Global hip-hop/R&B girl group XG proved that they "go hard everyday and ain't here to play” as their “The first HOWL” concert landed here in Manila last August 2, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum!
The Monster got a chance to see these queens perform up close, and we’re here to give you a round up of the three things we loved the most about their first ever Philippine show:
1. MASTERS OF PERFORMANCE
Despite being a relatively new group, XG showed off their mastery of singing, rapping, and dancing during the 2-hour show. The group performed 'SHOOTING STAR', 'GRL GVNG', 'Tippy Toes', ‘WOKE UP', 'NEW DANCE', and more with their mics on and their synchronicity on lock -- it gave us goosebumps!
We've got to give a special nod, though, to XG's slowed-down, R&B version of their hit song 'LEFT RIGHT' and their first ever live performance of their latest single 'SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT'. These stages were probably two of the most memorable ones we've seen in a while, bar none!
Another important aspect of any performance is the styling, which we're ecstatic to report XG killed as well! Their different outfits fit each concept well, and were absolutely stunning.
2. STELLAR SOLO & UNIT STAGES
We already know the XG girls have amazing chemistry together, so it was really nice to see each member show their individual strengths on stage as well!
COCONA, MAYA, HARVEY, and JURIN had everyone hyped as they performed their raps from the iconic ‘GALZ XYPHER’ and covers of ‘Dirt Off Your Shoulder,’ ‘Million Cash,’ ‘BIG MAD,’ and ‘Still Hot’ respectively. They then came together to spit bars and absolutely kill their version of ‘Trampoline’! Watching all these XG Tapes favorites live was just a surreal experience!
JURIA, HINATA, and CHISA were not to be outmatched, of course, belting their hearts out to ‘Hello’, ‘Red’, and ‘If I Were A Boy’ and giving everyone chills. The vocal line then created beautiful harmonies while performing their iconic cover of ‘Losing You’ - our ears felt like they were in heaven!
3. FUN INTERACTIONS WITH FILO ALPHAZ
This is XG's first time in the Philippines, so they made sure to connect with their beloved Filo ALPHAZ! The girls showered their fans with love and compliments such as "mahal namin kayo," "maganda kayo," and "magaling" – we super appreciate them learning a little Tagalog for us!
Filo ALPHAZ, meanwhile, introduced XG to the trending "Eyyy" phrase and hand sign, and the girls quickly picked it up with excitement! There were a lot of "Eyyy"s thrown around through the night, and it had the entire Big Dome giggling!
The fans also prepared hand banners for the girls with the message "XG, you gave it your all. ALPHAZ will make it pay off." That's a promise!
"You guys are seriously the best!" XG said. "We'll be back again!"
We'll hold you to it! Thank you for an “A1, flawless” night, XG - 'til your next Manila landing!
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Presented by AEG Presents Asia and Ovation Productions.
Photos courtesy of Kris Rocha and Ovation Productions.