It has been 5 years when IU last stepped foot in the country for Love Poem in Manila. We can clearly remember how IU described MAAENAs (fandom name for her Filipino fans) as “PERFECT”. Without a doubt, during ‘HEREH’ in Manila, MAAENAs once again created an unforgettable night for IU and UAENAs.
As the lights went out, IU lit up the stage with her opening performances of “HOLSSI” and “JAM JAM.” She then greeted the crowd with “Mabuhay Manila! Namiss ko kayong lahat,” which made MAAENAs cheer louder. You can see in her eyes how surprised she was by the amount of energy the fans were giving her, prompting her to say “Grabe” and “Masaya Ako.”
We’re still in the first part of the concert, and IU already described MAAENAs cheers go beyond her expectations. She enthusiastically added that the freebies we received were from her mom.
IU continued to amazed MAAENAs with her popular songs “CELEBRITY”, “BLUEMING”, “EIGHT”, “COIN”, and “I STAN U.” She looked at the crowd and expressed her gratitude for cheering on our kababayan who were the junior dancers, and the cute little actor who joined her on stage.
After she performed Bleuming, IU returned to the stage with a large flower, which she gave to a lucky MAAENA dressed as one of the spirits from Hotel De Luna.
IU then began part three of her performance with “HAVANA” and “MEANING OF YOU”. MAAENAs cheers echoed throughout the arena as IU serenaded us with her cover of the OPM song “PASILYO,” which has famous phrase “Ikaw at Ikaw,” which translates to “You and Only You.” IU expressed her delight that the crowd appreciated her cover of “PASILYO,” which made her practice worthwhile.
IU went back on stage wearing red dress and continued to enchant us with her magical voice as she performed “SHOPPER”, “ABOVE THE TIME”, “YOU & I”, and “LOVE WINS ALL.”
MAAENAs began chanting “Walang uuwi, Walang uuwi”. IU laughed and told the fans that she had to return home the next day, but due of MAAENAs’ love, she is planning a staycation in Manila. In exchange for the affection she got, she promised the fans that they would not have to wait another five years for her return. “No matter how loud you scream for IU, my cheer of Manila is louder than yours”
After a quick costume change, IU returned to stage and delivered a few heartfelt Tagalog lines, “Napakasaya ko! Ingat, bawal mag-kasakit” and “Manila sobrang mahal kita.”
I was puzzled for a few seconds when Korean sentences with no English translations showed on screen. Not until MAAENAs sing in unison and a familiar tune was heard. It was “GOOD DAY!” After realizing it, together with co-MAAENAs we sung the whole song with all our hearts.
IU was amazed that MAAENAs sang the entire song. She told us that she’d been singing Good Day for a decade and that this was her first time being surprised like this. Well, I can claim that MAAENAs are built differently. We’re in tune and have just hit the three high notes!
We’re nearing the end of the concert, and I realize I have been crying for several songs. I had no idea that the incredible songs she performed on Encore, such as “SOMEDAY” and “STRAWBERRY MOON,” would make me cry even harder. Hearing “SOMEDAY” made my Dream High heart happy. It was a genuinely emotional and nostalgic time for me. Thanks to the MAAENAs that requested these songs to IU.
You can really tell through her eyes that she enjoyed the night with MAAENas. Before she took her final bow, she serenaded everyone with “PALETTE”. IU once again looked at the arena filled with MAAENAs waving their lightsticks, she took her final bow, waved at the crowd and happily left the stage, filled with wonderful memories.
HEREH IN MANILA is undoubtedly one of the best three hours of our lives. It was an amazing night, and we were honored to be among the thousands of MAAENAs who witnessed IU’s mesmerizing performances. From 200 points, we received a rating of 300 points from IU herself, an incredible singer who just made history as the first Korean solo artist to perform in The Philippine Arena. It definitely go beyond everyone’s expectations.
We would especially like to thank Pulp Live World for making HEREH IN MANILA possible and for giving us an opportunity to be part of this amazing crowd.
Words by: P.Y. Vencio
