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HIGHLIGHT took their Filipino LIGHTS (their beloved fanbase) on the ride of their lives last August 23, Saturday, at the New Frontier Theater for 2025 HIGHLIGHT LIVE: RIDE OR DIE.
Presented by Three Angles Production, this Manila show marked the fourth stop of their ongoing tour, which kicked off in Seoul and continued through Taipei and Macau. From here, the group is set to visit Tokyo and Bangkok before concluding in Kuala Lumpur.
The energy inside the theater soared the moment the lights dimmed. HIGHLIGHT wasted no time, opening the night with ‘Chains’ and driving the crowd into a frenzy with ‘Switch On’ before taking fans down memory lane with BEAST-era classics ‘Stay,’ ‘Shadow,’ and ‘Sad Movie.’ They powered through their first five songs in one go, only stepping backstage briefly to change their sleek, coordinated stage outfits.
“Hello, we are HIGHLIGHT!” the group greeted in unison, sending the venue into a deafening roar. Dujun, Yoseop, Gikwang, and Dongwoon couldn’t hide their awe at the overwhelming cheers during the first talk segment.
“We’re finally able to meet LIGHTS here in Manila for our first concert!” Dongwoon exclaimed with heartfelt excitement. “It’s been 16 years since our debut before we opened our first concert here in Manila. You’ve been waiting for a long time, right?” The fans’ thunderous response said it all. Gikwang added, “It always feels like there are so many LIGHTS wherever we go, but Manila is truly different.” He then turned slowly, taking in the sea of fans as if to etch the moment into memory.
Though this was their first time performing in the Philippines as HIGHLIGHT, they made an indelible mark in the hearts of their fans with stages that were both explosive and deeply heartfelt—some even carrying personal touches that showed how much they value the culture of every country they visit.
The setlist was a mix of nostalgia and new energy, with the group performing more of their well-loved BEAST tracks such as ‘We Up,’ ‘Dance With U,’ and ‘Hands Up.’ Despite the intensity of their performances, fatigue was never in sight. If anything, their fans’ cheers fueled them further.
Adding to the night’s charm, the members made a genuine effort to connect by learning Filipino expressions. Yoseop, ever the fan-favorite, exclaimed, “Lights, ang ganda n’yo!” (Lights, you’re so beautiful!)—a line that the rest of the group soon echoed after seeing the crowd’s delighted reaction.
One of the most unforgettable moments came when Yoseop asked the fans to sing the chorus of ‘On Rainy Days’ a cappella. Removing his earpiece, he closed his eyes and listened intently, later saying it sounded as if the entire venue was fluent in Korean.
The atmosphere only grew warmer as the concert progressed. The group moved around the stage to greet fans up close, creating intimate moments amid the electrifying set. A particularly touching highlight was when the Manila Cathedral appeared on the LED backdrop as they performed, paying homage to the local culture. The members even shared their desire to explore more of the Philippines.
Adding a playful note to the night, Dongwoon recalled his time studying in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and his fond memories of his neighbors, proudly calling himself a kababayan (fellow Filipino).
As the 27-song setlist drew to a close, fans surprised HIGHLIGHT with a heartfelt video chronicling their journey—from debut days as BEAST to their present as HIGHLIGHT—underscoring the patience and unwavering support that LIGHTS have given all these years. The emotional tribute left both the members and the audience in tears.
Everyone expressed their happiness, with Dujun slightly lamenting that this was their first concert in the country. He promised they would return at the earliest opportunity to perform again. The warmth and support they experienced that night were truly unparalleled, something they would carry with them for a very long time.
After 16 years of waiting, the night was more than just a concert—it was a long-overdue celebration of music, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between HIGHLIGHT and their Filipino LIGHTS.
English (US) · 