K-pop sensation ITZY during the Manila stop of their "Born To Be" Tour at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, August 3, 2024. X/@ITZYofficialMANILA — K-pop superstars ITZY became emotional while looking back at their journey as they mark the 2000th day of being in the industry at their "Born To Be" concert in the Philippines.

Near the end of their show on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the girls and the audience watched a special fan video which showed the group members' humble beginnings and vulnerable moments as K-pop idols. Yuna, the group's maknae or youngest member, broke into tears.

"In a blink of an eye, it's already our day 2000," she said while wiping her tears. "We were rushing things but we've been doing a lot in 2000 days that we can't even look back. I don't have the actual moment to look back on those 2000 days as ITZY".

But there is one thing that remains unforgettable for her within the fast-changing days.

"Nevertheless, I think the brightest smile I had was in front of MIDZYs," Yuna emphasized, earning cheers from the crowd and nods from fellow members Yeji, Ryujin, and Chaeryeong.

The K-pop sensation filled the night with jaw-breaking performances, with their recent song "Born To Be" as the show opener. Despite being known as stage masters, fans could still not help but be amazed and surprised — expressing their astonishment through deafening screams.

One of the show highlights where the crowd went wild was on the dance break that led to "Wannabe" performance. This song remains to be ITZY's top performing hit, aside from their debut song "Dalla Dalla", and summer tracks "Icy" and "Not Shy".

As a level up from their "Checkmate" Tour where the group also visited the country last year, a band accompanied their setlist of 25 songs in the "Born To Be" Tour. ITZY said they themselves helped in arranging these tracks and making sure they would give the best energy that MIDZYs can enjoy.

"Looking at our world tour today, the difference with the first tour was we're eager to perform the best way we can. But this time, you know I kinda have the comfort feeling to see each and every MIDZY's face, and just have fun on stage," Chaeryeong sweetly shared.

Solo stages

ITZY performed their self-composed and produced solo songs that are part of their recent album. These tracks mark a significant milestone in their career and artistry since it was their first time to participate in their own music.

Chaeryeong started the solo stage portion with a sultry performance of "Mine". Using her reflections in the big mirrors on stage and a double, she brought the same vibe from her music video while dancing gracefully to her passionate-sounding track.

Changing the atmosphere from sensual to badass, Ryujin came in with black leather jacket, big boots, and simple mic stand for her "Runaway" stage. The group's main rapper showcased her enchanting vocals for a heartbreaking song.

Yuna entered in a gliterry dress with a big diamond props for her "Yet, But" performance. She grooves with the cute, feminine music that was still aligned to the group's self-love theme.

And undoubtedly the best performer of the show, Yeji set the stage on fire with "Crown on My Head". She consistently hyped the crowd while dancing powerfully and singing the pop rock track live.

"I was surprised by your voices. The best ang Manila," Yeji complimented the fans who sang along.

"Every city has a different vibe [but] you guys are the best for my "Yet, But" stage," Yuna added.

ITZY and BINI crumbs

Later on, Yeji said they once asked for the performances that MIDZYs would want to see from them, and there was a song that Filipino fans have always been asking.

The group proceeded then to dancing to BINI's hit song "Pantropiko" two times in a row, while also hopping on the "Eyy" trend of the nation's girl group.

BLOOMS and fans of both groups were in loud cheers both in Arena and online, since BINI's Mikha is a known fan of ITZY.

Filipino MIDZYs

Even on their media conference on Friday at Glorietta 4 in Makati City, the K-pop girl group was already thankful to MIDZYs in the Philippines.

ITZY members are all smiles at their "Born To Be" Manila press conference at Glorietta 4, August 2, 2024. Photo by Ched Rick Gatchalian, ABS-CBN News"[We feel] the passion and love when we return to the Philippines. We love and value you guys so much as well," the group's maknae stressed.

The group's center, Ryujin, said they have always been practicing to deliver great performances whenever they comeback.

"We learned a lot from our Checkmate tour, and we are applying it now," she said.

K-pop group ITZY on best part about touring in PH

As for what song does ITZY want to dedicate to Filipino MIDZYs, Yeji said they wanna offer the ballad song "Domino" to Manila fans. She said this track is about how dependent are ITZY and its fans to each other.

Wrapping up their "Born to Be" Manila stop, the girls showered Filipino MIDZYs with sweet words as they conclude their concert.

"Tonight will be an unforgettable night for me. Manila MIDZYs never disappoint us," Chaeryeong shared.

"We always look forward to you guys, you're so enthusiastic. Next time we can come to the Philippines, we will practice and be much cooler so you can enjoy more with us," Ryujin mentioned.

"Manila MIDZYs are the best. It's not lying because you guys really had fun tonight. We will always be by your side with new good music," Yeji said, with her last words seemingly teasing their upcoming comeback.

ITZY is expected to release a new album, but this time, the group's main vocalist Lia will already be joining them as she ends her hiatus. 

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