EXO’s Baekhyun Showcases The Power Of A True Vocalist At Manila ‘Reverie’ Concert

EXO’s Baekhyun has always been one of the most impressive vocalists of the scene, and witnessing it in person during his Manila concert for his ‘Reverie’ Tour was truly something else.

Taking place at the Mall of Asia Arena last Saturday (October 18, 2025), Byun Baekhyun’s ‘Reverie’ tour made its long-awaited stop in Manila, promoting his latest album titled Essence of Reverie. Reuniting EXO-Ls (whom Baekhyun fondly called ‘Eris’ throughout the night) from all across the Philippines, the show served as a long-needed meeting ground for those who’d long stocked away their ‘Eribongs.’ Due to this, the entire arena was ignited into a sea of glowing white for the night.

A majority of the 13,000 attendees appeared to be dressed in an unspoken dress code of shades of pastel pinks and purples, in theme with the member’s signature colors. Whether it was in lace frills or in matching ribbons, fans exhibited their excitement and dedication in their decked-out attire. Additionally, fans took it upon themselves in an initiative to craft cotton-candy-shaped lightsticks in reference to the K-pop idol’s hit track “Candy.”

The last time I’d seen Baekhyun live was during EXO’s 2015 World Tour, ‘Exo Planet 2 – The Exo’luxion.’ Honestly speaking, staging a solo concert after being in a group for most of your career is not a feat for the everyday idol, especially when your very own company takes charge of the concert itself. Nevertheless, when I saw that the power vocalist managed to fill up a good chunk of the arena, my doubts and worries were soon appeased.

As soon as he emerged from the backstage, the vocalist broke into an array of his hits: “Young,” “Ghost,” and “Pineapple Slice.” Right from the get-go, it was clear that Baekhyun’s live vocals would be shining through the entire night. With an effort that seemed almost relaxed, the artist belted high notes seamlessly — a talent fitting for one of K-pop’s third generation’s strongest vocalists.

Admittedly, the technical parts of the concert left much to be desired. The minimalist stage setup (only an LED screen that extended across the stage), along with the lack of a visual narrative in video segments, made the show more lackluster than the expectations I’d initially set.

However, whatever was lacking in the technical aspects of the show was made up for in Baekhyun’s sheer talent and his ability to handle the crowd. Never have I witnessed an artist handle the crowd during talking segments like Baekhyun did, as candidly and humorously as he did. Making quips with the audience by directing their lightsticks, asking repeatedly to chant “Pogi” (Handsome) at him, and making fans rehearse the fanchants with his live performances, Baekhyun fully knew how to channel that crowd. He even poked fun at the organized fan projects, sharing at the end of his set that he would return after fans would sing a song or two on their own.

As if by his request, fans broke into song, harmonizing with one another for “Late Night Calls.” In appreciation of the gesture, Baekhyun asked fans directly what they wanted him to sing. As such, fans got their fill of songs missing from the setlist, like “Cry For Love,” “Paranoia,” “Dream,” and “Love.”

Ending the show with a heartwarming live rendition of “Amusement Park,” and a sincere message of “Ingat pauwi,” (Get home safe,) Baekhyun bid a sincere farewell to EXO-Ls with a wide grin on his face. Overall, Baekhyun’s ‘Reverie’ concert in Manila was an experience that proved that with vocal prowess of his caliber and talent that’s been built with decades worth of experience, you can produce an unforgettable show even without the hullabaloo of a grand stage.