Story time: I became an EXO-L in 2012 when the group debuted with the song “Mama.” I remember stanning them so hard back in college where I would watch their variety shows at night after doing my homeworks, listen to their songs and memorize them by heart, and introduce the K-pop group to my friends as if I know them personally.
My first concert experience was also with EXO and it has always been a vivid memory of me fangirling and enjoying the experience to the fullest. You could say that my life revolved around them back then, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now that I’m a 30-year-old corporate worker who just watched Doh Kyungsoo’s concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last August 16, the event made me remember the wonderful years I’ve spent being an EXO-L. It may sound cheesy but it truly healed something inside me! I have always looked forward to seeing Kyungsoo perform his solo songs live and being able to do so is one of my simple joys this year. I am also a huge fan of his actor side and it was so nice to know that he’s as loveable as the characters he portrayed!
Here are my favorite moments during Do It! in Manila:
1. When Kyungsoo showed his vocal prowess onstage.
Kyungsoo’s songs either have that feel-good vibe to motivate you all day or that solemn feeling which feels like a tight hug from a childhood friend. When he sang his solo tracks during the concert, fans were taken to a rollercoaster of emotions as he performed “Simple Joys,” “Rose,” “Sing Along,” “Mars,” “I Do,” I’m Gonna Love You,” “Popcorn,” “I’ll Be There,” “Draw My Path,” and “In Another Life” with a live band.
The EXO member mentioned that while doing his albums, he wanted to give warmth and courage to his fans. “I will continue as an artist that will give you these kinds of songs,” he said.
2. When he was lifted off the ground during “It’s Love” and “My Dear.”
Do It! in Manila had an impressive stage production, one where the songs were so aligned with the stage effects and design. Take for example when Kyungsoo sang “It’s Love” and he was lifted off the ground while sitting on a platform. This was followed with “My Dear”—complete with the backdrop of the sea and the moon shining bright—while he was still in the air.
3. When he sang “Peter Pan.”
It’s not an EXO tingi concert without the members singing their hits! For his solo event, Kyungsoo surprised everyone with his live performance of “Love Me Right”’s bridge and the chorus of the fan-favorite “Peter Pan” (which was actually a request from Dandanies).
4. When Kyungsoo was so cute and candid during the event.
This is actually my favorite part of the show! Kyungsoo is so, so charming and funny IRL, much like his characters in the K-dramas and Korean movies he was in. He would vibe with the fans who are singing his songs, even teaching them how to sing “Popcorn” properly! You can’t help but laugh at his jokes (like when he mimicked Filipino Dandanies who said “Walang uuwi”) and his colorful personality radiated all throughout the show. We received so much good energy from him and everyone left the venue in high spirits.
5. When Dandanies did a live karaoke of EXO’s songs.
While following the dress code and wearing white (there was an inside joke in the fandom that it felt like the concert was a baptism)! The sing-along started with “First Snow” a.k.a the K-pop Christmas anthem, and it really felt like the ber months are about to come and it’s time to start putting up our Christmas trees. This was followed with the yearning track “Don’t Go” and the record-breaking “Growl,” followed by “Love Me Right” before Kyungsoo came back onstage and sang the bridge part.
