On February 28, the warm air of Manila was filled with the soulful resonance of one of K-Pop’s most distinguished vocalists. CHEN, the powerhouse singer known for his emotive delivery, successfully transformed the venue into his own personal utopia during the Manila stop of his ‘Arcadia’ tour.
Dressed to impress in a sharp black suit and tie that highlighted his timeless visuals, CHEN launched the evening with a powerful opening sequence featuring "No Gravity," "Fall In Love Again," and "I Don’t Even Mind." The artist immediately recognized the unparalleled passion of Filipino EXO-Ls, noting, "From the opening set, your cheers have already surpassed what you did last year."
A Live Band Experience
While CHEN is no stranger to the Philippines—having performed his ‘Beyond the Door’ fan concert in November 2024 and attended ‘KOSTCON’ in August 2025—this tour brought a distinct upgrade: a full live band. The addition of live instrumentation added a raw, dynamic layer to his ballad-heavy discography, elevating the concert experience.
"The fact that I’m here in this space together with you—that itself already makes me happy," CHEN shared, emphasizing that his energy comes directly from the crowd’s reaction.
The Sounds of Arcadia
The extensive two-and-a-half-hour setlist balanced nostalgia with new artistry. Fans were treated to beloved tracks like "My Dear," "Starlight," and "Hold you tight," alongside fresh cuts from his fifth mini-album, Arcadia, which dropped in September 2025. Live renditions of "Deja-Vu," "In My Life," and the title track "Arcadia" showcased his vocal evolution. Speaking on the album, CHEN revealed his artistic philosophy: "I felt I should always challenge myself," confirming his commitment to never fearing change.
A Message of Friendship and Acceptance
The emotional core of the night was CHEN’s vulnerability regarding his relationship with his fans. Breaking down the barrier between idol and audience, he expressed deep gratitude for the longevity of their bond.
"Thank you so much for accepting me for who I am and supporting me continuously," CHEN told the crowd in a moving speech. "This concert feels like I’m meeting friends who have known each other for so long… Thanks to you, I had a fun day today."
For the encore, CHEN physically bridged the gap by stepping off the stage to perform "Beautiful goodbye" while walking through the audience, creating an intimate atmosphere. He closed the show with the soaring notes of "Best Luck," leaving fans with high spirits. The night ended with a rare treat for top-tier ticket holders: a one-on-one selfie with the artist himself.
The event was successfully organized by Three Angles Production.
