Last December 9, 2022, Neuwave Events and Productions presented Jumping Boas, Cassiopeias, and EXO-Ls with a #BeYou-tiful night to remember and turned the Smart Araneta Coliseum into a place to celebrate through BE YOU 2: THE WORLD WILL CARE.
FILIPINO ARTISTS
Not every day do you see a meaningful show like this one, which became a way to thank the elderlies while also paying attention to and raising awareness about their challenges. Pilita Corrales sunbaenim, who showcased her timeless voice, Ian Veneracion oppa, who brought kilig to the entire dome, Lady Pipay, who boosted up everyone’s excitement, and G22, who electrified everyone with their performance—all came and got the event off to a strong start.
“Para akong Korean Superstar,” Pilita Corales sunbaenim remarked.
The Filipino fans went all out to support the Filipino performers on stage, which I believe was easy because they all produced powerful performances that left us in amazement. I’m sure everyone in attendance can agree that nothing beats Filipino talent!
The dome was immediately filled with deafening screams once the local performances concluded. Screams of excitement and longing, especially because we knew we were about to witness never-before-seen performances in the Philippines after years of anticipation.
EXO XIUMIN
Xiumin was the first Korean performer to take the stage. He greeted his PH EXO-Ls with “Serenity,” and fans responded with raucous applause. He also sang “Brand New,” his most recent single, as well as “Love Letter” and “Feedback,” both from his new album.
Xiumin’s voice was as lovely as he was. We will never forget the way he looked at his fans. He expressed his delight at seeing them again and encouraged them to keep a look out for EXO’s return as well as his solo career.
EXO CHEN
Chen is unrivaled when it comes to ballads. He was the next to deliver a heartfelt performance. He sang a new song called “Last Scene” for everyone. The songs “I Don’t Even Mind” and “Shall We” followed. “Everytime,” a popular original soundtrack from “Descendants of the Sun,” was his final song.
Chen can’t help but let the audience sing in unison, and even extends his mic to them at one point. He, like Xiumin, was overjoyed to see his fans again and glad that they kept their promise to dress in violet. This sweetest man values every detail!
TVXQ!
The legendary group TVXQ!, composed of U-KNOW Yunho and MAX Changmin, finally made their way to the Manila stage to perform for the first time.
We knew they were amazing performers, but seeing them live left us stunned. “Maximum” was the first song they performed, and it drew huge applause from the audience the moment Yunho stepped on the main stage.
This was followed by “Keep Your Head Down,” a song that featured Yunho’s incredible dance moves and Changmin’s high notes. “Dream” came next, and it was during this song that they requested everyone to jump, which the audience did, and interacted with the fans on the extended stage. To say we were enthralled would be an understatement; we were blinded by their talent and beauty!
TVXQ performed their signature song “Mirotic” at the end of their set. At that time, we were all overcome with emotion as we finally got to hear the song live and chant along with it after years and years of waiting. I’m still feeling the chills from that night as I type this.
I’ve come to a realization that TVXQ is at a different level! This duo had previously played in front of far larger crowds, numbering in thousands, but I felt that it made no difference whether the crowd was too big or too little. They give it their all, and they only show outstanding performances.
PH Cassiopeias, who were present at the moment, were undoubtedly pleased and, more significantly, proud of what the boys could show. And I’m sure other fanclubs that were present saw that TVXQ is truly worth waiting for, and it’s never too late to become a fan!
BOA
The night’s final performer was none other than the queen herself, BoA. She began her set with “Better” and then moved on to “Only One” on the extended stage.
“Thanks for having me tonight! I was so excited to meet you all and I know you guys have been waiting for me for so long. Now, I realized that I came to the Philippines too late,” BoA told the Filipino crowd.
That evening, BoA sparkled beautifully! And no words could describe how stunning she was. Perhaps it was her years of experience, but she was so effortlessly calm on stage that we felt at ease.
BoA closed the night with “Starry Night” and a song called “Forgive Me,” which she just released.
SMTOWN
As a farewell, all of the SM legends stood as one on the stage at Smart Araneta Coliseum. As they waved their goodbyes, I believe they already knew how much they are loved in the Philippines, and if they return, there would be no doubt that we would attend again.
Bravo to Neuwave Events and Productions for bringing the best in entertainment and putting together a #BeYou-tiful night. Kmusify is humbled and honored to be part of this event!
