Last October 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the Philippine Arena in Bulacan transformed into a glowing sea of pink lightsticks as Filipino ONCE gathered for TWICE’s This Is For World Tour. The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia, excitement, and harmony, a celebration of a shared journey between one of K-pop’s most beloved girl groups and their devoted fans.

Although I may not be an active ONCE, TWICE has been part of my K-pop story since 2018, during the Yes or Yes era. Back in college, my dance crew would perform their songs even during our trainings, and during the pandemic, their music became part of my digital content creation and livestreaming, connecting me with other fans and reminding me of the unifying power of K-pop. Over the years, I have admired their artistry and synergy as a nine-member group. My main biases are Chaeyoung and Jihyo, continue to inspire me with their creativity and charisma.

Although Jeongyeon was unable to join this leg of the tour due to health reasons, JYP Entertainment emphasized that her well-being was the top priority, a decision made with care and compassion. Despite her absence, the remaining eight members performed with outstanding energy and grace, while fans filled the arena with chants and messages of support wishing Jeongyeon a full recovery. I am looking forward to see Jeongyeon, and full 9 members soon in their next tour. 

During the Ready To Be era, I missed their concert due to a prior close friend’s celebration. This time, I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity pass again. With a renewed sense of joy for K-pop and the freedom to invest in experiences that make me happy, I decided to go for it, even if it wasn’t planned. My high school best friend had been asking me multiple times if I wanted to attend, but between work and other events, I hadn’t committed yet. Then, just three days before the concert, something in me said yes and I really want to see the girls I admire.

Originally, I had planned to travel to Korea for Chuseok this year, but changes in career and health priorities led me to stay, perhaps as fate would have it, to experience this concert instead. Also I am able to attend some other K-pop events after this concert as well. Then, It became an unexpected reunion of friendship and music. I reconnected with my high school best friend after months and my “midlife bestie” after a year. We caught up, took photos, and shared laughter as we rekindled memories through music before and after the concert.

It was my first-ever K-pop girl group concert, and my first time inside the Philippine Arena. Our seats were much closer than expected, nearly at the center, allowing us to fully enjoy the 360° stage design. The LED screen in the middle elevated the production quality, immersing the audience in both sound and sight. Before the concert began, candybongs lit up in sync, and the Filipino ONCE crowd sang Like Ooh-Ahh in perfect unison, a prelude to the excitement that would soon unfold.

As the lights dimmed and the members’ silhouettes appeared behind sheer screens, TWICE opened the show with This Is For,  the title track of their fourth full-length album and the tour’s namesake.It gave me different heights of excitement and literally hair raising moment. 

The concert delivered an impeccable blend of production, choreography, and audience connection. The group performed a powerful setlist that journeyed through their musical evolution, from early hits like What Is Love? and Signal to summer favorites like Dance the Night Away. They showcased their more mature and confident sound through Fancy, Feel Special, I Can’t Stop Me, Cry for Me, The Feels, Talk That Talk, and Strategy, each performance igniting new waves of excitement across the massive crowd.

The energy of the Filipino ONCE was unparalleled. It was also the first time I witnessed so many male fans, my seatmates included, cheering passionately alongside the crowd. It's really amazing to witness how K-pop evolved and now it's not just girls gets crazily happy with K-pop but across different genders as well. The atmosphere was a celebration not only of music but of the shared joy that K-pop continues to bring.

Each member showcased her unique artistry through solo performances that highlighted TWICE’s versatility as a group. Tzuyu opened the segment with Dive In, captivating the audience with her calm elegance. Mina followed with a soulful rendition of Stone Cold, her graceful stage presence commanding quiet admiration. Clad in red, Nayeon delivered a confident and charismatic performance of MEEEEEE, while Dahyun impressed with Chess, performing live on the piano. Chaeyoung brought a burst of creativity with her retro-inspired Shoot (Firecracker), and Jihyo exuded powerful charisma through ATM. Sana charmed the crowd with the smooth rhythm of Decaffeinated, before Momo closed the segment with Move Like That, a dynamic, dance-centered showcase that ignited the arena.

Among these, Right Hand Girl particularly stood out for its rhythm and message, leaving a lasting impression even after the final note faded. I also liked the choreography, got whipped by Momo during that performance and even after the concert I love listening to this song.

The concert reached its emotional peak with One Spark, where golden confetti showered the stage as fireworks illuminated the LED screens. It was a euphoric moment, as though the night had sealed a golden promise between TWICE and their Filipino ONCE, uniting them in harmony and gratitude. This is their ending performance before the Encore which is really a good song and perfect to end with fireworks feels.

The group then surprised fans with a “spoiler” of Me + You from their upcoming special album, teasing a few lines and moves from its choreography,  a playful moment that had the entire arena cheering.

For the encore, TWICE performed Signal and Talk That Talk, filling the arena with warmth and joy. The Filipino ONCE community also prepared a touching fan project, raising banners that read “No Matter What, TWICE Got ONCE”alongside a video montage accompanied by I Got You. It was a moment that reflected the deep connection between the group and their fans, one built on years of mutual love and understanding.

I'm not sure why I got os emotional during I Got You but it just shows the love and feels of Filipino ONCE for TWICE, and TWICE for ONCE as well. 

Watching TWICE live after seven years reaffirmed why I fell in love with K-pop, the artistry, the passion, and the shared emotion that transcends borders. The concert wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the enduring bond between TWICE and ONCE.

As I left the Philippine Arena that night, I carried not just their melodies but also a sense of renewal, a reminder that sometimes, the best memories are those unplanned moments that make our hearts dance again. Also, I was so stunned with Momo, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung that night, they were definitely my favorites. 

I look forward to the day I can see TWICE return to the Philippines, hopefully as OT9, to once again make waves of music, memory, and emotion together with their Filipino fans.