‘BESHIE TAYO FOREVER!’: Taeyeon Successfully Wraps Her Arena Stop in Manila for the 2025 The Tense Tour

Two years after her first solo concert in the Philippines, BESHIE returned with “TAEYEON CONCERT – The TENSE in MANILA” on March 29, 2025, at the Mall of Asia Arena, presented by PULP Live World. Filipino S♡NEs had been counting down the days, and when the moment finally arrived, they made sure she felt it—roaring to life the second she stepped on stage. Known for calling the Philippines home to the greatest cheering crowd, Taeyeon was met with exactly that, proving once again that Manila never holds back when it comes to their BESHIE.

A Grand Entrance Fit for a Goddess

Taeyeon kicked off the night with “FABULOUS”, and from the moment the music hit, you knew this wasn’t just any performance. The stage, set in a baroque-inspired design, added an extra layer of drama, making her entrance feel larger than life. With a look that matched the opulence of her surroundings and a live band backing her, it was clear she wasn’t just singing, she was owning the moment. Her voice, as always, was unmistakably live, a true testament to why she’s one of the best in the business.

After the grand opening with “FABULOUS,” Taeyeon continued her set in a striking new outfit that highlighted her effortless vocal prowess. The first part of the show was all about showcasing her talent, with the focus firmly on her powerful live performance.

During a brief talk, Taeyeon greeted the crowd with a warm “Kamusta kayo!” and expressed her excitement at being back in Manila, saying, “I’m back after two years.” It was clear this return was something special for her, and she took a moment to share her appreciation for the Filipino fans, calling them the “best crowd in cheering” she’s ever had. It was a proud moment for Filipino fans to hear the queen of vocals herself call them the “best crowd” and the “best cheering crowd,” a compliment that had the entire arena buzzing with pride. She also fondly recalled the term “beshie” [a Filipino slang for “close friend], which has become a beloved part of her bond with her S♡NEs.

The concert also featured some striking stage elements that added depth to the experience. During “Blue Eyes,” Taeyeon sat on a blue feathered chair, creating a visually captivating moment. For “Cold as Hell,” a massive cloth was used to highlight her shadow, adding a dramatic effect to the performance. Throughout the show, the clever use of lighting and lasers kept the audience’s eyes glued to the stage, elevating the entire experience to something far beyond a typical concert.

Like many K-pop artists, Taeyeon had a VCR prepared, typically used to segment the concert or provide time for outfit changes. However, what made hers stand out was how it perfectly aligned with the theme and setlist of the night.

The first half of the concert, featuring songs like “Fabulous,” “I,” “Letter To Myself,” “Blue Eyes,” and “Make Me Love You,” was paired with a VCR titled “Heaven: Angel Laundry Shop,” where Taeyeon was depicted as a celestial being, setting an ethereal and serene tone. This heavenly vibe matched the lighter songs, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

After “Heaven,” the VCR shifted dramatically from the angelic “Angel Laundry Shop” to a bold, fiery theme called “Hell: The Angel Makes Me a Devil.” With actual fire lighting up the stage and red lighting intensifying the mood, the performance took on a more daring and rebellious edge, perfectly complementing tracks like “Hot Mess,” “Cold as Hell,” “INVU,” “My Tragedy,” “Melt Away,” “To. X,” and “What Do I Call You.” The fiery visuals and intense lighting created an unforgettable contrast, making the concert experience stand out from the ordinary.

WE ARE BESHIES FOREVER

As the concert moved into the next section, Taeyeon’s playful banter with the crowd brought the energy to another level, especially during the performances of “Weekend,” “Stress,” “Why,” and “Baram X 3.” Filipino S♡NEs showed off their creative side, bringing out pink cloths to wave in unison, turning the arena into a beautiful pink rave—a fan project reminiscent of the one from her first concert in Manila.

In between songs, Taeyeon connected with her fans, saying, “Yesterday, when I was in my hotel room, it was so quiet, but now, because of your loud cheers, I didn’t know what to do.” She also playfully remarked, “You guys are louder than I am.” Then, she shared a heartfelt moment, adding, “It’s my 10th year as a soloist as well, so this concert is special to me.” Her genuine appreciation for the fans was evident, and they responded with even more enthusiasm.

Fans also held up banners shaped like an egg, a nod to Taeyeon’s beloved nickname, “Egg”, (or “Taenggeu egg”), which comes from her fondness for a character resembling an egg. Taeyeon has a special connection to this character, even owning a doll called the “Taenggeu egg.” The highlight of this section came when the fans sang “11:11” in perfect harmony, filling the arena with their beautiful voices and making the moment even more special.

When Taeyeon’s “Ending Credits” song played, the credits revealed that the entire production was credited to her. She took a moment to share that this concert was especially meaningful, explaining, “I made sure that the TENSE concert coincides well with my 10th anniversary as a soloist.” It was a personal touch, celebrating not just the concert but the milestone in her solo career.

To close the night, Taeyeon took the stage for an encore, performing “Time Lapse,” “All For Nothing,” “Blur,” “Curtain Call,” and “U R.” The atmosphere in the arena remained high as Taeyeon wrapped up the performance, expressing her gratitude with, “We are beshies forever,” a heartfelt nod to her Filipino fans who had shown her unwavering support.

The warm reception from the crowd confirmed that her connection with the Philippines remains strong, and fans are already looking forward to her next visit. Many are hoping that when she returns, it will be with Girls’ Generation, bringing a complete reunion with her beloved group and their fans.

“Thanks MANILA S♡NE 💜🩷”

TAEYEON in Manila: The Tense Setlist

Fabulous
I
Letter To Myself
Blue Eyes
Make Me Love You
Heaven
Hot Mess
Cold As Hell
INVU
My Tragedy
Melt Away
To. X
What Do I Call You
Weekend
Stress
Why
Baram X 3
Four Seasons
Disaster
Ending Credits
Time Lapse
All For Nothing
Blur
Curtain Call
U R

Special Thanks to Pulp Live World for the event coverage

Event Covered by: Arielle Elep, Randall Villoria; Words by Arielle Elep