BY ALLAN POLICARPIO
NOVEMBER 20, 2024
After all this time, Sandara Park still cries the same way she did when she first burst onto the scene and captured the hearts of Filipinos.
But the context was different. She was no longer the wide-eyed show biz aspirant desperate to get in, but a seasoned performer out to recapture the halcyon days of music and friendship with 2NE1—the seminal girl group that catapulted her and her bandmates, CL, Minzy, and Park Bom, to international stardom in 2009.
It had been eight long years since the quartet’s official disbandment, and 10 since they last shared the stage together in Manila. But after intermittent false alarms and dashed hopes, that dream finally materialized in her “second home” on Nov. 16—just four days after Dara, as she’s fondly called, turned 40.
She couldn’t have asked for a more precious gift. And with the SM Mall of Asia Arena jam-packed with thousands of Filipino “Blackjacks” singing and wishing her a happy birthday, Dara—tried as she might to fight back tears—inevitably lost it.
With her face crumpled into that half-frown, half-grimace that we first saw in her now iconic audition for the 2004 reality talent search “Star Circle Quest,” we half-expected her to give that little wave of hers and say, “Mahal ko kayo!”
Only this time, it was her three “sisters” who uttered her famous words. “Mahal ko kayo … mahal kita,” they said, huddling around and comforting Dara, before leading her to the birthday cake awaiting her.
“I used to celebrate my birthday with 2NE1 and the Blackjacks. But after the disbandment, I wasn’t used to spending it by myself. Now, we’re here again, together,” she said in between sobs, the hyped-up crowd suddenly dissolving into a chorus of “awws.”
“My wish is to be with you guys forever. 2NE1 forever!” she added.
While all four members fought hard to keep the 2NE1 fire burning, it was Dara, arguably, who acted as the glue that held everyone together, long after they put out their last song and pursued solo careers.
She supported her bandmates through tough times, helped promote their respective projects, and made sure that communication lines remained open. In her interviews or television appearances, she never shied away from expressing her desire for a possible reunion.
In her career milestones, like winning awards or receiving recognitions, she made sure to give the girls their flowers. And whenever an opportunity to do 2NE1 hits presented itself, Dara made the most out of it, regardless of how lonely it could be doing them by herself.
As such, more than sheer joy, there seemed a sense of relief that washed over Dara. “I’m not going to forget this moment forever,” she said. “Ayokong umuwi.”
Mounted by Live Nation Philippines, 2NE1’s two-stop appearance in Manila (the second one held the next day, Nov. 17) is part of the group’s ongoing “Welcome Back” reunion tour to mark its 15th anniversary.
The atmosphere was electric, as one would expect in a concert by a beloved music act making a homecoming of sorts before a large and devoted following. The venue teemed with fans in permutations of denim cargo pants, plaid skirts, sports jerseys, sparkly tops, and leather jackets. The more committed came in full 2NE1 regalia, the marching band concept being the most popular of the lot.
The air crackled with endless chatter and squeals from giddy revelers who every so often broke into songs, as if wooing the band to take the stage, because they couldn’t bear to wait one second more.
Guided by instincts
The arena bled, the lights’ red haze revealing CL’s, Park Bom’s, Minzy’s, and Dara’s distinctive silhouettes. “I go by the name of CL of 2NE1. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re here now … ” CL’s voice blared from the speakers. But before she could even finish the spoken intro to the hit song “Fire,” the crowd had already sprung to its feet.
“Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh-eh 2NE1!” Ring the alarm, because the girls had set the stage on fire. With flames shooting up from the perimeter, they immediately took command: CL with her natural rap swagger; Park Bom with her assertive singing; Dara with her considerably more forceful dancing; and Minzy’s athleticism and trademark splits.
And it’s this dynamic—how the four complement each other’s unique strengths and quirks—that makes 2NE1 such an engaging presence onstage. Yes, there’s structure and choreography to what they do, but their ability to entertain isn’t bound by those. They can take liberties with the moves and make them work, or heck, even make little mistakes and still giggle about them later.
As such, 2NE1 never looks too calculated or preoccupied with what they have to do next. They let their instincts guide the way they work their numbers, and make sure to always leave room for spontaneous interactions with each other, or with the crowd.
This served them well, especially in the hard-hitting bangers they were known for such as “Gotta Be You,” “Can’t Nobody,” and “I Am the Best,” which had the crowd singing and screaming their heads off. This was one concert where you didn’t have to think if it was okay to stand up or not, because, for the most part, the seats were there only to hold food and belongings.
Quick on their feet
The show wasn’t picture-perfect, though. Park Bom, the band’s main vocalist, missed several numbers, including the entire ballad section, where she was expected to shine most. At first, her disappearance was pinned on “a wardrobe malfunction.” But the next day, YG Entertainment, the company that formed 2NE1, issued a statement saying the singer had been having “health-related issues.”
But if there’s anything positive to be gleaned from the mishap, it was that it only showed how incredibly quick CL, Minzy, and Dara were on their feet, alternately covering Park Bom’s parts in “Lonely,” “It Hurts,” and other slow-burners with different vocal flavors, but with equal aplomb.
Luckily, Park Bom managed to return for the last nine numbers and join the rest of the gang for the night’s kulitan moments. And from the looks of it, the fans couldn’t be more understanding of the situation. Park Bom has had her share of challenges, both personal and medical. That she’s onstage performing and having fun is something the Blackjacks are already grateful for.
They performed Dara’s local novelty hit “In or Out,” and this time—much to the crowd’s delight—CL already knew the steps unlike in 2014. Dara and Minzy did a short dance challenge to Bini’s “Pantropiko.” There were lots of laughing and goofing around, too, like that one time a panicking Park Bom pushed CL, after the latter teased the former that she would have to do the challenge by herself the next day.
The crowd loved every minute of it, from the dazzling lights and production numbers to the littlest, lighthearted moments. And as the show drew to a close, it became increasingly apparent to CL that the Philippines is a second home, not only to Dara, but to the rest of the group as well.
“We feel like we have a family and a fan base here. Your energy is so awesome,” she said. “We feel blessed to be back here with Dara in her hometown.”
“Philippines is my second home. But it’s not only mine; it’s 2NE1’s second home, too right?” said Dara, who thanked the fans for their patience and undying love.
“Salamat sa paghihintay niyo sa ’min… Pero andito pa rin kayo.”
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