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#FangirlGigs: NCT 127 ‘rolls up to the party’ in their first solo concert in Manila

By Hannah Mallorca Published Sep 07, 2022 10:03 am Updated Sep 07, 2022 4:28 pm

NCT 127 coming to the Philippines for a solo concert was already a dream come true. Months before their show was announced, rumors of a group known as the “pride” of SM Entertainment were swirling among Pinoy NCTzens or “Filozens”—hoping that they would finally meet Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan in the flesh. 

And the rest is history. Almost three hours of Pearl Neo Champagne lightsticks, passionate fans, and heartwarming moments prove why Manila—in Jaehyun’s words—is “sweet as vanilla.”

NCT 127 greets their Filipino fans. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127 hypes up their fans in a string of performances. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127 heats up the stage with a performance of "Kick It." PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan of NCT 127 make a dramatic entrance at the Mall of Asia Arena. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127 turns up the concert with "Simon Says." PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127 greets their Filipino fans. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127 hypes up their fans in a string of performances. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127 heats up the stage with a performance of "Kick It." PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan of NCT 127 make a dramatic entrance at the Mall of Asia Arena. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127 turns up the concert with "Simon Says." PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

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From NCT 127’s songs blasting in the mall to fans giving out freebies at the Mall of Asia Arena, the excitement was hard to contain. Entering the concert venue was an exhilarating moment since our voices were drowned out by the passionate screams of fans. They were so loud that it was hard to hear the background music being played.

But as soon as the first few bars of the group’s mythical intro blared through the arena, fans erupted into an uncontrolled frenzy until the members were finally revealed. NCT 127 is real.

Of course, the first three songs were undisputed fan favorites. The familiar “puku puku paw paw” of Kick It, the fast-paced sensuality of Lemonade, and the easy-to-listen Simon Says were a hit with the audience. However, it wasn’t until the members’ solo and unit performances that proved why NCT 127 is a group of vocalists and God-tier performers. 

Taeyong going shirtless during Moonlight was mind-blowing. The voices of Taeil, Doyoung, and Haechan (along with his smooth moves) were breathtakingly beautiful. Johnny sensually rolling his hips was a sight I couldn’t seem to look away from. 

On the other hand, it’s hard to not feel kilig over Jaehyun smiling before performing his heartbreaking ballad Lost, Yuta’s dramatic number, Mark rapping “Manila just wait, sexy,” and Jungwoo proving why he’s the member who embodies the concept of duality.

But no one is as loved as NCT 127 themselves. This was their first solo concert in the Philippines after all. So, there was a huge pressure on local fans to give a memorable show. But seeing their bright smiles—even chanting along with fans as they cheered for all of the members—was more than enough. 

As one of the subunits of NCT, the NCT 127 brand is marketed as the “representatives of Seoul.” This explains why their concepts, music videos, and discography through the years are futuristic and unique. 

NCT 127's Yuta and Mark hams it up for the audience. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

Haechan performs in front of his Filipino fans with a smile. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

NCT 127's Yuta and Mark hams it up for the audience. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

Haechan performs in front of his Filipino fans with a smile. PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

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To add, the group is known for putting out breathtaking performances in music shows, festivals, and concerts. Almost to the point of the members being mythical. But there’s something about the Manila concert that felt so human as the members finally let themselves go. 

“While singing [Lost], I heard beautiful voices coming through my in-ears during the chorus. I felt touched while singing so thank you,” Jaehyun said. 

Even Johnny was speechless at how passionate the fans were during the show. 

“Dang, Manila! Seriously, why didn’t we have a concert in the Philippines sooner? When the members and I head home to Korea, we’re going to be thinking about your passionate screams. That’s how amazing you guys were tonight,” Johnny said. 

The concert soon came to a close with Promise You as the members warmly greeted their fans. They even took the time to throw signed balls and pick up small trinkets from the audience.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t scream and sing my heart out. As someone who discovered NCT 127 at a tough time in my life, seeing them was an emotional moment. The switch from excited writer, crazed fangirl, to tearful 20-year-old was such an experience that I don’t mind rewinding for a long time. It’s impossible to be noticed by the members but their constant social media updates and big smiles were more than enough. 

As soon as the concert ended, Khate Maniti admitted that she was “super tulala” when she saw NCT 127 in person. A fan since pre-debut, the concert made her fall in love with the group more.

“Grabe talaga ‘yung versatility and talents nila but it’s not just that. Their songs make you feel warm, happy, and almost as if you’re home,” Kate added.

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

PHOTO: Miguel De Guzman/The Philippine STAR

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Meanwhile, Kai Botoc, a Filozen since debut, told PhilSTAR L!fe that she’s still in a blissful shock after seeing the group in person.

“Hindi ko ma-explain [ang nararamdaman ko] kasi sobrang pagod and sobrang saya. It was all worth it,” she said. “I had mixed feelings when I found out they were visiting the PH kasi what if hindi ako makakuha ng ticket? What if hindi complete ang members kasi gan’un ang nangyari n’ung previous legs? But thankfully, nakakuha ako ng ticket, nakanood kami, and complete sila,” Botoc said. 

It’s common knowledge that there’s nothing more important to a K-pop group than its fans. But there’s something about NCT 127’s Manila concert that feels so heartwarmingly wholesome—you just know that they will come back for more.