BULACAN, Philippines – “Best of Best” is a straightforward, but definitely apt title for the recently concluded concert featuring 4 popular K-Pop groups.  Hallyu, the Korean wave, is a formidable force of global cool, and 4 of its stalwarts arrived on our shores to great anticipation. (READ: In Twitter pics: Super Junior, Girls’ Generation in ‘Best of the Best in PH’ concert) 

Super Junior and Girls’ Generation (a.k.a. SNSD) are considered veterans of this scene, and were de facto headliners of this concert.

Red Velvet and BtoB, though relatively newer than their abovementioned cohorts in the Korean pop music machine, were also much-awaited and have their own contingents of avid followers.  (‘Best of the Best PH’ K-Pop concert: 7 things we’re looking forward to)

Throngs of youngsters flocked to Manila’s outskirts – not seeming to mind the distance from their homes. They came to profess their love with screams and banners. Just like that, the whole arena was turned into a deafening wall of sound.

The already palpable energy skyrocketed as Girls’ Generation started to perform a set of  memorable singles spanning their career.

Despite performing as an eight-piece this time around after the controversial departure of member Jessica Jung, songs such as old-time favorites “Genie” and “Gee” and the sultry “Hoot” were still well-received. The fans sang along in unison as the members danced in hypnotic synchronization.

Pumped up by the spirited reception, Super Junior even asked for louder screaming, with Leeteuk trying to compete with incessant shouts of “Mabuhay!” They did not perform their whole set as a group though, as Cho Kyuhyun sang solo.

Their signature single “Sorry, Sorry” was notably absent from the set, and with the lack of an encore, the crowd departed the venue a tad bit disappointed. 

Earlier, Red Velvet kicked off the concert with cutesy and saccharine songs such as “Ice Cream Cake” and “Candy.” 

BtoB, all dressed in black, captivated the crowd with their infectious beats and pop-and-lock dance moves. 

Two short and sweet hours might have left the fans wanting, and it’s fair to assume that anticipation for the next one won’t be cooling any time soon. – Rappler.com

All photos by Paolo Abad/Rappler

Paolo Abad is a film/television editor and motion graphic designer. He is also a self-confessed concert junkie. Follow his Instagram for live music @outoftunephoto