From six Korean artists, three drag queens, a Pinoy act to zombies, the “Hallyuween” show in Manila was spectacular despite the threat of a raging storm.
Billed as the “Philippines' first K-pop Halloween Party,” Hallyuween showcased a total of 10 artists: Korean acts CL, Epik High, Pentagon, KARD, Gaho X Kave and DJ Soda, P-pop group BGYO, and Filipino drag queens Minty Fresh, Lady Gagita and Lady Morgana.
Hallyuween artists (Jonathan Hicap)
Severe tropical storm “Paeng” did not prevent fans from going to the Mall of Asia Arena on Oct. 29 for the show.
The artists and fans even dressed up with Halloween-inspired makeup and costumes including CL’s Cruella de Vil outfit, ghosts, dracula and Harry Potter.
“Actually I haven’t been in this costume in a while. I think it’s like ten years ago since I dressed up for Halloween. Today is very special. It’s fun though. It’s really fun,” said CL about Hallyuween.
The show started with a bang as zombies emerged from the stage and scared the crowd, heightening the atmosphere.
Proud drag queens
Drag queens Minty Fresh, Lady Gagita and Lady Morgana, who were all excited to be part of the event, opened the show.
Lady Gagita performed Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi,” Lady Morgana with Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and Minty Fresh with Ariana Grande’s “Break Free.”
During the press conference before the show, Lady Morgana and Lady Gagita said they were honored to perform on the show and in the arena, and grateful to Pulp Live World for inviting them.
“Performing at one of the grandest venues in the Philippines is such an honor and, of course, performing with the international stars. Nakaka-proud,” said Lady Gagita.
Lady Morgana, a contestant in season 1 of “Drag Race Philippines,” said, “I am forever grateful that I became one of the cast at MOA Arena to perform.”
Gaho X Kave
Gaho X Kave, composed of Korean singer-songwriter Gaho and band Kave, performed for the first time in the Philippines at Hallyuween.
For drama fans, Gaho is known for singing the official soundtracks for dramas including “Start Over” for “Itaewon Class” and “Running for “Start-Up.”
They started their set with “Start Over,” the official soundtrack for the drama “Itaewon Class” followed by “Running,” “Beautiful Night,” “High,” “How You Like That” and “Right Now.”
They said when they formed the group, their inspiration was singer Prince.
“He gives us inspiration to do our music,” said Gaho.
He added that they “prepared a lot since this is a fun event. We hope that in the future, not just for the reason of the Halloween festival but just for the reason of our own tour, our own independent event, we will be able to come back and perform in front of all of you.”
Pentagon
Hallyuween marked the return of K-pop boy band Pentagon to the Philippines.
When asked who is their inspiration for their music, Yeon One said, “Of course, all of our fans, they give us the ability, the chance to sing. That is why we believe that the Universe , they are our inspiration and we cannot do music without them.”
At the show, Pentagon performed “Feelin’ Like,” “Sparkling Night,” “Beautiful Goodbye,” “Call My Name” and “Shine.”
Wooseok said Hallyuween gave them the chance to come back to the Philippines.
“The chance to come to the Philippines is the biggest thing that we love about Hallyuween and be given the chance to perform with our makeup and costumes is fun. To think about it, it’s been so long since we’ve done this. I think we’ve done this one time right after our debut. We are very excited,” he said.
BGYO
At Hallyuween, Filipino boy band BGYO, composed of Mikki, Akira, Gelo, JL and Nate, performed “The Light,” “The Baddest,” “Kundiman” and “Magnet.”
BGYO, which debuted in 2021, said they felt amazing to perform alongside K-pop artists.
“It feels amazing because of the opportunity given to us by Miss Happee to join this event with K-pop artists. Very honored,” they said.
They said they didn’t think twice when they learned they were invited to perform at Hallyuween.
“We didn’t think twice when we knew that we were invited here. Of course, the K-pop artists, they are our idols. It is a dream come true. It is also a milestone for us that we are the only Filipino in this event together with the drag queens. We will make the K-pop artists our inspiration,” they said.
KARD
Coed K-pop group KARD, composed of J.Seph, Jiwoo, BM and Somin, said it was their first time to celebrate Halloween through Hallyuween.
“Actually it is our first time to celebrate Halloween so I hope everyone can be excited from anything and everything we prepared tonight,” said Jiwoo.
KARD (Jonathan Hicap)
BM said, “With any event, I feel like the best part of being artists is being able to interact with the fans. I’m very happy, and I speak for all the members I’m sure, to say that we love to be given the opportunity, you know, with our Manila fans, Philippines fans. Shout out to all Pinoys and Pinays. It’s just so good to be back.”
At Halluween, KARD performed “Ring the Alarm,” “Oh NaNa,” “Don’t Recall,” “Bomb Bomb,” “Dumb Litty” and “Red Moon.”
DJ Soda
Korean DJ Soda has performed in many music festivals in different countries.
For Hallyuween, she said, “I’ve worn a costume of my favorite character and prepared a set suitable for that character.”
She said she was happy to be part of Hallyuween: “Actually I’m proud of myself to come here representing as a DJ from South Korea.”
“I’ve actually received a lot of calls for me to join their Halloween festival but when I read the world ‘Hallyuween,’ it kinda struck me very hard. I decided that I will join this event than the other events,” she said.
Epik High
Korean hip-hop group Epik High, composed of Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz, returned to Manila for Hallyuween.
They performed songs such as “One,” “Born Hater” and “Don’t Hate Me.”
When asked the song that was most personal, Tablo said, “For me, the most personal song would probably be a song called ‘Lesson Zero’ that we had on our tenth album.”
On what the fans could expect from them on the show, he said, “A lot of people think of Halloween and they think about scary things. But I personally think that we have enough scary things in the real world for 365 days.”
“Actually we don’t need another day for scary things. The thing about Halloween is that it is also a fun day. It’s the day you get to be something else, be someone else. You get to break away from the real life you have to live,” said Tablo.
Tablo said they will definitely come back if they were invited for the next Hallyuween.
“No doubt! I mean, you said it, so you have to keep the promise now,” Tablo joked. “If even if you don’t invite us next, we’re just gonna come, we’re just gonna get ready. See you next year.”
CL
CL, former member of 2NE1, performed songs including “Spicy,” “HWA,” “5 Star,” “Chuck,” “Doctor Pepper,” “Lover Like Me,” MTBD” and “Hello Bitches.”
“Manila, thank you so much! I gotta say, thank you so much for coming out tonight. Please be safe out there. I hope to see you very soon. For my tour, hopefully, right? Thank you for all the love, the energy and this beautiful night. I love you!” she said.
“Hallyuween” was presented by Pulp Live World.