From high-energy anthems to intimate solos, Blackpink delivered a show that showcased both growth and gratitude
By John Legaspi
Published Dec 1, 2025 05:25 pm
It started with a countdown. And as the numbers came close to the end, all I could think about was: after years of listening to their songs and writing about their journey, I’m about to witness Blackpink perform live. When Rosé, Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie emerged onstage with their anthem “Kill This Love” in the background, the Philippine Arena wasn’t just filled with pink twinkling lights, but with pure joy and a celebration of how music moves people and transcends language—and I couldn’t believe I was part of that moment.
Blackpink members Rosé, Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie send hearts to Blinks.
Pre-concert excitement
This is the third time South Korean girl group Blackpink has included the Philippines as one of its stops for their world tour, the first one in 2019 with “In Your Area,” followed by “Born Pink” in 2023. Like their last show, the “Deadline” World Tour was a two-day event, much to the delight of Filipino Blinks. I was lucky enough to be part of the first day of the concert on Nov. 22, 2025.
That day, the Philippine Arena in Bulacan was dressed in pink and black courtesy of the creative ensembles of fans. Despite the heat, everyone was all smiles, checking out their looks and applying makeup while sitting on the grassy lawns. Their giddiness was hard to hide, which eased my nerves as it was my first time attending their concert—and doing it alone.
When the gates opened, some ran as fast as they could to get into the arena. Others, like myself, took time to check out the different booths in the venue. Visa and Maya set up various booths where Blinks could take snaps of their “Deadline” weekend and score a Vee bag charm after. I also made sure to visit the merchandise stall outside the arena and got a shirt, which I easily purchased with my Maya Visa card.
An ocean of pink hearts lit up the Philippine Arena.
Inside the arena, fans gathered to take photos and share stories and laughter. The perfect pregame, of course, was listening to Blackpink’s hits, which were played in the arena, hyping up everyone’s energy. Come 6 p.m., everyone in my section was seated, phones ready, and light sticks glowing, creating a sea of pink hearts. Then the lights dimmed and the countdown began.
Special moments on stage
Blackpink kicked off the concert’s Act 1 on a high note with hits such as “Kill This Love,” “Pink Venom,” and “How You Like That.” Flames, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, graphic backgrounds, and laser lights added spectacle to their performance.
Act 1 of the ‘Deadline’ concert featured many of Blackpink’s iconic anthems.
Act 2 put the spotlight on Jisoo and Lisa, as they performed their solo hits like “Earthquake” and “Your Love” for the former, and “Thunder” and “When I'm With You” for the latter.
The girls gathered again onstage for Act 3. It started with some of Blackpink’s fiercer, high-energy hits. But for me, the highlight of the act was their performance of “Stay” and “Lovesick Girls,” which presented a softer side of the members, somehow setting the tone for the upcoming moments.
Blackpink members sharing a moment onstage.
Jennie took the stage on her own to begin Act 4 with her “Starlight” and “Like Jennie” performances. Rosé’s solo set was more stripped down. Before taking the stage, she tried a Filipino snack, turon, and gave it a thumbs up. Perhaps the most vulnerable part of the concert was when Rosé powered through her “Number One Girl” with the help of Filipino Blinks. The singer confessed to being sick the night before and not having the confidence to be onstage.
“We took a little break, but now we are back,” Rosé said. “I must say, sometimes, I forget how to do things live. Some days, I don’t feel like Blackpink… But as we are rising, and you guys are cheering for us, it reminded me. You guys made me feel like Blackpink.”
Act 5 brought the girls back to the stage to perform their latest hits.
That was one of the many moments of the evening when Filipino Blinks were able to show love and support to Blackpink. Sometimes, it is not about them hitting every note or executing every move flawlessly onstage. Rosé, Jisoo, Lisa, and Jennie have touched their hearts beyond music, inspiring fans with their authenticity, resilience, and passion.
Act 5 was a party with their “Jump” song. In these last moments, the members took time to acknowledge the crowd, looking at the unique and quirky signboards, getting closer to fans, and waving as high as they could to make everyone feel seen. And when everyone thought it was over, the girls returned to the stage to give everyone a proper goodbye and thank you with “See U Later.”
Back together, stronger than ever
The “Deadline” World Tour was a special moment for Blinks as it marked the reunion of the four members after briefly pursuing solo paths. Each act of the concert was woven together with short videos of the girls on a road trip, from the urban jungle and Las Vegas to the Wild West. Throughout the concert, Blackpink also took fans on an emotional ride—one that reminded everyone of the power of music and coming together, no matter the situation.
Jennie, Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo taking a bow and bidding Blinks farewell.
The Philippine Arena glowed in pink to celebrate the success of the ‘Deadline’ concert’s Day 1.
The concert’s first show in Bulacan was a shared space and moment filled with cheers, chants, and moments of pure bliss, proving that the bond between Blackpink and their fans remains unshakable—and I’m sure nobody can kill that love.
