TAEYEON and her Philippine SONEs (Girls’ Generation fans) marked this incredible milestone at ‘The TENSE’ concert in Manila on March 29, 2025. From her first solo concert in the country at New Frontier Theater in 2018 to filling the Araneta Coliseum in 2023, the powerhouse vocalist took things to the next level by celebrating her 10th anniversary as a solo artist at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Returning to the Philippines, TAEYEON took fans on a nostalgic journey, showcasing her artistic evolution with a 25-song setlist spanning her decade-long career. From iconic hits to fan favorites, she reminded everyone why she’s hailed as one of K-pop’s greatest vocal powerhouses. For one unforgettable night, SONEs came together to celebrate the past, present, and future of TAEYEON, making ‘The TENSE’ a truly wonderful experience.
Photo Courtesy: SM Entertainment / PULP Live World
TAEYEON’s ‘Fabulous’ return
As TAEYEON appears on stage, a breathtaking pink ocean filled the arena and SONE’s cheers echoed through the venue. Opening the night with ‘Fabulous,’ her dazzling presence matched her sparkling outfit, shining bright like a star. Taking fans on a musical journey, from her solo debut track “I” to her latest release “Letter To Myself”—she captivated hearts with her powerful and soulful vocals. Deeply touched by her Filipino SONEs, TAEYEON praised them for their impressive ability to sing along in Korean, proving their unwavering love and dedication. According to TAEYEON herself,
In my memory, the Philippines has the best cheers. From the very beginning, thank you so much for joining me and giving me your wildest cheers.
TAEYEON took fans to ‘Heaven’ literally and figuratively, as she poured her heart into lovely performances of “Blue Eyes,” “Make Me Love You,” and “Heaven.” She then turned up the heat with her fiery performances of “Hot Mess,” “Cold As Hell,” and “INVU,” setting the stage ablaze in the best way possible.
After the electrifying performances, TAEYEON shared a heartfelt moment, revealing how the quiet of her hotel room quickly vanished the moment she stepped onto the Mall of Asia Arena stage. “I guess you have a louder voice than me,” she happily said, acknowledging the deafening cheers of her Philippine SONEs. She also couldn’t help but notice the adorable fans in the crowd, including one dressed as a pink LED person and another wearing a “Taengoo” outfit—her beloved nickname given by fans. Smiling warmly, she said, “That’s so cute, thank you!” before forming a big heart shape with her hands, a moment that made the entire arena melt with love.
Photo Courtesy: SM Entertainment / PULP Live World
A wonderful ‘Weekend’ with TAEYEON
As TAEYEON delivered the soul-stirring “My Tragedy,” the arena fell silent in awe of her captivating vocals. The energy quickly shifted as she had fans dancing to the lively rhythm of “Melt Away,” embracing its irresistible salsa groove. Then came “What Do I Call You,” where the crowd chanted in unison, shouting “Kim Taeyeon!” at the top of their lungs. Overwhelmed by the love and energy, TAEYEON couldn’t help but express how surreal it all felt, saying it was like living in a dream.
I think I’ll have such a good, good memory about Manila even more.
The night took on a dynamic vibe as TAEYEON kept the momentum going with a series of high-energy performances of “Weekend,” making the night feel like the ultimate fun-filled escape. The entire arena sang their hearts out to “Stress,” releasing every worry in unison. With “Why,” there was no need to question why TAEYEON is adored by so many as her stage presence said it all. And when “Baram X 3” kicked in, the crowd joined the rhythm, waving pink cloths and dancing to the beat.
TAEYEON’s love for her fans is as timeless as her song “Four Seasons”, blooming like spring, shining like summer, calming like autumn, and cool like winter. And when she said, “SONE, I love you!” the entire arena felt the warmth of her heartfelt words. As the night grew more sentimental, she poured her emotions into “Disaster” and “Ending Credits.” Speaking of endings, the audience couldn’t help but commend TAEYEON (as seen in the actual ending credits), for her dedication, passion, and hard work, along with the incredible band, dancers, and staff who made the concert possible. She continued to enchant the crowd singing “Time Lapse,” “All For Nothing,” “Blur,” and “Curtain Call,” resonating deeply in the hearts of Philippine SONEs.
Photo Courtesy: SM Entertainment / PULP Live World
TAEYEON, ‘U R’ our ‘happy’ reason
Noticing the banners prepared by her Filipino fans (including a roll-down banner prepared by UNISONE PH with the phrase “On your TENSE (tenth) year, there was still us that didn’t change.” (너의 TENSE(10번째) 해에도 여전히 변하지 않은 우리가 있어), TAEYEON fondly recalled the word “BESHIE” (a local slang for best friend) and sweetly said, “Beshie, I remember. Beshie tayo forever!” (We are besties forever). Her gratitude overflowed as she shared her heartfelt appreciation for her Filipino fans, making the night even more meaningful.
Salamat po. Masaya po ako. Since it’s my 10th debut anniversary, the show was specially designed around the 10th-anniversary theme, making it truly meaningful to me. I’m very grateful that I’m able to spend this time with you and I hope that you can actually remember this for a very, very long time.
Photo Courtesy: SM Entertainment
As the evening came to a close, TAEYEON, alongside her band and dancers, gathered for a special photo with Philippine SONEs, capturing a moment that will be cherished forever. She then closed her “The TENSE” in Manila concert with an emotional performance of “UR,” a song that serves as a heartfelt letter of appreciation, love, and gratitude. Through every line and note, TAEYEON expressed her thanks to the fans who have supported her, loved her, and stood by her music throughout the years. TAEYEON also posted pictures of her with a caption,
Thanks MANILA S♡NE 💜🩷
Photo Courtesy: TAEYEON on Instagram
This night wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of a decade-long journey, marking a remarkable milestone for both TAEYEON and her devoted SONEs, proving once again that their bond is timeless. It was a night of music, memories, and pure magic, one that both TAEYEON and her Philippine SONEs will cherish forever.
TAEYEON’s The TENSE in Manila Setlist:
- Fabulous
- I
- Letter To Myself
- Blue Eyes
- Make Me Love You
- Heaven
- Hot Mess
- Cold As Hell
- INVU
- My Tragedy
- Melt Away
- To.X
- What Do I Call You
- Weekend
- Stress
- Why
- Baram X 3
- Four Seasons
- Disaster
- Ending Credits
- Time Lapse
- All For Nothing
- Blur
- Curtain Call
- U R
TAEYEON’s Concert ‘The TENSE’ IN MANILA is made possible by SM Entertainment, CJ ENM, and PULP Live World.
