Philippines-Korea Friendship Day Concert 2009 Main Event
By the time we enter the theater, Jonghyun’s face was on the screen singing his part for the Ring Ding Dong MV. Yes, there was a screen on the center of the stagewall. And since, there had been many fangirls who were before us on the line, they were just screaming at the top of their lungs whenever there’s a member (especially if he’s their favorite) being shown on the screen upon entering. So yes, once you enter the theater, you’ll be welcomed with squeals from your kababayan-fangirl/boy.
We were shown with music videos during the whole waiting time. So here’s a summary of what was shown (No SJ ∏.∏ ) in random order because you can’t make a very excited fangirl memorize everything in sequence:
National Anthem of both countries. Korea’s national anthem was skipping and then went to a stop and some fangirls were like giggling and they were shushed by the SHINee World Philippines members. Buti nga. In the first place, there’s nothing funny for them to giggle.
After this, the program officially started with VJ Isak and Luis doing the opening/welcome remarks. It was like watching Pops in Seoul live. VJ Isak is consistent which was really good. And Luis is as usual, his kenkoy self.
It was said in the Programme that Tinikling was going to be performed by Teatro Miguel but it was not Tinikling but different folk dances that were performed. Which I guess was performed well and showcased the variety of which we’ll be proud to show to the world.
Next were messages from the Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines and a representative of Hon. Romulo, DFA Secretary. The ambassador was cool in the sense that he was discussing the history of the friendship and the similarities the two nations have, using some Tagalog phrases or words. While the DFA’s message was I think more directed to the Korean embassy per se, talking of plans between the friendly relations of both nations. Which is cool also, if you’re interested on these stuffs. Me included on the interested ones.
Before the next performance, VJ Isak said that there’s a video message from those who cannot come to today’s event. Of course, a fangirl was expecting that the those were the Korean groups who cannot come to perform. So everyone was readying their camera, and then the first one shown was a Korean (whoops, forgot the name) government official. Okay, not a Korean group but maybe the next one? Next one is Philippine ambassador to Korea. And so the video was not greetings from Korean group. But there was Andre Kim (oh hai there, Mr. Kim). Although from the video, I was glad to know that there was an Assistant Professor who’s a Filipina teaching at SNU. Woah. XD
Next is performance of a group of young Filipinos (mostly girls with only one boy) performing Korean songs. Though there were some folk dances at the start, they ended up dancing mostly to the tune of SHINee’s songs, SNSD’s songs and one U-Kiss’ song. But before that Avii (a Filipina) together with 5-6 females (her back-up dancers) sang and danced to Nobody. The performances were good and these were able to make the people squeal and sing-along to the songs.
After this was a performance from a Korean boy, 13 years-old Yang Sang Heon. He sang Anak by Freddie Aguilar. His accent was really good that you won’t think that it’s a Korean boy, who has stayed in the Philippines for a year and a half only, singing. But Luis, being so maldito, asked him in malalim na Tagalog if he could understand conversations in Filipino, and he was just like, “What, sorry?” ^.^
Next up is our very own Brownman Revival. They played three songs. And it was enjoying especially Lintik. Also, the lead singer got down from the stage and went near mostly Korean women present. As expected, they were really good especially those who played the instruments.
After the performance, there’s a break before the second part. I went to the restroom with my two new co-fangirls. By the time we went back, we could already here squeals. Video messages from different groups were being shown. I missed some. This time, SNSD was shown and there were loud squeals from fangirls AND fanboys. Why no SuJu?
When the second part started which basically comprises the performances of the three Korean artists, the excitement was so intense already.
Mighty Mouth was first and as expected, they were great. Smile was their first song. MV on the screen was shown which I guess is not that of a good thing because there are many Korean celebrities doing cameo on the MV and the attention of fangirls were there and not to the duo. Most squeals I heard were for Lee Seunggi and 2am. But for the next song, Energy, fangirls are singing the Energy part and the TWO WENT DOWN FROM THE STAGE!!! It was a happy moment, everyone is standing and dancing/singing to the song while recording the memory of that event (be grateful for the two hands we have). During the interview part, Sang Choo (the one with the bigger body) said that Filipinas are no. 1 but I doubt the sincerity. Haha.
After them was Winterplay, Korean Jazz Group. It’s lovely to listen to them while drinking wine (feeling cultured, haha). First song was Billie Jean (yes, by MJ). And as I have again expected, watching live performances on youtube and listening to their songs, they are soooo amazing. Hae-Won’s vocal always calms me together with their music. I was wishing for Songs of Colored Love to be played but Gypsy Girl was also a great song. And they’d be releasing their album here next year!
After Gypsy Girl which was the last performance, everybody clapped so loud. I was really clapping for a great performance from Winterplay but you could feel that the clapping and squealing from most are brought by mixed awe/admiration of Winterplay and excitement that next performance would be of SHINee. Like, “shetshetshet, SHINee na ang sunod. aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!” LOL.
They were introduced first by showing some Ring Ding Dong MV screencaps/clips. And the fangirls’ reaction was: aaaaaaaah! - pause for a second - aaaaaaaaah!!! - pause for a second - aaaaaaaaah!!! - pause for a second. And this was just continuous. As long as there’s a new screencap/clips from MV shown, we screamed and squealed. Pucha, screencaps/clips pa lang ito friends. Haha.
Then it turned dark. And we saw four boys from the right side of the stage going to the center. SUPER SQUEAL. And then lights were on. SUPER SQUEAL. For 30 seconds-1minute that the SHINee boys had to check their earplugs.
And aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Ang gwapooooooooo nilang lahat! Haha. Especially Minho and Onew. Sorry, my bias shows.
First performance: Stand By Me (BOF OST). Minho sang Taemin’s line. ^^ Of course, what could you expect from the Best Rookie/Newcomer of 2008? You can’t expect anything less than that. Onew’s voice cracked up a bit but it was fine because I think he can’t hear himself well because all throughout the songs, fangirls can’t stop squealing. *hugs Onew and raises my umbrella for rotten tomatoes and eggs thrown by other fangirls* Jonghyun was his usual made-of-awesome-vocals and I’m glad he’s back to being healthy. Key is cute and surprisingly, looking at him makes my heart flutters for reasons I can’t fathom. I don’t like like him in SHINee because I can’t beat his being diva. But when I saw him personally, there’s just something about him (long lost brother? lukso ng dugo? haha). And Minho. *wooo, breathe in, breathe out, wooooo* If Key surprisingly made my heart flutter, Minho made the whole world stop. No, it’s not like the scene wherein there’s only me and him in the theater because the squeals of every fan there made it impossible na mag-moment. But seeing him that close and LIVE is just heavenly. And since they are singing a non-dance song, it was nice to take pictures. Haha.
Second Performance: Juliette. Dance song. My battery is already draining and there’s still no break/interview to change it so I decided just to take pictures which was okay for me because it won’t be fun to record them and watch them from the screen camera. ‘Te, live na o. Sayang ang chance. So I enjoyed the Juliette performance and it was flawless except for a member missing. Get well soon, Taemin.
Interview. Changed batteries. But missed the personal talent of Minho and Onew (wails!). But I was able to record Jonghyun’s and Key’s. So happiness. Actually, can’t understand much about what they’re saying because 1) in Korean and 2)too many squeals with some even calling out their favorite’s name.
Third and last performance: Ring Ding Dong. I knew I just had to record this. After Replay, this is the next most loved promoted single for me. I did not like A.M.I.G.O. or Juliette much. But this one just blew me off when I first heard it. Words won’t give any justice so I’ll just upload the video soon.
Some might say they’re not that energetic. This is not in terms of performance because they were freaking amazing but in terms of like waving to the fans and the like. But here’s what I think: 1)Onew’s cracking up might be a big deal to Father SM and he might have some serious butt-slapping when they get back (SM Ent. values perfection way way too much, fudge you Father SM); 2) First time in the Philippines and up to their performance, they can’t get over the fact that they have so many fans already here, who’re even at the airport before midnight just to see them and in front of them are those with SHAWOL shirts; 3) Thus, they were quite embarrassed that they have to give back and not accept fangifts prepared by the fans because of the protocol being followed (and those were many gifts I saw); 4) The language barrier. They can’t even goof around because we might not understand them. Case in point: Onew doing modeling instead of performing/saying something that would show Onew’s condition.
In any case, it’s quarter to 2am. Concert was finished by 8pm. Almost 5 hours passed already but I still can’t get over the fact that I was able to saw my second loved group perform live in my country. Some fangirls cried while they were performing but I kept my composure. Not because I did not feel anything but because I was too excited documenting the event and ogling at them that I did not find the time to be emotional. I also realized tonight that Super Junior will always remain the most-loved and I’ll be forever (if there’s such a thing) obssessed with them because just the mere thought of seeing them perform live like that will make me cry and tear-up.
Thank you, dear God, that I was able to watch this concert.
And yes, I am such a fangirl.
We were shown with music videos during the whole waiting time. So here’s a summary of what was shown (No SJ ∏.∏ ) in random order because you can’t make a very excited fangirl memorize everything in sequence:
- Ring Ding Dong by SHINee : Everyone was squealing like there’s no tomorrow. Even those who had just stepped inside. And yes, I am guilty too. Maybe because we’ve been holding our breath while entering that you just have to let it all out in a fangirly manner. And many were also cheering for Taemin when he comes out on the screen because he was not able to come due to Swine Flu.
- I Don’t Care by 2ne1 : And yes, we still love the Pambansang Krung Krung. Or in my case, I really don’t like her to begin with but I super like her co-members. So many squealed by the beginning and then when members were shown individually but not so much compared to other MVs that followed.
- Kiss by Sandara Park : Yes, she has her own single. And the MV is also a beer advertisement. Of course, this got the fangirls in the theater excited because by the time that Lee Minho (Gu Jun Pyo of BOF, yuhuh, he was in the MV sharing a kiss with Sandara) appeared, all BOF and Minho fans lost their sanity.
- Are You A Good Girl? by DBSK/TVXQ : The whole theater got wild mainly because of mixed emotions from fangirls, especially the fans of the group. Those who were my lunchmates screamed so well especially when their favorites were shown. If I’m not mistaken, the one with the most number of squeals was Changmin. But I guess, they are loved so well by fans even here in the country. Because despite the distracting and disappointing video for them performing at a recent show (clearly showing some Red-Sea-ish separation of mems), Filipino Cassiopeia (as well as the rest of the world) will always keep the faith. ^.^
- Gara Gara Go by Big Bang : This one is another hit. Just like Are You A Good Girl, it received squeals from beginning to end. Most squeals were for Seungri, Taeyang and TOP based from what my ears had taken. So Teddy, I think there’s not much competition for GD.
- La Cha Ta by f(x) : Ito ang medyo hindi kinaya ng fangirl spirit ko. By the start of the song, there were squeals. But there were fanchants as if f(x) was performing live. For other MVs, people were just following songs and screaming but for this one, it’s as if the fanclub prepared for this moment. Thus, the fanchant. Most squeals: Sulli and Amber. I expected Amber.
National Anthem of both countries. Korea’s national anthem was skipping and then went to a stop and some fangirls were like giggling and they were shushed by the SHINee World Philippines members. Buti nga. In the first place, there’s nothing funny for them to giggle.
After this, the program officially started with VJ Isak and Luis doing the opening/welcome remarks. It was like watching Pops in Seoul live. VJ Isak is consistent which was really good. And Luis is as usual, his kenkoy self.
It was said in the Programme that Tinikling was going to be performed by Teatro Miguel but it was not Tinikling but different folk dances that were performed. Which I guess was performed well and showcased the variety of which we’ll be proud to show to the world.
Next were messages from the Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines and a representative of Hon. Romulo, DFA Secretary. The ambassador was cool in the sense that he was discussing the history of the friendship and the similarities the two nations have, using some Tagalog phrases or words. While the DFA’s message was I think more directed to the Korean embassy per se, talking of plans between the friendly relations of both nations. Which is cool also, if you’re interested on these stuffs. Me included on the interested ones.
Before the next performance, VJ Isak said that there’s a video message from those who cannot come to today’s event. Of course, a fangirl was expecting that the those were the Korean groups who cannot come to perform. So everyone was readying their camera, and then the first one shown was a Korean (whoops, forgot the name) government official. Okay, not a Korean group but maybe the next one? Next one is Philippine ambassador to Korea. And so the video was not greetings from Korean group. But there was Andre Kim (oh hai there, Mr. Kim). Although from the video, I was glad to know that there was an Assistant Professor who’s a Filipina teaching at SNU. Woah. XD
Next is performance of a group of young Filipinos (mostly girls with only one boy) performing Korean songs. Though there were some folk dances at the start, they ended up dancing mostly to the tune of SHINee’s songs, SNSD’s songs and one U-Kiss’ song. But before that Avii (a Filipina) together with 5-6 females (her back-up dancers) sang and danced to Nobody. The performances were good and these were able to make the people squeal and sing-along to the songs.
After this was a performance from a Korean boy, 13 years-old Yang Sang Heon. He sang Anak by Freddie Aguilar. His accent was really good that you won’t think that it’s a Korean boy, who has stayed in the Philippines for a year and a half only, singing. But Luis, being so maldito, asked him in malalim na Tagalog if he could understand conversations in Filipino, and he was just like, “What, sorry?” ^.^
Next up is our very own Brownman Revival. They played three songs. And it was enjoying especially Lintik. Also, the lead singer got down from the stage and went near mostly Korean women present. As expected, they were really good especially those who played the instruments.
After the performance, there’s a break before the second part. I went to the restroom with my two new co-fangirls. By the time we went back, we could already here squeals. Video messages from different groups were being shown. I missed some. This time, SNSD was shown and there were loud squeals from fangirls AND fanboys. Why no SuJu?
When the second part started which basically comprises the performances of the three Korean artists, the excitement was so intense already.
Mighty Mouth was first and as expected, they were great. Smile was their first song. MV on the screen was shown which I guess is not that of a good thing because there are many Korean celebrities doing cameo on the MV and the attention of fangirls were there and not to the duo. Most squeals I heard were for Lee Seunggi and 2am. But for the next song, Energy, fangirls are singing the Energy part and the TWO WENT DOWN FROM THE STAGE!!! It was a happy moment, everyone is standing and dancing/singing to the song while recording the memory of that event (be grateful for the two hands we have). During the interview part, Sang Choo (the one with the bigger body) said that Filipinas are no. 1 but I doubt the sincerity. Haha.
After them was Winterplay, Korean Jazz Group. It’s lovely to listen to them while drinking wine (feeling cultured, haha). First song was Billie Jean (yes, by MJ). And as I have again expected, watching live performances on youtube and listening to their songs, they are soooo amazing. Hae-Won’s vocal always calms me together with their music. I was wishing for Songs of Colored Love to be played but Gypsy Girl was also a great song. And they’d be releasing their album here next year!
After Gypsy Girl which was the last performance, everybody clapped so loud. I was really clapping for a great performance from Winterplay but you could feel that the clapping and squealing from most are brought by mixed awe/admiration of Winterplay and excitement that next performance would be of SHINee. Like, “shetshetshet, SHINee na ang sunod. aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!” LOL.
They were introduced first by showing some Ring Ding Dong MV screencaps/clips. And the fangirls’ reaction was: aaaaaaaah! - pause for a second - aaaaaaaaah!!! - pause for a second - aaaaaaaaah!!! - pause for a second. And this was just continuous. As long as there’s a new screencap/clips from MV shown, we screamed and squealed. Pucha, screencaps/clips pa lang ito friends. Haha.
Then it turned dark. And we saw four boys from the right side of the stage going to the center. SUPER SQUEAL. And then lights were on. SUPER SQUEAL. For 30 seconds-1minute that the SHINee boys had to check their earplugs.
And aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Ang gwapooooooooo nilang lahat! Haha. Especially Minho and Onew. Sorry, my bias shows.
First performance: Stand By Me (BOF OST). Minho sang Taemin’s line. ^^ Of course, what could you expect from the Best Rookie/Newcomer of 2008? You can’t expect anything less than that. Onew’s voice cracked up a bit but it was fine because I think he can’t hear himself well because all throughout the songs, fangirls can’t stop squealing. *hugs Onew and raises my umbrella for rotten tomatoes and eggs thrown by other fangirls* Jonghyun was his usual made-of-awesome-vocals and I’m glad he’s back to being healthy. Key is cute and surprisingly, looking at him makes my heart flutters for reasons I can’t fathom. I don’t like like him in SHINee because I can’t beat his being diva. But when I saw him personally, there’s just something about him (long lost brother? lukso ng dugo? haha). And Minho. *wooo, breathe in, breathe out, wooooo* If Key surprisingly made my heart flutter, Minho made the whole world stop. No, it’s not like the scene wherein there’s only me and him in the theater because the squeals of every fan there made it impossible na mag-moment. But seeing him that close and LIVE is just heavenly. And since they are singing a non-dance song, it was nice to take pictures. Haha.
Second Performance: Juliette. Dance song. My battery is already draining and there’s still no break/interview to change it so I decided just to take pictures which was okay for me because it won’t be fun to record them and watch them from the screen camera. ‘Te, live na o. Sayang ang chance. So I enjoyed the Juliette performance and it was flawless except for a member missing. Get well soon, Taemin.
Interview. Changed batteries. But missed the personal talent of Minho and Onew (wails!). But I was able to record Jonghyun’s and Key’s. So happiness. Actually, can’t understand much about what they’re saying because 1) in Korean and 2)too many squeals with some even calling out their favorite’s name.
Third and last performance: Ring Ding Dong. I knew I just had to record this. After Replay, this is the next most loved promoted single for me. I did not like A.M.I.G.O. or Juliette much. But this one just blew me off when I first heard it. Words won’t give any justice so I’ll just upload the video soon.
Some might say they’re not that energetic. This is not in terms of performance because they were freaking amazing but in terms of like waving to the fans and the like. But here’s what I think: 1)Onew’s cracking up might be a big deal to Father SM and he might have some serious butt-slapping when they get back (SM Ent. values perfection way way too much, fudge you Father SM); 2) First time in the Philippines and up to their performance, they can’t get over the fact that they have so many fans already here, who’re even at the airport before midnight just to see them and in front of them are those with SHAWOL shirts; 3) Thus, they were quite embarrassed that they have to give back and not accept fangifts prepared by the fans because of the protocol being followed (and those were many gifts I saw); 4) The language barrier. They can’t even goof around because we might not understand them. Case in point: Onew doing modeling instead of performing/saying something that would show Onew’s condition.
In any case, it’s quarter to 2am. Concert was finished by 8pm. Almost 5 hours passed already but I still can’t get over the fact that I was able to saw my second loved group perform live in my country. Some fangirls cried while they were performing but I kept my composure. Not because I did not feel anything but because I was too excited documenting the event and ogling at them that I did not find the time to be emotional. I also realized tonight that Super Junior will always remain the most-loved and I’ll be forever (if there’s such a thing) obssessed with them because just the mere thought of seeing them perform live like that will make me cry and tear-up.
Thank you, dear God, that I was able to watch this concert.
And yes, I am such a fangirl.