Review: EXO created beautiful memories with fans on Manila show
MANILA, Philippines — Screams of the 10,000-strong EXO-Ls filled the Mall of Asia Arena. EXO members put on a show that defined them as one of the best K-pop acts in recent years — from spectacular performances to massive stage production.
For almost three hours, members Suho, Xiumin, Chen, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, D.O., Kai and Sehun showed Filipino fans their versatile vocals and hard-hitting choreography during the Manila leg of "EXO Planet #4 – The ElyXiOn" on Saturday night.
Dressed in regal black and white suits, EXO made their grand entrance with the dark and sexy “The Eve.” It was followed by “Forever,” which highlighted the powerful vocals of members Chen, Baekhyun and D.O.
The group’s breakthrough hit “Growl” and the viral dance “KoKoBop” were also showcased during the concert.
EXO took a turn from their usual setlist style by giving each member a chance to shine on his own through solo and duo performances.
The fans were also in for a treat when the group performed equally-impressive B-side tracks such as “Touch It,” “Chill,” “Sweet Lies” and "Boomerang" in their dapper gray suits.
Most of the time, MOA Arena was filled with passionate screaming and singing, but there were moments of silence during D.O.’s English rendition of the ballad “For Life” and Chanyeol’s “Hands” performance, a self-written rap about his struggles and how his fellow members support him when things get rough.
The crowd lit up their phones when EXO started their EDM stage. The members, in their youthful and energetic selves, made the audience pumped up to the beats of “Coming Over,” “Run This” and “Drop That.”
The concert reached its highest point during the “Power” performance. It reminded the fans of the time when EXO made history for performing at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics last February.
After spending hours drenched in sweat from constant singing and dancing, the members of EXO made EXO-Ls wistful as they closed their Manila show with fan favorites “Don’t Go” and “Angel.”
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— EXO (@weareoneEXO) April 30, 2018
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Throughout the concert, EXO and EXO-Ls expressed their affection for one another. The members repeatedly uttered “Mahal kita!” as they interacted with their fans, who in turn transformed the venue into an ocean of silver lights.
The boys also entertained the crowd with their charming antics, such as exchanging banters with one another, playing with the toys thrown on stage, and even dancing to the insanely popular “Baby Shark.”
The hashtag #ElyXiOnInManila also dominated online conversations, generating more than 1.7 million related tweets.
The Manila leg was special for both the group and the fans as EXO repeatedly mentioned in their speeches that the Saturday show was the first time in a while that they performed together as one.
“It’s been a long time since the last time we were one on stage… That’s why this concert is memorable. We enjoyed it very much,” Xiumin, the oldest member, said.
Suho and Kai also vowed that the group will come back to the country and will release a new album soon.
“We want to come back again here. After this concert, I will miss all of you. And please keep our memorable moments. Thank you, Philippines,” Chen said.
Fans could only hope that when the group returns to the country, Chinese member Yixing will be present, too.
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