On Thursday, Dec. 8, Metro Cebu is going to host its first and biggest K-pop event that will feature performances from the industry’s pioneers and biggest names.
The concert lineup consists of the following K-pop acts as its headliners: BoA, EXO’s Chen and Xiumin, and TVXQ.
BoA: This artist made it possible for the K-pop market to expand internationally, earning her the respectable title as the industry’s “Queen of K-Pop.”
TVXQ!: This South Korean male pop duo, consisting of U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin, has released one massive pop hit after the other since the group’s formation in 2003. In its first 10 years, TVXQ sold 10 millions physical records solidifying its place as one of Asia’s most revered pop acts.
Chen and Xiumin of EXO: EXO is considered one of the OGs in K-pop. Its brand of dance pop, fused with elements of R&B and hip hop, has propelled the group to superstardom, ranking top five as Korea’s “most influential celebrities” from 2014 to 2018. The work of EXO is widely considered a “blueprint” for K-pop boy groups.
Fans will recognize Chen as the artist who recorded vocals for “Everytime” for hit K-drama, “Descendants of the Sun,” while they will also be happy to learn that Xiumin recently debuted his ‘90s-inspired solo EP, “Brand New” on Sept. 26.
The fandoms of these K-pop stars are already spazzing out as we speak, and if those aren’t enough reasons to convince you to watch, here’s more to add why you should not miss the event:
Cebu is ready
For a fangirl based in Cebu, I’ll be sweating to stumble upon the right words to express how fantastic it is that the biggest stars in K-pop are the ones going to open the prospect of Cebu potentially becoming the next powerhouse for K-pop concerts.
Not only do Cebuanos get to celebrate this big step forward, but it’s also a win for fans coming from different parts of the Visayas and Mindanao to finally witness their favorite idols without traveling miles away from home.
It’s truly a moment-in-the-sun for Bisaya fangirls and fanboys that, for once, and hopefully for more, this groundbreaking move will pave the road for K-pop companies to start including a Cebu leg in their artists’ performances. It’s exciting to be a part of this event’s crowd. These K-pop performances which will likely be hailed as historic and significant for Cebu’s entertainment market.
Not your usual K-Pop event
There’s no denying that the K-pop industry has the most hyper-focused fans who are willing to spend an arm and a leg just to see their favorite idols in person, which is never an issue in the name of happiness. However, Neuwave Events and Productions adds a social component to the K-pop event, so one can splurge while contributing to a worthy cause— a game-changing twist to SoKor’s Hallyu.
“Be You” is an advocacy focused event aimed at raising social consciousness for the vulnerable sectors of society. The first time this event came into fruition happened in Manila this year featuring the chart-topping girl group, Red Velvet, who promoted awareness for children with disabilities. This time, the second “Be You” will be a tribute for the elderly, featuring relevant performances from celebrated local artists such as Pilita Corales.
With ticket prices ranging from general admission’s P1,500 to VIP wave’s P8,500, your fangirl/fanboy hearts will be carrying lasting memories until the time to wrap up the anthem of your youth comes.
This one is surely a well-deserved win for the long-standing EXO-Ls, Cassiopeias, and Jumping BoAs who, some of them married and with children now, have continued to raise their lightsticks high since the early 2000s.
Accessible and friendly
Cebu’s accessibility and friendliness are enough reasons why many K-pop stars, including Kai of EXO and Jihyo of Twice, choose to spend their vacations here.
With the solid cooperation of Cebu fandoms, the event pitched a strategic plan to deploy buses for those who are first-timers at Mactan Newtown’s Open Grounds. The organizers have also laid out a generic view of the map posted across their social media pages to guide the attendees during the event. One can check out Facebook pages such as Lucky One Cebu, Cassiopeia Cebu and EXO Cebu Fan Union for more details.
While the event is set to start at 6 p.m., the heavy traffic going to Lapu-Lapu City will surely be felt as early as 4 p.m. Fans are advised to leave their homes early and take their lunches at the event’s venue where partnered stores are invited to sell. In addition, the event is scheduled to end at 9 p.m., which will allow spectators to leave just in time when the busy traffic has subsided.
Everyone is feeling the rush of excitement for the upcoming event. Fans will be united in working together and making the occasion special for them and their favorite musicians. Fueled by their admirable dedication, this is a call for Cebu to step up, making concerts more accessible outside Manila.