unveil the final track of the three first-ever original Filipino hip-hop Spotify Singles as part of KALYE X. Dedicated to fostering collaborations between artists, fans, and the community, Spotify KALYE X spotlights the unique flavor, depth and diversity of Pinoy hip-hop.

Manila, mag-ingay!

In partnership with Wish 107.5, Spotify’s KALYE X Manila concert is set to rock Circuit Event Grounds Makati on 28 October 2023 (Saturday). And here’s the best part: entrance is absolutely free! To join the hip-hop celebration, you must be 18 years old and above, and have the following: your pre-registration QR code, your Spotify account, and a valid photo ID with your birthdate. Make sure to follow the Kalye Hip-Hop playlist, too!

Gates will open at 4:00 PM for Spotify Premium users, giving them an exclusive sneak peek at the artist soundcheck, while free users can start entering the venue at 5:30 PM. The night promises exciting performances by Gloc-9, Hero, and Ramdiss, plus a line-up of other activities to keep the energy flowing:

• Kalye City Xypher (16 Bars Challenge) hosted by Rekta sa Kalye
• Live Graffiti by Trip63
• Exclusive KALYE X merch giveaways to 10 lucky winners!
• Meet and greet opportunity with Gloc-9, Hero, and Ramdiss (for Spotify Premium users only)

Don’t miss the grand finale of KALYE X in Manila, and join us in celebrating Pinoy hip-hop. Visit the #SpotifyKalyeX Manila event page for more information and stay tuned for exciting updates. And be sure to tune in to the Kalye Hip-Hop playlist for more exclusive content and all the very best of Pinoy Hip-Hop.

Note: The event is for Spotify users aged 18 and above only.

The Mall of Asia Arena was illuminated in vibrant shades of pink, green, and aqua on October 13 as three prolific K-Pop acts — Hyoyeon, Yugyeom, and Taemin came together for K-Magic Live.

Hyoyeon of Girls’ Generation graced the stage with electrifying dance anthems, including “Picture,” “Deep,” “Second,” and “Dessert.” Known for her exceptional dance skills, she showcased her precise and energetic moves. Hyoyeon’s first visit was way back in 2015 when she joined Girls’ Generation for the Best of Best in the Philippines concert. Most recently, she was here in 2020 for a DJ set at House Manila. KMagic marked the first time her fans had the pleasure of seeing her perform her solo releases live.

Given the rarity of her visits, the audience didn’t let her belated birthday pass unnoticed, serenading her with warm wishes. Hyoyeon reciprocated the love, engaging in cheerful banter with the crowd. When asked by host Denise Laurel about a place she wanted to visit in the Philippines, a fan playfully shouted, “Sa bahay namin [to my house]!” which sparked laughter throughout the venue. In response, Hyoyeon promised, “Tonight I’m going back and I don’t have enough time but next time, I’ll make sure that I have enough time to visit your house.”

For her final performance with “Sober,” Hyoyeon took on her singer persona, focusing on a more intimate stage sans choreography, as she gracefully moved around, leaving her fans with a lasting memory of the evening.

Yugyeom charmed his way into everyone’s hearts with his effortless cool demeanor. His setlist was the most extensive, featuring a total of 12 tracks, including his latest release, “LOLO,” and an unreleased single titled “Always Ready.”

He amped up the energy during the final segment of his performance, joining his dancers for a string of hard-hitting tracks “Hard Carry,” “119,” and “Who You,” which involved numerous water bottles being sprayed on fans and even on Yugyeom himself.

The GOT7 singer moved around the stage, wowing with his seamless dance moves, boyish charm, and coy smiles. In a gracious moment, he expressed gratitude to his fans as well as that of his fellow headliners. For those who may have been unfamiliar with Yugyeom before the concert, he certainly left an indelible impression and won them over that day.

Taemin’s debut solo performance in the country made him the undeniable star of the show. His magnetic presence had fans following his every move, running after wherever he was on stage. From sultry to edgy to deeply emotive, he effortlessly transitioned through hits “Move,” “Criminal,” and “Idea.” To add a twist, he embraced a different mood with the ballad “Hypnosis” before concluding his set with “Advice.”

Hailed as the “idol of idols,” Taemin shared his appreciation for the artists who look up to him, recognizing their inspiration much like he has drawn from others throughout his career. He also made it known how much he cherishes his fans, saying “Shinee World is my pride”.

Taemin requested fans to support his upcoming solo comeback, “Guilty,” slated for release on October 30. He described the track as “real spicy” and teased a few seconds of the melody. He also revealed plans for upcoming schedules, promising fans something to look forward to in the coming days. Beyond the horizon, he announced he would love to return with the rest of Shinee if the opportunity opens.

K-Magic Live marks OctoArts’ first foray into K-Pop concert production, and it’s clear that there’s room for growth in future events. Still, each act brought its own color to the stage – Hyoyeon invited the audience to dance with her, Yugyeom provided a laid-back vibe, and Taemin offered a mesmerizing audiovisual spectacle. The prevailing sentiment was that their performances left audiences wanting more, and they were always welcome to return for longer sets.

Words by Marijo Endriga

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K-Magic Live was presented by OctoArts Entertainment. Special thanks to OctoArts Entertainment for the invitation.

LONG AWAITED NEW ALBUM, PORTALS, DEBUTED AT #2 ON BILLBOARD 200 — MARTINEZ’S THIRD CONSECUTIVE BILLBOARD 200 TOP 10 ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW VIA ATLANTIC RECORDS

Multi-platinum alt-pop phenomenon Melanie Martinez will embark on her first Asia tour in January, bringing her worldwide PORTALS Tour to Asia. The tour will kick off on January 19 in Tokyo, followed by Seoul, Manila, and Singapore.

The PORTALS Tour – which will see Martinez exclusively performing as the otherworldly new creature rebirth of her alter ego “Cry Baby” – just played to completely sold-out venues across North America, and hits Mexico, Europe, and the UK over the next few months.

The PORTALS Tour celebrates the recent arrival of Martinez’s blockbuster new album, PORTALS, available now in an expanded deluxe digital edition featuring three additional new tracks HERE. The album became Melanie’s highest charting debut on the Billboard 200 upon its release earlier this year, arriving at #2 – Martinez’s third consecutive Billboard 200 Top 10 album debut.

PORTALS includes the hit singles, “VOID” and “DEATH,” both of which made history as Martinez’s first original songs to debut on the Billboard “Hot 100.” “DEATH” is joined by a cinematic companion video – directed, conceived, and costume designed by Martinez herself – which trended at #1 on YouTube’s Trending “Top Music Videos” chart and now boasts over 31M official views. The song was first teased with a series of eerie clips revealing the rebirth of Martinez’s character “Cry Baby,” quickly sparking a frenzy of theories and garnering over 115M views across all socials. The track and its compelling companion visual earned praise from the likes of Billboard, which raved, “The avant-garde pop auteur creates bold, expansive worlds with each project…While the dramatic five-minute track can be connected to her artistic reawakening, the kinetic drums and electronic elements will also make listeners feel reborn, too.”

MELANIE MARTINEZ: PORTALS ASIA TOUR will take place at the World Trade Center on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Live Nation Philippines’ members can secure tickets first during the exclusive LNPH Pre-Sale on Wednesday, October 18 from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. local time. Register for presale access at livenation.ph. General sale will start Thursday, October 19 at 12 pm local time at www.smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets. For details and ticket information, visit livenation.ph.

ABOUT MELANIE MARTINEZ

Melanie Martinez is a multi-platinum, 14 billion-streaming alt-pop phenomenon. Her newest release, Portals, is her highest-charting album to date with a Billboard 200 #2 debut. The album features the official first single “Void,” written and produced by Martinez, along with “Death,” her first original song to debut on Billboard’s Hot 100 and her biggest first-week streams to date.

Portals marked the 28-year-old singer-songwriter-filmmaker’s first full-length release in nearly four years, following her 2.4 billion-streaming, RIAA Gold-certified second album, K-12. A sensation upon its release, K-12 entered the Billboard 200 at #3, debuting at #1 on the Alternative Album chart and #1 on the Soundtrack album chart. Hailed by Forbes as “a perfect conceptual album in the streaming age,” K-12 also served as a soundtrack companion to an eerily enchanting musical film written, directed, and starring Martinez, debuting as the sixth highest-grossing film in the U.S. on the day of its September 3, 2019, theatrical release, with one-night-only screenings in over 425 cinemas in 32 countries. It now boasts over 113 million views on YouTube.

Martinez truly set forth on what has proven a remarkable creative journey with her 2015 debut album, Cry Baby, amassing over 6.5 billion worldwide streams along with 2x RIAA Platinum certification. Martinez continues to bring her vision to an array of diverse enterprises and has also shown herself to be an unforgettable live performer via sold-out headline tours and festival performances around the world.

The Iconic Love Team returns to the spotlight in a threefold spectacle!

The echoes of fervent fan wishes have been heard, and the result is nothing short of cinematic magic. This year, the Philippine entertainment industry will witness a historic moment as Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion reunite for “Dear Heart 2023.” This is monumental since it has been in fans’ dreams for years.

Spanning decades, the bond between Sharon and Gabby, both on and off-screen, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Their return to the stage symbolizes not just a reunion of two of the country’s most iconic stars, but the coming together of a nation longing for this nostalgic moment.

A Three-Part Celebration of a Legendary Pair

The centerpiece of this spectacular reunion, a grand concert, is set to take place at the SM MOA Arena on October 27, 2023. The electric atmosphere of the evening promises heartwarming performances, reminiscent melodies, and an experience that will take many down memory lane.

While the main attraction is undeniably the reunion of Cuneta and Concepcion, Dear Heart The Concert will also feature a lineup of special guests to be announced in the coming weeks, adding excitement and anticipation to the already star-studded event.

But the magic doesn’t end there. This concert is just the beginning.

A special VIP Night, set against the backdrop of the dazzling Okada Manila’s Grand Ballroom, will occur on October 30, 2023. This will be a golden opportunity for fans to revel in an exclusive ambiance, sharing unforgettable moments with the legendary duo.

For fans in the South, “InLife’s Dear Heart in Cebu” is slated for November 17 at the NuStar’s Convention Center. This ensures that the legacy and magic of the Sharon-Gabby tandem touches every corner of the country.

Secure Your Seat in this Historic Love Team Reunion

Dear Heart 2023 stands as a testament to the lasting legacy of Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion, and to the fans that have stood by them through the years. Together, let’s go head over heels as we relive and rekindle the emotions we all had watching the love team.

For Dear Heart The Concert on October 27, 2023, at SM MOA Arena, more seats were added! Tickets can
be purchased at SM Tickets Outlets Nationwide or through www.smtickets.com.

For Dear Heart VIP Night on October 30, 2023, at Okada Manila, secure your tickets from the Dear Heart
Ticket Booth at Okada Manila or connect with the NY Entourage Productions team through these numbers: 0977 081 1006 (Globe) and 0999 909 7610 (Smart).

To secure your tickets for InLife’s Dear Heart in Cebu on November 17, 2023, at the NuStar Convention Center, reach out to Cathy Ngo at 0999-1084162 or 0917-1777469, Beatriz Cabahug at 09257771843, or NY Entourage Productions at 0977 081 1006 (Globe) and 0999 909 7610 (Smart).

Stay Updated with Dear Heart 2023

Further details will be announced through our official channels and social media handles:

• Facebook: Dear Heart 2023
• Instagram: @DearHeart_2023
• Twitter: @DearHeart2023

Join the conversation using: #DearHeart2023 #DearHeartConcert #DearHeartVIPNight #InLifeDearHeartCebu #ShaGabMegaReunion

Dear Heart The Concert is produced by NY Entourage Productions and WEU Events Management Services. Presented by InLife, MWell, and BingoPlus. Co-Presented by Philippine Airlines, Okada Manila (Official Residence Manila), NUSTAR Resort and Casino (Official Residence Cebu), and LBC Express, in cooperation with Aboitiz, Katinko, McDonald’s, and Aivee. Special Thanks to AsiaPrime, Botejyu,
Mandarin Sky, SM MOA Arena, and SM Tickets (Official Venue). Media Partners are Philippine Star,
Inquirer.net, POP, Bandera, Cebu Daily News, Philippine Concerts, Home Radio 97.9, 106.7 DWIZ News FM (Cebu), Win Radio Manila, and Win Radio Cebu.

Dear Heart VIP Night is Co-Presented by Okada Manila (Official Residence Manila).

InLife’s Dear Heart in Cebu is Co-Presented by NuStar Resort and Casino Cebu (Official Residence Cebu).

Against the Current has found a home on the Philippine stage as they have returned to the country for the sixth time, delighting Filipino rock fans with another world tour, Nightmares and Daydreams last October 8, 2023, at SM North EDSA Skydome, presented by PULP Live World.

Against the Current, which consists of Chrissy Costanza, Daniel Gow, and Will Ferri, seems to have a Pinoy bug fever that they can’t get enough of and that their fans can’t get enough of either. They had to return and not miss the Philippines as their stop.

Legends Never Die

A tour-hour-long concert took the place of a setlist by Chrissy Costanza, Daniel Gow, and Will Ferri, along with their touring bassist David Whitmore, who played their most popular and nostalgic songs plucked from their decade-long discography under an incredible rock atmosphere that embraced both the band and the crowd.

An electrifying playlist ensued, while the band interacted with the crowd, who to their surprise, found fans who had been present since their first show in the country.

“How are you doing Manila? It’s been a while since we’ve been here, 5, 6 years?” recalled their vocalist Chrissy. “I think I was 17 when I came here the first time!” She talked to a fan on the barricades who mentioned they were only 15 when the band came here and it’s evident that the band has formed a solid fanbase in the country with fans who never miss an attendance whenever they bless Manila with their music.

A playful banter throughout the night took place with the band and the fans, and a switch up with the band’s drummer, Will played an acoustic guitar with the song “‘Chasing Ghost.”

A notable stage was when they played, “Legends Never Die” as their encore opening, easily being their most popular track, the anthem for League of Legends Worlds 2017, and currently the game’s most played original anthem track.

Check out the full ‘Nightmares & Daydreams’ setlist here:

1. “good guy”
2. Wildfire
3. again&again
4. jump
5. Strangers Again
6. Personal
7. Running with the Wild Things
8. blindfolded
9. silent stranger
10. lullaby
11. Paralyzed
12. Another You (Another Way)
13. Roses
14. Almost Forgot
15. Chasing Ghosts
16. Voices
17. Gravity
18. Wasteland
19. that won’t save us
20. Legends Never Die
21. weapon

Will the Against the Current come back? If they came back the 6th time, what would stop them from coming the 7th time, especially with the Pinoy crowd’s always on-another-level concert energy, never failing to leave a mark on any artist’s memory in every concert stop? The fans sang along, jumped along, lost themselves on important high moments, and sang back to ATC when they were asked to sing along to the song “weapon”, their closing song, to sing the song back to the band, with a promise they will never give up. Enough motivation to go on your daily lives? We daresay it is.

Words and Photos by Arielle Elep

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The AGAINST THE CURRENT ‘NIGHTMARES & DAYDREAMS’ 2023 World Tour in MANILA was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation.

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.