Taeyang’s Manila stop on his [THE LIGHT YEAR] tour was a roller coaster of emotions for all Filipino VIPs. There was excitement, nostalgia, and gratitude, among others. It was thrilling to see fans carrying their yellow crown light sticks as they walked toward the Mall of Asia Arena on Feb. 22. It had been a while since VIPs had seen Taeyang. He last visited Manila for his solo show in 2017 (and the last BIGBANG concert in Manila was in 2015).

Taeyang’s recent concert was also the final leg of his [THE LIGHT YEAR] tour. So we braced ourselves for an incredible night, knowing that his undeniable talent, stage presence, and smooth, soulful voice would take center stage.

Visuals of the sun provided the perfect background as the Korean superstar emerged from a raised platform. He performed “Prayer,” accompanied by a live band while dancers appeared on the main stage.

Taeyang greeted the Manila crowd and said, “I miss you so much … After all those years, thank you for having me once again. It’s great to see you.” Fans, who eagerly awaited his return, waved their light sticks and continued to cheer loudly.

“Throughout this tour, I wanted to show the songs that you missed and the songs that I didn’t have the chance to show on the stage in the past.” Taeyang performed a total of 26 songs during his Manila stop. Songs were shortened, but every song felt deliberate. Looking back, it genuinely felt like a thank-you or a love letter to all VIPs.

That was just the start of an energetic and exciting two-hour set, which highlighted Taeyang’s impressive vocals while executing commanding choreography, as well as his ease in communicating with VIPs.

The set included some of his hits like “Stay with Me,” “Only Look at Me,” (a different arrangement of) “Wedding Dress,” and “Where U At.” Taeyang also performed two medleys of BIGBANG songs. The first medley consisted of slower songs: “Blue,” “If You,” and “Loser.” Aside from Taeyang’s solos and BIGBANG’s singles, he also sang beloved collabs like “Vibe,” “I Need a Girl,” and “Shoong!”

Taeyang prepared a surprise for all his Filipino fans. He sang TJ Monterde’s “Palagi,” which delighted the crowd so much that they chanted, “Isa pa!” Taeyang obliged and also said, “Manila, I love you palagi.”

While on the B stage, he played the keyboard and sang “A Fool of Tears,” a throwback from their 2006 debut album. The second BIGBANG medley was next in the set. It had me out of breath after dancing, singing, and jumping along with the crowd as Taeyang performed three fun and high-octane hits: “Bang Bang Bang,” “Fantastic Baby,” and “We Like 2 Party.” I realized that no matter the year, BIGBANG songs will always bring up intense feelings for VIPs.

Taeyang also reflected on the conclusion of his [THE LIGHT YEAR] tour. “I’ve performed in 12 different cities … I can’t believe that the tour is already done. When I got on the plane to Manila, I was kinda sad and emotional. Every single person’s joy and excitement from every city just passed through my head … I can see your faces and all your emotions from here.”

It’s not a Taeyang show without “Mianhe mianhe hajima” (also known as “Eyes, Nose, Lips”), right? The Filipino crowd rose to the challenge and, as always, sang their hearts out. Taeyang’s smile lit up the arena when he heard how beautiful the crowd was.

The encore consisted of four songs: “Superstar,” “Body,” “Nightfall,” and “Seed.” In between songs, Taeyang thanked each member of his band and dancers, as well as the tour staff. He addressed them in Korean and expressed his gratitude.

Taeyang also showed his appreciation to his Filipino fans, saying that he felt lucky. “Your love and support are the reasons why I continue to make music. It means a lot to me. Tonight will live forever in my heart. Thank you, Manila, for an amazing night. Salamat po. I hope it was special for you, too.”

Taeyang promised to come back soon, and he can count on Filipino VIPs to always, always wait for him. Until whenever.

As the confetti rained down on the stage and crowd, Taeyang waved goodbye to the VIPs. He walked up the stairs to the elevated platform, took his final glimpse of the arena, and bowed on his knees. It made VIPs feel like VIPs, and the gesture and the show’s intensity moved some fans to tears (including this writer!). When I said it was an emotional show, I meant it. Taeyang showed us why he continues to shine brightly as a solo artist and that BIGBANG is still considered one of the most influential K-pop acts globally.

I know Filipino VIPs will carefully store their light sticks for now as they wait for another comeback and tour, ready to show their unwavering support once again.

TAEYANG 2025 TOUR [THE LIGHT YEAR] IN MANILA was presented by Karpos Multimedia.

Words by Ava S.
Photos by Ber Garcia, with special thanks to Karpos Multimedia