Korean indie rock band Wave to Earth performed in two jam-packed shows in Manila to wrap up their “The First Era Concert.” 

Wave to Earth made the Philippines their last stop for the tour, which saw Filipino fans trooping to the New Frontier Theater on March 11 and 13. The second show was added after tickets to the first show sold out. 

Daniel Kim (Jonathan Hicap)

John Cha (Jonathan Hicap)

Dong Q (Jonathan Hicap)

The members–vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim, bassist Cha Soonjong (John Cha), and drummer Dong Q (Shin Donggyu)--have built a solid fanbase in the Philippines.

Wave to Earth started their show with the “Flaws and All” theme and “Bad,” a song included in the band’s first studio album “0.1 Flaws and All,” which was released in April last year. 

They continued their set with “Peach Eyes,” “Sunny Days,“ "Nouvelle Vague,” “Sunburn,” and “So Real.” 

“We love Manila,” said Daniel. 

They also performed “Daisy,” “Evening Glow,” “Ride,” “”Pink,” “Bonfire,” “Love,” “Homesick,” “Surf,” “Pueblo,” “Calla,” “Seasons” and “Light.”  

This was their first group concert in the Philippines. Last November, Wave to Earth first performed in Manila during the “ON Music Festival.” Their songs are mostly in English. 

Outside South Korea, Wave to Earth amassed legions of fans with their North American tour achieving sold-out status. 

“It’s an honor to kinda finish the SEA [Southeast Asia] tour in the Philippines. You guys have the purest eyes in the world,” said John. 

The New Frontier Theater was packed for two days for the Wave to Earth shows. 

Last month, Manila Bulletin and other Philippine media outlets interviewed Wave to Earth about their Manila shows. 

“It is our first doing a solo [group] concert in the Philippines. The last time was a festival. It will be the very first time to represent our real figure or real performance. We are definitely looking forward to it,” said Daniel. 

Wave to Earth performing in Manila on March 13 (Jonathan Hicap)

He added that performing music in English and churning out good music are important for the band’s aim to broaden their presence around the world. 

“Making music in English lyrics is kinda an important thing. Before that, the essence is always to make good music,” said Daniel. 

About their rising popularity, John said he is thankful for the “opportunity and we kinda set ourselves down and not be, like, arrogant or something. It’s all about music, all about members and I really just enjoy that process.” 

The three Wave to Earth members said they always pray before going on stage.  

“We always pray before the show. That’s our routine,” said Daniel. 

John added, “Yeah, we always kinda…This is kinda religious thing but all three (of us) are Christians so we kinda just pray together. That’s the routine, I think.”

Wave to Earth performing in Manila on March 13 (Jonathan Hicap)

Wave to Earth in Manila on March 13 (Photos from Wave to Earth's X account)

As they wrapped up their Manila concert, Daniel said, “I promise. We will come back. Thank you for having us. Thank you for the last show.” 

“I just want to say that, you know, now matter if we kind of Wave to Earth travels the world, doing concerts, we will never forget the Philippines,” said John. 

On X, Wave to Earth said, “The last stop for the SEA tour was Manila. Thank you very much for your profound love.”

The Wave to Earth “The First Era Concert” in Manila was presented by Wilbros Live.