Photos by Seth Valenzuela
Written by Ava Sharra Sumortin
After the postponement of the Super Junior World Tour – Super Show 9: Road in Manila in August, the K-pop group came back to keep their promise. All roads led to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on December 17 and 18 for the rescheduled Manila leg of their Super Show 9 tour, which was also the first time for Super Junior to have a two-day concert in the Philippines.
“We kept our promise, right? But for me, I think, you kept a promise for us,” Shindong said. “I’m really thankful that we were able to meet each other before the year ends,” Eunhyuk added. Leeteuk said that the fans kept their tickets like lottery tickets since August. He then joked, “You guys won the lottery tonight!”
And it certainly felt like it.
Shindong, Ryeowook, Donghae, Yesung, Siwon, Kyuhyun, Eunhyuk, and Leeteuk were excited to see the sapphire blue sea at the arena. They promised a great show for their PH ELFs, who were also ecstatic to see the group again.
Super Junior’s set started with “Burn the Floor” from their 2021 album “The Renaissance.” They continued with more of their powerful songs such as “The Crown,” “Super,” and “Mr. Simple.”
Their setlist also included songs from the group’s sub-units, which is a testament to the talent of each member.
Super Junior performed their recent hits including “Paradox,” “Mystery,” “Callin’,” “House Party,” and “More Days with You.” A Super Show wouldn’t be complete without “Sorry, Sorry” and “Bonamana,” a back-to-back performance that showed why the group is truly one of K-pop’s best artists.
One of the most fun parts of the show was their “Gods of Music” segment, which had different arrangements for “Spy,” “Rokkugo,” and “Mamacita.” Super Junior is also known for their humor, and all I can say is that you’d have to see this segment to believe it. What an experience!
For both of their shows, Super Junior had a surprise for their ELFs. On Dec. 17, they performed “Celebrate” for the first time on stage. “This is our present to you,” Leeteuk said. The fandom was also prepared with their “Celebrate” banners and their blue Santa hats, which also surprised the group. While on Dec. 18, Super Junior sang “White Love” from their newly released EP “The Road: Celebration.”
Before the night ended, Siwon said, “Anything is possible when you have the right people to support you … We can do everything because of you.” ELFs’ hearts melted at that moment.
Super Show 9 in Manila was a celebration of promises kept and of love and support between Super Junior and PH ELFs, a bond that has been growing since 2005.
Super Show 9: Road in Manila is presented by Pulp Live World.
See more photos from the show here
