After two years, Kim Taeyeon fulfilled her promise of returning to Manila, once again gracing the stage for her 10th solo debut anniversary concert tour.
Presented by PULP Live World, thousands of SONEs gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on March 29 to witness her signature rich vocals paired with an immersive stage experience.
As the leader of Girls’ Generation, Taeyeon is no stranger to Filipino audiences, having performed in the country multiple times with and without her bandmates. This time, however, she marked a major solo milestone, celebrating her decade-long career with her devoted fans.
Here are 10 unforgettable moments from The TENSE in Manila:
1. Explosive Entrance
Taeyeon made a dramatic entrance, emerging on top of the center stage with her opening song, “Fabulous.” The blend of the song’s electrifying instrumentals and her vibrant vocals sent the crowd into a frenzy. Dressed in a white flowy sequined gown with a sheer veil adorned with delicate antler-like details, she truly looked ethereal—like a goddess commanding the stage.
2. Immersive Stage Design
The concert wasn’t just a show—it was an immersive visual experience. LED screens displayed psychedelic visuals perfectly synced with her songs, while dynamic lighting created a mesmerizing atmosphere.
During “Blue Eyes,” the stage transformed into a cozy, home-like setting with feathery props on the side of Taeyeon’s stool, creating an intimate vibe. Meanwhile, for “Cold As Hell,” all arena lights were cut, and a curtain dropped over the extended stage. Dim, eerie projections illuminated Taeyeon and her dancers, heightening the song’s dark, haunting mood.
Hydraulic lifts were also used strategically during vocal-heavy performances like “I” and “Blur,” adding a dramatic flair.
3. Authentic Live Band Energy
Taeyeon elevated her set with the presence of a live band, adding raw power and musical depth to her performance. Even during softer songs like “To. X,” the instrumentals were stripped back to highlight her vocals, with the band providing subtle yet impactful support. Their synergy created a soulful atmosphere throughout the show.
4. Powerhouse Vocals
Taeyeon showcased why she’s regarded as one of K-pop’s finest vocalists, effortlessly gliding through her decade-spanning discography.
One of the standout moments was her a capella rendition of “My Tragedy”, where her soaring high notes filled the entire arena, leaving the crowd in awe of her vocal prowess.
5. Reimagined Song Arrangements
To keep the concert fresh, Taeyeon treated fans to new song arrangements, adding unexpected twists to her familiar hits. Tracks like “Make Me Love You” and “Heaven” were reimagined with creative instrumentals and subtle melodic changes, giving longtime fans a welcome surprise.
6. Stunning Stage Outfits
Taeyeon’s wardrobe changes were nothing short of iconic. Her stylists captured her essence with colors that complemented her ethereal and edgy sides.
- She opened in a white sequined dress that sparkled under the lights, giving her an angelic presence.
- She later switched to a black leather ensemble, layered with a black-and-pink jacket, perfectly fitting her moodier, pop-driven performances.
- For her final set, she wore a red dress that enhanced her fair complexion and added emotional intensity to her sentimental ballads, like “All For Nothing.”
7. SONEs’ Rave-Like Energy
In true Filipino fan fashion, the crowd turned the arena into a full-blown rave during the concert’s upbeat medley. As Taeyeon performed “Weekend,” “Stress,” “Why,” and “Baram X3”, SONEs stood up, jumping, stomping, and waving pink cloths as part of a fan union project, creating a pink ocean effect. The crowd’s synchronized energy elevated the atmosphere, making it feel like one massive party.
8. Heartfelt Fan Projects
SONEs made sure Taeyeon felt their love through thoughtful fan projects.
- Fans waved butterfly props during “Ending Credits”, turning the arena into a magical butterfly garden.
- During “Curtain Call,” UNISONE unveiled a roll-up banner with the message:
“On your TENSE (10th) year, there was still us that didn’t change.” (너의 TENSE(10번째) 해에도 여전히 변하지 않은 우리가 있어) - Fans also distributed egg-shaped banners—a tribute to Taeyeon’s merch—displaying the message. “10 Years With Taeyeon Feels Like the Perfect Heaven.”
9. Genuine Fan Interactions
Taeyeon’s warmth and humor made the massive concert feel intimate and personal. Throughout the night, she affectionately called herself “Beshie” (best friend) and repeatedly declared, “Beshie nyo ‘ko forever!” (“I’m your bestie forever!”), charming the crowd with her playful banter.
She also praised Filipino SONEs for their explosive energy, saying through an interpreter:
“You guys have a louder voice compared to me.”
In a funny moment, she even spotted a fan dressed as an egg—inspired by her egg-shaped doll merch—and interacted with them.
10. 11:11 – The SONE Edition
One of the night’s most viral moments came when the crowd spontaneously sang “11:11” in unison while waiting for the encore. Despite the arena’s loud instrumentals, the fans’ voices echoed louder, creating a goosebumps-inducing karaoke session that filled the entire venue.
Before her encore song, “U R,” Taeyeon expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt message: “Salamat po. Masaya ako.” (“Thank you. I’m happy.”)
As she took her final bows, the entire arena gave her a standing ovation, ending the night on an emotional high.
Here’s to the Past, Present, and Future
The TENSE wasn’t just a showcase of Taeyeon’s music—it was a heartfelt thank-you to her fans for a decade of unwavering support. The concert was filled with unforgettable memories, making SONEs crave her next visit to Manila.
Words by: Faye Ann Gorospe
Event covered by: Faye Ann Gorospe, Geno Romblon
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