Entertainment
Hallyuwood
EXO's long-awaited PH return rekindles unbreakable bond with fans
EXO's long-awaited PH return rekindles unbreakable bond with fans
After nearly seven years, K-pop boy band EXO returned to the Philippines for a two-day sold-out concert that turned into an emotional, memorable, and fun-filled reunion with fans.
The "EXO Planet #6–EXhOrizon in Manila" was held on July 4 and 5 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The group's last concert in the Philippines was in August 2019, when they brought their "EXO Planet #5 – Exploration" tour to the same venue.
This time, "EXhOrizon" in Manila featured five members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun.
"EXhOrizon" marks EXO's first concert tour since the members completed their mandatory military service. During the group's hiatus, several members visited the Philippines for solo activities and fan events.
The SM Mall of Asia Arena was packed with EXO-Ls (fans) on both concert dates. From Kai and Sehun wearing barong Tagalog during the pre-show soundcheck to the members' playful interactions with the audience, the concerts kept fans entertained from start to finish.
EXO opened the show with "Mama," followed by "Monster," "Overdose," "Moonlight Shadows," "Gravity," and "Jekyll."
"Hello, Philippines. Magandang gabi. Ako si EXO Sehun (Good evening. I am EXO's Sehun). It's been a while, right? How have you been? Did you miss us?" Sehun asked the audience.
Leader Suho said, "I know how much you guys missed us. I can say that we really missed you more than you did. I'm sure that when the show is over, we will be one. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. Finally, EXO's here!"
"Long time no see," D.O. greeted the crowd. "I really love the energy tonight."
Chanyeol said, "Magandang gabi! Kamusta kayo? Na-miss namin kayo (Good evening! How are you? We missed you)."
When the crowd chanted "Pogi!," he playfully responded, "Pogi! Pogi! Ako ay pogi Chanyeol (Handsome! Handsome! I am handsome Chanyeol)."
The setlist also included "Crazy," "Playboy," "Artificial Love," "The Eve," "Love Shot," "Tempo," "Ko Ko Bop," "Call Me Baby," "Power," "Don't Fight the Feeling," "Run," "Love Me Right," "Growl," "Baby, Don't Cry," "Walk On Memories," "Don't Go," "El Dorado," "Back It Up," "Forever," "Crown," "Back Pocket," and "Flatline." On the second night, the group also performed "Angel."
During the concerts, fans—including many fanboys—showcased their dancing skills by participating in a dance challenge.
On the second night, fans also surprised the group by raising letter banners that read: "Our always and forever. Our EXO."
As the concert came to a close, Chanyeol said, "Today I'm so happy because I played with you. I will promise tonight, babalik kami (we will come back). Salamat sa pagpunta ninyo (Thank you for coming). Philippines, I like it. Ang galing! (It's awesome)."
"Your energy is undisputable. Ang galing! (It's awesome)," D.O. told the audience. "I really had fun. Philippines, I think I will always remember this. See you soon."
Kai said, "Today I had so much fun. Your energy is intense. And I really want to see this energy again very soon. Yesterday and today, I really had a lot of fun. Salamat sa pagpunta ninyo (Thank you for coming)."
Suho thanked fans, saying, "Thank you for coming tonight. Tonight I can feel your love."
Sehun also promised to return.
"You know today we are going back to Korea. We want to stay longer, but because we have more schedules in Korea, we have to go back. I will be back in the Philippines before long. Everyone, I am really happy tonight. Salamat po (Thank you)."
The "EXO Planet #6–EXhOrizon in Manila" was presented by Pulp Live World.
