K-pop star D.O. is a ray sunshine for Filipino fans

Despite the gloomy weather in Manila, K-pop idol D.O. of powerhouse boy group EXO became a ray of sunshine for Filipino fans through his "DO it!" Asia tour on Saturday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

- By ANNA BARLAM

The Korean actor-singer's first-ever full-scale solo show marked his "blissful" return to the Philippines a year after his two-day sold-out fan concert presented by Wilbros Live.

D.O., whose real name is Doh Kyungsoo, entered the stage, effortlessly belting the high notes for his opening number of Do You Remember?, one of the tracks from his first full album, "BLISS," released last July.

"Mabuhay, Philippines! Make some noise!" he shouted with delight after performing Nobody Knows It and Wonder. Filipino EXO-Ls and Dandanies, in turn, created an intense atmosphere through their resounding cheers.

"Iba talaga ng init sa Pinas! Sobrang init. Ba't ang ganda ng mga reaction ninyo? Tuwing bumibisita po ako rito, lagi akong nagugulat. Talagang 'yung energy n'yo kakaiba sa simula pa lang," D.O. remarked through a Filipino interpreter.

Before proceeding to the next set, D.O. expressed his concern for his fans, as it was raining hard before his show commenced.

"Sa totoo lang nag-alala po ako kasi grabe 'yung ulan kanina, 'di ba? Sobra po akong nag-alala, na kung ganito pa rin ang ulan, makakarating kaya 'yung mga fans?" he said.

As a dedicated fandom, EXO-Ls did not disappoint D.O., with thousands of them in attendance, clad in white outfits for the event's official dress code.