THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE 'MIRACLE' OF SUPER JUNIOR
If it’s okay, we would like to come here more often,” Eunhyuk said to the audience. The audience at the Super Junior Fan Party in Manila last July 21 gave a resounding “Yes!”
This was the first fan party of Super Junior and it was promoted by Wilbros Live. Shindong, Ryeowook, Donghae, Yesung, Siwon, Kyuhyun, Eunhyuk and Leeteuk were in the country seven months ago for their concert “Super Show 9.” The party marked their return to Araneta Coliseum, which was the venue of their first concert here 13 years ago.
When Eunhyuk asked if they could come back more often, my seatmate said, “Yes, take all my money!” I agreed and we both laughed.
It is an inside joke among ELFs (Everlasting Friends, Super Junior’s fandom) who complain about how the group’s frequent visits to the country hurt their finances, yet they still find ways to show up.
“When I heard we were going to the Philippines, I was worried. What if the fans do not come? But there are a lot of fans who came here tonight. There’s no need for us to worry,” said Super Junior leader Leeteuk.
There are many reasons ELFs always make sure to watch.
We will not hold your hands, we will tie your hands with ours
Leeteuk
Inspiration
Saki, whose bias is Donghae, has attended more than
10 Super Junior concerts because she loves their authenticity. Mad, who became a fan of the group through Kyuhyun and Heechul’s variety programs, said that she would attend all the programs if she could. Shindong-biased Love said it’s because she could relate to the group because they have similar hobbies. The group is her inspiration.
Long-time fan Krizia said that the group gives her comfort. She said that Leeteuk “is inspiring not just as an artist but as the person I look up to and want to become in the future.”
Different fan bases showed their love for the group by organizing a fan party for fellow ELFs at Gateway Mall’s Quantum Skyview. There were freebies, memorabilia and activities for fans who could attend and could not attend the show.
For two and a half hours, Super Junior performed 13 songs and played 4 games. They opened the party by performing a medley of their massive dance hits “Super,” “Mr. Simple” and “Black Suit.” After impressing the audience with their Filipino greetings like “Namiss ko kayo,” “Masaya ako,” “Mahal ko kayo,” they performed “Everyday.”
They didn’t have any hosts for the fan party, but they didn’t need one. Super Junior’s chaos is enough to entertain the crowd. After all, they are that K-pop group that uses rock, paper and scissors to make life-changing decisions, including who gets married first.
They have been on practically every variety show in Korea. Each member has a YouTube channel. Leeteuk has emcee syndrome, the habit of hosting even when he is a guest.
The segment Welcome Gift Battle was an excellent way to showcase the hilarious side of Super Junior members. In this segment, the winner chose a welcome gift for himself and his opponent.
The members were split into twos and played four games. The gifts were labeled in Filipino, so they had no idea what they were getting until they opened the package.
The audience was delighted to see Donghae transform into a cute fairy wearing the engkanto set.
Main vocalists Ryeowook and Yesung swayed their hips to show that they could be main dancers, too. Yesung gave up when Ryeowook laid on the floor to show his flexibility. Yesung lost but he loved the gift he got: a parrot that could record a voice. He kissed it after hearing it mimic the “I love you” he recorded.
Kyuhyun wore the barong Tagalog he chose as his welcome gift as they made their way to the extended area of the stage to sing “My Wish.” Siwon and Eunhyuk walked next to him on both sides to act like his security escorts.
“My Wish” talks about longing for someone who gives you the strength to carry on and hoping they will still love and support you even when you are not at your best. While singing the part, “You who will be my light to hug me warmly,” Eunhyuk changed “warmly” into “Manila.” The audience applauded and screamed at the gesture. It was exceptional fan service.
“I have special memories here. You are special to me,” Eunhyuk said to the crowd.They also performed “Callin,” “House Party,” “Devil,” “2YA2YAO!,” “Sorry, Sorry,” “Bonamana” and “More Days with You.”
At the closing ment, Shindong mentioned he would be in Cebu after the fan party for a vacation. He then pointed to a giant banner inside the venue bearing PH ELF’s message of support to Super Junior.
ELFs forever
Leeteuk addressed the recent news about their contracts with SM Entertainment. He assured everyone they will never let go and that ELFs are forever. They went on to perform their encore, “Miracle.”
As the song neared its end, the members gathered in the middle of the stage to clap and hype the audience, except for Siwon who was looking up with his right arm raised.
They held hands forming a chain and then they said, “We are Super Junior.” Siwon raised both arms, his head tilted back and his eyes closed. It looked like he was saying a prayer. It was a humbling moment. I found another reason I also keep coming back to Super Junior. As the song “Miracle” goes, “I felt the miracle, it was you.” They are my miracle.
The fan project showed a video where the ELFs pose the question, “Will you hold our hand tightly as we walk together?”
Leeteuk said, “We will not hold your hands, we will tie your hands to ours.”
Donghae and Eunhyuk, the last members to leave the stage, spoke to the audience again, “See you soon. Are you guys coming?”
The duo will return for their first concert as the D&E sub-unit on Sept. 30.
For Super Junior, the ELFs’ answer is always a yes.