[PHILIPPINES] Chen’s ‘Beyond the Door’ in Manila: A Night of Love, Gratitude, and Unforgettable Memories

As the final stop of the “2024 Chen Fan-Con Tour: Beyond The Door”, the Manila stop was truly an emotional and memorable evening for Chen and his Filipino soondingies. The night was filled with laughter, love, and heartfelt moments as the EXO member expressed his gratitude and affection for his fans, delivering an unforgettable experience. Here’s a recap of that magical night last November 23, 2024 at the New Frontier Theater.

The Last Stop: A Bittersweet Goodbye

Despite it being the last stop of his tour, Chen’s words resonated deeply with fans as he shared, “This is the last stop for the tour. But I don’t want to say the word ‘goodbye’ because it feels like we won’t see each other again.” His sentiment echoed in the hearts of the audience, many of whom had travelled from all corners of the Philippines to be there for this special moment. Chen continued, “Even if this is the last stop, I hope we enjoy it so we don’t have any regrets.” The night became not just a fan meeting, but a celebration of everything the fans had shared with him throughout the tour.

Chen’s “Rules” for the Night

Chen, being the playful and caring person he is, set some fun “rules” for the fan meeting. They were simple but filled with affection:

1. I didn’t need to mention this—Cheer!
2. Sing as much as you want, don’t mind other people.
3. Don’t look at anyone else but me.

These lighthearted rules set the tone for the night, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Fans were encouraged to express themselves fully, to be as loud and energetic as they wanted, without worrying about anything else.

The Title Song “Door” – Opening New Worlds

Chen introduced the title song of his tour, “Door,” as a song that symbolizes the journey of the world he had created together with his fans. The song marked the opening of a shared space, a world where Chen and his fans could come together in celebration. It was a fitting anthem for the evening, as the venue felt like a doorway to something beautiful and eternal.

A Fun and Hilarious “Chen-llenge”

Chen’s playful side came out during a fun game with his fans, dubbed “Chen-llenge.” The audience eagerly joined in as Chen tried to answer some lighthearted trivia questions, with the answers often hilariously wrong. At one point, after failing to answer a question, Chen asked the crowd, “Do you want me to succeed?” and the crowd cheerfully shouted, “No!” The playful interaction added a personal touch to the evening, showing just how much Chen enjoys engaging with his fans in a light, fun way. The crowd continued to laugh and cheer as Chen donned various costumes for each wrong answer, including a fairy costume and a squirrel costume, which brought even more fun to the evening.

Reflecting on Love and Gratitude

As the night progressed, Chen took a moment to reflect on the importance of the fan meeting and how much he truly appreciated the love and support of his fans. “I really want to make this fan-con for you, but you made it for me, so I’m really thankful,” he said, visibly moved by the overwhelming energy from the crowd. It was clear how much he cherished this connection, as he spoke about how much his fans meant to him. “You guys are really my sunrise, and of course, my stars,” he added. The words resonated deeply, as the fans reciprocated the love and admiration they have for him. Chen also expressed deep gratitude for the memories made throughout the tour, saying, “I’m really happy to remember all the memories from this tour. I really want to come back and show better performances.” He promised the crowd that he would return, further solidifying the bond between him and his fans.

The Power of Fan Support

One of the most touching moments of the night came when Chen expressed his appreciation for the love he receives, both on and off stage. He shared a moving experience he had in Manila, saying, “I came here in Manila last night, and it was really dark in the sky. I opened the [plane] windows and I saw many stars. It was the brightest. Seeing that scenery, reminded me of you guys first.”

For Chen, his fans are not just people cheering from the audience; they are the light that guides and inspires him. “I’m not a person who lights up here on stage, but a person who receives the light from you,” he shared. This deep sense of gratitude and connection made the evening feel even more special, as fans felt like a vital part of the journey.

The Final Moments

As the fan meeting drew to a close, fans couldn’t help but feel bittersweet knowing this was the last stop of the tour. But as Chen promised, “There would be a more special opportunity when we meet again next time.” The promise of future reunions, coupled with the warmth and love shared that evening, left everyone in high spirits. Before leaving, Chen shared a heartfelt message: “I promise here in Manila, and all those cities that I’ve visited, I will come back.” Fans cheered in response, already looking forward to the next time they would have the chance to see their beloved Chen.

As a final gesture, fans were treated to a photo op where they could capture the memory of the evening. Chen’s thoughtful words, infectious laughter, and the connection he shared with his fans made this fan meeting a truly unforgettable experience. For everyone who attended, this tour’s last stop was not just a goodbye—it was the beginning of new memories, deeper connections, and the hope of seeing Chen again. The fans, as he said, are his sunrise and his stars, and they will continue to shine bright, waiting for the next time their beloved artist opens the door to a new world.

The Seoul Story would like to thank Wilbros Live for the media invite.

Written by: Zee

Photos from Wilbros Live