We got a taste of Red Velvet last May 7 for their R to V Concert held at SM MOA Arena, and it sure was sweet, a little bit spicy, and all-around tasty!
Debuted in 2014, the 5-piece girl group from SM Entertainment took over the Manila stage, and Filipino ReVeluvs were definitely in for a sweet ride! Opening the show with ‘Feel My Rhythm’, ‘BAMBOLEO’, and ‘LP’, members Irene, Wendy, Seulgi, and Yeri were clad in beautiful pink ballerina outfits and tutus. The group instantly shook up the arena with their feel-good songs that officially opened the R to V Concert. Not long after their opening stage, the members said greetings and sentiments. Filipino ReVeluvs were energetic, ready to sing and dance the night away!
The second stage started with their 2015 hit ‘Ice Cream Cake’, followed by serenades of ‘Oh Boy’, ‘On A Ride’, and the sentimental ‘Eyes Locked, Hands Locked’. The members were more colorful and cute in dresses of their representative colors. The members wore a quick outfit change of red and denim as they performed ‘Queendom’, ‘Bing Bing’, ‘Birthday’, and the iconic ‘Red Flavor’, which made ReVeluvs sing along at the top of their lungs! The energy this stage brought was evident in ReVeluvs’ screams of happiness!
The third stage took a turn from the previous colorful atmosphere. This stage showed off a darker and alluring vibe as the members wore sexy black and white outfits. Red Velvet’s darker side was more evident in this stage with tracks ‘Pose’, ‘Beg For Me’,’ ZOOM’, ‘BYE BYE’ and ‘In & Out’. After a short break, the ladies of Red Velvet returned with the same sultry vibes, this time clad in an all-black ensemble. The stage continued with ‘I Just’, and ‘Peek-A-Boo’. A short introductory dance number followed by fan chants kicked off ‘Bad Boy’, and closed off with the viral hit ‘Psycho’.
‘Celebrate’ started off the encore stage, followed by ‘My Dear’ and ‘Russian Roulette’. Not long after, the members said their ending sentiments to Filipino ReVeluvs. They couldn’t help but be touched by their Filipino fans as several fan projects filled the arena, from banners of sweet messages from the Lowerbox area to a sea of yellow, blue, purple, pink, and green lights for each member of Red Velvet. Main Dancer Seulgi has expressed how the Manila stop is now memorable to her as this stop is the only one that prepared tons of surprises for the girls! Leader Irene also expressed how Filipino ReVeluvs’ screams were even louder than the World Cup! Maknae Yeri praised Filipino ReVeluvs for giving her so much positive energy and having the loudest reactions. That’s how passionate and energetic Filipino fans are; we’re glad the members have genuinely acknowledged that.
Almost three hours in, and the show doesn’t stop! Red Velvet teased their fans by saying goodbye, but Main vocalist Wendy hinted they might return in a while. ReVeluvs chanted “ZIMZALABIM!” which signaled that the crowd would not let the concert finish until they hear the song live! Shortly after, the members returned and gave what Filipino ReVeluvs wanted with ‘ZIMZALABIM’ and ended with ‘You Better Know’.
We can feel how much Red Velvet enjoyed their Manila show and received immense love from their Filipino fans! Requests for a Day 2 show were pleaded weeks before the concert, but Red Velvet couldn’t make it possible because of tight scheduling. But fret not ReVeluvs, as Red Velvet confirmed they would be back soon and complete this time! Despite Lead Vocalist Joy not being able to join the Manila show for health reasons, her presence was unwavering as videos of her parts in each song were flashed on the screen, making it seem that she was with Filipino ReVeluvs.
It was a night to remember, and we were still on a Red Velvet high! Huge thanks to PULP Live World and Hapee Hour for making the R to V Concert possible and a success!