By Nathalie Reyes
For the second time in a little over a year, EXO held another successful concert in the Philippines, drawing thousands of fans and making sure that it was going to be memorable.
Eight members of the K-pop idol group arrived in the Philippines for their “EXO Planet #3: The EXO’rDIUM in Manila” concert tour held from Feb. 25-26 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Each concert ran for about three hours and saw EXO’s Sehun, Baekhyun, Suho, Chanyeol, Xiumin, Kai, Chen and D.O. performing a total of 34 songs. Chinese member Lay was unable to join them in the Manila leg.
Among the songs they performed were “Mama,” “Monster,” “Wolf,” “Playboy,” “White Noise,” “Artificial Love” and “Thunder.”
Filipino fans, who came from different parts of the country, trooped early to the venue to line up.
EXO made sure that fans had a great time, showing off their sleek choreography, gyrating in some songs and singing many of their hit tracks.
These include “Call Me Baby,” “Overdose,” “Growl” and “Love Me Right.”
Filipino EXO-Ls, on the other hand, surprised EXO by singing along, stomping their feet, cheering and waving their lightsticks.
The stage was extended to the front forming the shape of the lightstick that allowed the group to interact closely with fans.
Last year, EXO held their “EXO’luXion in Manila,” their first solo concert in the country.
During “EXO’rDIUM,” EXO praised the fans for the support they received.
“As a singer, I’m really happy to be with an audience this passionate. I can say that it’s an honor to perform here in the Philippines,” Kai told the crowd during the second day of the concert.
For Sehun, being with fans for two days was memorable.
“I’m so happy spending two days with you. I felt happy being here with you, guys,” he said, adding that “mangoes here are really delicious.”
Xiumin was glad that he was able to perform at the concert, telling the fans that during last year’s show, he was unable to participate fully.
“I wasn’t able to play this part the last time I came here for ‘EXO’luXion.’ I’m really happy to play with you guys. I love you!” he said.
Looking satisfied by the crowd’s response, Baekhyun said, “I am really happy tonight. We will try our best to come back.”
The EXO’rDIUM tour kicked off in Seoul last July. From the Philippines, EXO will tour Malaysia and Singapore before heading to North America for concerts in the US and Mexico.
