Big Bang MADE to Party in Manila!

We Like 2 Party. That’s the title of one of the most recent releases of Big Bang, and they proved the truth of that line. Granted, all VIPs (that’s what Big Bang fans are called) are already aware of what a powerhouse these five (or even separately as solo artists) are, but it feels soooo good to personally witness it unfold in front of our eyes. This whole 2+ hours’ concert was one epic party.

I thoroughly enjoyed their first concert in the Philippines back in 2012, during their ALIVE World Tour. But, hands down, this concert – the BIG BANG 2015 World Tour [MADE] In Manila – totally eclipsed that one.

July 30, 2015 marked the second time that Big Bang visited Manila for a one-night-only concert, for the Philippine leg of their MADE World Tour. It was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the same venue for their ALIVE concert.

Through a “misreading” on my part, I was a day late in securing a concert ticket. I thought SM Tickets will start selling them on May 31, so that’s the only time I logged in to purchase mine. It turns out selling already began the day before, on May 30, so the better seats were already taken. I had to settle, haha! But I still loved my seat, and the setup of MOA Arena was that the seats on the boxes were at a steep angle, so the view of li’l ol’ me wasn’t blocked.

YG Entertainment had been releasing songs of Big Bang from the MADE album in series, and us fans have been loving each release so far. And those MVs (music videos)! Can’t get enough of them! I looked forward to hearing and seeing these songs performed live, but I was also hoping to hear those that I have come to refer to as BB “classics”, and the older songs that reeled me into the VIP haven.

I was not disappointed.

Anticipation was high before the concert started. The screen continuously played music videos of Big Bang, further fueling the excitement.

The clock struck 8:25, and the boys came out onstage.

Pandemonium ensued. The good kind. The great kind.

THE BEST KIND.

The concert had a “one wild night of partying” theme going on, with video footages of the five members having a private party, complete with a pool, scantily clad ladies, booze, and heaven-knows-what-else. It’s a party, and it’s going to be wild.

Clearly, no wholesome cutesy innocent themes here. YG and I approve. (LOLZ)

Right off the bat, they started the ball rolling with “BANG BANG BANG”. This was quickly followed in succession by “Tonight” and “Stupid Liar”, which I was psyched about because, clearly, they will be playing songs from their earlier albums. (I do not really make a habit of checking concert set lists prior to concerts. You see, I prefer to be surprised. You know, feel the thrill when you hear the first strains of the next song instead of going, “Oh, the next song will be this, and that….”)

The stage was shaped in a square, with ramps on both sides, the main stage on one end, and the forward stage on another. The two ramps on the sides will then move to the center to be another stage, with the people on the VIP mosh pit below it.

Their introduction MC was quite funny. TOP made a blunder and went “HELLO, SINGAPORE!!! Oh, Manila, Philippines, sorry!!!” This also happened with Yonghwa during their concert at Araneta, when he was crooning a serenade and went “Singapore” as well.

And yes, their English has definitely improved. Taeyang still takes the lead, maybe he’s the most fearless, even when he makes mistakes. G-Dragon let his members step forward, and did more talking in the latter half of the concert, in impressive English as well. TOP… well, he didn’t really speak all that much, except for the requisite greetings.

Seungri… the maknae (youngest) was his usual playful self, his “Super Super Awesome!” playful self.

And Daesung? Ahhhh~ Dae, Dae, Dae…. you are one adorable bunny, you.

The moment stools appeared and they sat down, I knew we’re in for an acoustic version of “Haru Haru” which, by the way, was the music video that got me first hooked to BB.

Haru Haru was followed by “Loser” which, so far, is my favorite from their recent releases.

There were notable set pieces used during the concert. One was this circular set up that revolves, with the boys inside, and pillar-like reflective structures. It made for cool silhouettes, methinks.

And then came one of the funniest parts (at least, for me), and it features the adorable and funny Kang Daesung.

See, there’s this running joke that he has become handsome when he grew out his hair, especially the fringe, to a length that fully covers his eyes. So that’s how he styled his hair.

Daesung (breaks out in Filipino): Manila~!! Nakikita nyo ba ako!? (Can you see me!?)

Audience: OO! (YES!)

Daesung: I CAN’T SEE YOU!!!

I was laughing so hard at this point.

Daesung: And because I can’t see you, you have to let me hear you!

Screaming all around.

Daesung: Do you want to see my big, big eyes????

Audience: YES!

Then he whips his head around, flipping his fringe, and opening his eyes wide. Not that it worked.

But note GD’s smile at Daesung’s antics. Clearly, we’re not the only ones who adore Dae.

There weren’t really long breaks in between sets. Maybe just 3 minutes, tops, which passed by so quickly since they showed snippets of stuff going on at that pool party I told you about earlier. They had only a few costume changes, although I must say, on the part of GD, it wasn’t really much of costume changes, since he mostly just changed his top and stuck to the baby-pink pants with black stripe.

Here’s another set piece. And a ruffly blue top for GD that reminded me of “Interview with the Vampire”.

It’s not all group performances, since they also got to have solo spots, with Sengri doing a medley of his two singles. In the later part, GD joined him, and then Taeyang. This made for some bromance-fan-service moments.

Of course, Daesung had to perform Wings. Again, he delivers on vocals. And that fun trot vibe! Complete with some booty-shakin’.

After Taeyang’s solo (Uhm, he didn’t take his shirt off. I’m pretty sure many were disappointed. Not me. I was rooting for Daesung to do the honors. Oops.), he did “Good Boy” with his buddy GD, who came out looking all pink!

Daesung had another turn at the drums (it’s confirmed. Drummers with a long fringe – yes, Kang Minhyuk, you too – look like they have more fun!) and “Sober” followed.

Another piece using the statue of an angel.

Here’s when everyone thought Daesung would give in to the others’ (Seungri, mostly) ribbing that he take his shirt off and show his spectacular upper body. He just did some embarrassed and teasing hip shakin’ and “flirted” with TOP.

And, being the dork that he is, he did that small heart thing with his thumb and index finger. That’s not gonna fly if you do that here, though, haha! Only in Korea, I suppose?

Speaking of TOP, he brought his brand of fashion with him. Pastel, loud prints… how loud, you ask? Color-blocking was still in with him, it seems.

G-Dragon was, and still is, my favorite member of Big Bang. Like a little brother that I want to have. It always amazes me when I think of how much he has achieved at such a young age. In fact, I often forget that he is only 26 years old.

Seeing his quiet yet commanding presence in this concert, it was easy to understand why he is the leader of Big Bang. He knows when to step back and let others shine, he knows when to take command and move things forward, and he knows how to control the fans. I cannot help but smile at how, with a slight nod and by lifting a finger, the audience would hush.

In the previous concert, he was a bit reserved, sticking close to the sidelines. I’m so glad that this time he was more active, playful, even.

GD talked about the upcoming album, and the release of another song next week. He even relented to shouts of “Sample!” and rapped a verse of the upcoming song, with Seungri providing the beatbox. From the short verse we heard so far, it sounds like another all-kill song.

Here is Seungri doing his own version of “Gwiyomi” (or “Kiyomi”). And below is TOP’s reaction while watching him do it.

Many suspected Sandara to be present. We guessed right. With Vice Ganda in tow. I overheard the two ladies seated behind me actually having a “what if” conversation, about Big Bang guesting on Vice Ganda’s late night show. Oh, dear, I’d love to see how TOP handles (or not) Vice Ganda…. and how Daesung will make things crazier. I think GD’s going to be sitting there, though, all “you guys go ahead, I’ll just sit here and stay cool and elegant~”.

All in all, it was a GREAT SHOW. BB brought their trademark components with them: their energy, their charisma, strong stage presence, and dorkery. Oh, and the dancers from YG.

At the end of the day, your love for what you are doing shows in the output that you give out. Watching Big Bang on stage was like watching 5 guys thoroughly loving and enjoying what they do. They are having their own party up there, and they were generous to let us join them (granted, many paid large sums of money, but hey, partying is not really free, is it?)

BB promised to be back soon. And so do we. 🙂

Now, time to wait for the release of the album~ *twiddles thumbs*

Here’s another GD-centric batch of photos, just because biases deserve it.