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On October 8, Kawaii metal pioneers BABYMETAL took over the Araneta Coliseum for the Manila leg of their extensive 2025 to 2026 WORLD TOUR. The band, composed of Suzuka Nakamoto / Su-Metal, Momoko Okazaki / Momometal and Moa Kikuchi / Moametal, brought the raging intensity of metal with just about the right dose of saccharine J-pop. Presented by PULP Live World, the concert thrilled thousands and thousands of fans that had long waited to see the band live.

Hours before the concert, the perimeter of the Big Dome felt like a dark fashion runway. Black was the overarching theme, and the outfits came in all shapes and forms: BABYMETAL shirts, gothic lolita costumes  (corsets, fluffy balloon skirts, platform shoes, etc.), matched with kitsune masks, long coats and vibrant wigs. The concert is well overdue for longtime Filipino fans, and they made the effort to dress in style for their idols.

Since their formation in 2010, BABYMETAL has steadily made long-lasting waves in the world of music. When the song “Gimme Chocolate!!” went viral in 2014, it proved that their innovative fusion of metal and idol music became a magic formula could unlock a multiverse of wonders. They found a way to assimilate the sweet and upbeat pop flavor with the backdrop of face-melting distorted power chords and bludgeoning double to triple bass drum beats. BABYMETAL pulled off impeccable dance routines, pulled finger hearts and sang cheerfully amidst the chaos of metal music. 

Since then, the band had gained acclaim from music juggernauts like Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga and Bring Me the Horizon. They had also been billed for some of the biggest music festivals in the world including Glastonbury, Rock Am Ring, Sonicsphere Festival, Download Festival and more.

Opening the show was METALVERSE which is essentially BABYMETAL’s sister group. Composed of Miko Todaka, Kokona Kato, and Sakia Kimura, the girls gave the crowd an electrifying performance.

The Big Dome fully roared to life when it was time for the main act to take the stage. BABYMETAL made their entrance, donning their trademark spiky, holographic dresses, to the pandemonium of “BABYMETAL DEATH”. Instantly, the crowd went wild, raising their fists plus kitsune hand gestures, and headbanging on beat, like a singular organism. This was followed by the 2012 classic “Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!” and the festive “PA PA YA!!”.

Some familiar faces also made some special onscreen cameos, including Tom Morello (from Rage Against the Machine) during “METALI!!”, Electric Callboy during “RATATATA” and Poppy during “from me to u”.

The best thing about BABYMETAL’s concert is the sheer energy of it all. Well, essentially, metal and idol music are probably two of the most high-powered music genres to begin with. You mix them together, and the energy is just astronomically palpable. If you were anywhere in the crowd that night, your pulse would have raced and you would seamlessly follow through with the flow of the music. 

Su-Metal’s vocals were unwavering as she effortlessly went from one pitch to another. Moametal and Momometal provided the back-up screams and vocals. Together, the trio’s dance routines were spectacular. The concert was also propelled by the highly seasoned Kami Band, the group’s in-house touring band. Their metal prowess, so to speak, provided the needed intensity to keep the flames burning. 

Special thanks to PULP Live World!

by Sandra Mae Laureano

From the moment the lights dimmed, it became clear that the evening was not merely a concert but a celebration of artistry, history, and the enduring connection between Super Junior and their Philippine ELFs who have accompanied them on a journey spanning twenty years.

On October 4, 2025, the SM Mall of Asia Arena was transformed into a living testament to two decades of Super Junior. A sea of sapphire blue lightsticks stretched as far as the eye could see, the collective glow reflecting the devotion of thousands of fans who had gathered to witness the group’s Super Show 10, their seventh Super Show in the Philippines following previous stops with Super Show 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9. The sold-out crowd reflected the unwavering devotion of ELFs, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation, nostalgia, and excitement. It was a night that went beyond a concert—it was a celebration of two decades of music, brotherhood, and shared history with a fanbase that has grown alongside them. From the first beat to the final bow, the arena pulsated with energy, nostalgia, and collective joy, illustrating the deep bond between the group and their Filipino fans.

The night opened with the sharp, commanding performance of “Twins (Knock Out),” immediately capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for an evening defined by the collective charisma that has become a hallmark of Super Junior. Songs like “U” and “Black Suit” followed, striking the perfect balance between high-energy choreography and showmanship, while “Mamacita,” “Superman,” “Super Girl,” and “Haircut” reinforced why the group has remained a powerhouse in K-Pop for twenty years. As the songs echoed through the arena, it became apparent that these performances were not only displays of skill but markers of a shared history, connecting the audience with moments from the group’s long and storied career.

As the performance progressed, the concert shifted into a reflective interlude with a VCR segment showcasing the group’s journey from their debut in 2005 to the present day. Fans were reminded of the milestones that defined Super Junior’s career—the era-defining hits, the musical experiments, the innovative performances, and the unwavering unity that has allowed them to endure. The retrospective highlighted how Super Junior continuously redefined K-Pop while maintaining the unity and charisma that has been their trademark. This reflective interlude allowed the audience to experience a collective nostalgia, connecting past milestones with the present moment and deepening the emotional resonance of the evening.

When the lights returned, the emotional weight of twenty years of shared memories lingered, amplifying the energy of the next performance segment. The music resumed with songs like “I Know,” “Our Love,” “No Other,” “From U,” “In My Dream,” and “Dorothy,” each performed with a mix of technical excellence and heartfelt connection. The coordinated fan projects added layers of beauty and meaning to the performance, making it clear that Super Junior and their audience were experiencing the concert together, as a shared celebration of history and music, creating moments that balanced energetic spectacle with emotional depth.

The second half of the show brought a surge of kinetic energy with songs like “Me,” “Rokkugo,” “DNA,” and “Rockstar.” The crowd mirrored the movement and intensity of the stage. Then came the hits that had defined the group’s career—“A-Cha,” “Mr. Simple,” “Bonamana,” “Sorry, Sorry,” and “Don’t Don.” Each track carried the weight of legacy, nostalgia, and continued relevance, demonstrating how Super Junior’s music has endured across generations and borders. These songs were more than just performances; they were living markers of history, connecting the crowd to the evolution of K-Pop and the group’s pivotal role within it.

Amid the high-energy performances were moments of celebration and reflection with “Stuck With You,” “Marry U,” and “Full of Happiness,” transforming the arena into a kaleidoscope of light and color. Super Junior acknowledged the audience’s devotion, and ELFs, in turn, expressed their unwavering support through synchronized chants, banners, sing-alongs, and lightstick movements. The performance demonstrated that the essence of a Super Show extends beyond music, encompassing a shared emotional experience that celebrates the bond between performer and audience. The final song, “Finale,” was a perfect culmination—a musical and emotional apex that tied together two decades of artistry, performance, and mutual admiration between Super Junior and ELFs.

Super Junior’s journey over twenty years is remarkable not only for its longevity but for its unity, evolution, and innovation. From their 2005 debut, the group established themselves as pioneers in K-Pop, delivering groundbreaking performances, experimenting with musical styles, and setting the standard for boy group dynamics worldwide. Each Super Show in the Philippines has built upon the last, creating a thread of continuity that connects past and present, performance and fandom. Manila, in particular, has become a symbolic homecoming, a city where the group’s history and the dedication of their fans intersect in celebration.

Over the years, the members have not only grown as artists but have also ventured into individual projects, showcasing their talents in acting, hosting, and solo music careers. This versatility has further endeared them to fans, allowing their personal stories to intertwine with their group identity. Their impact on the K-Pop industry is undeniable. As pioneers of the “hallyu”, they were among the first groups to gain international recognition, spreading Korean music globally. Super Junior has cultivated a cherished relationship with their audience, further solidifying their status within the K-Pop sphere.

Super Show 10 reaffirmed that Super Junior’s legacy is measured not only in awards and album sales but in the emotional resonance of their music and the enduring loyalty of their fans. The concert also paid homage to their extensive discography, highlighting the evolution of their music and style over the years while emphasizing their commitment to growth and creativity. By the end of the night, the arena remained bathed in sapphire light, the culmination of two decades of artistry, devotion, and shared history. Super Junior had once again demonstrated their ability to transform a concert into an immersive experience that engages, entertains, and connects. With touching moments of gratitude and reflection, the members took the opportunity to express their appreciation for ELFs, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout the years. Super Show 10 was a living testament to the enduring power of music, the strength of a dedicated fanbase, and the remarkable journey of a group that continues to define K-Pop.

For Super Junior and ELFs, the night was more than a concert. It was a celebration of shared memory, collective effort, and the legacy of a group whose artistry has spanned generations. Every cheer, every lightstick, and every note performed reflected the vitality and permanence of a twenty-year journey, leaving an indelible mark on the Philippine concert stage and in the hearts of fans. Super Show 10 was a vivid demonstration that Super Junior’s story is still being written, one performance, one song, and one shared moment at a time.

SUPER JUNIOR 20th Anniversary TOUR <SUPER SHOW 10> in MANILA was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World.