After much anticipation, Filipino fans were finally able to experience the first solo concert of EXO's Byun Baekhyun.
The Philippine stop of 2024 Baekhyun Asia Tour: Lonsdaleite took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on April 13, 2024, and was organized by Wilbros Live.
Read: EXO member Baekhyun, pinipilahan ang concert sa Big Dome
Filipino EXO-Ls showed their love for the K-pop star at the sold-out event.
For those who aren't familiar, EXO's fanbase is known as EXO-L or Eris. In the Philippines, Filipino EXO-Ls are also referred to as PHIXOs.
Read: Filipino fan calls EXO's Chanyeol "Uncle" and his reaction is priceless
Here are the highlights of Baekhyun's MANILA CONCERT:
LONSDALEITE: PERFORMANCES AND FAN INTERACTIONS
As Baekhyun graced the stage, a deafening roar of cheers erupted from the audience and echoed throughout the coliseum.
To reciprocate the energy, the South Korean superstar kicked off the event with a grand opening featuring EXO’s “Diamond,” followed by “Playboy,” showcasing his rap skills with Chanyeol’s iconic lines.
“Kumusta, ako si Baekhyun,” he introduced himself enthusiastically before exclaiming, “Na-miss ko kayo!”
Baekhyun, with the assistance of an interpreter, asked the concert attendees if they missed him.
He said, “Mga Eri ba, did you guys miss me?”
To which his fans quickly responded in unison, “Yes!”
He also pointed out, through the interpreter, “Even before the first stage pa lang, ang lakas ng cheer niyo.
“That just proves how Eri waited for me, right?
“So we started with the first song ‘Diamond,’ kumusta naman yun?
“Di ba sobrang maganda na nag-start EXO song after such a long time?”
Baekhyun also bragged, as translated by the interpreter, “I tried to do the rap part as well.
”Parang ang saya mag-rap.
“Is it okay I don’t sing, mag-rap na lang ako? Yes? No?”
Throughout the event, the idol engaged with PHIXOs in Filipino, saying phrases like ”Philippine Eri, gwapo,” “Mahal kita,” and “Pilipinas kay ganda.”
Beyond delivering hit after hit, including “Amusement Park,” “Cry For Love,” and “Love Again,” the award-winning singer-songwriter delighted fans with performances that showcased his vocal and dance prowess.
Baekhyun effortlessly had the crowd “rolling rolling” with “UN Village,” eliciting screams of “betcha betcha” during “Betcha,” and did not let them down with his colorful and joyous stage of “Candy.”
Other songs in the hitmaker’s setlist were “Stay Up,” “Ice Queen,” “Bungee,” “Bambi,” “Poppin’,” “R U Ridin’?,” and “Paranoia,” among others.
BAEKHYUN'S PROMISE TO EXO-L
The Manila leg of the Lonsdaleite tour delivered two hours of pure bliss, leaving fans yearning for more of Baekhyun’s talent and charm.
Moved by the overwhelming support of his Filipino audience, Baekhyun graciously acknowledged the unwavering dedication of PHIXOs (Philippine EXO-Ls).
In his words, with the help of an interpreter, “Para sa UN Village set ko, actually, I always wear a jacket, but today I just wear a shirt.
“In-expect ko sobrang passionate at mainit ang vibe ng Philippine Eri.”
As the concert neared its end, Baekhyun’s infectious joy and genuine appreciation radiated through his playful jokes.
He quipped, through the interpreter, “Siyempre alam ng mga Eris, di ba, when there’s encore, siyempre lalabas talaga ako sa encore.
“Pero… sana malungkot kayo.
“Meron tayong dalawa pang kanta, sige pa [cry hard].”
In a heartfelt moment, he revealed his intention to come back to the Philippines for a two-day show, promising an even more memorable experience for fans.
As translated by the interpreter, he relayed, “It has actually been almost one year since I last met you guys and I’m super super happy.
“Maraming salamat po for not forgetting me during that time.”
He then shouted, “Salamat po,” before mimicking the EXO-Ls chanting, “Walang uuwi! Walang uuwi! Walang uuwi!”
Baekhyun later expressed his promise to the fans, through the interpreter, saying, “Kung babalik ako next time dito sa Pilipinas, I really wanna do it two days.
“Sobrang malungkot talaga.
“I really wanna have more fun with you guys, pero sobrang malungkot talaga ako.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta at inyong mga cheers para sa akin.”
He also stated, with the help of an interpreter, “I also want to make sure to say sorry for making you guys wait for such a long time.
“Pero moving forward, I will try my best to come even more and to meet you guys even often.”
EXO-L PH'S FAN PROJECT
One of the concert’s standout moments was a touching fan project, where thousands sang along to “Beautiful.”
Upon hearing the song, Baekhyun playfully teased the audience, joking that they were most synchronized during “oh yeah.”
”Oh oh hmm hmm oh yeah oh oh,” he imitated.
Apart from that, the superstar was surprised with a video project featuring heartfelt messages from PHIXOs, who affirmed their enduring love and support.
The introductory message read, “Our hearts swell with pride on your growth as an artist! Seeing you today makes us reminisce on the journey you have been through.
“We first met you as the cute and charming Baekhyun of EXO, who has the power light.
“Then you became (the tallest) member of the sub-unit EXO-CBX, the first sub-unit in EXO.
“Your perseverance made us meet you again for your 3rd debut, and this time, as a SOLO ARTIST.
“On your following debut as an artist, you surprised us as the leader of superM.
“You continued to melt our souls with your OSTs, collaborations, and even in dramas! Let’s not forget you, being Ezreal.
“And today… You are here for your first live solo concert and under your own company, INB100.
“You’ve worked so hard and we are lucky to have journeyed with you and be able to see who you are today.
“We’ve been together for a long time, right? I hope that you will always remember, no matter how far apart we are, many people in different parts of the Philippines love, respect, trust you, and will protect you at all costs!”
Beaming with gratitude, Baekhyun asked the crowd if any of them had participated in the video project, prompting many attendees to raise their hands.
“Nandito pala kayo. Thank you so much. Sikat ka na,” he quipped, as translated by the interpreter.
To officially cap off the Lonsdaleite one-night show in Manila, Baekhyun proudly exclaimed, with the participation of EXO-Ls, “I’ll see you next time again!
“We are (one)! EXO (saranghaja)!”
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