MANILA, Philippines — Baekhyun of K-pop powerhouse EXO staged his first-ever solo concert in Manila last April 13, flaunting his talent as an all-round artist for 12 years now in the Hallyu scene.
Filipino fans, known as EXO-L or Eri, first illuminated the Big Dome with their lightsticks called Eribong, making the venue a universe of their own as they waited for the star of the night.
When Baekhyun finally appeared on stage in his glittering, all-white suit, he dazzled the audience with an opening performance of EXO’s Diamond, a song befitting the name of his Asia concert tour, “Lonsdaleite,” which refers to a rare hexagonal-shaped gem.
“Kumusta? Ako si Baekhyun. Na-miss ko kayo!” the K-pop star greeted local supporters in Filipino during his sold-out show presented by Wilbros Live.
Through an interpreter, he made sure to acknowledge the thrilling energy of fans, saying, “Sobrang lakas ng cheer n’yo! That just proves how long Eri waited for me, right?”
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga naghintay. Philippine Eri, mahal kita!” he added.
The 31-year-old singer-songwriter last visited the country in June 2023 for “Overpass: K-pop Music Concert,” along with fellow Korean idols B.I and Jeon Somi.
As he returned to Manila after almost a year, Baekhyun teased his Filipino fans about the chance of meeting them once again now that he has become one of the newest endorsers for a local fashion brand.
“Sa tingin ko baka may another chance naman to see you again,” he said.
Enlivened by their idol’s hint, Eris became more consistent with their cheers as they engrossed themselves in the alluring performances of his contemporary R&B hits UN Village and Love Again.
Deemed as one of the best vocalists in K-pop, Baekhyun undoubtedly left the audience in jaw-dropping mode during his theatrical-like stage of Cry For Love, neatly belting the high notes for an eargasmic experience.
Coming through the second half of the show, the EXO member dashed down the extended platform, this time garbed in a sultry, all-black ensemble to play Ghost, Underwater, and all-time favorite Bambi.
From the hot and fierce getup, Baekhyun unleashed his playful side while grooving to Poppin’, R U Ridin’?, Betcha, and Candy — this aegyo (cuteness) filled lineup perfectly matched with his yellow cat ears beanie, brown graphic tees, and a pleated wrap skirt over his ripped jeans.
“It’s actually been almost one year since I last met you, guys, and I’m super happy. Maraming salamat po for not forgetting me during that time,” he said.
“Actually, nakakalungkot na it’s just one day na concert. Kung babalik ako next time dito sa Pilipinas, I really wanna do it [for] two days,” he uttered sincerely before proceeding to the encore.
Singing laid-back tracks Privacy and Garden in the Air, Baekhyun went around the stage to wave goodbye to his ever-supportive fans, who even diligently followed his desired dress code of a white outfit and a lettuce hairpin.
For Eris, this marked a milestone in Baekhyun’s career as an idol since his debut with EXO in 2012, considering this was his first in-person solo tour, preceded by “Baekhyun: Light” show held online in January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans could not be prouder of his achievements, especially since this concert was under the management of Baekhyun’s own label, INB100, which he founded in 2023. His co-members Chen and Xiumin, joined his company for their solo activities.
That’s why this time, it became a perfect moment for the Filipino EXO-L to deliver their heartfelt message for Baekhyun, as shown in their banners: “Your existence is our pure delight, Baekhyunie!”
It was followed by a touching fan-made video shown on screen as a special gift for Baekhyun, who deeply appreciated the surprise.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta at inyong mga cheer para sa akin,” a very grateful Baekhyun expressed. “I also want to say sorry for making you wait for such a long time. Moving forward, I will try my best to meet you often. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. See you next time, I promise! Thank you po!”
After his finale piece, Amusement Park, the EXO main vocalist closed the show with him and fans passionately cheering the group’s iconic chant, “We are one! EXO, saranghaja (let’s love)!”