Proudly betting on ITZY all the way!

As part of their second world tour, ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR [BORN TO BE], Korean girl group ITZY made a return visit to Manila on August 3, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The anticipation of Filipino MIDZYs was palpable as they saw Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna exhibit their skills and play live.

A striking performance of their tour’s title, “Born To Be,” as well as B-side songs, “Racer,” from their Checkmate EP, and “Kidding Me,” from their Guess Who EP, kicked off the evening. Each member owned the Manila stage, enthralling the audience with their signature moves and powerful vocals.

The girls gave their introductions to the audience and gave warm greetings to the fans. Yeji expressed to the fans how much they were looking forward to their performance in the country and how much they missed the Manila crowd. Ryujin went on to remark that they had chosen well to begin the show with their tour title and song “Born to Be,” and that the audience should eagerly anticipate the upcoming performances that they have planned. ITZY thereafter enthralled the audience on stage with renditions of “Mr. Vampire,” “Swipe,” and “Wannabe.”

The members were also able to exhibit their solo performances during the tour. Chaeryeong’s “Mine,” a dance piece that featured reflections and mirrors, Ryujin’s “Run Away,” a song that exuded a girl crush and rocker chick vibe while captivating the audience with her deep, husky voice, Yuna’s “Yet, but,” which wowed the audience with her dreamy vocals and energizing aura, and Yeji’s “Crown On My Head,” which exuded confidence and showcased a jaw-dropping performance for Filipino MIDZYs.

With their electrifying performances of “Untouchable,” “Gas Me Up,” and “Dynamite,” ITZY returned to the stage, leaving the audience eager for more songs by the group. They engaged with their fans once more and discussed their solo performances. ITZY said that they usually record challenges and video clips for their #WHAT_MIDZY_WANT_2024 tour hashtag when they are on tour. For the Manila leg, the girls danced to the hit song “Pantropiko” by P-pop sensation BINI, which truly thrilled the audience and made them feel very proud of themselves.

Eyyy BINI ITZY taking us to Islang Pantropiko as Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna dance BINI’s Pantropiko tonight at the #ITZY_BORNTOBE_MANILA!@livenationph pic.twitter.com/cP7rl5gQOX

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) August 3, 2024

ITZY also showcased their band and dancers for this tour, acknowledging their talents and showing the individuals behind the success of their tour and presentation. The girls further demonstrated their abilities with songs “Psychic Lover,” “Don’t Give A What,” and “Loco.” Without playing the songs “Not Shy,” “Cake,” “Sneakers,” “Kill Shot,” and “Escalator,” the tour will never be complete. Still, Filipino MIDZYs will always be waiting for more performances and opportunities to connect with ITZY, making the tour a comprehensive fan experience.

Filipino MIDZYS were also the stars of the “Hot Stage for MIDZY!” special segment, where fans danced to their favorite ITZY tunes as they were flashed on the large LEDs onstage.

Filipino MIDZYs surprised ITZY with a fan-made video presentation, perfectly expressing their support and love for the girl group. ITZY returned for an encore performance, serenading the fans with touching songs “Love Is” and “Be In Love.” Since the tour date with Manila also symbolizes the girls’ 2000 days with MIDZYs, the girls were very moved and emotional. It was amazing to celebrate this momentous day in Manila.

As Yuna reflected on their growth from trainees to idols, she noted how far the group had gone and expressed her gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. Thanking their MIDZYs for sticking by them, Chaeryeong added that she had truly earned a lot of confidence from their fans throughout the tour and that it was a lot of pleasure to see their MIDZYs in person. With a smile, Chaeryeong says, “Tonight will be an unforgettable night for me,” addressing the fans who were very excited to watch them perform live in Manila.

Ryujin revealed that their parents were there when they performed in Manila last year and remarked that “the Manila fans are amazing.” The girls even mentioned that they always look forward to meeting their Filipino fans since they are so passionate and energetic. “It was perfect,” Ryujin said, expressing gratitude to the fans for their wonderful experience in Manila. Yeji thanked their Filipino MIDZYs for being there for the girls and for constantly waiting on them. Yeji continued, “You know, Manila MIDZYs are the best!” They want to become their beautiful and priceless MIDZYs’ strength and energy as a group.

As they concluded the performance with the hits “Boys Like You” and “Dalla Dalla,” the girls expressed their gratitude to the audience for coming to support them and seeing them throughout their Manila leg of the tour.

ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR [BORN TO BE] MANILA was presented by Live Nation Philippines.

Words by Vinny Real