- K-pop group NewJeans performed at the Coke Studio ‘Ultimate Fandom Concert’ in Manila
- They were joined by Filipino music artists Alamat, Zack Tabudlo, Nik Makino, Kyle Echarri, and Illest Morena
- NewJeans performed their hits "ETA," "How Sweet," "Supernatural," "Bubblegum," and "Zero"
- The concert aimed to unite artists and fans from diverse backgrounds in creating music that bridges generations and genres
Korean Wave Takes Over Manila as NewJeans Shares Stage with Alamat, Zack Tabudlo in Spectacular Show
The Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, made a significant splash in Manila as K-pop girl group NewJeans headlined the “Ultimate Fandom” concert last Thursday, September 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena. The event was a celebration of music and culture, bringing together top Filipino music artists from various genres to showcase their talent alongside the popular K-pop group.
NewJeans, known for their unique blend of nostalgic sound and modern Y2K aesthetic, captivated the audience with their high-energy performance that featured some of their biggest hits such as “ETA,” “How Sweet,” “Supernatural,” “Bubblegum,” and “Zero.” The five-member girl group, composed of Hanni, Minji, Haerin, Hyein, and Danielle, wowed fans with their signature K-pop style and infectious energy on stage.
Having been named global ambassadors for Coca-Cola in 2023, NewJeans have been making waves in the music industry with their catchy tunes and captivating performances. Their collaboration with Coke Studio on the commercial song “Zero” further solidified their popularity among fans worldwide.
The group’s return to Manila was met with overwhelming support from their Filipino fans, who eagerly awaited the chance to see them perform live. “You guys sang so energetically, despite it being our first time performing our new songs here in the Philippines. It makes us so happy,” shared Hyein, the group’s maknae, expressing their gratitude to the crowd for their enthusiastic response.
The concert kicked off with a bang, as popular P-pop boy group Alamat took the stage and set the arena on fire with their vibrant Filipino tracks, including “Maharani,” “Day and Night,” “Noli,” and “Dayang.” Rapper Nik Makino continued to energize the crowd with his high-octane set, featuring hits like “Sipag Lang” with Shao Lin, “KG,” “Moon,” “Sobrang Solid,” and “We Made It.”
Kyle Echarri, known for his charming vocals and stage presence, serenaded the audience with a selection of his popular songs, including “Dyosa,” “Cupid’s Aim,” “Panaginip,” and “Pangako.” Meanwhile, Illest Morena showcased her hip-hop skills with tracks like “Pick Up,” “Slow Burn,” “Sabik,” and “Faded,” adding diversity to the concert lineup.
The highlight of the night came when the “hugot king” and first-ever Filipino Coke Studio global artist Zack Tabudlo took the stage, delivering a powerful performance of his heartfelt hits such as “Nangangamba,” “Pano,” “Fallin,” and “Give me Your Forever.” Tabudlo’s emotional lyrics and soulful voice resonated with the audience, showcasing his talent as a singer-songwriter.
The concert also featured collaborative tracks from Coke Studio, further emphasizing the theme of unity and diversity in music. Alamat and Nik Makino joined forces for a special performance of “Ngayong Gabi,” while Kyle Echarri and Illest Morena delighted fans with their collaboration on “Believe,” creating a harmonious blend of different musical styles and influences.
The Ultimate Fandom Concert, part of Coke Studio’s eighth edition, aimed to bring together artists and fans from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of community through music that transcends generations and genres. The event was a celebration of talent, creativity, and passion for music, showcasing the power of music to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds.
As the Korean Wave continues to make its mark on the global music scene, events like the “Ultimate Fandom” concert serve as a reminder of the universal appeal of music and its ability to bring people together, regardless of language or cultural barriers. NewJeans and their fellow artists delivered a memorable performance that left the audience in awe, solidifying their status as rising stars in the world of K-pop and OPM.
/Digital Sauce