7 Highlights From BamBam’s AREA 52 Concert In Manila That Gave Big Filipino Energy

Thai idol BamBam gave fans the experience of their lives at his first solo concert in Manila—earning honorary Filipino status along the way. Read on to find out why.

Related: Shot Puno: Sandara Park Flying to the Philippines to Support BamBam is Giving Big Sis Energy

Solo artist and GOT7 member BamBam is embarking on his first solo world tour AREA 52! His first stop outside of South Korea was Manila, where Double B doubled down on the fanservice and fun performances. He made sure he absorbed as much of Manila as Manila absorbed of him by immersing himself in the musical culture of the Philippines (he asked what surprise Filipino song to perform) and adopting Filipino slang, jokes, and phrases.

This has now become standard for each country, as the Thai artist also asked Malaysian fans which song they’d like for him to perform at his Kuala Lumpur show. BamBam is sweet for preparing a nice surprise for each stop, making sure each country’s culture and his fans are uniquely involved in the show. It’s giving Mr. Worldwide!

Ever since his early days in GOT7, BamBam has been dipping his toes in Filipino culture, singing Ronnie Liang’s Ngiti in concerts, and more recently, turning “shot puno!” into his trademark catchphrase. And after AREA 52 in Manila, he’s solidified his honorary Filipino status—here’s why!

FEAT. PAMBANSANG KRUNG-KRUNG

BamBam featured special guest, “pambansang krung-krung” Sandara Park, at AREA 52, performing alongside his close friend and labelmate. Did you know they also went to Gerry’s Grill together back in 2022? Dara, as an honorary Filipina darling herself, was the perfect guest to join BamBam, matching his funny, enthusiastic energy perfectly. Dara performed her new songs Festival and Dara Dara, as well as 2NE1 classic I Am The Best.

A GENTO PERFORMANCE

a little fun moment from #BamBamAREA52inMANILA on how we stay winning 🤭 @BamBam1A pic.twitter.com/jig6oKIhdV

— elle 𓅪 (@GOT7isOT7) September 22, 2023

Filipino Ahgases do stay winning! Fans got BamBam to dance the SB19 global hit twice with Dara, after they also got him to sing Raining in Manila twice. More importantly, of course, they killed it.

BAMBAM OPM ARTIST?

After asking what surprise song he should perform at AREA 52, and getting a ton of responses, BamBam ultimately chose the Lola Amour hit Raining in Manila (and his favorite, Ngiti by Ronnie Liang). More than that, instead of just performing it at the concert, the singer also posted a full cover on his X account—and his pronunciation, accent, and vibe were on point! BamBam Batumbakal indeed.

MASTERING THE ART OF THE HUGOT

alright!!!!
i love you guys music by the way
yall music make want to fall in love again

with the wrong person

— BamBam (@BamBam1A) September 23, 2023

The superstar also shared some cute social media interactions with Lola Amour on X after the band listened to BamBam’s cover. We’re slowly watching a friendship form, people! A friendship that could lead to a collab, if things fall into place. The artist also channeled a Filipino-style hugot in replying to the band. Who hurt you, BamBam?

YOU LIKE MY ATE?

@gail.ugc bambam is so funny 😭 his concert is just sooooo the best in manila 😭 #bambam #got7 #got7bambam #bambamgot7 #bambamarea52 #bambaminmanila #bambam1a #bambamxabyss #bambam_tour_area52 #bambamarea52tourmanila #kpopfyp #foryoupage #fypシ゚viral #hallyutalkph #hallyu ♬ original sound – eka Lifestyle and Kpop UGC

Seloso BamBam strikes again! The artist hilariously called out his fans for checking out his dancers instead of him, saying they should only pay attention to him. “You like my ate?” He said with no hesitation. Called out in English and Filipino! Don’t worry BamBam, plenty of eyes are just on you.

THE IMPACT OF NGITI

#BamBamAREA52inManila 🫰🏼🙂 pic.twitter.com/3RXO3o4e9o

— Ronnie Liang (@ronnieliang) September 22, 2023

Unbeknownst to BamBam until after the show, Ronnie Liang himself attended the concert, showing his support for the idol. Clearly, he knows all about how Bam loves his song!

AS ALWAYS, SHOT PUNO

SHOT PUNO pic.twitter.com/Jl1ZrkGRvR

— BamBam (@BamBam1A) September 22, 2023

Still in glam, Double B ended his great night with a pint and his favorite catchphrase. Like with “skrrt skrrt,” he’s owning the use of “shot puno” and helping it become a global catchphrase. Hopefully the idol comes back sooner rather than later and checks off the next things off his Philippines checklist. If he doesn’t have one yet, we’ll make one for him. We’re waiting for that Lola Amour collab (and maybe a Poblacion pub crawl?)

Continue Reading: 10 Filipino Songs We Manifested Hearing BamBam Sing at His Manila Concert