It took a year and a half, but RIIZE finally made their long-awaited return to the Philippines for RIIZING LOUD in Manila last January 17 (SUN) at the Mall of Asia Arena, and the moment they stepped onstage, it felt like coming home.

Seeing Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton again was emotional in the best way. Since their RIIZING DAY fancon on July 14, 2024, PH BRIIZE had been counting down nonstop, and judging by the screams inside the arena, the wait only made everything hit harder.

The excitement didn’t even start with the main show. During soundcheck, the members surprised everyone by doing the “Wag Ipagsabi” TikTok challenge, taking turns and clearly having fun with it. Watching them naturally adopt a local trend, and then seeing them upload the video the next day, made us miss them almost immediately.

RIIZING to the Occasion

When the show finally began, the arena exploded. RIIZE kicked things off with “Ember to Solar,” then went straight into “Siren,” “Odyssey,” and “Combo.” It was loud, intense, and impossible to look away, an opening that made it clear they were back and better than ever.

Once they paused to talk, the energy shifted into something warmer. Sungchan shared how the crowd’s reaction made it feel real that they were back in Manila, and when RIIZE told BRIIZE how much they missed us, the response was immediate: a full-arena shout of “We love you, RIIZE!”

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Things softened with “Memories,” as the entire arena sang along like one big choir. It was one of those moments where you could really feel the connection between RIIZE and BRIIZE.

They kept the mood light with their Japanese tracks “Be My Next” and “Lucky,” then leaned into their sweeter side with “Midnight Mirage” and “Hug.” By the time “Love 119” played, hearts were definitely gone.

That “Pinoy-Coded” Rizz

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Manila show without some extra fan service. RIIZE is fully committed to the bit, delivering Tagalog pick-up lines that sent the crowd into full kilig mode:

• Sungchan: “Keyboard ka ba? Kasi type kita.”
• Shotaro: “Alarm clock ka ba? Kasi ginising mo ang natutulog kong puso.”
• Eunseok: “Siomai ka ba? Kasi I’mma siomai love for you.”
• Wonbin: “Ube ka ba? Kasi I only want U be.”
• Sohee: “Math ka ba? Kasi sa’yo ang bagsak ko.”
• Anton: “Water ka ba? Kasi my love for you is tubig (too big).”

Every line was met with screams, laughter, and the kind of joy that only happens at concerts like this.

From Soft to Wild

Riding that happy high, RIIZE moved into “9 Days” and “Show Me Love.” They slowed things down with “Honestly,” giving everyone a quiet moment to breathe before launching right back into the fun.

The energy shot up again with “Talk Saxy” and “Impossible,” turning the arena into one big dance floor. Then came the switch. “Fame” hit with all its emo, rage-filled intensity, and suddenly everyone was screaming their feelings out.

Just when we thought they were done surprising us, RIIZE pulled out a confident, charismatic cover of EXO’s “Monster.” The crowd lost it. From there, it was nonstop with “Bad Luck,” “Get a Guitar,” and “Boom Boom Bass,” before soaring into “Fly Up.”

A Promise We’ll Wait For

Before the encore, it was BRIIZE’s turn to give back. As the lyrics to “Inside My Love” filled the screens, the arena showed off the famous Filipino Throat Chakra, singing at full volume from start to finish.

As always, the end came too fast. RIIZE closed the night with “The End of the Day” and “One Kiss,” waving goodbye with the softest smiles and countless “Salamat po.”

It felt less like a goodbye and more like a promise, one that we’ll be waiting for, hopefully at an even bigger venue next time.