[Concert Review] Taeyang’s The Light Year Tour Ends with a Big Bang in Manila (Pun Intended 😉)

Some concerts are fun. Some are more emotional than usual. And then there are nights like this—nights that hit just a wee bit different. Nights that stay with you long after the final bow. Manila wasn’t just another stop on The Light Year tour; it was the grand finale, and you could feel it in the air. This wasn’t just another concert—it was a moment.

From the second the lights dimmed, the energy was unreal. The crowd was already screaming before Taeyang even stepped on stage, and when he finally did, it was pure chaos. Just like that, we were in. No warm-up needed—he had us from the first note of Prayer.

But little did we know, the hype would only keep building, especially during slower songs like Wedding Dress and Eyes, Nose, Lips. The second those songs started, the entire arena basically combusted. Everyone sang their hearts out like we were the ones performing, and Taeyang just let us have it. He sounded flawless (of course), but more than that, he felt present—like he was just as caught up in the magic as we were.

Taeyang also gifted Filo fans with a song by local artist TJ Monterde, called Palagi (Always), singing it twice and teasing that he could do better the second time.

Emotions were high, and memories kept flooding in. But the night wasn’t just about nostalgia. Taeyang reminded us why he’s still at the top of his game, effortlessly switching from smooth R&B vocals to high-energy choreography like it was nothing. His newer songs, like VIBE and Shoong!, hit just as hard as the classics, and the way he worked the stage made it impossible to look away. He didn’t just perform—he connected. Every glance, every smile, every heartfelt "I love you, Manila!"

And then, as if we weren’t already emotionally wrecked, he threw it back to BIGBANG days. The first beat of BANG BANG BANG hit, and suddenly, MOA Arena turned into a festival. People were jumping, screaming, throwing their hands in the air like we had all somehow teleported back to peak BIGBANG era. And when he followed it up with Fantastic Baby? Insanity. Taeyang wasn’t just closing out his tour—he was reminding us of the legacy he helped build.

But the real heart of the night wasn’t in the setlist or the production—it was in the moments between the songs. Taeyang took his time to talk to the crowd, thanking everyone for the years of love and support. He got emotional, we got emotional, and for a few minutes, it felt like the entire arena was wrapped in the same unspoken embrace. Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing more comforting for a fan than knowing the love they give is felt just as deeply in return.

And then, just like that, it was over. Taeyang sent butterfly kisses around the arena before taking a deep bow, letting the moment linger as he soaked in the love one last time. It was clear—this wasn’t just a concert. It was a farewell to this era, a thank-you to the fans who’ve been with him from the start, and a promise that no matter what comes next, this connection will always be there.

Manila was the perfect ending to The Light Year tour—loud, passionate, and absolutely unforgettable. And if you were lucky enough to be there, you know: we’ll be talking about this night forever. 💛