Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
After seven years, K-pop boy band BTOB returned to the Philippines for a one-night event that made fans very happy and nostalgic.
BTOB’s Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub, Hyunsik and Peniel held the “2024 BTOB Fan-Con Our Dream” on April 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The fan-con (fan meeting and concert) showcased the group’s enthralling voices, a game and the members reading requests and messages from the audience.
K-pop boy band BTOB at their “Fan-Con Our Dream” in Manila on April 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Photos: Kris Rocha, BTOB Company)
BTOB opened the show with “The Song,” a track from their third studio album “Be Together” released in 2022, and the members were greeted with loud screams and cheers from Filipino Melodies [fans].
“Long time, no see,” said Changsub.
Hyunsik said, “Pilipinas Melody, kay ganda (Philippine Melodies, you are beautiful).”
“Sobra, sobra, sobra, sobra na-miss ko kayo (I missed you so much),” said Eunkwang.
“I missed you so much. Ang ganda nyo pa rin (You are still beautiful),” said Minhyuk.
BTOB in Manila (X)
Manila was the first stop of BTOB’s fan-con after launching the show in Seoul last March 22 to 24.
It was in July 2017 when BTOB performed at a music festival in Manila held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. And this time, too, BTOB held the fan-con at the same venue.
“It’s been such a long time so I feel really nervous,” said Hyunsik while Changsub said, “It’s been seven years since we visited the Philippines.”
Amid the cheers when they performed “Pray (I’ll Be Your Man),” Minhyuk said, “Actually, this is getting unexpected love from Melodies. I feel so happy while performing on stage.”
After their performance, BTOB played the “99-Second Relay Game” where they needed to complete five missions in 99 seconds.
During the show, BTOB also performed “Higher,” “It’s Okay,” “Day & Night,” “Wind & Wish,” “Remember That,” “Beautiful Pain,” “Only One For Me” and “Missing You.”
Press conference
Before the show, BTOB met Philippine media for a press conference about the show and their return to the Philippines.
BTOB debuted in March 2012 and celebrated their 12th anniversary in March. They have been together for so long and Eunkwang said this is because of their fans.
“These are not just words. I’m saying this deep from my heart, it’s all because of you, Melodies. Sobrang mahal ko kayo (I love you so much),” he said.
About any preparations before they go on stage to perform, Hyunsik said, ““We make sure to eat before going on stage.”
On Filipino food, Peniel said he wants to try chicken or pork adobo. In addition, he said, “I haven’t had it yet but I wanted to try halo-halo but we just had it in the waiting room. It’s very coconutty.”
BTOB holding a press conference before their show in the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 7 (Jonathan Hicap)
Members of BTOB have visited the Philippines for vacation.
Hyunsik’s hobby is scuba diving and said, “I have gone to different beaches in the Philippines a lot of times already. Every time I go there, I meet Filipino melodies.” Among the places he has visited were Apo Island, Cebu, Bohol and Mindoro.
In February, Minhyuk was in Manila and posted photos on his Instagram account.
About their return to the Philippines, Changsub said, “It’s been a long time since we performed in the Philippines as a group. Thank you for waiting for our performance and for supporting BTOB. I only have gratitude for Philippine Melodies.”
About any dream they still want to achieve in the next few years, Minhyuk said, “It’s been 12 years since we debuted but we did not debut for the 12 years. Twelve years is a long time but 12 is just a number that is passing. We would want to have a dream of singing together for more and more years to come with Melodies.”
BTOB’s Eunkwang (Jonathan Hicap)
BTOB’s Minhyuk (Jonathan Hicap)
BTOB’s Changsub (Jonathan Hicap)
BTOB’s Peniel (Jonathan Hicap)
BTOB’s Hyunsik (Jonathan Hicap)
Thankful
In the “From Melody” segment, BTOB read fans’ messages and requests.
“Thank you for coming back to Manila. We waited for so long and finally, you are here now,” according to a message read by Changsub.
Another message read, “BTOB, thank you for being a big reason why I’m still moving forward.”
As they were about to take a photo with the audience, a Philippine fan video was shown.
A large banner was also unfurled with the message “Today too, thank you BTOB. Today too, I love you BTOB.”
Before performing their last songs, BTOB members thanked the audience for coming to the show.
“We will try to come sooner than another seven-year term. Hopefully a lot sooner. Thank you for coming. Thank you for waiting,” said Peniel.
Chansub said, “It’s been seven since we met together. Next time we will try our best to come back in less than seven years. The video you prepared was really heartwarming. My heart was touched every time you sang along with us. I really wish that we will meet again as soon as possible.”
“I’m really, really sorry for making you guys wait for a long time. I was actually very worried. I really didn’t expect you guys to come like these many Melodies tonight. Thank you very much. And after watching the video that you prepared, I thought that I would have to give back the love that I’ve received and I’m really, really grateful,” said Hyunsik.
Minyuk said, “I just want to say, sobrang salamat po (thank you very much). I was really, really happy today. You guys always give me happiness.”
“We really wanted to come to the Philippines and I’m really happy that we are here. Don’t forget today. I will never forget today’s memory,” said Eunkwang.
For the encore, they performed “Blowin’ Up” and “Finale: Our Concert.” As they bowed to the audience, Eunkwang said, “Sobrang salamat po (Thank you very much). See you again, Philippines.”
On Instagram, Eunkwang posted, “My love, Philippine Melody💙!!!!Thank you so much for giving me this dream-like time as a present🍀 I‘ll never forget all our moments together today💕 I‘ll come see you again as soon as possible!👍Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you💙 MAHAL KO KA YO MELODY.”
The “2024 BTOB Fan-Con Our Dream” in Manila was presented by Ovation Productions.
— Jonathan Hicap
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
