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Waterbomb debuts in Manila with a bang, drenching fans while treating them to a fun shuffling of K-pop hits across generations
MANILA, Philippines – It was one big, wet party!
Waterbomb finally made its first splash on Philippine soil last February 22 and 23 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila — a decade after the music and water festival started out in South Korea.
Waterbomb has become a global sensation since its kickoff, with top K-pop artists like BLACKPINK and aespa, along with soloists from EXO and 2NE1 like Kai and CL, gracing the stages around the world, proving the festival’s legendary status.
Various Korean musicians from girl groups to K-R&B soloists, as well as DJs working alongside popular Hallyu artists, come together during weekends in the summer to bring a wet and wild experience to be enjoyed by all.
Here’s how the two-day festival gave Filipino fans a sea of fun.
Day 1: The first dive
DJs like SM Entertainment’s IMLAY, who has worked on remixes and singles for the entertainment giant’s idols, hyped up the crowd by smartly shuffling through K-pop hits across generations.
Shortly after, soloist Lee Chaeyeon and her backup dancers turn into crowd favorites, with fans’ energy peaking at the time she performed a medley of songs from her former group IZ*ONE.
Korean hip-hop mainstays Dynamicduo prepared smooth jams, including the TikTok-viral “AEAO” and “Smoke” for a more laid-back but enjoyable set.
STAYC also stunned Filipino fans with their striking visuals and bubblegum pop setlist, performing their hits “RUN2U” and “ASAP” while engaging in water cannon fights with the audience.
Later into the night, soloists like Baekho, Kwon Eunbi, and Hwasa brought some much-needed heat amidst the cold wind at the venue through their alluring and bold performances.
Closing the festival first day was EXO’s Chanyeol, who’s been dubbed as the “Poging Pambansang Kapitbahay” due to the frequency of his visits to the Philippines.
Day 2: A second shower
Waterbomb’s second and final day had highly familiar names among K-pop fans as well. Groups like VIVIZ and Oh My Girl drenched the audience with the water cannons on stage while performing their summer bops in style.
Male soloists GRAY and Kang Daniel also turned into fan favorites for their chill jams — while flashing their Waterbomb-ready bodies.
A Waterbomb day is not complete without DJ sets that get crowds raving. Korea’s famed DJs like Mar Vista and 2SPADE, who come from SM Entertainment’s subsidiary EDM label ScreaM Records, delivered remixes of popular K-pop and Western music to get the crowds dancing.
Hyolyn, a female soloist and member of second-generation girl group SISTAR, was sizzling in her vocal powerhouse set, bringing energy to an all-time high when she performed her group’s hits “Ma Boy,” “Touch My Body,” and “Shake It.”
Then there’s also GOT7’s Bambam covering Lola Amour’s “Raining in Manila” on top of his solo songs, as well as a short cover of GOT7’s “Hard Carry.”
To close off the festival, Korean-American rapper Jessi made her first public appearance after a personal hiatus. Her setlist included “ZOOM” and “NUNU NANA,” and she raised the fans’ spirits further by calling the Philippines her “third home.”
Floods of warmth and support
Hosting the Philippines’ first Waterbomb at Quirino Grandstand allowed concert-goers to freely move around the area. Although each day lasted for roughly eight hours, it was easy for the audience to pick and choose when to rave or when to take a quick rest, whether by sitting on the artificial grass or going around the food concessionaires and sponsor booths at the festival grounds.
This sense of comfort was extra appreciated, especially for those who needed time to dry up and cool off after being drenched by water cannons.
Despite how cold the night got, the heat of Filipino fans’ love was able to warm everyone up. Between consistent cheers, the crowd overcame the language barrier, too, whenever the Korean artists address the fans.
While some joined the festival as casual listeners or non-fans of some artists, it’s clear that many left each set with a newfound sense of admiration for the performers.
It may have been the first time Filipino fans soaked in Waterbomb’s wet and wild wonderland, but hopefully, this won’t be the last time we’re able to take the plunge. – Rappler.com
Content shared from www.rappler.com.