The Philippine Arena in Bulacan was set ablaze on the 30th of September 2023 as TWICE, the K-pop sensation, made their triumphant return to the Philippines for their “Ready To Be” concert. For Filipino ONCEs, this night was a long-awaited dream come true, marking the group’s first performance in the country since their last concert in 2019 at SM Mall of Asia.
An Electric Atmosphere: Long-Awaited Reunion
As eager fans flocked to the venue, long lines stretched far and wide, but the excitement in the air was palpable. It had been four years since TWICE graced the Philippines with their presence, and their return was met with fervent anticipation. The organic growth of PH ONCEs is truly perceptible. You can also see a wide variety of fans from kids to moms and even dads!
A Touching Tribute: Chaeyoung’s Absence
Before the concert kicked off, fans gave a heartwarming gesture of support for Chaeyoung, who couldn’t make it due to health issues. As the “Twice Ready To Be” VCR live wallpaper looped, the LED screen illuminated with Chaeyoung’s image, prompting thunderous cheers from the crowd.
Opening with a Bang: TWICE connects to Filipino ONCEs
The concert burst into life with the opening song, “Set Me Free,” followed by the hit track “I Can’t Stop Me.” TWICE members made a point to connect with their Filipino fans by greeting them in Filipino and speaking some words like “Mahal Kita” and “Kamusta kayo?”, showcasing their appreciation for the warm welcome. Among all the members, Dahyun has the most Filipino words spoken and her fans couldn’t stop to create hilarious cheers every time she speaks. Her fans started chanting “Dubu! Dubu!” and the crowds followed, making it sound like a dog’s bark. Dahyun was totally bewildered!
Spectacular Solo Performances
The solo performances of the members made them shine individually. Dahyun mesmerized the audience with her cover of Colbie Caillat’s “Try,” elegantly playing the white piano in a stunning green dress. Tzuyu’s rendition of Charlie Puth’s “Done For Me” was filled with emotion, while Sana set the stage on fire with her sultry take on Dua Lipa’s “New Rules.” The anticipation reached its peak when Momo took the stage for her mesmerizing pole dance to Beyonce’s “Move.” Mina’s twerk performance during her cover of Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” was one of the most awaited parts, with cheers that drowned out her singing. Jihyo performed her latest solo “Killin’ Me Good” and Jeongyeon’s infectious vibe in “Can’t Stop the Feeling” were standout moments where ONCEs sang along since they know the lyrics well. Nayeon’s solo performance of her iconic song “POP!” had everyone dancing along with her popular hand movements during chorus.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions: A Medley of Hits
The third set delivered a rock version of “Feel Special,” “Cry for Me,” “Fancy,” and “The Feels.” Despite some technical glitches during the “Feel Special” song where Jihyo’s mic wasn’t functioning, she gave it her all during her “Cry For Me” solos. And even technical issues during “Queen of Hearts” couldn’t dampen the spirits of fans as they helped the TWICE members fill the void as they sang loudly along with the members.
Filipino ONCEs sing along word by word in the medley of TWICE’s greatest hits, including “Yes or Yes,” “What Is Love?”,”Cheer Up”, “Likey” ,”Knock Knock”, “Scientist”, and “Heart Shaker”. The crowd erupted when each member did the famous “Shy, Shy, Shy” dance during “Cheer Up.”
The crowd burst into laughter when TWICE playfully inquired about the word they should use to complete the phrase “Ready to Be…” before going into their next song, “Alcohol Free.” Nayeon and Jihyo enthusiastically accepted the suggestion of “Shot Puno” while comically mimicking a drinking gesture, eliciting a wave of amusement from the audience. It was followed by their 2 upbeat songs, “Dance the Night Away,” and “Talk that ‘Talk.” The emotional renditions of “When We Were Kids” and “Crazy Stupid Love” left fans with unforgettable memories.
TWICE noticed ONCEs
TWICE keenly observed that ONCEs were already practicing their lightstick waves even before the concert officially commenced. In response, they playfully encouraged ONCEs to perform a synchronized light wave inside the expansive Philippine Arena. The result was nothing short of magical, as a captivating sea of shimmering lights undulated throughout the venue.
Among the multitude of fans, there was one who stood out remarkably—a fan clad in neon attire that emitted a radiant glow. Jeongyeon was the first to spot this unique presence, and the other members couldn’t help but join in on the laughter as the neon-clad fan danced.
In a heartwarming turn of events, an engagement proposal took place in the VIP section, catching the attention of TWICE. The members showered the newly engaged couple with their warmest congratulations, prompting the entire crowd to exclaim in unison, “Sana all,” expressing their collective wishes for such love and happiness in their lives.
Encore Madness: BDZ and Hot
Before the encore, Jihyo showed her immense appreciation for the Filipino ONCEs by asking if they would like to hear “Queen of Hearts” once more, considering the earlier technical hiccups. Fans heartily agreed to the request, but they also expressed their desire for her “Feel Special” solo. Jihyo’s affection for Filipino ONCEs was evident, and she graciously fulfilled their wishes.
As the encore section commenced, Filipino ONCEs made their song preference crystal clear, generating thunderous cheers for “BDZ.” Nayeon, with her playful spirit, decided to spin the roulette wheel, though she couldn’t help but notice the resounding enthusiasm for “BDZ.” Without a formal spin, TWICE treated the crowd to the exhilarating “BDZ.”
For the second song, the wheel stopped on “Hot,” eliciting sheer delight from the audience, making it an encore segment filled with excitement and joy.
A Night to Remember
In the end, the “Ready To Be” concert in the Philippines was a night filled with laughter, tears, and pure joy. TWICE and their fans created an electric atmosphere, cementing their bond even further. It was an experience that the members themselves cherished, as they later shared their gratitude and fond memories of the Philippines through their social media accounts.
The “Ready To Be” concert was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of music, friendship, and the unwavering support of fans. TWICE’s return to the Philippines was a testament to the power of music to unite people across borders, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating their next visit.
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