Filipino VIPs, devoted fans of the legendary boy group BIGBANG, packed the SM Mall of Asia Arena with thunderous cheers and boundless energy as Taeyang made his highly anticipated return to the Philippine concert scene through The Light Year tour.
Held on February 22, 2025, in Pasay City, and presented by KARPOS, the Manila leg marked the tour's finale.
Despite a one-hour delay, the worldwide popular artist, also known as Dong Youngbae, made it worth the wait, delivering an electrifying two-hour performance that left the audience in awe.
Here are the highlights.
FANTASTIC SETLIST
Taeyang’s repertoire featured his solo hits, some BIGBANG classics, and acclaimed collaborations.
Fans were taken on a trip down memory lane with “I’ll Be There,” “1AM,” and “Wedding Dress.”
Meanwhile, his “RINGA LINGA” number sent the crowd into a frenzy—especially during his signature hip thrusts (or kaldag in Filipino slang), which drew deafening screams.
He also sang popular collaborations, including “I Need A Girl” and “STAY WITH ME” with G-DRAGON, “Shoong!” featuring BLACKPINK’s Lisa, “VIBE” featuring BTS’ Jimin, and “Inspiration” featuring Beenzino.
His R&B chart-topping piece “Eyes, Nose, Lips” was a crowd favorite, with fans singing along before he delivered a solo rendition.
As a delightful surprise, Taeyang performed TJ Monterde’s “Palagi”—not just once but twice—melting hearts as he declared, “Manila, I love you palagi.”
The atmosphere grew emotional with BIGBANG’s “If You” and “Loser,” as the 36-year-old singer’s powerful vocals conveyed the songs’ bittersweet longing.
However, he quickly reignited the energy with “Where U At.”
Reflecting on the track, he said, “This song was released back in 2009. So [is] anybody here born in 2009?”
“You?” he asked, pointing to a fan in the crowd, “You? You sure? Can I check the ID?”
Turning a bit serious, he admitted, “I didn’t sing this song that much on the stage because, actually, it really, you know, this one, really really, I didn’t want to do it.
“You know why? You know why? No, right?
“Because it’s very very tough.”
The intensity soared as Taeyang performed BIGBANG’s iconic “BANG BANG BANG,” with blazing flames illuminating the stage.
The crowd erupted—jumping, screaming, and singing along at full volume.
The high energy continued with “Fantastic Baby,” then “We Like 2 Party.
He wrapped up the night with two tracks from his latest EP, Down to Earth—“Nightfall” featuring Bryan Chase and the heartfelt ballad “Seed.”
BAE’S HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO FILIPINO FANS
As Taeyang was expressing his gratitude to Filipino VIPs, fans playfully interrupted by shouting “Yeorobun”—a "random creation" during one of his previous concerts that went viral.
The K-pop star chuckled before responding, “Okay, listen. I’m speaking very seriously, with deep feelings, and you guys want ‘Yeorobun’ right now? That’s such awkward, awful timing.”
After a brief pause, he indulged the crowd, singing, "Yeorobun, neomu bogosippeoseo," which translates to, "Everyone, I’ve really missed you."
He then continued, “Manila, I missed you so much. Did you miss me? Did you love me? I love you more, Manila.”
As the concert drew to a close, fans chanted “BIGBANG, BIGBANG,” expressing their hope for the group's reunion concert.
Taeyang simply replied, “Like I always said, I’ll try my best.”
TAEYANG: I WILL BE COMING BACK
Before his finale, Taeyang, who had been saying “mahal kayo” throughout the concert, was corrected by the crowd. Fans pointed out that the proper Filipino phrase is “mahal ko kayo.”
He quipped, “Thanks for fixing me.”
He went on saying how lucky he was that evening.
"Really, I feel lucky today, and I owe you for giving me [an] amazing and beautiful night.”
The VIPs chanted sweet words, to which he responded, “No, you are amazing, beautiful, awesome, fantastic, sexy.
“Manila, you guys, so sweet like vanilla.”
His parting shot: “Thank you again, Manila, for the most memorable final day of the tour.
“I promise I will be coming back.”
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