My Top 5 Favorite Moments from CHANYEOL: CityScape in Manila

As an EXO-L and a YEOLMAE (CHANYEOL bias), I can’t even express how long I’ve waited for this! I’ve seen him three times in the past two years, which, yes, has bruised my bank account. But I’ve been wishing for him to finally have his own album and full tour. And now, that day is finally here!

Chanyeol’s CITY SCAPE in Manila took place on October 19, 2024, at the Araneta Coliseum. But unlike any other concert, this one stressed me out so much! Tickets went on sale on the same day as D.O’s Day 1 FanCon, and somehow I managed to cart a standing ticket, only to end up with a seated one at the checkout. I've been looking for a trade for weeks, but nada. I also wanted to go all out with dress code, but needed something comfortable (it’s tough being an “older” millennial and a fangirl) I actually went online shopping for clothes, but ended up wearing what was already in my closet.🤣 

Fast forward to concert day, my best friend and I decided not to trade our tickets—especially since mine won a Soundcheck Pass! I got to the venue early enough for strapping, swapping freebies, and lining up. As a SEATED ticket holder, I thought I’d breeze right in, but somehow (to the confusion of some bouncers too), it took ages for us to get inside.

Anyway, while I could go on about what a mess I was that day, I’d rather jump straight into my Top 5 Moments from the 2024 CHANYEOL LIVE TOUR CITYSCAPE in Manila!

1. No More "Hawak Kamay" 

@jsscrgs56 During soundcheck, he’s talking about a song to sing for the Phixo and he said that many fans doesn’t want the Hawak Kamay. Hahahah 😅 He so cute #CHANYEOL #찬열 #CHANYEOL_都市風景_City_scape #CHANYEOLinMANILA2024 #CityscapeinManila ♬ original sound - jec

During the soundcheck, Chanyeol said something about what Filipino song he will be performing.  Some from the crowd started shouted "no more Hawak Kamay" and he was so quick to pick this up. He started doing the "X" gesture on stage mimicking those from the standing area.

2. Chanyeol singing "Hawak Kamay" as he exited the stage after Soundcheck

@lexitropolis This too funny not to share. Please watch till the end. 😂 I know halos audio lang siya because we can’t film, but sobrang dog show ni Chanyeol during the soundcheck 😂😂😂 #chanyeolcityscapemanila #chanyeolcityscape ♬ original sound - lexitropolis

After knowing that we want to graduate from the "Hawak Kamay" era, he did this! The dog show has begun! Given his humor, I know he just had to. 

3. Guitar Solos

@avataarkyoshii gulat siya ih pasensya ka na chanyeol. sadyang ganito bonding namin nung highschool kapag walang teacher at may gitara sa classroom @EXO #CHANYEOL #찬열 #CHANYEOL_都市風景_City_scape #CHANYEOLinMANILA2024 #CityscapeInMNL #CHANYEOL_都市風景_City_scape_in_MANILA ♬ original sound - suki

I was really excited for this part of the concert. He performed Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” at another stop, and I was secretly hoping he’d do it here too. While he didn’t, we did get to hear “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (he was genuinely shocked when we sang along!), “Hotel California” by The Eagles, and...

4. Basketcase (Green Day) Cover!

@pearlita16 Chanyeol's version of Greenday's Basket case #cityscapeinmanila #cityscapeinmanilaxchanyeol #parkchanyeol #chanyeol ♬ original sound - Pearl

Definitely not in my 2024 Bingo Card, BUT I AM NOT COMPLAINING! I was so shocked and happy when I heard the intro! My college punk rock and emo self is jumping with joy!

5. Stay with Me ft. EXO-L's

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Given the success of the k-drama "Goblin" was here in the Philippines, we PHIXO's has been waiting for this. I just love the look on his face when he heard us singing and that facial expression change as soon as he started singing.

There were a lot of moments that made that night really special --- when he kept on saying the word "pogi" to describe himself, the inside jokes about him being PENSHOPPE's ambassador (gotta admit, super sulit si CHANYEOL as an ambassador hah!) --- but these are definitely my Top 5. 

I'd have to say, the mental, emotional and financial stress was definitely worth it!