I will go. I will not go. I will go. I will not go.
That was me before September 29, 2018.
I do not know if what I should do at the time of ticket selling for Seventeen's Ideal Cut in Manila. I was literally broke to even purchase a General Admission ticket.
But I couldn't resist myself. I couldn't stop myself from seeing them again. I wanted to see them again. I wanted to attend to their concert once again. I wanted to experience the most fun-filled concert I will ever had once again.
That is when I decided, I really need to see them even for a distance. I really need to witness the happiness and feel the energy of Seventeen.
It was almost a year since I have experienced Diamond Edge in Manila. I secretly wished that they will not be coming this year here in the Philippines because I am really broke. I just started my work at a new working environment and that my salary is not still enough for me to save money for their concert. Then they announced it. Seventeen will be coming again to the Philippines for Ideal Cut in Manila.
I do not want to miss any opportunity of attending their concert. I just couldn't stop myself from seeing them again. Then an opportunity came to me and I realized, their Ideal Cut concert might be the last concert I will be attending before taking another stepping stone in my life. The next concert will be 2 years after already.
So I decided I will attend the concert no matter what. I was literally dieting to save money. The fact that I only ate a piece of cupcake and biscuit per day and a cup of coffee three times a day just to save money for the concert. I felt the cravings of eating delicious foods but I resisted. I will do anything to attend their concert. I told myself why do I even bother to go to their concert if I can still have the chance to see them during their fansigning event arranged by the Saem PH the next day after the concert. Well its simply because there are memories you couldn't make at the second time around at the same time and at the same day.
What will happen during their concert here in the Philippines? What kind of jokes the crazy trios aka BooSeokSoon will do during their ments? What kind of fan project will be implemented during the concert? What kind of funny moments and even "kilig" moments will I witness during their concert here in the Philippines? What kind of crazy acts they will pull off just to satisfy the happiness of the craving Carats?
These were the various questions I had in mind. I scanned twitter and instagram and almost watched all of the fancams taken during their concerts in different countries. Then those questions pumped into my head. Well I just couldn't afford to miss those moments.
So I decided to attend and asked in the marketplace for anyone selling their tickets in a cheaper price. But I couldn't find anyone selling their tickets in the same price they got it during the ticket selling. So I was losing hope again. Then I saw someone selling her ticket a bit higher than the original price but to which I can pay a downpayment then the rest will be on D-day. So I grabbed it even though I wasn't really sure if the location was good enough.
The day of the concert was nearing and I just couldn't contain myself in excitement. Being able to see Jun and the other boys was making me flastered. They were the reason why despite of having tired mind and body because of my toxic duties in the hospital, I can still go on and wait for their return in the country. I just couldn't understand myself why I am so into them. Why do I even adore these guys too much?! I just couldn't find any answer to that question until I heard someone uttered something while fighting off the heat and crowdiness of the place during Seventeen's fansign event in Robinsons Galleria. I will tell you more about that later.
And the day comes! Alas! The whole MOA arena was so hyped. I could see from the outside of the arena how much Seventeen's fandom grew in number in the Philippines. For someone who attended their concert in 2 consecutive years, I can say Filipino Carats doubled in number, not to mention those who weren't able to watch their concert. Not to miss out during concert, the giveaways and freebies given out from various sites and group of fans. I actually did participate in one where I distirbuted banners. I didn't really care about Mr. Sunshine being so heated as long as I can collect freebies. The whole day was actually tiring but at the same time, fun. Being able to see those fellow Carats so hyped, lining up to get freebies and shouting everytime a special van crosses by were very precious moments. I just smiled at them and being so proud of Seventeen that they have enormous fanbase in my country. By 4-5pm, we decided to get in line to get inside the arena.
While in the line, the arena were playing several songs of Seventeen, Don't Wanna Cry, Thanks and Aju Nice if my memory served me right. And of course, with the passionate chants of Filipino Carats filled the whole outside of the arena and I know Seventeen just deserved this kind of warm welcome. As we ascend to the line, everyone else was so heated up. I ask myself whether the members could actually hear our screams from inside the arena.
Then we were inside the arena. I was a little bit disappointed since the seat I got was not as good for viewing the whole concert but what choice do I have. As long as I can attend their concert and have fun with them, I don't really care where I am seated. Well not that I don't really care, it was just that I still couldn't afford a VIP ticket. I was so envious of those who were at the VIP section. I don't care if I will stand for three long hours as long as I can see them up close. Because of that, I am more determined and had a clearer view of what I wanted to do next. For their next concert that I will attend in the Philippines, I will definitely be in that section and see them up close.
The clock kept on ticking and all Carats are waiting passionately, cheering and shouting loudly all of the members name. They were playing videos on the screen but what was funny was we couldn't hear anything in our section. By the way, my section was GA 507. There was also one fan in our row who kept on shouting the members' names, I think Seungkwan's name in particular, very loudly, maybe louder than the shout of DK I guess.
7:30 pm ticks in and still the show didn't start immediately on the promise time. It was a bit odd actually considering it was an international singer's concert not to start the show on time. Then the concert started after 30 mins, I say Seventeen adapted well to the Filipino time. 😂😂😂
Still 30 mins after, at 8pm, the whole arena darkened and smoke filled the stage. Then the familiar VCR played on the big screen. Well just by watching the VCR, all Carats were heated. Because my view was not really that good, I moved to the center into the stairs even if it was not allowed. I couldn't care less. I just wanted to enjoy the concert so breaking the concert rules were given.
Then BAAM!!!!
THIRTEEN HANDSOME MEN appeared on stage. I couldn't make myself happier despite of the bad view I had. I am just simply happy I was watching them live again. First song was Highlight. It was one of my favorite Performance Unit's song and this time, they perform it as an opening song and OT13 ver. As what I have said before, they were the only idol group I knew who can rearranged their songs from a unit version to an OT13 version. I just don't know if these guys have something they are not really good at because they are always great in everything they do.
The second song was Thanks. Well Carats are always very thankful to you Seventeen because of your endless passion in creating good music for your fans. It was a remix version where they added some dance break in the middle. It was brilliant actually where they break danced in unit then as a whole. The most catchy choreography I really wanted to see was The8's chorus part then Coups' part in the bridge. I am always holding my breath everytime I watch that part. It was beautifully done and they were so much in sync. Then also the part were we again rap their names. I SUCCEEDED FOR THE FIRST TIME! 🤔🖒👏 I actually had a full video of Thanks and in the last part, I am so proud of myself I didn't made a mistake. I usually make a mistake between Wonu's, Jihoon's, Myungho's and Gyu's names. I always jumped to Gyu's name after chanting Wonu's name. I'm sorry about that but I believe I am not the only Carat who didn't felt the same struggle in chanting their precious names. 😂😂
For the third song, I was expecting they would change their setlist and perform Bring It, the duo of SoonHoon. But I guess I wasn't in luck. Still I enjoyed the next stage which was Flower. The choreo was brilliantly done by our precious maknae, Dino. You deserve the praise my love and you absolutely deserve all the chants Dino. We will protect you our dearest Maknae.
Next song to hit the stage, it was NO F.U.N. Well it was indeed a no fun song but a very hot song. Seventeen dears, you really wanted to melt every Carats soul into the deepest of temptation. Please I ask you to stop giving us a hot stage because it is already hot enough in the Philippines. Don't make us feel hotter and make our minds wilder.
The next song was of no difference. Hot and powerful, that was how I describe the next song, Chuck. Coups fiery eyes and deep voice was very intense. You could really feel his burning passion in performing on stage. I guess everyone else were. Their gazes were very intense to watch and I just fell for them even more.
It was time to cool down the hotness and the first ment was next. Well literally they just talked here and there but I couldn't really understand what they were talking about because I was too pre-occupied of watching every three members leave the stage then comeback then another three members leave again.
Then I was surprised. REALLY SURPRISED!!! 😲😲😲
I heard from my section the fans' footsteps were taking the stairs up and out of the concert hall. I couldn't comprehend what was going on. I just followed them without knowing what was happening when I heard the next song being played.
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON?! I was asking myself as all of us were hurriedly going downstairs. And some of them shouted that we will be going on the second floor, on the lower box section.
WHAT?! 😲😲😲
I just couldn't comprehend anymore because the song that was playing already was the reason I wanted to attend the concert and my second favorite song, next to Ulgo Shipji Anha. 😢😢😢 But they were making us run fast downtairs. And true enough, they made us entered the second floor, into the lower box section. I have mixed feelings. When we entered again the concert hall, Run to You was already at the bridge part. I was not able to witness the whole stage of Run to You.
I was disappointed but at the same time, excited and overwhelmed! I, who was at the general admission, suddenly came closer to Seventeen's stage. IT WAS INDEED THE BEST CONCERT EVER!!! 😍😍😍
Even though I was a bit disappointed because of Run to You, I still looked in the better perspective. The view in the section was way too better than our view in 507. Let me just jump forward a little bit. When scanning the Seventeen Philippines group, I read a post that a member of Seventeen actually asked the staff about moving the fans in the 507 and 516 section to the second floor. It was rumored that was DK when he went backstage during their ment portion. But whoever it was, it was definitely Seventeen who did it. And because of that, I even fell for them more. You can really feel the care they have to their fans.
Let's go back to the concert scene. After our dramatic and exciting change of section, the next song was played. It was a way they describe all their fans, Beautiful! It is a mixed unit song but they again rearranged it to be an OT13 version. My most favorite scene was Wonhui slapping of butt game after the first chorus. I'm sorry but I am a Wonhui trash so to all Meanie fans and Junhao fans, no worries because there were also a lot of Gyuhaos' moments.
The next song was maybe the most intimidating and powerful song of Seventeen. Well simply because it is the leader line's song, Change Up. They did change, from being cute little puppies into handsome good looking men they are today. But their music was still the same, the same as only Seventeen is the only group who can pull off their own style of music, of creating their own type of song.
The next VCR was played and it was hiphop unit's vcr. It only means the next stage will be taken by the ever powerful rappers of Seventeen. The VCR ended and the next song was played, it was the remix version of Ung Haeng Il Chi. They sat on those sits like boss and they tried to deteriorized our visions because of their visuals and hotness. I just banged my head with them as they sing the song.
Then their next song was an unreleased one, Bow Down. They are the only group that I also knew who can only sing an unreleased song on their concert. Even if I don't understand a thing on their new song, I enjoyed it because I knew they again made a masterpiece song that connects well with their fans.
The Vocal unit's VCR was next played and I am about to hear again a very sincere and heartfelt performance by the group's main moodmakers. Their first song was Habit (remix version). It is one of my favorite vocal unit's song because you can feel the harmony and tense of their voices to which was very relaxing to the ear.
The next song was Pinwheel. It was again one of my favorite vocal unit's song (actually they are all my favorite 😅😅). Let me tell you, I don't really appreciate ballad songs. They are, for me, a lullaby song to which you will immediately fall asleep without even finishing the song. But not with Seventeen's music, not with Vocal unit's songs. The acoustic electric guitar sound blended with soft piano tune is very soothing to hear. Imagine yourself sitting on your front porch and watching the rain pour down while listening to this kind of music, trust me it is very relaxing. All of your toxicities and problems in life will be gone. That is how I feel, try it once if you like.
It was my favorite unit's stage once again. The perfomance unit's VCR played and I screamed hard. I had a thing with dancers that is why I love performance unit. Their energy is somewhat incomparable to the rest of the members of the group. The other members of Seventeen even admit to themselves that performance unit is always the best in performing on stage. Their song was Swimming Fool. Yes we are fools because we are deeply in love with you boys. They are so playful on stage and they even remix the end chorus into a slow motion dance. That was fun actually seeing them playing on the stage.
Next one was Jam Jam remix version. Well what can you expect from the performance team but a very energetic rhythm dance. All Carats just jammed wtih the song and dance along with the unit. And please Jun, stop making my heart fluttered everytime you show up on the screen. This innocent man is nothing but a sweet, pure guy who keep all his problems under his shirt so as not to damage the image of the group. Yes I am a Jun bias and you could see the attention the other members of Seventeen is giving him because they worry about him and they care about him.
Ok so to continue the fun, Bongbongie!!!! Seventeen's Thinking About You Bongbong ver. was the next song. They were really cute wearing those little objects that defines them. S.coups of course was holding the leader flag defining him as the overall leader of Seventeen and Carat. Jeonghan wore those angel's wings and he looked beautiful. Joshua was with his little guitar. Jun of course, my forever love, was holding his cat stuffed toy. I wished to actually buy the same stuffed toy as him 😅😅😅. Prince Hoshi was wearing his red prince coat of course. Wonwoo, the game addict was of course holding his cellphone with bongbong sticker. Woozi, well for Woozi, I am not quite sure of what he was wearing on his hands. It was some kind of circled pouch or something. If anyone knows about it, feel free to comment down or tell me. The8, the real photographer of SVT was holding his precious camera. Mingyu's mic has an MC word means he was the best mc of SVT. DK, always the human loudspeaker of SVT held his megaphone to which I think his voice is the megaphone itself. Boo Seungkwan was with his basket of tangerines. Vernon was looking cool with his headphones. And lastly, the golden Maknae, Dino with letters on his shirt being the golden maknae. Too bad, he was not wearing his dinosaur feet.
The next song was also one of my favorites, Hello. The trio, Jun-DK-Gyu first sang the song during their Seventeen Debut project. And the song was also the only song among the 4 songs they produced during the project that was released with the original members of team C and it was also the last song to be released as well. NO FUN became a group song while OMG became a performance unit song and Drift Away was released as a mixed unit song. Hello balanced off the units with each member from the 3 units completed the trio group. They actually threw roses during the end part. I wished that was me who catched the rose of Jun.
Then it was time to take the sky rocket and flew around the universe with the English line's song, Rocket. Vernon and Shua sang the english ver. of the song actually because they knew Filipinos are fluent in english. But I was actually more used to singing along with the Korean ver. Joshua lost in the rock-paper-scissor game during the dance break so he did freestyle dance as a punishment.
Next song is the song I didn't liked at first, but definitely became one of my favorite songs, Pretty U. Well as expected of the song, they all just played on the stage. And for Seungkwan's triple high note, I just love it. I wish I could also sing like him. And I also remember, they tripped off on the stage while pushing the cushion. They were all laughing because as they claim, it was their first time to lose the balance while pushing the cushion. 😅😅😅 Seungkwan was actually laughing before hitting his high notes and almost didn't reach it 😂😂😂
Next VCR was played and after it, it was time to sing Carat's national anthem, Shining Diamond! "Oh I'm that Diamond. You can't copy this, Seventeen Carat!" I only realize the leaders wore something on their arm identifying them as the leaders of the group. The members really have high respect to their leaders. And of course, Shining Diamond is still one of the most superior song ofe Seventeen.
"Akkinda!" Adore U was next on the sleeve and as always, they are very playful on stage. They always goof around then suddenly becomes on sync when dancing.
Then after, Oh My was next. Their latest song from their latest album. This song really freshes up the mood and it is really light to hear. This song I think is the first song they actually have a fair line distribution. All of them got lines and time to sing. Jun specially of course, my forever bias. Also one of the highlights was the bridge part where we all sang together the "Oh oh oh oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah!" They actually mentioned during their next ment that Filipinos are indeed talented singers because we sang that part beautifully. So they made us sing that part again during the ment.
After which, they did another ment. Well I don't really remember everything what happened during the ment portion because I was too preoccupied in watching them rather than listening to them since I don't understand a thing. But I remember, we were teasing Jeonghan and shouting "iiyak na 'yan!" because his birthday is only few days away. Then when they got to know the meaning, Mingyu suddenly dance to Twice TT. 😅😅😅. Then they said the next song will already be the last song, and we all shouted NO!!!!
The next song was BAKSU! Well, this is one of my fave song. Simply because Jun was the ending center 😂😂😂. I am really sorry because I am really a Jun trash 😅😅😅. Forgive me about that. But then I love this song because it was very cool most specially Vernon's rap part. I really know the lyrics of that part.
"ENCORE, ENCORE, ENCORE!"
The whole arena was filled with chant of encore. It means that it was time for encore stage already. Some fans also chanted "WALANG UUWI!!!" 😁😁😁 Well no one really wanted to go home and end a fun-filled concert.
Then the arena became dark again and the last VCR played. After which, the members came out and sang Campfire. The song was very soothing and relaxing. Just imagine yourself in a camp in front of a bonfire then singing to this song, it is very relaxing. Then in fornt of that bonfire, you will just tell stories with each other while the song was playing as background. Ah! I miss camping days. I hope to go to another camp once again. The members just sing to the song as if we were really on a camping ground.
After the song, they did their ending ment. All of them thanked the undying support of carats. And that they promise they will come back in the Philippines for another concert because really, Philippines was one of their most unforgettable concert during the whole tour. Not to mention, Seungkwan said he won't forget about the cushion scene during Pretty U. And of course, the beautiful medley of Filipino Carats singing "Oh oh oh oh oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah" part in Oh My! Another highlight I remebered during their last ment was the cheers for the golden maknae, Dino. I was actually surprised by how loud the cheers was for him. I didn't expect thay he would actually get the loudest cheers from the Filipino Carats. I actually screamed louder during his part than my bias, Jun. Well again, Dino deserve all those cheers and love. He is indeed the maknae on top.
After the ment, they sing their encore songs already including Healing then the very last one, Aju nice! I scanned all their previous concerts that the encore took very long because of Aju Nice. An endless Aju nice as what other fans called. I thought it was too much to sing it very long but trust me, I just jump and jump that I didn't remember how many times they sang Aju Nice in the ending 😅😅😅. All of us just wore off and just jump to the song.
At last, it was really time to say goodbye. But in every ending only means a new beginning. The concert may have ended but the support of Filipino Carats for Seventeen will never end. It may be difficult at times to support the boys because not all of us are rich kids and not really have all the money to buy every album and merchandise they release, but as long as we support them through thick and thin, that is more than enough to comfort them and assure them that Carats will always be on their side.
So to all Filipino Carats, be patient to wait for the boys come back again in the Philippines!
I still have things to write but it will be on a different post already. It is about Seventeen Fansign event organize by The Saem.
UPDATE: Filipino Carats!!!! Be ready!!! Seventeen is coming back to Manila!!! Stay tuned ODE TO YOU IN MANILA on FEBRUARY and be sure to welcome them and support them!!!
I wanted to go to their concert but as of the moment, I am currently in another country, working and sacrificing myself for a better future and also for Seventeen so that next time, I will see them really upclose already! I just do hope when they come back again to the Philippines after Ode to You Manila, I will be there at their concert once again. I do miss them really!!! 😢😢😢😘😘😘
