Typhoon Mario fails to stop CNBLUE show
Contributed photos by Philippine Concerts Scene
Not even tropical storm Mario could keep Korean pop-rock band CNBLUE from putting up a show that wowed Filipino fans on the night of Friday, September 19.
The show, dubbed “Can’t Stop,” pushed through as the typhoon raged outside the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where a small number of CNBLUE fans, also called Boice, showed up.
Fans filled the venue with screams and cheers as the band performed over 20 songs for them.
‘Maraming salamat’
The members – Jung Yong-hwa (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Lee Jong-hyun (lead guitar, vocals), Lee Jung-shin (bass guitar, vocals) and Kang Min-hyuk (drums, vocals) – came in casual clothes, but looked every inch the rockers that they are.
The band kicked off the night with the song “Time Is Over” from its "Code Name Blue" album. It kept the energy high by following up the opening song with “Diamond Girl,” “Intuition” and “LOVE.”
“CNBLUE is back in Manila. It’s good to see you again. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” Yonghwa told screaming fans.
Personal touch
The members knew their fans withstood the typhoon’s wrath just to see them. They also understood why some of their fans weren’t able to make it to the concert.
“Maraming salamat sa pagpunta ngayon kahit na may bagyo,” Minhyuk said in Filipino.
The band’s efforts to speak English and Filipino impressed the audience. Yonghwa even added a personal touch and included "Manila, mahal kita" and "salamat" to the lyrics of the finale song, “Love Light.”
Birthday celebration
The band celebrated youngest member Jungshin’s birthday onstage. His fans surprised him with colored balloons and banners.
“Thank you very much. Even if it’s not my birthday anymore (his special day falls on September 15), you still congratulated me,” Jungshin said in Korean.
The members never ran out of energy – singing, playing musical instruments and moving around the stage – for more than two hours.
Promise to return
Yonghwa sang, played the guitar and keyboards. Johnghyun and Yonghwa performed duets, while Minhyuk and Jungshin did supporting vocals.
The band also performed “I’m a Loner,” “I’m Sorry,” “Can’t Stop,” and “Sleepless Night.”
CNBLUE returned to the stage for an encore and performed “Wake Up,” “Love Girl” and “Love Light.”
The band enjoyed the show so much, the members vowed it won’t be their last in the country.
“This has been a good concert here in Manila with all of you, even if the weather is bad. I pray for you. We will come back here. I promise you. Very, very mahal kita. Very, very salamat po,” Yonghwa said.
