Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ bops Manila

Korean Pop Superstar Park Jae Sang popularly known as “Psy” twirls his Gangnam Style in front of thousands at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday. DARYL DIMALANTA

MANILA, Philippines – Despite several postponements—onoe was even tagged to the end the world scenario—international Korean Pop sensation “Psy” successfully mounted his first show in Manila, performing his Gangnam Style in front of his thousands of Filipino fans at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night.

Jam-packed spectators of the event would be solid evidence that the deferment of Psy’s one-nightp-only concert in Manila has just intensified the people’s craving for the funny Korean pop entertainment dish.

Despite of several postponements—one was even related to the end of the world—Psy has successfully danced his Gangnam Style along with five songs at his one night only concert in Manila on Saturday. DARYL DIMALANTA

A parody of Psy several Koreans and thousands of fans were spotted on the event.

At around 6 p.m., Psy arrived at the Coral Way Blue gates with a maroon sports car being chased by fans armed with cameras.

Local comedians

Performances began with a dance number introducing the local comedian Ai-Ai de las Alas, who mesmerized the audiences with her golden wardrobe as she sang Rihanna’s “Where have you been,” followed by a daring dance of remixed renditions including Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”.

She enthralled the audience by inviting two gentlemen from the rows to sing and bluff with her classic punchlines.

After a few technical problems, Delas Alas sang and danced Wonder Girl’s “Nobody” and 2NE1’s self-titled song.

The crowd went louder when they heard a seemingly demonic laugh from Jose Manalo, signalling his entrance with fellow comedian Wally Bayola.

Wally and Jose spiced up the energy of the crowd as they churned out song and dance performances along with their psychedelic punch lines.

The comic duo of Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola work up the audience for Psy. DARYL DIMALANTA

Psy(chedelic)

At around 11 p.m., Psy’s all-white appearance made everyone screamed at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Korean rapper invited the participation of fans by saying his moves would depend on how people would react. His first two songs made fans jumped and shook the Arena.

Introducing his third song titled “Paradise”, the Korean rapper requested the lights should be trained on members of the audience who were not jumping to the beat.

Psy then asked to turn off the lights for his next song.

Psy overwhelmed the jumping crowd as he announced to do the Gangnam Style, which he said was the reason he was on the stage full of limelight.

Lights were on again and the whole Arena was doing the Gangnam moves.

The audience requested for more so Psy repeated the Gangnam Style but this time, he requested the audience to put down their camera phones, tablets and video cameras and instead, join him in singing and dancing.

For the first time, the Filipino audience were united with Psy in having fun at the concert.

They served their purpose in being there—to watch the show and not document Psy for their Facebook or You Tube accounts.