Six years in the music scene, EXO continues to be a hot ticket. EXO performed at a sold-out concert in Manila (Photos by SM Entertainment) The Mall of Asia Arena was jam-packed as the K-pop idol group took center stage at their concert “EℓyXiOn” in Manila on April 28. It was not surprising though that the idol group’s gig drew thousands of fans here and abroad. EXO has remained one of the most popular groups today despite fierce competition in the K-pop world. This is EXO’s third successful Manila tour after “Exo'luxion” in January 2016 and “Exo'rdium” in February last year. “Mabuhay, Philippines!” EXO’s Suho, Kai, Sehun, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Chen, D.O. and Xiumin greeted fans that filled the arena, which, according to SM Entertainment and Pulp Live World’s Happee Sy, totaled about 10,000. EXO’s leader Suho said, “When we say paradise (referring to the meaning of the word ‘elyxion’), I think about the Philippines. Let’s make this stadium a paradise.” The concert opened with EXO performing “The Eve,” “Forever” and “Ko Ko Bop,” three tracks from their 2017 album “The War,” followed by “Growl” and a dance showdown between Baekhyun and Xiumin. Throughout the concert, the arena was aglow as fans waved their light sticks and chanted and screamed EXO’s name. One of them was Carmel who said she has been to all EXO concerts in the Philippines. EXO performing at their EℓyXiOn concert (Photo by Jonathan Hicap) Fans also held banners to show their love for EXO including one which read, “No matter how far apart we are, we are always one.” Other songs EXO performed included “Call Me Baby,” “Boomerang,” “Lotto,” “Sing for You,” “Lucky One” and “Power.” The boys also had their solo stages. Kai gave a passionate dance to “I See You” while Suho performed a sexy spot in “Playboy.” Chanyeol showed his rapping skill in “Hands” while Chen shone when he sang “Heaven.” Sehun’s solo spot was “Go” and D.O. sang “For Life” with Chanyeol on the piano. For three hours, about 30 performances were held. EXO expressed their gratitude to the fans who went to the concert. Chanyeol narrated that he went to the Philippines for vacation last year. “Last year I came to the Philippines and got a license in scuba diving. I really enjoyed (the trip). I think the Philippines is one of the most (fun) places to chill,” he said. According to D.O., “Personally, I wanted to visit the Philippines because I want to eat Filipino food. Thank you for coming here tonight.” “I really enjoyed the concert here in the Philippines. We will try to come back here as soon as possible and we will have a new album soon,” Kai promised. Chen declared that the “Philippines is the best” along with a thumbs-up sign, adding, “Thank you so much for your support. We want to come back here again. After this concert, I think we will miss all of you.” “We really enjoyed the concert. Thanks for coming. I will remember all of you,” said Xiumin. The idol group thanked fans for coming to the concert Baekhyun said that “Philippine EXO-Ls are so passionate that’s why I lost energy. I really enjoyed the concert tonight. We have more albums (coming out) for you.” “You’re really good Philippines. The best. I think we will have more opportunities to come back here. Hope we can see each other again,” according to Sehun. Suho said, “If we have the chance, we will come back to the Philippines for vacation, new concert. Please wait for us, Philippines. EXO and EXO-L are one.” "EℓyXiOn in Manila" was presented by SM Entertainment, Dream Maker Entertainment and Pulp Live World.