My EXO'LUXION IN MANILA Experience!

January 23, 2016 – the day when the popular male Korean Pop group, EXO, held their EXO'luxion concert here in Manila! Yes, you read that right: EXO'LUXION IN MANILA! And that was also the day when my fan-girl heart experienced one of the best nights ever!

Korean Pop, or the so-called KPop, have been quite a hot topic nowadays especially among the youth and even though I fan-girl over it lately, I have to honestly say that I was not originally a fan. When I was in college, I have a lot of friends who were so into KPop and they talk about it very often, but during that time, I have no interest over it at all. I feel contented just by listening to their stories and watching them brighten up or go "kilig" whenever they hear the latest songs of their idols or talk about their "bias" (that's how KPop fans call their favorite member in a specific group). But just last year, about 6 months ago (at around July, 2015), I started moving in into the KPop world.

So, how exactly did I end up becoming interested in this trend? Well, one day, I just felt like browsing through all sorts of videos on Youtube.com until I clicked on this particular music video entitled “Call Me Baby” by EXO. I just checked it out of curiosity and I patiently watched and listened to it even though I cannot understand the lyrics. Unconsciously, as days passed by, I found myself playing that particular song over and over again, especially on days when I feel down and stressed. I cannot really explain how it became an instant stress reliever of mine, but everytime I hear it, I feel good right away. From then on, I started familiarizing myself with the members and their songs and I guess right after that, I already became a fan.

Just like any other fan, I started hoping that I would be given a chance to watch their concert, whether here in the Philippines or abroad. Then, after a few months of wishing and hoping and praying, the announcement of EXO'luxion in Manila finally came! The details of the concert, seat plan, and ticket prices were also revealed. The concert will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on January 23, 2016.

photo credits: manilaconcertscene.blogspot.com

The exact date for purchasing tickets was scheduled on December 13, 2015, but with the help of Globe, a telecommunications company and a sponsor of EXO'luxion in Manila, I was able to get a promo code, which allowed me to buy tickets on the pre-selling date on December 12, 2015.

On the morning of December 12, 2015, my mom accompanied me to the nearest mall to buy tickets. I thought that we already arrived early, but to our surprise, there were a lot more people who were earlier. There was already a line, but I waited patiently for my turn. After a few minutes, I was able to avail 2 EXO'luxion tickets (for me and my friend and former workmate, Lhen Manga) for January 23, 2016 and it got me really excited for the big day! 

*Just a trivia: because of the overwhelming support of the fans, I heard that on December 13, 2015, tickets were sold out in just about 3 hours. Because of that, the organizers, Pulp Live World, did their best to add another day for the EXO'luxion, which will happen on January 24, 2016.

Days went by quickly and before I know it, it was already the big day: the day of the concert! My buddy, Lhen, and I went to the venue at around 1 PM even though the concert will start at 7:30 PM. When we arrived at the Mall of Asia Arena, there were already a lot of people. Some of them were buying official merchandises while some were at the back of the arena patiently waiting to get a glimpse of every one entering, most especially EXO. As for the two of us, we strolled around the area and tried to absorb the excitement and energy of the people eagerly waiting for the show to start (especially me since it was my first time watching a KPop concert). We also tried waiting at the back of the arena. Unfortunately, we did not see even just the shadow of any EXO member so at around 5 PM, we decided to eat our early dinner.

Me. Lhen.

Me. Lhen.

At 6:30 pm, we fell in line and got ready to enter the arena and that’s where we were given the free banner. 

Free Banner. :)

This was a banner for a special fan project in line with member’s DO and Kai’s birthday on January 12 and January 14 respectively. (I think there was another banner that says: We Promise Forever, but we weren’t able to get that one.)

Upon entering, we still waited for a few more minutes before we were able to go directly to our seats. The thrill and excitement of everyone were absolutely rising and when the doors of our area already opened, most of the EXO-Ls (that's how an EXO fan is called) screamed! All sorts of emotions were stacked up inside of them and they just had to let it all out!

Before starting, EXO-Ls created the famous "Silver Ocean" (this is when fans open their EXO light sticks to show support for the group) and it was beautiful! My photo does not do justice on how beautiful it really was that night.

Silver Ocean

After a few more moments of waiting inside, it finally started! Suho, Chen, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Kai, DO, Chanyeol, and Sehun were finally performing for us, live!

*If you are going to ask about Lay, it was unfortunate that he was not able to come. Also, if you will notice on the photos below, there are only 6 members in almost all of the photos. That was because Xiumin and Kai were both injured so they were instructed to sing while seated on each side of the stage.

Overdose.

El Dorado.

Don't Go.

Baby Don't Cry.

My Answer.

Peter Pan.

XOXO.

Machine.

Drop That ft. DJ Chanyeol.

Run.

Call Me Baby.

Growl.

Final Encore Song: Unfair.

I only captured photos of a few song numbers since I also want to savor the experience and truly live in the moment, but here is the complete set list (for both days):

Opening VCR, Overdose, History, El Dorado, Introduction of the members, Don't Go, Playboy, Baby Don't Cry (by Suho, Baekhyun, DO, and Chanyeol), My Answer (by Suho, Baekhyun, and DO), VCR, The Star, Exodus, VCR, Peter Pan, XOXO, Lucky, 3.6.5, Ment + Hawak Kamay (Filipino song), Christmas Day, First Snow, Miracles in December (by Baekhyun, DO, and Chen), Ment, Full Moon, Machine (Remix), Drop That, Let Out The Beast (Remix), Run (Remix), VCR, Call Me Baby, Growl, Talk, Love Me Right (Last song), Encore: Sing For You, Talk + DO and Kai's Birthday, Final Encore song: Unfair.

I enjoyed singing my heart out and screaming while watching the concert! EXO never failed to show us their spectacular dance moves and beautiful voices. It was like a huge party and every single one of us in the arena really had a superb time! Xiumin and Kai felt sorry for not being able to maximize their performances due to their injuries, but we all understood the situation and shouted back, "Gwenchana", which means "It's Okay". With that, EXO promised to come back and work harder for all of us.

When the concert finally came to an end, it was a bittersweet moment for me. I was extremely happy because I was able to watch the EXO'luxion live, but there was a hint of sadness because I just do not want the wonderful night to end yet. It was just at that moment that the thought of watching EXO'luxion has sunk in. But, we all have to move on and I just hope and pray that I will be given another chance to meet EXO again in the future!

Post-concert. So much feels.

While going out of the arena, Lhen and I met a lot of EXO-Ls who were from far provinces here in the Philippines and they told us that they came here in Manila just to watch EXO! Wow! Isn't that amazing? That is true love from the fans! 

Before we completely stepped out of the arena, I was asked who my bias is. I answered candidly by saying, "The very first member that I really liked was Chanyeol, but now, I have to say that... I LOVE THEM ALL!"

I had one of the best nights, EXO! Thank you so much and I really hope to see you all again, soon!

WE ARE ONE, EXO! 

감사합니다! 사랑합니다! We are one! EXO 사랑하자 !