Featured

EXO'luXion in Manila Day 1


EXO, one of Korea’s hottest boy band made Philippine History on their very first solo concert in the country, EXO Planet #2: The EXO’luXion by being the very first K-Pop group to perform a 2 consecutive nights concert in the Philippines last January 23-24.

The EXO’luXion in Manila Concert was announced right after Infinite's INFINITE EFFECT World Tour in the Mall of Asia Arena last November 7, 2015. It drove EXO and K-Pop fans around the country insane and really excited. Everyday, fans would check Facebook and Twitter for updates and latest details regarding the EXO’luXion in Manila, such as Ticketing Day, Seat Plan, the Silver Ocean, Fan Projects, Official Concert Merchandise, etc. To be honest, I am one of those fans…oops! 



Carla, one of my best friends, and I had a deal that we will be buying the tickets together and of course, we'll be going to the concert together. We were afraid that tickets might get sold out within hours, so, on the day of the ticket selling, we planned to be there really early, lol! We also watched EXO'luXion videos on YouTube to help us decide which seat to get. 

The Official Ticket selling day was supposed to be on December 5, 2015. However, it was postponed, due to the finalizing of ticket prices and seat plans.It was announced later on that the official ticket selling day would be on December 13 instead. With that, Globe Telecom, being one of the producers of the concert, hosted a pre-selling event on December 12. Tickets were only available to Globe subscribers who received codes. When Carla and I got our codes, we were both set for the Pre-selling event!!!

We decided to purchase our tickets at the Coral Way in the Mall of Asia Arena Box Office, because we thought we would have better chances of getting tickets if we buy it there. The Coral Way Box Office opens at 10am. Although we arrived there at around 5 in the morning, we were 20th in line. So, we had to wait for 5 hours. Luckily, our exams just ended so, we had nothing to do. We made friends while waiting in line though, which was great, hehe.

waiting in line

Finally, it was 10am! 

A lot of fans in line screamed when the box office finally opened. Carla and I were anxious because we couldn't believe it! This ticket was the key to see EXO in front of us.

Finally, we got our tickets!!! It was worth it waking up early in the morning and travelling to Pasay, Metro Manila just for buying tickets. We couldn't believe it! We were going to EXO'luXion!!!




Within a few hours, some allotted tickets for pre-selling were already sold out. On the First Day of ticket-selling, tickets were already sold out within the first three hours of selling. However, due to high demand, a second day of concert was announced on December 19. Carla and I wanted to go, but we thought it would be too much, even if we get the cheapest tickets, and we wanted to give others a chance, for the second concert's purpose is for fans who weren't able to buy tickets to see their idol.

Carla and I talked about EXO'luXion almost everyday, like in school and when we get home, we text and watch videos, which made us feel even more excited for the 23rd of January. We even had EXO'luXion shirts made of our bias, Chanyeol.





It was almost January 23, but the bad news sort of kept on coming, as both Kai and Xiumin were reportedly injured just days before their concert in Manila. A lot of fans were very worried, of course, Carla and myself included that we would not be able to see Kai and Xiumin live. Despite the injuries, Kai and Xiumin were still set to perform in the Manila Concert. 

It was finally January 23! 

I was with two of my friends from school, Saki and Alyana on the way to the Mall of Asia Arena, since we lived close to each other. Fans holding a VIP Floor Ticket had to claim a stub for the Line Up Sequence that determines the sequence number on the line when it is time to enter the arena. So, we had to be at the Arena quite early to claim the stubs. After claiming our stubs, we roamed around, had lunch and bought stuffed toys we can throw on stage after the show, lol!


 with Alyana and Saki.

Alyana, Saki and I had different seats. About after lunch, we bid each other goodbye, lol, and of course, we told each other to enjoy the concert.

Carla and I met up at the VIP Floor A Line, and that's probably the only bonding we had throughout the day: Lining Up.


lining up (as usual, hehe!)

the banner we made for Chanyeol <3 :D

We entered the arena at around 7pm. It was quite tough when everyone was already inside the arena, because VIP Floor also means going through a lot of pain and torture from pushing, squeezing and standing until the concert ends. Technically, unless you don't want to sacrifice and risk giving your perfect spot away and let others take it, there are no bathroom breaks and no sitting down for three hours straight. Once we entered the Arena, Carla and I lost each other, lol (we never saw each other until the end of the concert). Some fans I was with were close to dehydrating, hyperventilating and fainting.

But finally, EXO came out and the entire MOA Arena went wild!!! They started off by singing 'Overdose'. However, there were only six members dancing on stage. Kai and Xiumin were sitting down on chairs, but still singing, which was better than not coming out at all. Now, there's eight of them. Somebody was missing, and it was Lay. Unfortunately, Lay did not get to perform at the Philippine concert. The fans sort of expected it already, since there was not a single photo of Lay arriving at the Philippine Airport, or not even a sign of him arriving.



The next song was 'History', followed by 'El Dorado'. That's when they were dancing at the center aisle, and that's when I was really close to them because I was at the center aisle.


History

El Dorado

*dies* Sehun's my 2nd bias after Chanyeol!!!

CHANYEOL!!!

After 'El Dorado' was 'Don't Go', but before they headed for the Hexagon-shaped center stage for that was the introduction. I wasn't really able to see their faces because they were on the main stage.

'Don't Go' is my favorite song, and I have managed to take a full video of it...though I was shaking a lot 😁 👉🏻 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvOwlbRdoHg

'Playboy' was next. I didn't take photos and videos of that because I was too busy deleting stuff on my phone because I was afraid that the memory will be full in the middle of taking pictures and videos. 

By 'Baby Don't Cry', I thought it would be nice to save my phone memory and battery charge for later, and I thought of giving myself a little break and enjoy the concert by watching them, instead of taking photos and videos for three consecutive hours. 

Anyway, here are some of the photos I took from the concert... 

Exodus

It's so cute how Baekhyun, Sehun and Chanyeol went to Xiumin's side and stayed with him 😄

Sehun trying to make Chanbaek hug

XOXO...they were so close 😍

Suho during 'Lucky'


This was the best part of EXO'luXion for me!!! This was when Chanyeol noticed his picture on my phone and then he pointed at it!!! I totally freaked out because Chanyeol is my bias and him noticing me was really great!

Yep, that was the one, but I made a bigger one before the concert

DO singing to 'Miracles in December"

Baekhyun glancing at our side

Sehun

Chanyeol dancing to 'Machine'

Chen

DO went to our side...he's so cute 😍

Sehun during 'Sing for You'

Suho raising the 'We Promise Forever' banner

On their last segment, Suho raises the banner that was given to all concert attendees that read 'We Promise Forever', and says that EXO promises forever as well, and that they'll be back soon, and that the fans should wait for their next album and of course, next concert in Manila. 

Chanyeol also reveals that he stayed in the Philippines nine years ago to study English. He recalls his visit at the famous Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna, and that the bananas...and mangos are very delicious. He ended his speech by saying "Mahal kita".

Kai and Xiumin apologized to the fans sincerely because they did not dance. Kai stated that because of the energy of the Filipino fans, he wanted to stand up and dance, but he really couldn't. He promises, along with Xiumin, that they will make it up on their next concert in the country. Xiumin also stated that he wishes to have a concert in the Philippines every year. 

Baekhyun and Chen had both promised that there will be another concert in the Philippines, while Sehun told the fans to wait for it. 

 Despite the absence of one member, and despite Kai and Xiumin not dancing on stage, EXO still managed to put up a good show and made it memorable for their Filipino fans.

Now, fans are waiting for their return in the country, myself included, lol. As the fans have promised forever to the EXO members, EXO promised forever as well.

About


Adventure is always out there, for life is an adventure. We must learn how to live life and make the adventures that come along with it count.

Philippines-UK Friendship Concert 2016: Libera in Manila



Although the Libera Choir has been to the Philippines over five times already, this was the very first Libera concert I've ever been to my entire life. I first heard of the British all-boys choir back in 2011 when they went to the Philippines for their concert. I wanted to go that time, however, the tickets were already sold out. They came back to the Philippines in 2013, however, I was very busy at that time, and did not have the chance to see them.

Last December 2015, it was announced that Libera will be having a Valentine's Concert on February 16, 2016. I did not think twice. I was sure I wanted to go, and I will not miss this chance of seeing them again. However, I was afraid that my parents would not approve because the concert will be held on a Tuesday, which means that I have school the next day. But when I told them about the concert, they said I could go, but they have to go with me. We went to the nearest ticketing outlet in our house and purchased three tickets. The countdown to the 16th of February for me began.


The Libera boys also did a daily video countdown to concert on Libera Philippines Facebook page eight days before their Valentine's Concert in Manila. 



Luckily, the week of the Libera Concert was our school's Intramurals, so, there were no academics. However, I was going to play Football for the whole week, and I was quite worried that on the day of the concert, I will be so exhausted that I would not enjoy.

It was the day of the concert, and in school, I wasn't thinking of anything else but the concert. I even opened my phone from time to time to check Twitter and Facebook updates, which had me really anxious and wanting to leave school already. I was very excited because I will finally get to see them sing my favorite songs such as 'Stay With Me', 'Exsultate', and, of course, 'Bayan Ko' in front of me. I just waited for the second day of our Intramurals in school to end and just go to the PICC to relax and listen to the Angelic Voices. 

Finally, at 3:30pm, we were dismissed from school. Before my parents could pick me up so that we could head to the PICC all together, my friends told me to enjoy the concert and tell the boys they said hi, because they like their music as well. My legs hurt so bad from playing Football and it was extremely traffic on the way to PICC so, I had to change inside the car and fix myself there, which was tough. I literally screamed when my mom said we were finally at the PICC. In the lobby, they were also selling Libera merchandise such as mugs, caps and shirts.

 

My parents and I were seated far away from each other. I was seated near Yuki, a Libera fan from Japan, whom I recognised. She was with her mom and friends from Japan. At first, I was shy to talk to Yuki, but I decided to approach her and talk to her anyway. She was very nice and really friendly.

The first person I saw who stepped out of the backstage was Joshua Madine, who was part of the choir when he was younger and now plays the piano. I was surprised. I could not believe Josh was right across me.


Here are the Tour Members...
*newbie 

There were 28 boys singing:
-Marc Alvares
-Shay Balsekar
-Leo Barron
-Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey
-Merlin Brouwer
-Benedict Bywater
-Gabriel Collins
-Henry Cullinan-Hollihead*
-Tadgh Fitzgerald
-Alexander Gula
-Adam Izghouti
-Peter Kielty*
-Timothy Lee
-Isaac London
-Gregor Lumsden*
-Alessandro Mackinnon-Botti
-Matthew Madine
-James Menezes
-Michael Menezes
-Alexander Montoro
-Mathias Montoro*
-Oliver Mycka 
-Arthur Palmer*
-Taichi Shinokubo
-Camden Stewart
-Rocco Tesei
-Samuel Wiggin
-Finn Wood*
-Lucas Wood

Staff:
Robert Prizeman- Musical Director
Steven Geraghty- Assistant Musical Director & Stage Director
Sam Coates- Assistant Musical Director & Stage Director
Joshua Madine, Eimear McGeown, Jon Ormston- Libera Musicians
Kavana Crossley and Eoghan McCarthy- Stage Managers
Andrew Winter- Production Co-ordinator
Luke Avery- Lighting Director
Eleanor Lewis & Barbara Geraghty- Libera Co-ordinator & Chaperons


Here is the Program:

1. Joyful Joyful, We Adore Thee

2. Sanctus
  • Of course, Libera would not be complete without this song. 'Sanctus' is one of Libera's special pieces. 
  • The last "Sanctus" was done by Merlin. 


3. The Prayer
  • Isaac never fails to surprise people with his powerful voice. 


4. Salva Me
  • This is one of my favorite Libera songs. I listen to this song every time I feel scared or every time I ask help from God. 
  • Alex M did the high salvas for this song. 


5. Stay With Me
  • This is my favorite Libera song!!!
  • This song is the reason why I fell in love with Libera.
  • Merlin did the solo for this song and Taichi did the high notes. 


6. Wexford Carol

7. Amazing Grace

8. How Great Thou Art

9. Angel

10. Exsultate
  • This is my second favorite song after 'Stay With Me'.
  • Lucas did the solo for this song, and it was absolutely perfect!!!


Interval
*Lucas did not appear after the Interval. I heard he was not feeling so good.


11. Orinoco Flow
  • Inside the car on the way to the PICC, my parents asked me if the boys are going to sing this song. I said they usually do when they come to the Philippines. That's when my parents told me that this song has a special place in their hearts, because 'Orinoco Flow' is the song my dad used to sing for my mom when he was courting her back when they were in College (aww, haha). 


12. Angels We Have Heard On High

13. Song of Life
  • Solo was by Ciaran.

14. Wayfaring Stranger
  • Alessandro did the solo.


15. Wonderful World

16. Sacris Solemnis

17. Nearer My God To Thee
  • Since Lucas was not feeling well and he was the one who's supposed to do the solo, they did not do this song :( 


19. Usahay
  • This was a surprise number 
  • Before the boys sang this song, they apologized in advance if the audience does not understand the pronunciation because they said they only rehearsed this song a few days before the concert.


20. Libera
  • Alessandro did the solo for 'Libera'.
  • I suddenly remember Liam Connery, who used to sing in the choir. He used to be the one doing the solo for this song when he was younger. Liam is one of my favourite Libera members, and so as Alessandro.


Encore- Bayan Ko
  • This song is what made the Philippines fall in love with Libera. I gotta say, the Philippines once more fell in love with these boys, for this traditional Philippine song touched their hearts. 
  •  Before they sang this song, they said this was their final goodbye, but it won't be for long :) 

(Taking pictures and recording are not allowed. I couldn't help it, so, I waited until the end of the show before I took photos of the boys from my seat, lol...)





After the show was the Meet and Greet.

The line was very long, of course, but luckily it moves really fast. The Meet and Greet started at around 11:00pm, and while waiting, my parents kept on reminding me that I still have school the next day, and I didn't worry so much (hehe). My friends even asked me if I am going to school, and I said "of course! I mean, why not?!". They were thinking that I might have this "Post-Concert Depression" that I normally get after attending a concert and that I will be too depressed to go to school, or that because I might get home pretty late, I might not have the energy to go, but I had to. 

Anyway, while waiting, I also get to meet one of my favorite members, who is now a staff, Eoghan McCarthy. I had a chance to chat with him, ask him how does it feel being back in the Philippines and stuff, hehe...






Finally, here are some the members (unfortunately, I didn't have a pic with the other members because they had to rush the Meet and Greet.)

with Isaac and Ciaran
my dad with Isaac and Ciaran (he has his arm around Isaac...not even sure if he's allowed to do that, lol!)

Merlin Brouwer

my mom's pic of Taichi (I told her to take a picture of Taichi and I, but she said she couldn't help taking a solo picture of him because he was so cute, lol)

chatting with him, hehe :D
with Alessandro
with Alessandro (again) and Shay
with Matthew and Henry (newbie)...apparently, Matthew and I have the same birthday
with Sam
chatting with Tim
Camden was very nice

Here are some of the photos I took on the night of the concert...

my dad and I 
my parents had a great night

That's all for my Philippines-UK Friendship Concert 2016: Libera in Manila Blog. Although this blog is sort of late, I had a really great time that night. I really do hope they come back one day. I am looking forward to their next concert here in the Philippines.



"We know from past experience that we shall all experience the very special warm Philippine welcome and thank you once more for making us feel at home so far from home!" -Libera
Copyright © 2015 It's Sammy
| Distributed By Gooyaabi Templates