[PHILIPPINES] iKON Hosts a Fun Rave Party for iKONICs at ‘TAKE OFF’ in Manila

Three words to summarize iKON’s Take Off World Tour in Manila: big, bold, and boisterous.

It is the group’s third visit to the Philippines since 2018, and members Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan are no strangers to the high and thunderous energy of their Filipino fans.

As soon as the lights dimmed, thousands of Konbats filled the Araneta Coliseum last August 5, 2023. The screams grew louder asthe group performed their opening set — Tantara, Sinosijak, and At Ease — with an equally powerful live band. After a short intermission, iKON returned on stage with a string of hits such as Killing Me, Rhythm Ta, Bling Bling, Love Scenario,and U, the latter included in their latest full-length album, Take Off.

Evidently, the group and iKONICs were missing Jay (the group lovingly refers to him by his real name Jinhwan), who earlier this year was enlisted into the military. However, being the self-proclaimed “Prince of the Philippines”, the members never fail to wittingly insert him in their talk segments. As Jay used to study in the Philippines, he taught the members a few “useful” Filipino phrases: “Sakit akong tiyan. (My stomach hurts.)” and “Sakit akong ulo. (My head hurts.)” Wanting to capture the “prince” title, Chan and Bobby showcased their upgraded Filipino skills with matching fan service:

“Philippine Manila iKONIC, ikaw lang ang nasa puso ko. (Philippine Manila iKONIC, you’re the only one in my heart).”

Chan

“Hello, maganda! Gusto niyo mag-inom mamaya? Mahal kita. (Hello, beautiful! Do you want to have a drink later? I love you).”

Bobby

Moving on to the solo stages, each of the members showcased their unique charisma and performances. DK turned the heat up with the sultry Kiss Me; Bobby was spitting verses with Heartbroken Playboy; Song brought laughter with his trot performance of Fighting; and Ju-ne serenaded the crowd with sweet acoustic performances of Want You Backand Deep Night, which Bobby joined later. Chan remained to be the only member without a solo stage, which led DK to tease him to do his own version of Kiss Me. Chan complied, much to the enjoyment of the fans, and then everyone followed suit, rousing screams and laughter from both the members and the fans. Chan said that if he were to do a solo stage, it most likely won’t be a ballad. He will really prepare for it, so we now have more reasons to go to their next concert!

Other than their loud and fun side, the boys also bared their sentimentality with acoustic renditions of Like a Movie and Goodbye Road. But of course, with iKON, it’s always a party. Everyone got up on their feet with their heart-thumping closing set What’s Wrong, Dumb & Dumber, B-day, and Freedom.

iKON’s concert was a party, and the coliseum was their dance floor. DK even shared that because they saw that the Philippines is the country where everyone was happy and partying, they extended their encore for another good 30 minutes!

Big, bold, and boisterous — iKON Take Off World Tour in Manila put a spotlight on the group’s unstoppable energy and overflowing charisma, which won the hearts of fans all over the world, including the Philippines.

As Ju-ne promised, they will be back as six. Until then, iKON can be assured that Filipino iKONICs will be with them forever.

The Seoul Story would like to thank PULP Live World for inviting us to the show! We hope to see iKON in Manila again soon. 😊

Check out more photos from the concert here.

Written by : Cheska
Photos by : Shenny

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