My first major concert experience turned out to be one of the most unforgettable nights of my life—because it was none other than BABYMETAL, organized by Pulp Live World, held on October 8, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Photo: Joel Garcia/Pulp Live World
As soon as the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers. You could feel the excitement buzzing through the venue, with thousands of fans ready to welcome the Japanese kawaii-metal trio for their first-ever solo concert in the Philippines.
The visuals alone were jaw-dropping: vibrant reds and electric blues flashing across the stage, bursts of fire erupting in perfect sync with the band’s explosive performance. BABYMETAL delivered a theatrical experience that felt like a mix between a metal concert and a fantasy movie come to life.
Photo: Joel Garcia/Pulp Live World
An unlikely music combination
What amazed me most was how BABYMETAL perfectly blends two worlds that you would never expect to go together—J-pop choreography and heavy metal sound. Their synchronized dance moves, fierce expressions, and growling riffs somehow worked in perfect harmony. It was cute but powerful, intense yet playful, and it made sense once you were there, seeing it all unfold live.
The energy didn’t drop for a second as BABYMETAL launched into “PA PA YA!!” The trio’s fierce choreography perfectly matched the heavy guitar riffs. Fans on the floor and in the stands were fully engaged, singing along, and waving towels and handkerchiefs in sync with the chorus.
When the group performed “RATATATA,” the entire coliseum moved as one. Everyone was jumping, fists in the air, chanting along to every beat. It was a full-blown spectacle.
Instead of a chaotic moshpit, the floor was filled with fans of all ages—young and old—dancing in sync, strangers smiling and enjoying the show together. The concert felt more like a shared celebration than a crowd frenzy.
Photo: Joel Garcia/Pulp Live World
The crowd’s energy was infectious, and the group’s rapport with their fans was undeniable. From start to finish, the performance showcased their artistry and precision. Every song felt like an adrenaline rush, every transition seamless.
Even though the concert lasted only about an hour, it felt much longer. Every second was packed with energy, spectacle, and connection, so that time almost seemed to stand still. Between the synchronized dances, pyrotechnics, and the crowd’s constant participation, you were completely lost in the experience, savoring every moment as it unfolded.
By the end of the night, I was completely in awe. If this is what my first major concert feels like, I might’ve set the bar way too high for anything else that comes next.
Thank you, Pulp Live World, for bringing BABYMETAL to Manila and giving fans—first-timers like me included—an experience we’ll never forget. Here’s hoping this won’t be the last time the metal queens of Japan visit our shores.
ALSO READ: 7 Things You Might Not Know About BABYMETAL, Japan’s Pop-Metal Phenomenon
Did you go to the BABYMETAL Live in Manila concert? Let us know your thoughts on this.
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