On September 5, 2024, the SM Mall of Asia Arena was transformed into a dazzling playground for P-pop and K-pop fans alike, as Coke Studio Philippines delivered an unforgettable night of music, energy, and fandom culture. The much-anticipated event, ‘The Ultimate Fandom Concert,’ lived up to its name, combining the vibrant world of Filipino and Korean pop music in a unique celebration of sound and community.
P-pop Meets K-pop: A First for Fans
The air was electric as fans from different fandoms gathered, wearing their favorite artist’s merch, waving lightsticks, and chanting slogans. Hosted by talented singer Jeremy G and dancer AC Bonifacio, the concert kicked off with a bang, instantly connecting the audience through games like "Are You Fan-tastic" and "Fandom-inance." These fan-centric games set the tone for the evening, with excited attendees dancing to the beat of their idols' music and engaging in challenges that brought the crowd together as one.
The night only grew more exhilarating as the musical acts began to take the stage. First up was P-pop powerhouse ALAMAT, one of the most anticipated performers of the evening. Their set featured some of their biggest hits like Maharani, Day and Night, Noli, and the crowd favorite Dayang. Their electrifying performance established them as one of the ultimate performers of the night, leaving the audience in awe of their talent and energy.
Next in line was hip-hop artist Nik Makino, known for his catchy beats and powerful lyrics. Makino hyped the crowd with songs like We Made It, Moon, KG, and Sipag Lang, creating a seamless transition to his collaboration with ALAMAT for the track Ngayong Gabi. Their joint performance was a crowd-pleaser, showcasing the versatility of both artists.
Illest Morena and Kyle Echarri Take Center Stage
Another rising star of the evening was the rebellious and dynamic Illest Morena, whose unique style and fiery energy took over the stage. Her tracks Pick Up, Slow Burn, Sabik, and Faded reverberated through the arena, proving her prowess as one of the boldest names in the hip-hop scene today. Her performance set the tone for the following acts and kept the audience on their toes.
The night took a dreamy turn when singer-actor Kyle Echarri appeared on stage to perform his hits Dyosa, Cupid’s Aim, Panaginip, and Pangako. Fans couldn’t get enough of his soulful voice and commanding stage presence, making his set one of the highlights of the evening. His collaboration with Illest Morena was particularly thrilling, as the two artists premiered their song for Coke Studio Season 8, marking a special moment that resonated with both their fanbases.
Global Sensations Zack Tabudlo and NewJeans: The Grand Finale
As if the night couldn’t get any more spectacular, Hugot King Zack Tabudlo, the first-ever Filipino Coke Studio global artist, graced the stage with his emotional hits. Songs like Nangangamba, Pano, Fallin, and Give Me Your Forever had the audience singing along in unison. His heartfelt performance added a layer of intimacy to the evening, proving that Coke Studio continues to be a platform for artists to connect with fans on a personal level.
The ultimate crescendo of the night, however, came when global sensation NewJeans finally hit the stage. The 4th generation K-pop superstars, known for their Y2K aesthetic and nostalgic sound, were met with deafening cheers. Performing their hits ETA, Bubblegum, Supernatural (with an iconic dance break that left the audience in awe), and How Sweet, NewJeans proved why they are one of the hottest acts in the K-pop world today. Their presence on stage was magnetic, and when the fans called for an encore, the group returned with their highly-anticipated performance of Zero, their catchy collaboration with Coca-Cola.
A Night of Fandom and Unity
From start to finish, the concert was more than just a spectacle of music and lights—it was a celebration of unity. Coke Studio, through its diverse lineup of P-pop, K-pop, and hip-hop artists, created an atmosphere where fans from all walks of life came together to share their love for music. Whether they were cheering for ALAMAT, grooving to Illest Morena’s beats, or waving banners for NewJeans, every fan felt like they were part of something bigger—a true testament to Coke Studio’s mission of bridging gaps and building connections through music.
As the concert came to a close, the excitement was palpable. With Season 8 now in the books, Manila is already buzzing with anticipation for what Coke Studio has in store for its upcoming ninth season. For the past seven seasons, Coke Studio has been a platform that not only showcases the incredible talent of Filipino artists but also fosters collaboration and creativity, pushing both emerging and established musicians to explore new genres and reach wider audiences.
The Ultimate Fandom Concert was a spectacular success, and if this event was any indication of what’s to come, Season 9 promises to be even more extraordinary. Whether you’re a fan of P-pop, K-pop, or hip-hop, there’s no doubt that Coke Studio will continue to break boundaries and bring fans together through the universal language of music.
Manila can’t wait.
Article written by Gwyn Marie Javier.
Article written by Gwyn Marie Javier.
Photos by Christian Melanie Lee, and Benedict Bigalbal
Special thanks to Coke Philippines for having us to be part of this event.