It was absolutely worth the wait as BoA, TVXQ, and EXO Chen & Xiumin grace the Philippine stage in a two-night concert to finally meet their PH fans!
Cebu and Manila Kpop fans were up for an early Christmas present as Neuwave Events & Productions brought its concert for a good cause, Be You 2, to the Philippines. On December 8 and 9, Filipino acts and K-pop superstars decorated the Mactan Newtown Open Grounds in Cebu and the Araneta Coliseum in Manila.
The Be You 2: The World Will Care featured performances from BoA, TVXQ, and EXO Xiumin and Chen. Additionally, the concert also featured top Filipino acts, Ms. Pilita Corrales, Ian Veneracion, Lady Pipay, G22 (only in Manila), and Lukas Magallano (only in Cebu).
The two-day concert event served as a tribute to the elders, and to increase public awareness of the rights, welfare, and health of elderly people.
“Be You 2: The World Will Care” To Feature BoA, TVXQ, And EXO’s Chen And Xiumin
Be You 2 in Manila Highlights
Ms. Pilita Corrales, known as the “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” opened the night and performed some of her greatest hits, including “A Million Thanks to You.”
Her style and sense of humor captivated the audience, especially when she shared some behind-the-scenes moments from backstage.
The veteran singer also performed an endearing version of “Besame Mucho,” effortlessly executing her signature move.
During the performances of “Handog” and “Don’t Know What to Say (Don’t Know What to Do),” Ian Veneracion was joined on stage by a group of elderly people who were featured through a special video shown onstage.
He also took an EXO-L from the crowd and takes a photo with her. The Filipino jack-of-all-trades also showcased his wits, making the crowd laugh at his every comment.
The P-Pop girl group G22 brought their A-game to The Big Dome, delivering powerful renditions of their songs “Takin’ Over” and “BANG.”
Then, Lady Pipay displayed her many talents to the delight of the audience. The young artist performed “True Colors” before LITERALLY dancing on air. She also performed a dance medley, including her version of “Let’s Get Loud.”
EXO Xiumin And Chen Enjoy The Night With EXO-Ls
The anticipation only increases as the venue lights grew dimmer. EXO’s Xiumin eventually made his way out onto the stage to perform his solo songs “Serenity,” “Brand New,” “Love Letter,” and “Feedback.”
He was met with loud and longing cheers from the audience after each of the performances.
The singer-actor also commented on how delighted he was to meet PH EXO-L once more and noted that it had been some time since they had last seen each other for an event like this.
Before ending his stage, Xiumin promised to return to Manila with the other EXO members as soon as possible. He asks for PH EXO-Ls to wait for them, earning excited cheers from the crowd.
EXO’s vocalist Chen also returned to bless Manila with his angelic voice. The majestic singer walked onto the stage and began singing “Last Scene.”
He immediately followed with “I Don’t Even Mind,” before moving towards the extended stage to see fans closer.
Chen was ecstatic to see some PH EXO-Ls in violet, acknowledging how they had fulfilled their promise.
He also remembers how Filipino fans’ cheers are so amazing, as he constantly wanders his eyes to see the bright white lights coming from EXO-Ls’ lightsticks.
After closely interacting with fans, Chen returned to the main stage to sing his final song of the night. Fans started singing along to “Everytime,” the OST for the popular Kdrama Descendants of the Sun.
TVXQ is finally in Manila!
Why TVXQ only visited Manila today did not even matter anymore! Although it was more than a decade of waiting, everything is worth it as the emperors of K-Pop finally graced the Philippine stage with their majesty.
It would not be an exaggeration to say the audience was blown away by U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin’s presence as they opened their stage with “Maximum” and “Keep Your Head Down.”
After proving themselves ever worthy of all great accolades, Yunho and Changmin moved toward the extended stage to be closer to the audience to sing “Dream.”
Yunho mentioned that this is their first time performing in Manila, then showing off the Filipino phrase that he learned: “Salamat po.”
It was as if Changmin read every Filipino Cassiopeia’s mind as he expressed his regrets about only visiting Manila today.
The duo also showed how honored and happy they were to be onstage with their senior and junior artists, as well as the Filipino acts.
Then, wild cheers flooded the venue as soon as the iconic intro of “Mirotic” played. Cassiopeia or not, “Mirotic” had every K-pop fan doing the fan chant.
The volume of the cheers only increased throughout the performance, especially during Yunho’s rap part and Changmin’s legendary high note.
Before exiting the stage, TVXQ promised to return to the Philippines with a solo concert, leaving the audience drowned in unexplained emotions.
BoA Looks Forward To Coming To The Philippines More Often
Closing the night was the queen of K-Pop herself, BoA. The undisputed performer proved to the PH audience that she is ever deserving of all praise, especially when she performed her biggest hits “Better” and “Only One.”
The legendary icon also expressed regret that it is only her first time in the Philippines and apologized to fans that the opportunity to meet only came that day.
She promised to return to the Philippines as soon as possible, looking forward to visiting more often.
BoA then interacted with fans through “Starry Night,” before leaving them in awe of her explosive performance of the latest title track “Forgive Me.”
BoA, TVXQ Yunho and Changmin, and EXO Xiumin and Chen returned onstage as the concert came to an end. The SM Entertainment artists each said their final goodbyes and thanked their Filipino fans for their undying love and support.
As the party lights surrounded the Be You 2 in Manila venue, Girls’ Generation’s “FOREVER 1” instrumental played, earning chants from the crowd longing to witness an SMTown Concert in the future.
kdramadiary extends its gratitude to Neuwave Events & Productions for the media invites to cover the Be You 2 in Manila at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 9, 2022.
Event Covered By: Bea Melisse Ibañez
Photos: Richard Esguerra
