BTOB celebrates milestone with Filipino ‘Melodies’ in fan-con
We did not know what to expect when we were invited to meet the members of K-pop sensation BTOB (Born To Beat) during their recent visit to the country, but the Hallyu oppas left us in awe of the loyalty and appreciation of their local fandom, Filo Melodies.
Prior to the start of the Q&A, the energy was palpable as fans sang their hearts out to BTOB’s music and shared stories of their fan encounters as far back as 2015. We were surprised to learn that they even organized a “Team Sundo” that welcomed the boys at NAIA.
BTOB members led by Seo Eun-kwang, together with Lee Min-hyuk, Lee Chang-sub, Im Hyun-sik and Peniel Shin, were treated to a warm Pinoy welcome during the press briefing for their “Our Dream” fan-con at the Mall of Asia Arena presented by Ovation Productions. The Philippines was the first stop of their “Our Dream” Asian tour.
Originally a septet when they were launched in 2012, the six original members recently celebrated their 12th anniversary as a group.
Asked what has motivated the group to stay together through the years, Eun-kwang said, “This is not just words, but this is coming from the bottom of my heart—this is all because of you, Melodies. Our fans are our source of strength.”
He added, “Sobra, mahal ko kayo!” which drew cheers from the fans. And no visit to the country is complete without asking the visitors the Filipino food they’d like to try.
Peniel, one of the group’s rappers, was quick to respond. “I want to try chicken or pork adobo. We just had halo-halo in the waiting room. I like it … it’s very coconutty.”
Memorable encounters with Filipino fans
A frequent visitor to the country, Hyun-sik shared his memorable encounters with Filipino fans.
“My hobby is scuba diving and I’ve visited several beaches in the Philippines. I’ve been to Apo Island, Liloan, Cebu, Mindoro and Bohol. Every time I come here, I meet Philippine Melodies, and it makes me very happy.”
Known for their funny shorts and reels, the boys were asked how they come up with ideas for content.
Eun-kwang elicited laughter from the audience when he said, “It’s sad that Sung-jae was not able to join us here. We miss you, Sung-jae! He has a lot of ideas when it comes to this type of content. He’s a crazy boy!”
Sharing his reaction after learning that they will be coming back to the Philippines, the shy and timid Chang-sub spoke with immense appreciation. “It’s been seven years since we performed in the Philippines as a group. Thank you very much for waiting for our performance and for your support for BTOB as well.”
Min-hyuk, one of the group’s songwriters and rappers, spoke on behalf of the group about that one big dream that they want to achieve in the coming years.
“It’s been 12 years since our debut. For us, it’s just a number. We have this dream of singing together with the Melodies for years to come.”
Eun-kwang also added, “It’s been a long time since we last came to the Philippines. That’s why we are thinking of something special to give to you. The songs that you love.”
He even sampled the chorus of the SB19 hit, “Mapa,” which demonstrated the crystal-clear quality of his voice. He shared that he first heard the song two years ago. “It’s an amazing song. I also know ‘Gento.’”
‘Our Dream’ fulfilled
BTOB also didn’t disappoint at the fan-con. Wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they performed a well-curated setlist to an enthusiastic crowd that filled the MOA Arena to the rafters.
They began slowly and steadily with “The Song,” a ballad from their third full-length album “Be Together” (2022).
Chang-sub started off delicately with a wistful remembrance of good ol’ times, performing amidst the backdrop of falling Sakura leaves, signifying the seasons changing. An interesting tidbit is that members sing lines from their other songs and the memories enveloped in them.
This was followed by the uptempo “Pray” (I’ll Be Your Man), from the 2016 album “New Men.” Pleading for another shot at lost love, Hyun-sik opened with soaring high notes. The song garnished with trap elements progressed with urgency and featured BTOB’s strong vocal prowess and underscored the rapping skills of Peniel and Min-hyuk, who cowrote the song with Hyun-sik.
BTOB sustained the crowd’s eagerness with “Higher,” from their “Be Together” album. Dancing and storming the stage framed by fiery visuals, they sang about defying limitations and shattering expectations. This dance gem is one of those songs that’ll be on loop on anyone’s playlist.
Ending the song with a shower of blue confetti and pyrotechnics, Min-hyuk said, “We are receiving unexpected love from our Melodies!”
Thereafter, Eun-kwang said, “This time, we are combining a fan meeting and a concert, this is the beauty of a fan-con,” as they segued to a series of 99-second challenges.
They closed the first half of the show with “It’s Okay,” from BTOB’s first album “Complete.” The track is reminiscent of pop ballads from the ’90s with themes about finding comfort and resilience in the face of challenges.
A special video interview was shared by BTOB where they bared their hearts out as they answered random questions that allowed their audience to get to know them better.
Despite being the jokester of the group, Peniel shared that his most unforgettable memory was “the day we first met each other.” Meanwhile, Eun-kwang said, “It was when we hugged each other for the last time during our 10th anniversary concert. It was very emotional.”
Sharing his thoughts on the songs they created, Hyun-sik said, “I like listening to the songs that I wrote. I listen to my album and I also listen to BTOB songs. While listening, I think of our memories with Melodies and BTOB. I love the energy and strength from those memories.”
Act Two
Just like jumping off a springboard, BTOB commenced their second set with the dance tune “Day&Night,” from their 12th mini album “Wind and Wish.” Featuring catchy hooks and savvy vocal performances, this radio-friendly track lifts the synths and beats from the late ’80s, evoking a carefree and lively atmosphere.
Lyrically, the track explores themes of romance and longing, depicting the contrast between the brightness of day and the intimacy of night. With Filo Melodies dancing to this feel-good track, we were enveloped in a sea of blue lights from “Trumpsticks” (BTOB’s official light stick).
Next was “Wind and Wish,” a midtempo ballad that gave off a breezy vibe evident in the choreography.
BTOB slowed the pace with “Remember That,” from their eponymous eighth mini album. This beautiful acoustic ballad is about holding on to precious memories. This track is perhaps the group’s most vocally evocative, with a soaring three-part harmony shared by Eun-kwang, Hyun-sik and Chang-sub. The verses delivered by Peniel and Min-hyuk set the song apart from other Hallyu ballads.
The group also read messages of love and support from their Filo Melodies. Hyun-sik even acquiesced to a fan request and showcased his delicate vocals by doing an a cappella sampling of their song “Second Confession.”
They also treated fans to “Beautiful Pain,” the title track from their 2018 special album “Hour Moment,” with earnest vocals that evoke pain and longing. They performed this back-to-back with the upbeat “Only One for Me,” from the 2018 EP “This is Us.”
Dreamlike moment
The Filo Melodies also surprised BTOB members with a special video presentation of how their music has made a positive impact in their lives. “Endless (Melody)” played in the background as photos and videos collated from fans from across the country were shown. Holding back tears, all Chang-sub could say was, “We will miss this dreamlike moment.”
They closed the show with their most popular hit, “Missing You,” from their second album “Brother Act.” With a whopping 67 million streams, this pop ballad is perhaps their best-sounding one, vocally and artistically—playing to the boys’ individual strengths as singers, rappers and songwriters.
No concert is complete without an encore and BTOB served its audience well with “Blowin’ Up,” a dynamic, synth-heavy track that made the fans get up on their feet—talk about celebrating success and ambition. The feel-good anthem reflects the mindset of seizing opportunities and making an impact.
Before closing the show, Chang-sub said he had nothing but gratitude in his heart, saying, “From the bottom of my heart, maraming salamat po!” Hyun-sik added, “Past, present and future, we will always be here to love our Melodies.”
As a parting gift, BTOB sang “Finale (Our Concert)” as a moving tribute to their fans. It’s a touching ode to the deep bond forged between BTOB and the people who support them.
As Min-hyuk aptly put it, “This is a show for my people—my family, my friends, and my fans!” INQ
