It took a decade for K-pop group 2NE1 to return to Manila but for their fans, it was all worth the wait as the girls dazzled at their concert. 

2NE1’s Sandara Park or Dara, CL, Minzy and Park Bom brought the house down as they held the first day of their “Asia Tour: Welcome Back” concert in Manila on Nov. 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  All tickets to the Nov. 16 and 17 shows sold out. 

Manila was the first overseas stop of the tour after 2NE1 launched it with a three-day concert in Seoul on Oct. 4 to 6. 

The MOA arena was packed with fans who were excited to see 2NE1 perform as a complete group again. 

2NE1's CL, Sandara, Park Bom and CL performing at their “Asia Tour: Welcome Back” concert in Manila on Nov. 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

The tour was in celebration of 2NE1’s 15th anniversary following a meeting between the members and YG Entertainment. 

For Filipino fans, it was like a homecoming for the 2NE1 members, who held their first concert in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia Arena in 2014. 

Screams and loud cheers reverberated in the arena as 2NE1 emerged on stage and performed “Fire,” their debut single released in May 2009. 

“What’s up, we’re 2NE1,” said CL. 

Park Bom also greeted the crowd followed by Sandara who said, “Kamusta kayong lahat, Sandara to (How are you all, it’s Sandara).” Minzy said, “Mabuhay, ako si Minzy.” 

The concert evoked memories among fans as 2NE1 sang their hit and iconic songs. Vice Ganda was also in the audience to watch the show. 

2NE1 (투애니원) performed “Clap Your Hands,” “Can’t Nobody,” “Do You Love Me,” “Falling in Love” and “I Don’t Care.” 

CL had her solo spot with “The Baddest Female” and “MTBD.”

2NE1 continued their set with “Missing You,” “It Hurts,” “If I Were You,” “Lonely,” “I Love You,” “Ugly,” “Gotta Be You,” “Come Back Home,” “I Am the Best” and “Go Away.” 

Philippines: Second home

The K-pop stars were visibly elated to perform in a packed arena and they felt the overwhelming support of Filipino fans, who cheered, danced and sang along with them. 

“I am so happy and grateful to be back here. Do you remember we celebrated our fifth year anniversary right here in MOA Arena 10 years ago. I’m so happy to be back here on our 15th year anniversary,” said Sandara. 

She added, “I feel so emotional. Philippines is my second home but it is not only me. It’s 2NE1’s second home, too, right?” 

“Kaya maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa paghintay niyo sa amin. Ang tagal namin, di ba? Ten years pero nandito pa rin kayo. Maraming salamat sa suporta niyo sa amin. Na-miss namin kayo (So thank you so much to all of you for waiting for us. It took us a while, didn't we? Ten years but you're still here. Thank you very much for your support. We missed you),” said Sandara. 

Minzy said, “I just want to say, thank you my sisters,” and 2NE1 had a group hug on stage. 

“It’s so special to be back at Dara’s hometown together,” said CL. 

2NE1's CL, Sandara, Park Bom and CL performing at their “Asia Tour: Welcome Back” concert in Manila on Nov. 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

Sandara’s birthday 

After performing “Happy,” Sandara surprised the audience by singing “In or Out,” which she released in the Philippines as a solo artist in 2004. 

Before her debut in 2NE1 in 2009, Sandara started her showbiz career in the Philippines after winning runner-up in the “Star Circle Quest” season 1 in 2004. 

Sandara urged CL to dance to “In or Out,” which she did and said, “Happy birthday, Dara. This was for your birthday.” 

To celebrate Sandara’s 40th birthday (Nov. 12), the members and the audience sang “Happy birthday” and she was presented with a cake. 

Sandara was in tears as she became emotional about her birthday and the concert. 

“To celebrate my birthday with 2NE1. We’re here again together. My wish is to be with you guys forever. 2NE1-Blackjacks forever!” she said. 

Sandara Park cries during her birthday celebration at the Manila concert 

CL told her, “Happy birthday, Dara. We love you so much.” 

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Lagi akong nandito sa Manila, di ba? Parang every month nandito ako pero iba talaga ang Manila pag kasama ko sila (Thank you so much to all of you. I'm always here in Manila, right? It seems like I'm here every month but Manila is really different when I'm with them),” said Sandara.

CL said, “There’s a lot to say and there’s a lot of fun stuff. She’s been talking about how she’s so emotional and blessed and happy to be back here, her hometown, with us. It’s been such a long time and we feel so blessed.”

“You know, it’s such a trip and it’s a different experience when we come with her. And I feel like we’re so welcome. Whenever we come here, we feel like we have a family and a fanbase here. You know, you guys, this energy is a lot, it’s so Blackjack. We feel very blessed and it’s such a fun memory to be celebrating her birthday here,” CL added. 

“I’m not gonna forget this moment forever,” said Sandara. 

2NE1 and the dancers bow to the audience at the end of their Manila concert on Nov. 16.  

2NE1 in Manila (Photos courtesy of Bryan Yan)

During the show, Sandara and Minzy performed Filipino girl group BINI’s “Pantropiko.”

A video was also shown containing greetings for 2NE1 from different artists. Greeting 2NE1 were IU, IVE, NewJeans, BabyMonster, Aespa, Stray Kids, (G)I-DLE, Kiss of Life, BOYNEXTDOOR, Zico, Treasure, G-Dragon and Pharrell Williams.   

2NE1 also performed “Happy” and went down to the audience area to be close to fans.  

For their last set, 2NE1 performed a medley of “Crush,” “I Don’t Care,” “Ugly,” “Go Away,” and “Can’t Nobody.” 

“All you, Blackjacks, we love you so much!” said CL. 

 2NE1’s “Asia Tour: Welcome Back” concert in Manila was presented by Live Nation Philippines. 

2NE1 at their "All or Nothing" concert in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 17, 2014 (YG Entertainment)

Sandara Park posted these photos on her Instagram Stories about the Manila concert (Instagram)