Event

[CONCERT RECAP] Youngjae Propels Powerful Stages At “Inside Out” Manila Stop

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A collective happiness is shared by Filo Ahgases as another GOT7 member shakes Manila this year! 

 Presented by CDM Entertainment, the group’s main vocal Choi Youngjae visits the Philippines on his tour, Inside Out on February 24 at the New Frontier Theater

Despite the singer’s cough spell and technical difficulties, an unexpected but delightful 2.5-hour-long concert ensued with YOUNGJAE spoiling the Filo Ahgases with their requests for more encore stages. A touching back-and-fourth with the artist and the fans took place, with what seemed like endless fan projects, and endless thanks from YOUNGJAE, an exchange we’re all familiar with GOT7 and their loyal Ahgases.

YOUNGJAE, the Player and the Artist

Right off the bat, the singer showed why he’s the main vocal of his group and showed that he can shine with ‘Vibin’, which features a dance-pop beat and lyrics with a distinct appeal. Followed by another title track released by the artist in 2022, ‘Sugar’ added flavor to the stage, as the funky song showed the artist’ preview of his capabilities as a soloist.

“Mabuhay! Ako po si Youngjae!” the artist greeted, followed by an apology as he told the fans he wasn’t in his top condition, coughing occasionally. You’d barely notice it as the artist continued to perform like there wasn’t any problem. He also had problems with his in-ear that frustrated the artist because he wanted to perform his best to his fans. Assuring that everything was okay, the fans encouraged Youngjae to continue and that there was nothing to be worried about.

As fans are familiar, the star is a huge Bruno Mars fan and delivered his rendition of “When I Was Your Man”, stating after his performance that it was the first song he heard from Mars, and it was the reason why he became a fan. He also promised the fans that he would upload a cover of the song on his YouTube channel! 

The mid-show VCR revealed two sides of YOUNGJAE, which are the artist Youngjae and the Player Youngjae. As the name implies, the Artist Youngjae is his alter-ego is the musical side of the artist. It has been common knowledge that he has written songs under the name ‘Ars’ and this side of him is more serious. This is the man who has co-written a couple of songs for his group and his solo material. The Player YOUNGJAE of course, is the lovable, dog-loving adorable, and playful side of him that the fans adored and followed. Either way, the inside out of Choi Youngjae completes him, and what makes him one of the most lovable main vocalists in KPOP. This is also a part of the artist who wants to fulfill his goal.

“I want to work as a musician until I become an old man. I want more people to remember my music,” he said. The artist is proving to himself that this is a possibility with his personas, a yin-yang that helps him achieve his goals.

Colors from and to Ars

The fan projects of Ahgases were overflowing as they covered pre-event, staff, and artist support with “Tindahan ni Youngjae” a sari-sari store-inspired stand, “Tusok-tusok ni Youngjae”, and of course a Jollibee meal as seen on the artist’s official X (then Twitter) account. During the event, the projects served extra special as the official hand banners featured the artist’s dog, Coco. The artist was particularly touched by this as he appreciated how the fans knew how important his dog was to him. Choi also got teary-eyed with the fan video project, a usual project that Ahgases are very familiar with and probably expert now in doing to show their message to the star whom they’ve been with since the beginning of his career. A huge “PH hearts CYJ was also raised during one of the artist’s ments to show their appreciation and to describe just how big their love is for the artist, which the star requested to be taken on a picture with.

It felt like the concert had more fan projects and fan interaction than the performances as both the artist and the fans just couldn’t get enough in showing their love toward each other. An occurrence really, something we have seen multiple times with all the members of GOT7. The Filo Ahgases just have so much love for the seven members, that it surpasses any tingi saga. 

The encore lasted even longer than usual because Youngjae just kept on spoiling the Filipino crowd with more songs. He even got down from the stage and walked around the area to meet more fans up close! When he got back on stage, he got to his knees and begged his dancers to come out and dance with him as he repeatedly indulged his fans with more songs and performances, even though the singer was now coughing more and was out of breath. You almost feel tired of him, but it looked like the musician didn’t feel it himself. Even after the show, the artist came out to meet the fans again with the benefit of hi-bye session that he granted to all ticket tiers. His energy didn’t even waver, smiling at everyone and posing for some. 

When a musician is genuinely thankful, you know it. It’s not something easily faked or fabricated with a smile front, but you feel it in their energy. YOUNGJAE possessed this and you know the fans felt it too because they wouldn’t be welcoming their main vocalists with a shower of fan projects if they didn’t know. As Youngjae promises the fans to see them again soon, the Ahgases wait with bated breath and unwavering support, hoping that the next time he comes back, it’ll be with the whole group and GOT7 together.

Check out more photos below!

Event Covered By: Arielle Elep

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