In Wonderland with TREASURE and Philippine Treasure Makers: A REBOOT in Manila Memory

It is hard to put the 2024 TREASURE RELAY TOUR [REBOOT] IN MANILA into words. Even as these words are written down, it is still unclear if all of these paragraphs will ever be able to fully capture the pride and happiness felt for TREASURE and Treasure Makers after the boy group’s second solo concert in the Philippines has come to an end.

No matter the number of days that have passed, I will always remember that wonderland, which was drenched in the hue of the purest, most beautiful sky and ringed by the loudest, most heartfelt cheers for ten boys who deserved every second of it.

TREASURE
Photo from YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

It should come as no surprise that REBOOT IN MANILA was everything a concert should be: a veritable wonderland thanks to the boys’ outstanding vocal performance, their dance performances of the highest caliber, and their overall command of the stage, which took up every square inch of the venue with an amazing band and dancers adding to the allure of the stage production and light show and an equally phenomenal crowd, full of unrelenting enthusiasm and resonating energy.

Once again, Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Haruto, Doyoung, Park Jeongwoo, and So Junghwan were welcomed to the Philippine concert scene by Treasure Makers, who arrived in full force to the SM Mall of Asia Arena dressed in pretty shades of blue and TREASURE’s UNIQLO collaboration shirts with Teulights ready to light up the arena. With all of the fan projects on full show nearby, including banners and videos played on the MOA eye and globe, the tremendous support of the fanbase was already evident outside the arenathe tip of the iceberg for the heartfelt cheers and affection they generously showered TREASURE inside the arena.

TREASURE
Photo from YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Haruto, Doyoung, Park Jeongwoo, and So Junghwan bid farewell to their maiden solo concert stage in the nation last year, promising to return and wow their Filipino fans with even stronger performances. And the year that elapsed since their last visit demonstrated just that. With the REBOOT project, the boy group set out on a path of growth to take their passion, advancement, and unyielding ambition to a whole new level. TREASURE was unwavering in their resolve to consistently push themselves on stage, as evidenced by the formation of their first official subunit T5, and the release of their second studio album, REBOOT, which recorded 1.8 million in sales and marked the boy group’s first million certification. The 10-track album topped weekly charts in South Korea and Japan and its lead single “BONA BONA” ranked first on the iTunes chart in 20 countries following its release.

In support of their new album, TREASURE launched their new global tourbringing them back to the Philippines. As the lights went down and the opening beats of “BONA BONA” filled the arena, heralding in the eagerly awaited return of the TREASURE of the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the boy group officially launched their Asia Tour.

“It’s been a while. Make some noise!”

Choi Hyunsuk during BONA BONA

The Philippine stop signaled the start of the Asia leg of their ongoing concert tour which started with a three-day concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The concert tour has also traveled to eight cities in Japan for 16 shows from January to March, bringing together an estimated 300,000 fans. After Manila, TREASURE will continue their Asia tour in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta.

REBOOT IN MANILA featured performances by Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Haruto, Doyoung, Park Jeongwoo, and So Junghwan of 25 songs. They began the show with a high-energy rendition of “BONA BONA” and followed it up with “JIKJIN” and their debut song “BOY.” YG concerts are never complete without a live band. With 4Rise band—Lee Seung Youb on guitar, Lee Young Sik on keyboard, Lee Seung Min on drums, and Kim Sang Wook on bass—TREASURE effortlessly and confidently seized the stage, demonstrating each time that the mics are on and the stage is about to be devoured.

Photo from YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

Shedding the red fits for black ensembles, the boys came back on stage for “HELLO” and formally welcomed Treasure Makers to REBOOT IN MANILA with “Find Your TREASURE! Hello, we are TREASURE!” Each of them continued to individually greet the audience, expressing their joy at seeing their Philippine fans again and urging everyone to enjoy themselves or, in Hyunsuk’s words, “get crazy.”

Mabuhay, Manila! I missed you all so much. Seeing Philippine Teume gives me so much energy. Make some noise! Salamat!

Yoshi during their introduction

The boys delivered the fun in “B.L.T.” and “STUPID,” truly determined to make the concert an unforgettable experience. The ability of TREASURE to move and groove with the crowd seems to come naturally to them, which is always astounding throughout their concerts. The way they moved around the stage was effortless, and their adlibs blended in well with the performances. A vibrant festival-like ambiance filled the arena with stunning visual effects working in unison with the boy group and the live band’s skillful synchronization.

Yoshi talked about how happy he was to perform his song “STUPID” live for the first time in the Philippines. He then sang the song again for the crowd during the ment to express his gratitude for all of the affection it has gotten. The Philippine concertgoers never let Yoshi down, as they enthusiastically joined in on his songs and won his well-earned approval.

The performance went on with T5, made up of So Junghwan, Junkyu, Jihoon, Yoon Jaehyuk, and Doyoung, making their stage debut in the local concert scene. For the first time, TREASURE’s first subunit performed “MOVE” for Philippine Teumes fans. Then, with “THANK YOU,” Asahi ascended the stage, beckoning Haruto for a powerful collaboration that expertly blended raps and vocals. And with rapping came the G.O.A.T—TREASURE’s rap line Choi Hyunsuk, Yoshi, and Haruto. With “G.O.A.T.” and “VolKno,” the three effortlessly lit up the stage, bringing the YG rap fire alive and burning hot.

Without allowing the audience a minute to recuperate, TREASURE brought the whole band back to the stage for a fiery “MMM” performance. The interval was filled by 4Rise’s band rendition of “BONA BONA”.

Beautifully attired in white, Park Jeongwoo, Junkyu, and Jihoon enthralled the crowd with their melodious vocals and harmonization of “The Way To”. The boy group continued their vocal showcase with “ORANGE” and “Hold It In” afterward. The lovely wave of Teulights that heightened the songs’ emotions brought attention to the enchanting harmonies between the vocals and the raps. Their expressive expressions complemented every performance, adding to the overall captivating experience.

Then, in a cute and entertaining VCR, actors Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Haruto, Doyoung, Park Jeongwoo, and So Junghwan appeared as characters from well-known Korean television series.

TREASURE
Photo from YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines
Photo from YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

Greetings from Wonderland! Brimming with enthusiasm, TREASURE returned for consecutive stages of “Wonderland” and “B.O.M.B.” When they concluded their performances with “I Want Your Love” and “I LOVE YOU,” the enthusiastic audience matched the boys’ contagious excitement. And Treasure Makers’ support and dedication for their favorite boys persisted magnificently, filling the arena and encompassing intervals to express their gratitude. The audience joined in to sing “B.O.M.B (KABOOM version)” and “ORANGE”.

“RUN,” “Going Crazy,” and “DARARI” marked the beginning of TREASURE’s solid encore performances, which were delivered with steadfast passion and relentlessness.

The group reflected on their treasured encounters with their Philippine Treasure Makers and expressed amazement at the unwavering support they received from their fan base. “Thank you so much for always loving our TREASURE. We will always try to shine by your side too. We will never be alone again. Thank you so much, Manila Treasure Makers. Mahal kita,” stated Choi Hyunsuk. The members repeated this sentiment, expressing gratitude to their supporters for making the tour—which, in So Junghwan’s words, allowed them to grow—possible. “The best kayo,” declared Kim Junkyu.

Yoshi, who will be 24 on May 15, received an early birthday greeting from fans who made a unique birthday cake and banner to celebrate the rapper’s special day.

The boys resumed their encore performances with “MY TREASURE” and “CLAP”. They proceeded by extending their greetings and expressing gratitude to the Treasure Makers, band, staff, and dancers who helped make the performance possible. The enthusiastic applause persisted even after the members left the stage, becoming louder and louder as the fans anticipated TREASURE’s comeback to the stage for more. “Philippine Treasure Maker, we rented more time in this arena, because of you,” joked Choi Hyunsuk. He went on, “We wanna see more energy,” asking the crowd to put down their phones and savor the moment together.

TREASURE returned, stepping back up on stage with a “MMM”. As everyone was still full of excitement, the boys and Treasure Makers joined forces for “I Want Your Love,” setting the stage for an exciting conclusion. In the same manner as they concluded HELLO IN MANILA, TREASURE promised to meet Philippine Treasure Makers again at the end of REBOOT IN MANILA. The boys’ final words to their adoring fans were “Mahal kita” as they bid goodbye.

TREASURE
Photo from YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

It was a concert that embodied everything a concert should be. I could confidently declare, head held high, that a TREASURE concert is unlike any other. The performances were passionate from beginning to end and showcased effortless transitions between genres, captivating the audience and brilliantly presenting TREASURE’s versatility and trajectory. With a blow-by-blow exhibition of caliber, diligence, and commanding stage presence, there was never a dull moment. It is only fitting to assert that TREASURE—each and every member—was destined for the stage. They had such a great hold on the audience that, even after several hours, nobody felt the need to slow down because the energy remained constant and the concert was riveting all the way through.

Once more, REBOOT IN MANILA demonstrated to the world the boys’ unwavering growth and ascent to the future they desire. With TREASURE, no stage has ever been squandered as they have repeatedly shown that they are capable of effectively commanding a stage all by themselves and igniting euphoria in each place they visit.

And a gifted and extraordinary group is accompanied by an equally remarkable fan base. From TREASURE’s debut concert stage to REBOOT IN MANILA, Philippine Treasure Makers have consistently shown their unwavering support for their favorite boys, elevating each event above the one before it. Treasure Makers added even more special touches to REBOOT IN MANILA, from fan banners, food supports, and video projects to stunning light displays and enormous banners, all finished with unceasing cheers from the beginning to the end. As enthusiastic as the applause that night, we also let out a proud cheer for the fan base that supported Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Haruto, Doyoung, Park Jeongwoo, and So Junghwan not only in every concert stage, but in every moment—the highs, the lows, and those in-between.

Running together with hands clasped tightly, TREASURE and Treasure Makers transformed every concert stage into a wonderland that is captivating to revisit time and time again.

“As long as TREASURE has Teume, everything will be fine.”

Philippine Treasure Makers to TREASURE
Photo from YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

And as promised in HELLO IN MANILA, this Treasure Maker stayed. She was there to see their start in YG Treasure Box and held on with joy and hope till August 7, 2020. She applauded with pride at every comeback, and she proudly held her Teulight for Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Haruto, Doyoung, Park Jeongwoo, and So Junghwan at every concert. Thus, the promise endures: this Treasure Maker is not going anywhere. She will go on proudly cheering and illuminating the stage for TREASURE.

Words by Dan


The 2024 TREASURE RELAY TOUR [REBOOT] IN MANILA was presented by YG Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines with special thanks to Live Nation Philippines.

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No Ticket Selling in the Comments Section. One thought on “In Wonderland with TREASURE and Philippine Treasure Makers: A REBOOT in Manila Memory”

  1. Banana says:

    indeed❤️

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