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Roses are red, violets are blue, and the SM Mall of Asia Arena lit up in white as fans welcomed Doh Kyung-Soo — better known as D.O. — for his second solo concert tour, “DO it!”

Best known as the powerhouse main vocalist of the global K-Pop phenomenon EXO, D.O. has long captivated audiences with his rich, soulful voice. This time, however, the spotlight was all his. He returned to Manila on Aug. 16, treating Filipino EXO-Ls, Dandanies, and casual listeners alike to an unforgettable night filled with heartfelt performances, playful banter, and plenty of fan interactions. 

Presented by Wilbros Live, the concert featured tracks from his first full-length album, “BLISS,” which showcased a more personal and versatile side of the artist as it explored themes of nostalgia, love, and mental health. From emotional ballads to upbeat numbers, the crowd sang, laughed, and cheered along as he showed exactly why he’s deemed one of the best vocalists in the K-pop industry.

As part of his ongoing tour across Asia — from Seoul to Tokyo — Manila once again proved to be a stop full of love and energy. And yes, The Beat Manila was there to catch all the moments. Here are some of the highlights from our unforgettable night with D.O.!

D.O. Hits Every Note

The singer kicked off the show with “Do You Remember?,” immediately raising the bar and riding the high energy of his Filipino fans as they welcomed him on stage. He followed this up with the album’s breezy opener “Nobody Knows It” and his 2023 track, “Wonder,” before finally greeting everyone.

“The heat in the Philippines is really different! It’s so hot!” The singer said, earning a round of cheers from the audience, which had his eyes widening in surprise. “Why are your reactions so good? Every time I visit here, I am always surprised. Your energy is next level, and we’re only getting started!”

Despite the heat, last Saturday had given us a fair amount of rain, too, which the artist admitted had made him worried for the fans. Fortunately, the weather turned better a couple of hours before the show, and he thanked everyone for making the time to come see him. 

D.O. showed us just why he’s one of the most admired vocalists in the K-Pop industry as he sang song after song from his new album; his vocals were clear, heartfelt, and incredibly steady despite walking up and down the massive stage. The first half of the set featured his more upbeat tracks, such as “Mars,” “5 Minutes,” and his R&B song, “Fit” while the second half highlighted the acoustic and soaring ballads such as “I Do,” “I’ll Be There,” and “IN ANOTHER LIFE.”

Although having just listened to some of these songs for the first time, we were completely immersed in the moment, which we believe was also due to the English subtitles that were flashed on the screens during his performances. D.O. had mentioned them in one of his ments, explaining that he wanted everyone to not only vibe with the music but also understand the meaningful and beautiful lyrics behind each and every one of his songs. 

Some of our favorite moments include his performance of “Popcorn” and the dance pop “SING ALONG,” where he asked everyone to stand up. Their light sticks also danced in a variety of colors, setting the entire arena aglow. 

After that exhilarating performance, D.O. stepped off stage to prepare for the next half of the show, while fans were treated to a karaoke sing-along of some popular EXO songs! Fans were taken back in time when the singer suddenly appeared during “Love Me Right” and sang that iconic high note from the bridge. He then treated EXO-Ls by singing another track from their debut studio album, released in 2013. 

“It’s been such a long time since I’ve sung this song,” he said after singing “Peter Pan.” “Thanks to you guys, I’m able to sing it again.”

Although the rest of the concert showcased more of his ballads and gentler tracks, it was equally engaging and probably more heartfelt, as D.O. sang us songs about being okay despite the difficulties, about being enough, and having the strength to move forward and do everything we set our minds to.

“While writing my album, 'BLISS,' I was thinking that I wanted the fans to receive courage and warmth through the songs,” he revealed. “I truly felt that while I’m performing, you’re really enjoying listening to the songs. I get a lot of energy from that, so thank you very much! I will continue to become an artist who releases beautiful songs.”

Speaking of beautiful, the set design was also equally captivating. At one point, he was lifted into the air on a platform as he serenaded us with “It’s Love” against a backdrop of blue waves. He followed this up with a performance of “My Dear,” where the backdrop transitioned to a glowing crescent moon, setting a more romantic mood. 

Gleeful Laughter and Memorable Surprises

If there’s one other thing D.O. is known for apart from being an impressive vocalist, it’s his good sense of humor. Once deemed the funniest member in EXO, D.O. effortlessly made everyone laugh with his cute comments and banter with the fans. 

We laughed out loud during his encore when he had everyone sing his song “Popcorn” but some kept doing the fan chant. The singer then stopped everyone, directing them to just “sing, please.” When they did it again, D.O. yelled out, “Who was that? You’re doing it on purpose!” — sending the fans into a fit of giggles at his playful, angry expression. 

Having been in the Philippines before, we were also impressed by how he had easily understood some Tagalog terms. He instantly knew what everyone was saying when they chanted “Walang uuwi (no one will go home)” to which he replied that they can’t because their concert is timed, but promised that he’ll come back. He also easily picked up on “Iiyak na 'yan (will you cry?)” during one of his final ments. The K-Pop star sincerely told us that he may not be showing any tears, but he’s crying on the inside. 

Just before he took a commemorative photo with everyone, D.O. was surprised when a video flashed on the screen and the fan project appeared, showcasing photos and video clips from fans. The fandom prepared banners and a massive light sign that read “We can do it all with Kyungsoo!” — a touching moment between artist and fans, proving that their relationship is give and take and that the message he wanted to send with this new album has gotten through. 

From laugh-out-loud moments to memorable performances, D.O. truly gave us a beautiful memory we won’t soon forget. As fans of EXO and K-Pop music in general, we were simply captivated by his talent — not just vocally, but also in the way he moves people with his music. A win for EXO-Ls and Dandanies, indeed. We simply can’t wait for his next return to Manila!

For updates, you can follow D.O. on Instagram. You can also check out Wilbros Live’s official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram pages for more details on upcoming concerts in Manila.

We all know him as the dashing Captain Ri from the hit K-Drama “Crash Landing on You,” but this time, Hyun Bin is stepping off the screen and landing in Manila for the very first time to meet his Filipino fans in person! Bringing with him the same charm and sophistication that captured hearts worldwide, he’s here to promote one of the metro’s most luxurious destinations — Solaire Resort — as its newest ambassador.

In line with his new role, the resort flew him down to the Philippines to meet some lucky raffle-winning fans for a special fan event. Before the exciting event last Aug. 8, The Beat Manila got to see the South Korean actor up close in an intimate press conference where he answered some questions about his career, upcoming projects, and all the exciting things he had experienced during his stay. 

Known for its amenities and top-tier services, Solaire Resort is in the business of creating next-level experiences for its guests with luxurious hotel rooms, exquisite dining offerings, and recreational facilities. Hyun Bin further confirmed this by telling us a bit about his experience so far and how the hotel had surprised him upon arrival, as well as how he enjoyed eating Adobo, a meal that was recommended to him by the staff. 

“I’m really having an amazing and happy time here! When I entered Solaire, I was really surprised by the capacity and how big it is!” He shared. “The luxury and the prestige vibe I have witnessed here, I was really surprised by it. And of course, we couldn’t forget about the room. When I first entered it, I was surprised by the view. It was also very comfortable and luxurious, so I was able to get a very good, relaxing break.”

However, beyond its amazing amenities, the actor also mentioned the staff and their warm presence, which was the highlight of his stay. “I was surprised by the staff of Solaire and how detailed they are with welcoming gifts. The way I was welcomed was really heartwarming and more amazing than I expected."

In talks of his career, Hyun Bin has played several iconic roles throughout the years. But when asked if there was a facet of him that he wishes to showcase this time around in front of his Filipino supporters, he charmingly replied, “Of course, I have to show you the side of myself as a Solaire ambassador. And now that I’m here in the Philippines, I would like to give the vibe that we are closer now and give a comfortable vibe to the Filipino fans.”

The actor also shared some fascinating tidbits about his work, how he gets inspired by communicating with the people around him; that he considers all the roles he haven’t tried yet as his “dream role,” and that he would like to swap bodies with Kim Joo-won — his role in “Secret Garden” — for a day because he also wants to “experience the character’s spectacular, roller-coaster-like life.” 

Another heartwarming moment was when he gave beautiful advice to his younger self, reminding everyone that although having goals is a good thing, it’s also important to enjoy the process. 

“Looking back, I’ve only been going straight, not minding whatever’s on my side. I’ve only ever focused on the work, so I didn’t have time to look around and enjoy the scenery. I would tell my younger self to just enjoy the moment, rather than just pursuing my goals.”

Hyun Bin also gave us a glimpse into his travel routine, revealing his top three most useful items for when traveling to Manila (his watch, sunglasses, and cap), as well as the one thing he never travels without (vitamin supplements). He also shared how he always starts his day by working out and makes sure to remain active throughout the day. We love a fitness-minded oppa!

This ambassadorship role marks Hyun Bin’s first brush with Filipino fans. When asked what he was most excited about for the fan event, he said, “I already had an idea that I have fans here in the Philippines who have been loving me so much, but to finally meet them, I’m very excited and looking forward to the memories we’ll be making tonight." 

“The Swindlers” star also mentioned how their enduring love and support has become his strength all these years and that he intends to give this all back by becoming a better actor and giving them more exciting projects — one of which is his upcoming series on Disney+ called, “Made in Korea”, which comes out later this year! Hyun Bin will be playing a wealthy and ambitious man in this period political drama and will star alongside Jung Woo-sung. 

We definitely can’t wait to see more of Hyun Bin on the screen. In the meantime, Hyun Bin invites everyone to visit Solaire, quoting: “It’s more than just a resort, but a place to experience and make memories. I want to let more people know that Solaire is a place where you can witness amazing things.”

Solaire has two fantastic destinations in Metro Manila, located in Entertainment City, Parañaque City, and Vertis North, Quezon City. You can discover all the amazing things in store for you at Solaire Resort by following them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

“I feel like music is supposed to be made with other people,” said Gabba, whose new collaboration with Singaporean singer-songwriter and producer Alicia DC blends his signature math-rock sound with Alicia’s lyrical vulnerability, marking a bold genre-blurring moment for both artists.

ICYDK, Gabba Santiago is a well-known Filipino multi-instrumentalist who has been taking the indie music by storm with his wordless narratives dressed in his signature sound, composed of brisk guitar and intricate drumming. He began his solo journey in 2020 and released a string of hit singles, as well as a full-length album, which he performed on international stages such as Wanderland Music and Arts Festival in Manila and SXSW in Sydney. He also recently won Guitarist of the Year at The New Hue’s Video Music last month, further cementing his name as one of Indie music’s most promising talents. 

Meanwhile, Alicia DC is a rising musician in the Singapore music scene, having composed songs that can be described as pop, coupled with authentic lyrics. She released her first EP, “Maybe,” in 2022 and has since shown her versatility as a producer and songwriter.  

The two artists released their collaboration, “fall,” this month, which tells the story of a lover’s quarrel, portrayed through raw and emotional lyrics and coupled with dynamic shifts in instrumentation. Co-produced by Francis Lorenzo, the three-minute track merges the brilliant minds of two very distinct artists, creating a retrospective piece that carves its place within the indie music scene. 

The Beat Asia got to meet up with both artists to talk about their latest collaborative effort, and together we dove into the story of how the project came to be, their creative process, and what this track meant to each of them at this point in their careers. 

A Collaboration that Made Sense

“Fall” wasn’t just an opportunity that fell into their laps, but began as Alicia DC’s effort to collaborate with artists outside of Singapore. 

“It was more like I was listening to a bunch of artists on Spotify, and figuring out what would best suit my music and what kind of collaborators I could collaborate with,” the singer told The Beat Asia. “I just came across Gabba’s stuff, and it just so happened that he was coming to Singapore to perform.”

Gabba was part of the lineup for Music Day Out 2024, but even when they both attended the festival, it wasn’t until only a few weeks ago that they met up in person. Alicia mentioned how she had been too shy to approach and that her manager convinced her to pitch demos for Gabba to hear. “It took off from there,” she said.

The collaboration was done remotely, with them sending demos back and forth for a few months. However, Gabba told us an interesting tidbit about the production process. “It was stagnant for a bit,” he revealed. “Alicia sent me demos to choose from, and then we chose the demo for ‘fall’ but for two months nothing happened ‘cause we were both busy. But when it started to move, it was continuous.”

“There was a lot of stuff that we were doing. It took off when we were freer,” Alicia added, emphasizing how the entire process was smooth sailing once they had time to really sit down and focus on the track. 

It didn’t take long before the demo was shaped into “fall” — a track which was inspired by Alicia DC’s personal experience.

“It’s about two lovers fighting, but the song itself doesn’t sound like a fight. Maybe because of the genre as well [math-rock]. There’s a lot of this constant groove that keeps changing now and then. There’s a continuous drive in it that makes it feel like you’re taking off. But the meaning of the song is basically about two lovers fighting, like the girl is saying ‘You don’t get me’ and the guy is like ‘You’re mean to me with your words.’ The two sides are clashing with each other because of their differences in communication styles.”

The songwriter also explained how, despite it being inspired by personal experience, she detached from it once she put it into music because the rhythm of the words created something that transformed into a math-rock song. 

This collaboration marks Gabba’s first song that is more lyric-forward in terms of form, considering he had made a name for himself with his instrumental rock pieces and expressive compositions. Despite having words in the song, it never felt like the instrumental took the back seat and instead felt more like a duet, successfully balancing music and lyrics to form one cohesive track. 

We asked the rock instrumentalist about what inspired the overall sound and how he managed to spotlight Alicia DC’s vocals without overshadowing his music.  

“She sent the lyrics beforehand, and I tried my best to match the production in a way. My interpretation of it is like the ups and downs of the fighting — when you’re almost okay and then you’re not. I didn’t want to ask her what it was about. I wanted to interpret it on my own and then craft something around what my interpretation was.” 

It made sense that the music felt like you’re taking off, the sound going through these shifts, which beautifully mirrored the emotional turmoil that happens in that situation. 

“It was fun and challenging at the same time. I’m used to making music over a blank canvas, wherein I can put anything. But this time there it’s more direct, there are words to support. The production was much more intentional around what was being said. I also learned to restrain a bit to give way to the lead vocalist. Usually, the lead vocal in my songs is my guitar, but since we have Alicia’s very great voice, it was a challenge to make parts that were still me but at the same time guiding a centerpiece which was her vocals,” he added.

Having completed the track within a few months, we also asked the artists if there were any good surprises or challenges during the production. Alicia DC was quick to answer that there were more good surprises, emphasizing how Gabba brought out a whole new perspective, encouraging her to create something she would never have thought about in the first place. 

“My thing with making adjustments on my side is like when we fleshed out the demo, I kept saying the song is too long here or the song is too long there, so we kept cutting the sections. And then when we cut it, the demo sounded a bit empty, but when I sent it to Gabba, he would come up with something completely different from what I was imagining. And for me it was like, 'Oh! I did not know that it could sound like this,' and I would build up on that.”

“I think my favorite surprise was the ending of the song,” the vocalist added. “There was supposed to be a quiet outro, but because of the way the song was fleshed out, the ending was too long, and we ended up just taking that part out. Gabba did this thing where he remixed my vocals and created some loops with electro beats, and then he made the ending loud towards the end instead. When I heard it, I immediately came up with ideas of my own. It was a good surprise, and it also made the song sound a lot more concise with a stronger impact.”

As for challenges, Gabba also mentioned the two-month stagnant sea they had to sail through and how they viewed music very differently. However, they eventually found common ground, and from there, they were able to use their strengths and complete the song efficiently.

This isn’t Alica DC’s first rodeo when it comes to working with other artists, having collaborated with the likes of electronic musician Ceratone in “Bridges” (2024) and Taiwanese singer June Pan in “You Up?” (2023). However, she did say that this collaboration felt the most effortless and that the challenge didn’t act as a hurdle in the process, but as motivation to try something new. 

“I felt like this collab was easier to do. Even though there were challenges, it felt more effortless, and it made more sense because our sounds do work well together,” she said. “In my previous collaborations, it wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t something authentically me. I was going for a super pop — very compressed pop sound. But for this song, because I had more knowledge of how I wanted it to sound in comparison to those previous pop songs, it made sense to collaborate with Gabba.”

Both artists are talented producers in their own right, having composed and produced their music on their own. However, they both agreed that being in a collaborative project creates a different experience production-wise, and gives them an opportunity to work on music beyond what they’re used to creating.

When asked if they prefer working alone or with collaborators, Gabba answered, “I think there are pros and cons for both, but if you’re going to ask me now, I would prefer to work with people just because it’s more organic and I feel like there’s more magic to be done in real time. It was really fun. I’ve been doing the Gabba thing on my own for the most part. I feel like music is supposed to be made with other people. It was so fun bouncing ideas with someone else.”

“I love doing both because I’m comfortable working with myself and with people. But when I produce by myself, I just sound super sterile. My ideas are very clear-cut, and my vision for the music is usually very clean and precise, but when I work with other people, there’s a beautiful mess that happens. And it sounds a lot more lively. So I think based on that alone, I would prefer to work with other people,” Alicia added.

The duo recently debuted the track at the inaugural edition of Spur Labs at Salu Salo last Aug. 2, and the song was launched on Aug. 6 on all streaming platforms.

With more collaboration down the line for Gabba and a new lead single in the dance-pop genre from Alicia DC in the coming months, stay tuned on their official social media pages for updates on the latest music releases and live performances.

You can follow Gabba Santiago on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and Alicia DC on Instagram.