Anna Barlam - The Philippine Star
September 18, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — K-pop girl group Red Velvet celebrated their 10th anniversary in the company of Filipino fans during the “HAPPINESS: My Dear, ReVe1uv” fan concert last weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.
No wonder Philippine ReVeluvs or Luvies not only witnessed Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Yeri, and Joy be complete again in their Manila visit, but they also made sure that the “cake girls” would feel their love and support during the quintet’s first-ever fan con presented by Wilbros Live.
The show officially began with Red Velvet reliving their rookie days by performing their debut song Happiness, followed by their extended play Ice Cream Cake featuring Yeri’s solo dance intro to signify her joining the group as the fifth member in March 2015 after the other four debuted earlier in August 2014.
“Na-miss ko kayong lahat,” Irene greeted in Filipino, while other members were left in awe of the crowd’s loud chants since they entered the stage wearing their red and white cheerleader costumes.
“Sobrang masaya talaga ako na makita ko ulit ang Luvies dito sa Philippines,” Wendy remarked through an interpreter in mixed English and Filipino.
“Grabe talaga ‘yung energy at saka sigaw ng Philippine fans,” Seulgi asserted with Joy and Yeri, describing Filo ReVeluvs as the “best” audience of their Asian tour.
They also touched the hearts of Pinoy Luvies after Wendy pointed out why it was a special day for them, saying, “10th anniversary na namin ngayon! Palakpakan!”
To mark such a feat, they proceeded to their riveting Parade stage in which several flower-shaped confetti prepared by fans filled the arena. They moved closer to the crowd by going to the extended platform, holding flower plushies to sing Sunny Afternoon and Sunflower.
After a vibrant opening set list, the ladies returned on stage clad in pastel-colored dresses with their feel-good tracks Underwater, So Good, and Bubble, including Joy’s solo dance to charm Luvies with her moves and Wendy’s bridge solo to showcase her vocal prowess.
They took a quick break from their discography. They held a segment called “Red Velvet Advise Consultation,” wherein they read some messages from their supporters, including someone who has been a fan since middle school and revealed that he or she is about to finish college. As a way of showing appreciation, the K-pop sensations uttered, “Mahal ko kayo!” in unison.
The laid-back atmosphere suddenly turned vivid and bold as Irene and Seulgi’s solo dance paved the way for their alluring hits Knock Knock (Who’s There?), Bad Boy, and the iconic song Psycho.
Red Velvet’s (clockwise, from bottom center) Yeri, Joy, Wendy, Seulgi and Irene share a snap online following their successful fan concert, ‘HAPPINESS: My Dear, ReVe1uv,’ on Saturday.
The catchy melodies of their popular lead singles Feel My Rhythm, Queendom, and Cosmic also maintained the fans’ reverberating energy during the show’s second half.
“Parang na-look back ko ang 10 years of those days as Red Velvet, ‘yun ‘yung na-feel ko,” said Seulgi.
“While preparing for this fan con, aside from that fact na 10th anniversary ngayon, I wanted to treasure this moment with our Luvies siyempre,” the group’s main dancer added.
Fans indeed knew how to make the night memorable as they illuminated the concert hall with the members’ symbolic colors of pink, yellow, blue, green, and purple and sang Remember Forever while their idols prepared for the encore.
They also unfurled a huge banner at the seated section with a message, “Thank you for the happiness. Loving you is the easiest thing I have ever done,” which the members read wholeheartedly.
Filipino ReVeluvs further impressed the girls when they started to fly paper planes from the standing pit to the stage during Red Velvet’s Sweet Dream performance. The group was also showered with confetti with special messages that read, “When I think of forever, I think of Red Velvet.”
“We came back here in Manila after one year, but nothing has changed. Nagulat talaga ako sa energy at sigaw n’yo. I hope we can visit you more often. Thank you very much for all the support,” Wendy uttered.
“When the fan con started, it felt like the venue was really shaking. Your cheers were so loud while I was performing on stage. Thank you very much for your time and effort,” Irene said.
During their encore, the fan con seemingly turned into a rave party as fans grooved to Red Velvet’s electrifying stage of Red Flavor, Zimbalabim, and Hit That Drum.
“I’m happy in Manila. I don’t even feel tired because of the loud cheers from everyone and, of course, your smiles that gave me positive energy. Thank you very much for the unforgettable memory. Excellent!” Joy complimented the crowd.
“The tour isn’t easy, but thanks to the energy you brought, I’m happy here on stage while performing,” Yeri noted.
Before bidding goodbye to their beloved fans, Seulgi promised to return to Manila soon, saying, “Maraming-maraming salamat po for keeping the energy from the start to finish. You are the best! Kitakits tayo ulit!”
Red Velvet will conclude their Asia fan concert tour in Macau on Sept. 28.
