It’s your best boy double B! BamBam returns to the Philippines to debut his solo concert, and PH AHGASEs are in it for a treat!
GOT7 member BamBam kickstarted his solo concert in Manila, “2023-2024 BamBam THE FIRST WORLD TOUR: Area 52,” at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, September 22.
In partnership with ABYSS and iMe Philippines, BamBam’s tour announcement was first posted on X last July 26. Fans were quick to get excited as D-Day approached because of the inclusions the tickets have, one of the highlights—a hi-touch perk to all who attended the show.
AHGASEs (GOT7 fans) were spotted early on site of the big dome as they patiently waited for the gates to open. The weather was a challenge for everyone as rain started drizzling and fog filled the air, but it was not an excuse for the excited fans not to see the show.
The trip to Area 52 opened with “Broken” and “Lemonade” performances by K-pop girl group DreamNote. It did not take long as BamBam welcomed the crowd with an energetic live show of his song “Satellite,” which was followed by “Wheel’s Up“, “Pandora,” “Sour and Sweet,” “Ride or Die,” and “Let’s Dance.”
A soulful performance for “Who Are You (ft. SEULGI of Red Velvet)” was also performed in transition to his mellow songs “Take it Easy “and “Ghost “.
Also Read: BAMBAM Reunites With Filipino Ahgase, Talks About Going Solo, What His World Tour Means, And More
Sandara Park and BamBam in Manila
The show would not be complete without the special participation of the ‘Pambansang krung-krung’, 2NE1’s Sandara Park. Blackjacks (2NE1’s fandom) and DARAlings (Sandara’s fans) were also in it to party for the night. Dara wowed the crowd with her timeless grace as she performed “I am the Best,” “DARA DARA,” and “Festival.”
Kapag naabutan mo to noon dapat may anak kana! AY— HAHAHAHAHAHA
— POP Journal (@abcpopjournal) September 22, 2023
DARA In or Out 2023 version ft. BAMBAM 🫶🏻
Presented by: @ImePhilippines@BamBam1A #뱀뱀 #BamBam #AREA52 #BamBam_TOUR_AREA52#BamBamAREA52inManila #RoadToAREA52_MANILA @krungy21 pic.twitter.com/oiLx3PxYKG
The duo ultimately took the show on a different level as they danced to SB19’s “Gento” and Sandara’s “In or Out,” performed for the first time in 20 years.
The concert finishes with the encore of “riBBon” and GOT7’s “Hard Carry,” to which BamBam shared his love for his members.
“This song [Hard Carry] everywhere I go, I have to bring my team (GOT7). So if you guys know this song, please sing along,” BamBam says.
BamBam’s charm is unmatched as he effortlessly captures every PH AHGASE’s heart as he dances and serenades the crowd to OPM hits “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amor and “Ngiti” by Ronnie Liang.
The concert wraps up with the hi-touch event and a backstage photo opportunity with BamBam, with not 10 but 15 lucky winners he picked through a raffle draw during the show.
Double B can indeed be reigned as the “king of fan service” now, as he released on X his recording of “Raining in Manila (BamBam’s version)” and also held a press conference and fan signing the day before the event at the Quantum Gateway Mall 2.
This event is presented by ABYSS and iMe Philippines.
Coverage: Bea Rollo
Photos: Charie Navarro
