Waterbomb Manila 2025 – Day 1: A Sizzling Start to the Ultimate Summer Party

Waterbomb Manila 2025 made a massive splash at Quirino Grandstand on February 22-23, delivering an unforgettable weekend of music, energy, and water-soaked fun. As one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, the event brought together top artists, thrilling performances, and an electrifying crowd ready to dance and cool off under the city’s biggest water festival. With back-to-back days of nonstop entertainment, Waterbomb Manila 2025 was the ultimate fusion of summer vibes and high-energy beats, leaving fans excited and looking forward to the next one.

A Look Back at Day 1

The venue was well-chosen, and Waterbomb Manila ensured that fans were immersed in the full festival experience—without the inconvenience of muddy terrain—by laying out artificial grass across the grounds. When they say Waterbomb, they MEAN it. The Waterbomb Time! between artist performances and DJ sets transformed the event into a high-energy aquatic spectacle and showered partygoers in waves of excitement.

Despite the festival’s emphasis on getting soaked, the organizers ensured a well-rounded experience by catering to attendees’ needs. The venue featured designated changing areas, porta-potties, smoking zones, and a variety of food concessionaires offering refreshments. For those looking to take a break, photo booths, dry zones, and rest areas provided a chance to recharge while still soaking in the festival atmosphere. Meanwhile, the spacious layout allowed spectators who preferred to stay dry to move toward the back and enjoy the music without getting caught in the splash zone.

Performances

Thea Astley, a Filipino singer, songwriter, and theater actress, first gained recognition as the first runner-up in “The Clash” Season 2 (2019). She later became a co-host on “All-Out Sundays” and took on the lead role of Ti Moune in the 2024 Philippine staging of “Once On This Island: A Musical.”

She joined Waterbomb Manila as one of its opening performers, delivering a standout set featuring her single “Never” and a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”

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APRO, a South Korean DJ and producer, is known for his seamless fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic beats. With a strong background in music production and live performances, he has worked with various artists, crafting a distinct sound that resonates with audiences. As the first DJ of Waterbomb Manila 2025, APRO delivered a dynamic set that kept the crowd engaged, building anticipation for the performances to follow.

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The honor of officially opening Waterbomb Manila 2025 went to none other than B.I., who took the stage under the blazing afternoon sun, setting the tone for the festival ahead. Greeting the crowd with a warm, “It’s really nice to see you again, I missed you guys. There’s a lot of artists after me, so have a good time and create a lot of memories today, okay?” he energized the audience while reminding them that the festival was just getting started.

B.I brought high energy to the stage, firing up the crowd with his dynamic performance and powerful stage presence.

His high-energy setlist kept the momentum going, from the hard-hitting “Michelangelo” to the smooth rhythms of “BTBT.” The collab with Reddy on “TTM” added a dynamic touch, while “Beautiful Life” wrapped things up on a heartfelt note.

B.I’s Waterbomb Manila 2025 Setlist:

• Michelangelo
• Be I
• Dotdae
• Waterfall
• BTBT
• Tasty
• TTM (with Reddy)
• Flame
• Lover
• Die for Love
• Beautiful Life

With his explosive performance, B.I. was the perfect opener, hyping up the crowd and setting the festival in motion.

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IMLAY, a South Korean DJ and producer, brought his signature electronic sound to Waterbomb Manila 2025, blending hard-hitting beats with familiar K-pop elements. Known for his innovative remixes, he surprised the crowd by incorporating hits like SHINee’s “Ring Ding Dong” into his set, giving festivalgoers a fresh take on a beloved classic while keeping the energy high throughout his performance.

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Lee Chae-yeon took the stage with her signature mix of powerful vocals and captivating choreography, but it was the Filipino crowd that left her truly stunned. In awe of the energy, she couldn’t help but repeatedly say, “Wow,” visibly moved by the overwhelming cheers.

As a special surprise, she brought a wave of nostalgia by performing a medley of IZ*ONE songs, making it a standout moment for longtime fans.

Lee Chae-Yeon’s Waterbomb Manila 2025 Setlist:

• Summer Heat
• Don’t
• LET’S DANCE
• IZ*ONE Dance Medley (La Vie en Rose / Violeta / FIESTA / Secret Story of the Swan / Panorama)
• KNOCK

From the sultry moves of “Summer Heat” to the commanding presence of “KNOCK,” Chae-yeon left a lasting impression, setting the stage for the next performances.

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The ever-charismatic hunk brought a wave of ’90s K-pop nostalgia to Waterbomb Manila 2025, giving festivalgoers a refreshing throwback amid the day’s performances. Kim Jong Kook had the crowd singing along to his timeless hit “사랑스러워 (Loveable),” a song that remains a staple in Korean pop culture. Best known as a main cast member of South Korea’s longest-running variety show, Running Man, he brought his playful energy to the stage, proving that classic K-pop can still captivate while giving fans a glimpse of the entertainer they’ve adored for years.

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J.E.B., known for his K-pop mash-ups and remixes, brought his unique style to Waterbomb Manila 2025, seamlessly blending electronic beats with fan-favorite hits. His set had the crowd vibing as he mixed tracks like EXO’s “Ko Ko Bop”, giving the song a fresh, festival-ready twist while keeping the energy alive throughout his performance.

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Dynamic Duo, composed of Gaeko (Kim Yoon-sung) and Choiza (Choi Jae-ho), brought their signature hip-hop sound to Waterbomb Manila 2025, delivering a performance packed with sharp verses and effortless flow. As one of Korea’s most respected hip-hop acts, they kept the crowd engaged with a solid setlist featuring:

• “AEAO”
• “Guilty”
• “She Gonna Stop”
• “Smoke”

Their performance added a bold hip-hop edge to the festival, proving why they remain a powerhouse in the Korean music scene.

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STAYC brought their signature charm to Waterbomb Manila 2025, instantly lighting up the stage as the crowd eagerly chanted, “STAYC girls, it’s going down!” The group greeted fans with bright smiles, with Sumin asking, “Hi, Filipinos! Are you guys having fun?” before diving into their set.

Performing a mix of their biggest hits, they kept the energy high with:

• “RUN2U”
• “SO BAD”
• “Teddy Bear”
• “Bubble”
• “ASAP”

Their playful energy and effortless chemistry made every moment exciting, while their distinct vocal colors added a fresh dynamic to each track. Whether striking cute poses or interacting with fans between songs, STAYC ensured their set wasn’t just a performance—it was an experience. And great surprise! STAYC announced that they will be coming back in March! Whether it was music, or coming back in the country, we know we’ll be in there staying in tune with the lovely ladies of STAYC!

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DJ Roots, a South Korean producer and DJ, is known for his seamless fusion of hip-hop and EDM, working with artists like CAMO and Jung Jin-hyeong. At Waterbomb Manila 2025, he kept the crowd energized with a set filled with bold remixes and heavy beats, ensuring the momentum never dropped between performances.

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Baekho turned up the heat, delivering a performance that had both festivalgoers and L.O.Λ.E fired up. Stepping on stage with effortless confidence, he commanded attention with his deep, expressive vocals and bold stage presence.

BAEKHO’s Waterbomb Manila 2025 Setlist:

• “Wet & Wild”
• “Savior”
• “No Rules”
• “Elevator”
• “Nutty Nutty”
• “Love or Die”

His mix of sultry R&B and dynamic pop fit right into the festival’s electrifying atmosphere. Whether teasing the crowd with smooth vocals or amping them up with hard-hitting beats, Baekho made sure his set left an impact—and plenty of fans completely drenched in both water and adrenaline. As a staple Waterbomb artist, he always understood the assignment, sending the crowd in frenzy as he flexed his body.

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Kwon Eun-bi took the Waterbomb Manila 2025 stage with effortless grace, proving exactly why she’s been dubbed the “Waterbomb Queen.” The former IZ*ONE leader turned soloist mesmerized the crowd with her sleek choreography and commanding stage presence, seamlessly blending sultry and high-energy performances.

“Manila, are you ready? Let’s have fun together!” she called out before diving into her setlist:

• “Door”
• “Beautiful Night”
• “Flash”
• “Problem” (Ariana Grande cover)
• “SABOTAGE”
• “Underwater”

From the dreamy elegance of “Door” to the irresistible rhythm of “Underwater,” Eun-bi had the audience captivated, balancing powerful vocals with fluid dance moves. She effortlessly worked the stage, interacting with fans and soaking in the energy of the festival. By the time she wrapped up her set, the crowd was left wanting more—completely drenched, both in water and in the sheer thrill of her performance.

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Next DJ on the roster is ZB & Ation, the high-energy DJ duo, kept the Waterbomb Manila 2025 crowd moving with a dynamic set that blended various genres seamlessly. Their electrifying performance matched the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, keeping the energy levels high as the night continued.

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Hwasa lit up Waterbomb Manila 2025 with her signature confidence and stage presence, proving why she’s one of K-pop’s most charismatic soloists. From the moment she stepped on stage, she had the crowd captivated, effortlessly blending sultry vocals with bold choreography.

HWASA Waterbomb in Manila Setlist:

• “Chili”
• “I Love My Body”
• “TWIT”
• “Don’t”
• “NA”
• Décalcomanie / Egotistic / Dingga / HIP (MAMAMOO medley with “Water” by Tyla dance cover)
• “Maria”

The highlight of her set was the MAMAMOO medley, where she seamlessly transitioned between hits, throwing in a surprise dance cover of “Water” by Tyla that had the crowd cheering. By the time she closed with “Maria,” a very fan-requested track, where fans were singing along at full volume, fully immersed in the moment. Also a resident Waterbomb performer, she proved again why she’s always invited to perform and why people come in to see the one and only, Queen Hwasa.

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Epik High, legends in the Korean hip-hop scene, took the stage at Waterbomb Manila 2025, delivering a performance that showcased their enduring influence. Before jumping into their set, each member had their solo introduction, adding humor and personality that had the crowd cheering. They also expressed their love for the Philippines, telling the audience that they missed being here and would surely be back.

Their setlist included:

• “Born Hater”
• “Michelin Cypher”
• “One”
• “New Beautiful”
• “No Thanxxx”
• “Don’t Hate Me”

With their mix of classic hits and engaging stage presence, they kept the energy high as the festival neared its final acts, proving once again why they remain icons in the genre.

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Raiden took over the stage at Waterbomb Manila 2025, bringing a dynamic set that showcased his expertise in blending electronic beats with K-pop influences. As a DJ and producer under SM Entertainment, he highlighted tracks from some of the company’s biggest acts, including aespa, NCT, and EXO, delivering remixes that had the crowd vibing. His seamless transitions and electrifying drops proved just how good the music was, keeping festivalgoers moving as the night neared its final stretch.

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As the headliner of Day 1, Chanyeol, a member of EXO—dubbed the emperors of K-pop, took the stage with a bang—literally. Right before his set, explosive fireworks lit up the sky, signaling the grand finale of the night. With EXO-Ls dominating the crowd, the energy was at its peak, creating an electrifying atmosphere at Waterbomb Manila 2025.

Fresh off wrapping up his solo tour just last week, Chanyeol brought his signature energy and stage presence to the festival. Throughout his set, he couldn’t hide his excitement every time fans called him “pogi”, grinning and responding in between songs. His performance capped off the night on a high, sending the crowd into a final frenzy.

His setlist included:

• “Good Enough”
• “Back Again”
• “Ease Up”
• “Black Out”
• “Tomorrow”
• “Nothin’” (EXO-SC song)
• “Hasta La Vista”

As the final beats of Chanyeol’s set faded into the night, Waterbomb Manila 2025 – Day 1 came to a thrilling close. From explosive performances to unforgettable collaborations, the festival delivered on its promise of music, water, and pure adrenaline. Fans were left soaked—not just in water, but in the unmatched energy that each artist and DJ brought to the stage.

But the party didn’t stop there. Day 2 was just as wild, wet, and full of mayhem, bringing another round of high-energy performances and nonstop water action. Ready to relive it? Click here for the full recap of Day 2!

Event Covered and Words by Arielle Elep and Photos by Faye Gorospe

Special Thanks to Waterbomb in Manila for the event invite!