In June 2024, Red Velvet released their 19th mini album titled Cosmic—another absolute bop, not just musically but visually as well. It’s wild to think this is their 19th comeback, especially since it’s so rare for girl groups to reach this point. But Red Velvet isn’t just any girl group. Then, on Saturday, September 14, they returned to the Philippines for their 2024 FANCON Tour My Dear, ReVeLuv in Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, Metro Manila, marking their 5th visit in the Philippines and celebrating their 10th anniversary in style.
A Day of Happiness
The most awaited day of Filipino Reveluv’s (also known as Luvies) finally came. Outside the arena, the excitement was palpable – fans wearing something Red to commemorate the group’s name but others went creative wearing Red Velvet-inspired outfits from their different music videos and live performances. Inside the venue, everyone hurriedly went to their seats and had their light sticks out.
As showtime approached and the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in excitement, knowing the show was about to kick off. They started playing all of Red Velvet’s hits, from their latest release Cosmic to their debut track Happiness. The giant LED screens came to life, displaying vibrant visuals of a jungle unfolding through the woods, while lasers lit up the arena. Then, as the screen slowly parted, it revealed the four girls smiling and posing, finally facing their Filipino fans again after two long years.
Photo by Migs Macaro
THE RED, THE VELVET
Red Velvet kicked off the show with their debut song Happiness, a track that perfectly captures the joy they bring to fans. Although Yeri, who joined a year after their debut, was initially missing, she made a dramatic entrance later on. The lights went out, and she appeared on the extended stage for a solo dance, with the crowd erupting for the youngest member.
Once Yeri joined the others, they launched into Ice Cream Cake, officially starting the show. The first half featured upbeat tracks like Parade, Sunny Afternoon, and Sunflower, highlighting their lively Red Side with fun outfits and props.
Photo by Migs Macaro
In the second half, Red Velvet switched gears, showcasing their Velvet side with darker, R&B and hip-hop vibes. The crowd went wild during Bad Boy, especially when chanting, “Who That Boy?” in sync. The setlist also included So Good, Underwater, and the night’s standout moment: Psycho, a track that truly defines Red Velvet’s unique style.
Photo by Migs Macaro
ZIMZALABIM!
The concert ran for nearly 3 hours, but the girls kept their energy high the whole time—just like us fans. They closed the show with Hit That Drum, a track we’d all been begging for, making it extra special since they usually end with You Better Know or Zimzalabim. For Filipino Luvies, this was a one-of-a-kind moment. After the performance, the girls said their heartfelt goodbyes, thanked us for the successful fan projects, and promised they’d return for more shows soon.
Photo by Migs Macaro
As they left the stage, I had to sit down and process everything. Red Velvet had just delivered one of the best concerts. Flaunting their immense talent and impressive discography—all while singing live. It’s also a testament to how rare it is for a girl group to last this long, especially from the 3rd Generation of K-pop, debuting in 2014 when so many groups have since disbanded or gone on hiatus. But Red Velvet? They’re still here, stronger than ever.
About the author:
Miguel Macaro is a Junior Graphic Artist at XSM. His fascination with writing blossomed during Junior High School, sparked by the books he devoured in his teenage years, particularly Young Adult literature. Presently, he delves into crafting movie reviews and delving into pop culture topics.
