K-Pop EXO Dominates Manila with EXplOration
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The 8 Best Moments-to-Remember of EXO Planet #5 – EXplOration in Manila
Because of requests from the hard core Filipino EXO-Ls, k-pop boyband EXO finally returned to Manila with their 5th world tour, EXO Planet #5 – EXplOration with a two-night affair.
Although this year’s installment of the EXO Planet only saw 6 members (Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, Kai, and Sehun as Xiumin and D.O. just enlisted for their mandatory military service, while Lay is still promoting his mini-album “Honey” in China) visit Manila, PH EXO-Ls still showed their undying love and support for the group.
With the hashtag #EXplOrationinManila dominating the top spot of worldwide and local social media trends, there is no question as to how ecstatic PH EXO-Ls are to see EXO in the flesh and see them perform hits such as “Tempo,” “Love Shot,” “Call Me Baby” and “Growl.”
Here’s the best moments of the boys with their Eris at #EXplOrationinManila:
1. #TheUltimateStan winners and EXO-Ls enjoying the K-mmunity PH studio booths
Prior to the two-night concert, Globe and Happee Hour announced the Search for the Ultimate Stan: EXO Edition on the K-mmunity PH Facebook group to look for the best EXO-Ls that can complete a set of challenges. Globe at Home also had a pre-sale raffle for existing customers of Home Prepaid WiFi and even gave out exclusive merch to lucky stans for every purchase of Home Prepaid WiFi or Streamwatch Xtreme Prepaid units.
The winners of the Ultimate Stan received a special VIP experience and a tour of the K-mmunity studio booths. Everyone who signed-up for the K-mmunity Facebook group took home collectible concert pins, too!
2. A thrilling opening set
Once the lights and smoke cleared, the six members, clad like speed racers, made their presence felt amidst the sea of roaring EXO-Ls and started strong with their 2018 title-track dance hit, “Tempo.” It was immediately followed by a nostalgic dance rendition of “Transformer,” another chart-topper from their 2015 album EXODUS. EXO capped off their exhilarating opening set with the spacey retro-funk “Gravity” and electro-pop bob “Sign.”
3. Powerful solo and sub-unit performances
The K-mmunity had more memorable moments as four EXO members showcased their prowess as individual performers and the remaining two performed as the newest sub-unit.
Baekhyun performed a sexy solo of his new release “UN Village,” where fans got excited as he danced along the lyrics “…rolling rolling hills” of the hit song. Suho sent EXO-Ls into another planet as the group’s leader performed “Been Through” and gave the fans a peek of his toned torso. The OST King, Chen, made many spectators tear up as he gave a touching rendition of the ballad “Lights Out.” Kai, EXO’s main dancer, did a captivating performance of “Confession,” a song which he co-produced with fellow member Chanyeol. Finally, the group’s maknae (youngest) Sehun and rap master Chanyeol debuted on Philippine stage as the newest sub-unit EXO-SC, and performed their newest songs, “What a Life” and “Closer to You.”
4. First look at the choreography of EXO’s new songs
EXO also finally showcased the live performance choreographies of their new songs from the 2018 albums “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo” and “Love Shot.” From the catchy moves of “24/7” to the rhythmic steps of “Oasis,” EXO once again proved that they still are masters of the dance floor.
5. A classic performance while seated on a couch
Dressed handsomely in suits, the six members sat on a couch and gave the everyone a memorable performances of their ballads “Falling for You” and “Wait.”
6. EXO playing with toys on stage
The boys also entertained the crowd with their charming antics, such as exchanging banters with one another, playing with the toys thrown on stage, a mini dancing robot, paw-like night slippers, and full-on pajamas just to name a few. How can the K-mmunity resist? The segment was filled with fun and laughter!
7. Fans singing ‘Salamat’ by Yeng Constantino
During Day 2, while the boys were preparing backstage for their final set, the sea of EXO-Ls, waved their light sticks and briefly sang the chorus of Yeng Constantino’s “Salamat” – a touching way to give gratitude to the awesome night they had with their idols.
8. EXO leaving PH EXO-Ls with smiles on their faces
To cap off the event, each EXO member thanked the fans for spending two nights with them. Leader Suho said that fans were like “vitamins” to the members. Chanyeol vowed to return to the country alone and eat baskets of mangoes. Kai said that the country will always remain close to his heart, and wished that he can perform a hundred more times for Filipino fans. Sehun hoped that #EXplOrationinManila was a three-night event so they can create more happy memories; he even repeatedly mimicked the fans saying “Walang uuwi!” as the group left the stage.
From a spectacular stage design to overwhelming live performances, EXO and the K-mmunity created unforgettable #EXplOrationinManila moments.
Named the “Kings of K-Pop,” EXO is a record-breaking nine-member boy group under SM Entertainment. The South Korean-Chinese boy band debuted in 2012 and is composed of members Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. Their first album XOXO, which featured the breakthrough hit “Growl,” sold over a million copies and made EXO the best-selling Korean artist in twelve years. Now years and years into an illustrious career, they are now quintuple million-selling artists.
With EXO Planet #5 – EXplOration in Manila now in the books, Filipino fans can expect EXO to produce new chart-toppers in the near future and return to Manila as soon as possible.
