SEVENTEEN made Filipino Carats the proudest fans after becoming the first-ever musical act to headline the Philippine Sports Stadium with a two-night major concert.
The K-pop performance powerhouse successfully staged the sold-out Follow To Bulacan Tour last Jan. 13 and 14.
The 13-piece band, sans members Jeonghan and S.Coups who had to sit out of the shows due to health concerns, returned to the country after performing at the Philippine Arena, situated adjacent to the stadium, on Dec. 17, 2022. It made SEVENTEEN the first K-pop group to grace the world’s largest indoor arena.
Fans dressed in rose quartz, serenity and SEVENTEEN music video-inspired outfits filled the stadium with their loudest cheers even before Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon and Dino appeared onstage.
The crowd was already devotedly chanting and singing along to the SEVENTEEN’s music videos being played on big LED screens minutes leading to the start of the Day 1 show which The STAR attended.
“SEVENTEEN right here,” Filipino Carats shouted in unison as Woozi let the fandom sing this specific line when they kickstarted the show with a thrilling performance of the FML lead single Super, donning white martial arts-like outfits along with backup dancers.
The performance kings got the shrieks going with fan-favorite B-side track Don Quixote next on their first set, followed by CLAP, Don’t Wanna Cry, F*ck My Life, Thanks and Clap.
“Dahil sa mga sigaw niyo, all I can just say is ‘wow,’” rapper Mingyu said through a translator during his opening “ment” — the concert segment where members get to give a short speech — mesmerized by the ear-piercing cheers from the sea of Filo Carats who attended the concert.
Unit stages further showcased the group’s versatility, each with back-to-back performances: the vocal unit serenading Carats with Dust and Pinwheel, a performance unit turning up the heat with HIGHLIGHT and I Don’t Understand But I Luv U, and hip-hop unit rocking the more than 30,000-strong crowd with Back It Up and Fire.
Seungkwan managed to perform until the unit stage but had to leave halfway the show as he had actually been feeling unwell beforehand. The main vocalist came back with more vigor the next day and was able to witness the birthday surprise prepared by the fans.
Carats also crooned their hearts out as SEVENTEEN effortlessly bared their variety kings side as they performed a medley of HOME;RUN, Left & Right, BEAUTIFUL, and God of Music.
All of the feels went palpable when SEVENTEEN performed the nostalgic comfort song Kidult in front of the crowd that held glistening diamond light sticks. It was a moment that surely got etched in every Carat’s heart and mind.
Other than the members’ captivating visuals, charm, and talent, the backdrop, light, and pyrotechnic works on the stage — a visual feast at that, utterly complemented the jaw-dropping performances of the boys as they upped the ante with Anyone, Good to Me, and HOT.
“I enjoyed it so much! Their vocals were on top, their performance was phenomenal, and their stage presence was astounding. Sobrang sulit ng binayad mo sa performance na binigay nila. Napatawa nila ako, napa-wow nila ako, and napaiyak nila ako. I felt every emotion just by watching them. They are such great performers,” said 19-year-old fan Shann Galvan.
“We managed to complete the stadium and give them our utmost support. So (I’m) thankful that SEVENTEEN came back again to give us a great concert that will surely be one for the books of every Carat. I feel proud that SEVENTEEN and Carats did that,” he told this paper in an interview, taking pride over the group after “achieving milestones after milestones.”
SEVENTEEN got closer to their fans, moving around the stadium whilst on the carts, reading banners, waving and sending flying kisses to fans to sincerely express gratitude for the unwavering love and support while singing along to Run to you, Together (Eng ver.), and To you. And what’s a SEVENTEEN concert finale without the non-stop Aju Nice?
For Vee, 28, SEVENTEEN’s first stadium tour in the country is a testament as to “how big of an artist SEVENTEEN is” and how large their fanbase in the country is to be able to fill the stadium.
The SEVENTEEN members, on the other hand, couldn’t help but express their fondness over the Filo crowd’s unmatched energy, leaving yet another promise of returning to Carats whom they call their “home.” But for Filo Carats, SEVENTEEN is their home, just the same.
“Philippine Carats are crazy. We had so much fun for the last two days we’re gonna miss you guys for real. We can’t wait to get back as soon as possible,” Vernon said on Day 2 of the concert.
“Babalik kami kita-kits,” said Woozi.
Joshua also assured fans by saying, “We’ll be back. So, don’t worry.”
“SEVENTEEN loves the Philippines as much as Filo Carats love them. It feels good to be given that kind of assurance, especially to those who weren’t able to come last weekend, and even to those who went but still couldn’t get enough of seeing them live,” said Filo Carat Vee.
Based on figures furnished by the concert promoter Live Nation Philippines, an estimated crowd of 30,000 fans showed up and supported the band on both shows.