XG Undeniably Prove What They’re Made Of At ‘The Core’ – Review
The septet delivers an otherworldly second Manila show worthy of their extraordinary genes.
Courtesy of XGALX.
Courtesy of XGALX.
With their return to Manila, XG are truly living up to their name.
Since their first visit to the Philippines with The first HOWL in 2024, the seven-member act have redefined what XG stands for as “Xtraordinary Genes.” Rightfully so, because what unfolded during their second Manila show two years later can only be explained by something innate, sharpened through years of dedication and elevated by a creative team that knows exactly how to bring the group’s talents to life.
Across two hours, The Core never let up, delivering powerful performances, stunning visuals, and immersive world-building. Even a week later, I found myself replaying the global group’s discography and revisiting my concert videos, still trying to relive the out-of-this-world experience.
The intermission films alone are a highlight. Instead of generic visuals, the audience are treated to cinematic sequences of galaxies paired with the members’ otherworldly visuals that feel lifted straight out of a science fiction film. Every transition transported us into another planet, with one sequence of a striking full moon transforming the crowd into a wolf pack, howling in unison as they waited for XG to emerge.
That same attention to detail extends to the costumes, from alien-inspired silhouettes with glowing orb-like accents to white ensembles punctuated by oversized colored zippers representing each member. A later wardrobe change embraces a darker direction through distressed black pieces streaked with glittering red details that resemble circuitry.
Courtesy of XGALX.
Combined with the lighting, it genuinely felt like we were traveling through space with them. Although the show opened beneath dim crimson lights, the production gradually revealed its full scale as the night went on. Lasers cut through the arena from above and below the stage, transforming the venue into something spaceship-like. One standout moment came during the ballad-to-upbeat arrangement of “IS THIS LOVE,” where towering orange beams of light alternate shooting up as high as the arena ceiling, loosely reminding me of the bookshelf sequence in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.
JURIA: HINATA, CHISA: Courtesy of XGALX.
As breathtaking as the production was, it never overshadowed the people at the center of it all. If anything, The Core was carefully built to highlight every facet of XG. Having followed the group since debut, I arrived already familiar with their distinct identity as being beyond convention as well as the members’ well-rounded skills across dance, rap, and vocals. But it doesn’t exempt from the awe of seeing them perform in the flesh.
They opened with “GALA,” immediately showcasing the precision and intricacy of their choreography through voguing, sharp tutting, and waacking. Revisiting early releases like “Tippy Toes” and “MASCARA” made their growth all the more evident, as they commanded the arena with remarkable confidence. “WOKE UP” and the “GIRL GVNG” x “HOWLING” remix reaffirmed why XG’s rap abilities have become one of the group’s defining strengths, while “PUPPET SHOW” and “IN THE RAIN” highlighted their vocal versatility. “ROCK THE BOAT” leaned into smooth R&B before “O.R.B. (Obviously Reads Bro)” closed the sequence with a rock edge, reinforcing just how expansive XG’s sound has become since introducing their own musical identity: X-Pop.
JURIN, HARVEY: Courtesy of XGALX.
The setlist balanced everything I wanted to hear: the songs that first drew people to XG like “SHOOTING STAR,” newer tracks from their latest album like “UP NOW,” “TAKE MY BREATH,” “NO GOOD” and “HYPNOTIZE,” and earlier material that continue to deserve their flowers, like “TGIF,” “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT,” and “IYKYK“.
Just as important, the show also carved out moments for each unit to shine. JURIN, HARVEY, MAYA, and COCONA took center stage with “PS118,” delivering exactly the charisma and technical prowess fans have come to expect from XG’s rap line while showcasing a clear evolution from their viral Galz Xypher video. In contrast, “4 SEASONS” slowed the pace, allowing CHISA, JURIA, and HINATA to remind everyone just how exceptional XG’s vocal line truly is, both individually and in harmony.
MAYA, COCONA, JURIN: Courtesy of XGALX.
Vocally, the group remained remarkably consistent despite the physically demanding choreography. More impressively, the members never appeared consumed by the technical demands of the show. They smiled throughout performances, exchanged playful interactions with one another, and looked genuinely at ease onstage.
By the encore, the elaborate styling had been stripped away as the members returned in casual outfits and tour merchandise, bringing the evening to a more intimate close. They sang “MILLION PLACES” with Filipino ALPHAZ, made their way onto the arena floor during “NEW DANCE” to dance alongside fans, and capped off the night with their hit, “LEFT RIGHT.”
XG: Courtesy of XGALX.
Walking out of the venue, the countless hours of preparation behind The Core were unmistakable, but so was the rare kind of talent that makes such demanding performances seem second nature for XG. Everything else, from the production to the world-building, simply gave that talent the stage it deserved.
XG’s second Manila show The Core was presented by Ovation Productions and AEG Presents Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
“The Core” is XG’s world tour supporting their X-Pop era; this Manila stop marked the group’s second Philippine concert, following their debut show at The first HOWL in 2024.
The setlist blended discography favorites like “GALA,” “SHOOTING STAR,” and “TGIF” with newer tracks such as “UP NOW,” “TAKE MY BREATH,” “NO GOOD,” and “HYPNOTIZE.”
The production featured cinematic intermission films with galaxy visuals, alien-inspired costuming with glowing accents, and layered lighting design that transformed the venue into an immersive, spaceship-like setting.
Rap-line members JURIN, HARVEY, MAYA, and COCONA led “PS118,” while vocal-line members CHISA, JURIA, and HINATA were spotlighted during the slower ballad “4 SEASONS.”
The encore featured “MILLION PLACES” performed with Filipino ALPHAZ, “NEW DANCE” performed among fans on the arena floor, and closed with the group’s hit single “LEFT RIGHT.”
