Super Junior, Girl’s Generation, BTOB, and Red Velvet headline the first Best of Best KPOP Concert in the Philippines.

One of K-pop’s biggest names, Super Junior and Girl’s Generation, along with two other promising groups, BTOB and Red Velvet, become the first ever K-pop acts to perform in the newly established Philippine Arena last April 12. Definitely one of the most surreal experiences for all Kpop fans. From the exciting pre-event activities to the unbelievable main show, I felt like I was transported to South Korea. Philippine Arena was already buzzing when I arrived at 5:00pm. There were activities and fun games outside the venue, amazing food stands and thousands of excited KPop fans.

SM Entertainment’s rookie girl group Red Velvet opened the night with “Ice Cream Cake.” Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and newest member Yeri, were welcomed with screams and fan chants despite debuting only last August 2014.

Wendy, with her undeniable aegyo (cuteness,) returned the warm reception, “It’s our first time in the Philippines! Thank you so much, guys! It’s great! You guys are great!”

The girls also sang songs from their album, starting with “Somethin Kinda Crazy,” followed by “Candy,” and then ended with their debut song “Happiness”.

Next in line was Cube Entertainment’s seven-member boy group BTOB (also known as Born to Beat.) Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub, Hyunsik, Peniel, Il-hoon, Sungjaemade their Filipina Melodies (their official fan club name) swoon with songs “Thriller,” “Second Confession,” and “Winter’s Tale.”

Youngest Sungjae also shouted “Mahal kita, Philippines!” While Il-hoon “thrilled” their fans when he said “I’ll make you happy tonight!”

The group ended their stage with hits song “Beep Beep,” and “WOW.”

Screams again filled the arena as Girl’s Generation went up the stage. The girls started with the Japanese version of “Mr. Taxi” and the Korean versions of “Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)” and “Hoot.”

Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun wore matching pink dresses. The girls last performed in the Philippines, with former member Jessica, last January 2013 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. This is the first time the group performed as an eight-membered group in the country.

Girl’s Generation also took the fans back in time when they performed their earlier songs “Kissing You” and “Complete.”

Tiffany attested, “It’s been a long time since we sang “Complete” for you guys.”

Seohyun then thanked the Filipino SONEs, “The energy you’re giving us, we’ll be taking back home with us. “Thank you so much! We love you!”

The group ended with another hit song “Mr. Mr.”

Last but definitely not the least, Super Junior finally (and literally) goes up the stage while singing “Shirt” followed by “This is Love” and “Evanesce.”

A sea of Sapphire Blue light sticks filled the arena, enough for member KangIn to exclaim, “I thought this was a Super Show!”

Fans then chanted “SS6! SS6!” Asking the group to do another Super Show in the country soon.

Eight out of the thirteen members performed for the ELFs present at the Philippine Arena, namely Leeteuk, Heechul, Kangin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Kyuhyun.

The members showed off their usual goofy selves on stage, while telling their fans how much they missed them.

Heechul shouted, “Mahal kita!”

Leeteuk also greeted, “Mabuhay Philippine!”

Eunhyuk then added, “Really, long time no see!”

While Siwon asked, “We missed your voice! Did you miss us?”

The fans, of course, shouted “Yes!”

Afterwards, youngest Kyuhyun performed his solo song “At Gwanghwamun,” duo Donghae and Eunhyuk then wowed the crowed with “Oppa Oppa,” the rest of the members joined in before the song ended.

Super Junior ended the night with “Mr. Simple,” “Mamacita,” and a bit of their “Choki Choki Dance!”

Being part of Best of Best in the Philippines was overwhelming. The choreography, personalities and colourful outfits were definitely the best. On the other hand, K-Pop fans were treated to a night that they will surely cherish forever. They got to see 4 of the best Kpop idols at the Philippine Arena and totally enjoyed all the performances. I’m looking forward to see more shows to be held at the biggest indoor arena in the world because of friendly staff, state of the art facilities, superb sound and affordable food inside the arena. Overall, the show was well-organized, from shuttle, pre-event show up to the main event. The atmosphere of the night was incredible and some people got really emotional towards the end of the show and I hope they will come back soon specially a solo show by SNSD.

Best of Best in the Philippines is presented by Globe Telecom

Written by Gia Soriano