The “2022 K-pop Masterz Ep. 2 in Manila” show proved to be a rekindling of connection for Pinoy fans and a grand welcome for a first-timer.
K-pop idol groups iKON and ATEEZ, and GOT7’s Youngjae took center stage on the show, hosted by Ryan Bang, held on Sept. 23 at Araneta Coliseum.
It’s been nearly four years since iKON held a concert in Manila. Their first and last show in the country was the “Continue Tour” held in November 2018.
For ATEEZ, it was their first ever performance in the Philippines and Pinoy fans were excited to see them.
Youngjae came back to Manila for the “K-pop Masterz Ep. 2 in Manila” after holding a concert in July.
GOT7’s Youngjae returns
Youngjae opened the show with “Vibin” followed by “Sugar,” “Tasty,” “Focus” and “Crema.”
“It’s so nice to see you guys again,” said Youngaje. “I had a concert two months ago.”
When he was asked if he was able to travel to the Philippines besides for a show, Youngjae said, “Actually not but I hope I can come back here again.”
“Because it’s a beautiful city with beautiful people so I wanna again. Actually I wanna visit Manila but I want to visit Cebu as well,” said Youngjae.
Youngjae celebrated his 26th birthday last Sept. 17 and during the show, fans sang “Happy Birthday” for him.
During the T.M.I. Talk portion of the show, Youngjae was asked if he had more than 10 unreleased songs on his computer.
“More than 30 songs,” he said and revealed he has already prepared for his second mini-album.
“Actually I have my second mini-album prepared but it will (drop) one by one,” said Youngjae.
When asked when he would be coming back to Manila, Youngjae said, “It could be fast, it could be slow. If you just wait me I’ll be there soon.”
ATEEZ’s debut performance in Manila
ATEEZ debuted in the music scene in 2018. The “K-pop Masterz Ep. 2 in Manila” became an opportunity for them to perform in the Philippines for the first time.
“It is the first time that we meet. I’m so happy to see you guys today. I will have to say that thank you for waiting for us for a long time,” said Hong-joong.
San said he visited the Philippines before.
“Actually I’ve been to Cebu with my dad. So if there is a chance, I would like to visit there again,” he said.
“We can’t wait for our concert in the Philippines,” said Hong-joong.
They opened their set with “Guerilla,” the main track of their ninth mini-album “The World EP.1: Movement,” which came out last July 29.
ATEEZ also performed “Pirate King,” “Say My Name,” “Wave” and “The Real.”
During the show, ATEEZ also held fan events including playing sepak takraw (kick volleyball), move archery and relay quiz.
At the end of their segment, ATEEZ members thanked Filipino fans.
San said, “First of all, thank you for coming here. We will come back here again. I love you!”
“Actually it’s our first time here in the Philippines. I’m so happy that I will be bringing back so many memories,” said Jongho.
Mingi said, “It was fun and it is such an honor to perform here in the Philippines.”
iKON back in Manila after nearly four years
The screams that filled up the coliseum when iKON appeared on stage were a testament that they were dearly missed by Filipino fans after nearly four years.
iKON opened their set with “Sinosijak” followed by “Rhythm Ta,” “Bling Bling,” “Love Scenario,” “Freedom,” “D-Day” and the encore song “But You.”
“Long time no see Philippines!” Song greeted the crowd.
Jay said, “I really missed you guys. Did you guys miss me too?” to which the fans replied, “Yes!”
“It’s been a long time since we came to the Philippines,” said Chan.
DK said, “We’re back!”
“I don’t know how long it has been but it’s been such a long time,” said June.
“Actually I could feel it because when I heard the cheers from the fans I could actually feel how much they missed us,” said Song.
Bang asked the fans to show their love for iKON by cheering and screaming, and they did.
“Manila is the best,” said Jay.
Chan said, “Actually we’ve been getting contacts from you a lot, from you guys on social media. ‘When are you coming?,’ ‘When are you performing here?’ and now we’re actually here and we’re so happy to perform.”
Before they finished their set, Bobby became somewhat emotional and said they were worried that Filipino fans had forgotten them.
“Actually, we were worried about what if, what if, maybe you guys might have forgotten us,” Bobby told fans, who replied, “No!”
Bobby revealed, “As soon as we departed the plane, arrived at the airport, we can feel the air, like this warm, dampy air welcomes us, you know. And then when we came back to Manila, but that time, we were worried, what if you guys don’t come or not. But I was worried about nothing. Because of you guys, we feel so much blessings. Thank you so much for coming out tonight. Last but not the least, we missed you so much,” said Bobby.
The “2022 K-pop Masterz Ep. 2 in Manila” featuring iKON, ATEEZ and GOT7’s Youngjae was presented by Pulp Live World.
