#FangirlGigs: My unforgettable 'right here' moment at the SEVENTEEN concert in Bulacan
This was my first ever K-pop concert. To be honest, my knowledge of the genre was limited, and my interest primarily stemmed from a rather intense admiration for Kim Mingyu, whom I discovered through my Carat friends. So, when the opportunity to see SEVENTEEN live at the Philippine Sports Stadium on Jan. 18 presented itself, I decided to go with zero expectations. I didn't research the setlist, I didn't familiarize myself with their discography—I simply wanted to experience the show as it unfolded.
And indeed, the show was beyond anything I could have imagined. SEVENTEEN made the Carats feel they were “right here” in the Philippines.
The SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR, presented by Applewood Philippines, began when eleven of the thirteen members (Jeonghan is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service, while Jun is doing some acting work in China) stood in a line wearing all black. Bathed in red lights, shrouded in a smoky haze as beats pulsated through the stadium, the group sang Fear. The opening song immediately led to deafening screams from the ecstatic Filipino Carats, marking their triumphant return to Bulacan for their "Right Here" tour after a year.
“Every time we come to the Philippines, the reactions of Filipino Carats are really hot,” Hoshi said through an interpreter.
A whole lot of performance
SEVENTEEN’s concert was a visual and auditory feast, showcasing the group's dynamic performances, powerful vocals, and impressive stage production that started with fireworks exploding as they sang Fearless.
The setlist continued with electrifying performances of ASH, CRUSH, and MAESTRO. The latter featured a solo piano introduction by Woozi, backed by a live band.
The spotlight shifted to the unique talents of each of SEVENTEEN's three sub-units. The hip-hop unit, featuring S.Coups—who made a triumphant return after missing last year's concert due to an injury—alongside Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon, delivered a steamy performance of Water and MONSTER, clad in stylish blue and gray streetwear.
The performance unit, featuring Hoshi, The8, and Dino, mesmerized the audience with their synchronized choreography in Rain and Lilili Yabbay.
Dressed in regal attire, the vocal unit (Woozi, Joshua, DK, and Seungkwan) serenaded the crowd with the ballad Candy before transitioning to Cheers to Youth.
The mood shifted to pure fun as the idols gathered for their energetic performance of Oh My!, transforming the stage into a playground as they invited a troop of adorable animal mascots. The groups faced off in a hilarious dance battle that sent confetti raining down on the audience.
The concert was filled with unexpected and memorable 'ments.' A highlight was the surprise birthday serenade for Seungkwan, who turned 27 on Jan. 16. Vernon, sporting a striking new hairstyle, delighted fans with an impromptu dance to APT. by Rose and Bruno Mars. The members also surprised the audience by singing snippets of songs not included in the setlist.
Following this interlude, they seamlessly transitioned into Snap Shoot. Then, as the melody of God of Music filled the air, the crowd started chanting "Kung chi pak chi" in unison during the chorus.
After a quick ment, the group performed Home from their 2019 You Made My Dawn EP. The song, known for its lyrics about finding comfort and strength in loved ones, created a heartfelt and emotional moment among Filo Carats.
The energy shifted in the latter part of the concert as it shifted to more high-octane performances, including LOVE, MONEY, FAME featuring DJ Khaled; MARCH, and Super, which culminated in another dazzling fireworks display.
SEVENTEEN describe Pinoys as ‘super passionate’
Living up to their reputation as one of the most passionate and vocal audiences in the world, Filipino fans turned the concert into a massive karaoke when lyrics to songs like Darl+Ing and Rock with You were flashed on the screen during breaks.
“Swerte ng [S]eventeen, VIP standing sa concert ng [C]arats,” one TikTok user said in the comments.
“Carats right here in [B]ulacan na sha hindi na [SVT] right here HAHAHAHAHA,” another one said.
As the concert drew to a close, the members were visibly touched by the Filipino fans' unwavering enthusiasm.
“When we were performing, of course, the energy of the Philippine Carats, they were super passionate. Even before coming out on the stage, you guys were singing so well. So we were also very hyped up to do our performances tonight,” DK said.
Woozi also added that they always “have good memories about the Philippines” and that he is “truly touched by the huge, passionate energy you give.”
In the end, the group’s leader S.Coups wishes all 13 members will reunite again and fill up the stadium.
Bringing the incredible night to a resounding close, SEVENTEEN performed their much-awaited performance of VERY NICE.
Aju nice!
I entered the stadium as a fan of Mingyu, but I left as a fan of the whole group, completely captivated by SEVENTEEN. This concert was completely different compared to the usual boy band shows, DJ sets, EDM festivals, or indie gigs I've attended.
The production was clearly a labor of love, with three hours of non-stop entertainment fueled by stunning pyrotechnics and set designs that kept the audience mesmerized throughout the entire show. Although I think Carats who went on Day 1 of the concert were disappointed that the "cart event," a highly anticipated fan interaction, took place only on the second day.
I can’t call myself a Carat yet, but this is one of the most incredible concert experiences I've ever had. SEVENTEEN delivered an unforgettable performance that left me wanting more.
