Article by: Rhanica Restrivera
“This is for ONCE, this is for TWICE!” — the moment those words echoed through the Philippine Arena, I knew the night was going to be special. It wasn’t just a concert slogan, it was a statement that everything they do is really for us, their fans. And hearing the crowd shout it back, louder and louder, gave me goosebumps. The energy that night? Unreal.
It was my third time seeing TWICE, and honestly, it still felt like the first. The minute the lights dimmed and the members appeared, the 55,000-seat arena erupted into screams, candy-bong lights, and tears. I always find it amusing how much fanboys can occupy more than half of the concert venue, it’s always funny and heartwarming to see them screaming at the top of their lungs and dancing their hearts out. TWICE truly brings people together in the best way.
This was their fourth official visit to the Philippines as a group, and you could tell how much they’ve missed being here. The live band and stage setup was insane! A full 360 view with two extended stages, so every fan had a perfect spot to see them up close. When they ran across every corner, it felt like they were saying hi personally. I swear, there were moments I thought my ults Nayeon and Jihyo were waving right at me (a girl can dream)!
Photo Credit: TWICE/Facebook
The setlist was the perfect mix of old and new tracks. They opened with “THIS IS FOR” and “STRATEGY,” but when they threw it back to “FANCY” and “WHAT IS LOVE,” everyone lost it as they performed their chart-topping classics as if it was a specially curated medley. And when “DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY” started? Forget it, the entire arena turned into a party. It didn’t matter if you were in the VIP area or all the way up, everyone was part of one massive TWICE dance floor.
Each member had their shining moment that night, with the members performing most of their solo songs from “TEN: THE STORY GOES ON,” the group’s 10th anniversary album set for release this October 10. Even though Jeongyeon had to sit this one out due to health concerns, the girls made sure she was still part of the night. “We are very sad that Jeongyeon was not able to perform with us tonight,” Jihyo said, “but next time we come back, we’ll be complete again with nine members.” Hearing that, the crowd chanted “Jeongyeon! Jeongyeon!” honestly made my heart ache, but in a good way. Philippine ONCEs deserve an OT9 show, we’ll be holding on to that promise.
When the tempo slowed down a bit for “One Spark” the arena turned into a sea of phone lights, LED firework effects and filled the air with confetti. It hit me then how TWICE has been part of our lives for almost ten years. We’ve all grown up with them, and seeing them still shining so brightly felt like watching old friends succeed at something they love. Thanks to TWICE, the honmoon was sealed!
Before saying goodbye, TWICE teased fans with a preview of “Me + You,” an unreleased track from their special album. TWICE thanked ONCEs again and again, saying how much they loved performing in the Philippines. Dahyun, ready as usual with her Filipino phrases, melted everyone’s hearts with “Na-miss ko kayo!,” “Ang saya-saya!,” “Mahal ko kayo!,” and a few more she had prepared. For them, it really is for ONCE. And for me? It will always, always be for TWICE. 💖 To my high school bestie who couldn’t witness them perform live personally anymore, I know you’ll love their new album. This one’s for you!
