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Harmony in Diversity: SBTown Music Fiesta Honors 75 Years of Philippines-South Korea Camaraderie

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Celebrating the Philippines and South Korea’s 75 years of friendship, SBTown (Show Biz Town) which has become synonymous with the Philippines’ thriving pop music industry and culture with Manila Korea Town (MAKOTA) that is located in Malate district, known for its numerous Korean restaurants, markets, shops, and other businesses that serves as an enclave of Korean life within the larger Filipino capital city, hosted a free concert event for the P-Pop and K-Pop fans held last May 26, 2024, at Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium. The event was a captivating showcase of talent and cultural exchange, leaving the audience with memories that will continue to shine on.

The night kicked off with a mesmerizing performance by the new P-Pop rookie soloist ‘Zela’, who seduced the crowd with her song “Karma” and a cover of Somi’s “Fast Forward”.

 The energetic emcees, ‘Tatang Robin’ and ‘Mr. Danny Lee’, who is also an actor and model in the South Korea set the tone for the event, welcoming the enthusiastic audience despite the inclement weather.

As the night progressed, a diverse array of artists took the stage, each leaving a lasting impression. Officially opening the event, YGIG served powerful performances that thrilled the audience. YGIG left the ‘WE GOs’ spell bound with their song “Shaba Shaba”. Of course, maintaining the energy level high, their next performance was a cover of ‘Black Pink’s “Savage”. And with their last song YGIG reminds us that ‘we are our own universe ‘ with their meaningful song “Universe”.

From YGIG to the soulful vocals of ‘Yu Suhyun’, the crowd was treated to a captivating blend of P-Pop and K-Pop. Trot genre singer ‘Yu Suhyun’ performs her digital single “Chuk & Chak”. She also showed her flexibility as a singer by singing songs in another genre, including “Flower” by ‘Jisoo’. In between her performances, two lucky fans were also able to dance with her on stage; a segment that is a burst of fun.

The energy continued to soar as P-Pop boy group BILIB performed their single “Kabanata” and a cover of BINI’s “Pantropiko”. BILIB’s blazing performances left the audience electrified, their infectious energy reverberating throughout the venue.

The crowd continued to applause as P-pop soloist ‘Darlene’ enchanted the stage with her first single “Daydream”. As if conjuring spring’s essence, Darlene serenades her fans with the delicate tone of “Stay” as her next song. Completing her set with Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Non-sense’, it truly is non-sense how magical her live vocal prowess is.

Keeping the enthusiasm of the crowd, former Girls Day member Jang Hyeri took the stage, exemplifying the charisma of a 2nd generation K-pop idol. Skillfully wielding the bass guitar while belting out her songs, Hyeri delivered a lively, engaging performance that delighted the audience. As an added treat, she treated fans to a rendition of the Tagalog classic “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar, showcasing her versatility and connecting with the diverse crowd. Jang Hyeri’s powerful stage presence and musical talents left a lasting impression on all who witnessed her dynamic set.

The stage continues to ignite as K-pop girl group ‘Queenz Eye’, took over the stage with their fiery energy with performances such as their album track “Before&After”, a cover of “Money” by ‘Lisa, “Salamin Salamin” by BINI, and their latest single “This is Love”.

The night culminated in a K-pop extravaganza, as the captivating girl group ‘XIN’ ignited the stage with their hot singles ‘Keeping the Fire’, ‘Synchronize’, and ‘No Doubt’, electrifying the crowd with their all-out performances. Subsequently, the esteemed boy band ‘DIGNITY’ commanded the spotlight, passionately performing their hits “Re-Zero” and “Rambo” while also treating the audience to a cover of EXO’s “Love Me Right”, further elevating the already incandescent atmosphere.

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of the “Nations Second Lead,” actor and model ‘Kim Ji Soo’ who presented a scholarship award from SBTown Music Fiesta, Manila Koreatown Association (MAKOTA), and Worldwide Link to students from the PEFTOK (Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea) Veterans Association, further strengthening the bonds between the Philippines and South Korea. He did not only grace the event but also shared a bit of past experiences and inspiring words of wisdom to the passionate audience.

As the night neared its end, the P-Pop boy group PLUUS took the stage, leaving the audience in awe with their performances of “Universe”, a cover of “Oh Cecilia” by ‘The vamps’, and their latest single “Shining Star”. The energy and enthusiasm of the fans refused to wane, a testament to the enduring connection between the two nations.

The SBTown Music Fiesta’s diverse lineup of P-pop and K-pop talent, truly embodied the enduring friendship between the Philippines and South Korea, creating a memorable celebration of cultural harmony and artistic collaboration. Captivating the hearts of all who attended and solidifying the enduring cultural exchange between these two vibrant nations.

As the curtains fell on this year’s festivities, the fans eagerly await the event’s return for the next years, as this becomes an annual thing. We hope to see you then!

Words by: Khaela Jordas; Photos by: P.Y. Vencio

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