K-pop group The Boyz performs at the KWAVE Music Festival at Burnham Green, Rizal Park in Manila, May 11, 2024. Photos by Richard EsguerraMANILA — K-pop and P-pop acts graced the stage of Burnham Green, Rizal Park in this city late Saturday for the KWAVE Music Festival, fostering cultural exchange between the Philippine and South Korean music scenes.

“Tonight will be a wonderful night to make good relationships between two countries through K-pop and P-pop,” Manila Koreatown Association President Kim Chong-pal said early in the show.

Throngs of fans endured the mild heat at the outdoor venue to witness their idols’ performances for the free event, which doubled as the closing ceremony for the Badminton Asia tournament featuring Filipino and South Korean players.

“Free na po ‘tong event… so I took the chance since libre,” 15-year-old Iris Tolentino, who attended for K-pop groups The Boyz and fromis_9, told ABS-CBN News hours before showtime.

(The event was free… so I took the chance since it’s free.)

Haidee Datu, 23, said she traveled from Pampanga to Manila just to see The Boyz.

“Kasi noong AAA (Asia Artist Award) nasa far back kami nakaupo. This time, we’re closer to the stage so I’m really, really excited,” said Datu, referring to the award ceremony that The Boyz attended at the Philippine Arena last December.

(Because during AAA, we were seated at the far back. This time, we’re closer to the stage so I’m really, really excited.)

The loudest cheers were for The Boyz, who closed the show, which lasted for more than three hours, with a five-piece repertoire.

The 11-member team delivered an electrifying set consisting of their more recent singles “Nectar,” “Watch It,” “Roar,” and “Thrill Ride,” alongside the crowd-favorite B-side “Fire Eyes,” which had everyone jumping.

READ: The Boyz to hold 'Zeneration II' concert in Manila

Girl group fromis_9 made its debut performance in the Philippines, treating fans to a string of singles including “Feel Good,” “#menow,” “We Go,” “Stay This Way,” and the fan-favorite “DM.”  

fromis_9 at the KWAVE Music Festival. Photo by Richard EsguerraThe P-pop stars also showcased their prowess, proving they could stand toe-to-toe with their Korean counterparts, garnering equal adoration from the crowd.

Darlene, a soloist known for competing on the inaugural season of “The Voice Kids,” opened the evening with her soulful ballad “Stay.”

She continued to captivate festival-goers with her rendition of Korean superstar IU’s “Love Wins All” and “The Voice” audition piece “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.

Girl group YARA delivered a mix of alluring and powerful performances with “Eksena” and “ADDA” as well as covers of the Black Eyed Peas’ “Bebot” and the SexBomb Girls’ “Bakit Papa?”.

READ: YARA brings back Sexbomb’s hit song ‘Bakit Papa?’ with twist

PLUUS, the only P-pop boy band of the evening, had the crowd swooning with “Universe,” “Shining Star” and “My Time.” For KWAVE, the sextet also prepared a dance cover of K-pop group RIIZE’s debut single “Get A Guitar.”

KAIA, another all-female ensemble, amped up the atmosphere with their debut hit “Blah Blah” and latest track “You Did It,” while showcasing original choreography to Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé’s “Feeling Myself.”

But the quintet also delivered a more intimate vibe with “Dalawa,” an R&B piece exploring the anxieties of confessing romantic feelings.

For their set, the charismatic girls of YGIG fielded “Universe,” “Touchdown,” and their infectious hip-hop-based debut track “Shaba Shaba,” along with a cover of Blackpink’s “Pretty Savage.”

READ: SBTown launches new P-pop girl group YGIG

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