Attending the JBL Sound Fest 2025 felt like entering a tropical Coachella built on cold winds and adrenaline.

The air carried the pulse of a crowd that came to celebrate music and the people who keep its magic alive.

Lines curled around the Parklinks open grounds long before sunset. Fireworks lit the sky above when the show started.

People came dressed as if the night itself was an event worth courting. Sequins tried to outshine stage lights while denim jackets and jeans fought the cold.

I had missed the Sound Fest two years in a row because my life had revolved around training schedules and a calendar that refused to breathe.

This year, Cup of Joe appeared on the lineup like a sign I could not ignore. Then, the roster looked like a music scene ready to let you sing your heart out.

There was Kat DJ, Sean Archer, December Avenue, Flow G, Ashtine Olviga, HORI7ON, and Rico Blanco.

A car-mageddon worthy of a pre-show

The festival took over the Parklinks Open Grounds on December 6.

I stayed at EDSA Shangri-La and believed it would take twenty minutes to get there. Metro Manila’s traffic jam had other plans, though.

My plus one arrived to pick me up at 6:30 p.m., exactly when the show started. I knew the gates opened at four and I could have avoided the rush, though I underestimated the gridlock that wrapped itself around the city that afternoon.

Friends I gave VIP passes to texted me before cellular reception collapsed. They said the grounds looked like a festival pulled from a fever dream; like a mini Coachella filled with sequins and crop tops.

I wanted to be there early enough to take it all in, but I was in a car on EDSA holding a Shake Shack sandwich like a pre-battle ration.

We reached Parklinks at 8:30 p.m. December Avenue had just stepped on stage. Missing half the festival never felt so worth it. I was squealing while running towards the gates.

When old songs return without breaking you

December Avenue and Cup of Joe revived my faith in OPM in 2023.

Their songs felt like chapters from a life I lived too loudly. They reminded me why music can hit like a diary written by someone who never met me but somehow knew exactly what I felt.

Their songs scored the rise and ruin of a relationship that made my heart misbehave. “Huling Sandali” was my heartbreak anthem, when I would sit with the ache of loving someone who could not name what we were.

Hearing it live did not break me the way it used to. It felt like meeting an old version of myself and recognizing that I survived him.

My voice remembered the lyrics even when my heart no longer carried their weight. For the first time, hearing “Bulong”, “Eroplanong Papel”, “Saksi ang Langit” live felt like hearing stories rather than seeing them as scars.

Tastes like gin, stage lights, and people you love

Flow G’s set shook the earth. I followed the vibrations to the concessionaire area to find my cousin, who was battling a water line that stretched across the field. We spent the wait taking photos and laughing at the crowd energy that kept rising.

When Ashtine Olviga sang, I returned to SVIP and surrendered to Rose Quartz Gin & Tonic. Friends drifted in and out of the circle like constellations forming and dissolving.

There were conversations shouted over bass drops, and moments caught in the glow of the crowd’s light sticks.

Then HORI7ON arrived. The crowd ignited and people surged forward. When they performed “Like JENNIE”, the energy shot through the audience as if someone plugged the entire field into a power source.

I might have screamed a little too loud and danced more than I planned.

The headliner of my heart

Cup of Joe entered the stage while I was in a portalet, which is the most on-brand plot twist my life could deliver.

I sprinted like an athlete in the last five hundred meters of a race. My plus one and I made it back to the walkway near the stage just in time for their visuals to unfold like a cinematic opening.

Their production felt massive. It reminded me of my early years dreaming of building audio-visual experiences that could move people, when I used to work in live events. I watched the lights bloom in time with the music and realized I no longer needed that life to love it.

My OPPO Find X9 captured every moment unfolded. The clarity was unshakeable, even at night, and the color accuracy stunned me. Every frame felt like it acknowledged the way I experienced the night.

Cup of Joe sang “Patutunguhan”, “Silakbo”, “Misteryoso”, “Estranghero”, “Pahinga”, “Tingin”, “Sandali”, and “Multo”, which recently won Song of the Year at the 2025 Filipino Music Awards.

The crowd sang louder with every track, showing how music can pull strangers together in one heartbeat.

A night that ends softly

Fireworks lit the sky at midnight as their set ended. I slipped out of the grounds before Rico Blanco performed since my body started asking for rest.

There were rumors about scheduling delays because he wanted to perform last, although it no longer mattered. The night had already offered everything I needed.

Cup of Joe was JBL’s newest ambassadors and the show’s headliner, and they gave me what I came for. Hearing them live was a dream I postponed for years.

I once imagined hearing them with someone I loved deeply. Instead, I heard them with friends who feel like home, and with a heart that no longer trembles at old memories.

Walking out of Parklinks, I realized something unexpectedly. I can sing the songs without bleeding. I can dance, scream, laugh, and live through the music without thinking of who I lost.

For the first time in a long time, I can enjoy the night for what it was.

In a surprising turn of events, vivo has already made the X300 Pro globally available as short as three weeks after the exclusive Mainland launch.

It was first introduced to European regions. Next in line were Asian markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and definitely, the Philippines.

Without any frills, here’s my X-tensive review of the latest and greatest flagship from vivo — 300+ hours after I started using it.

For context: we unboxed the unit exactly October 31st. But it was only during the first day of my Vietnam trip (November 10) that I was able to fully utilize and maximize the X300 Pro. Counting those days (or hours), I’ve been using vivo’s latest X-phone for around 386 hours as I’m writing this piece.

X-cellent Cameras

Without beating around the bush, we all know the main reason why we’re eyeing the X300 Pro, and it’s none other than its intricate camera setup.

	vivo X300 Pro	vivo X200 Pro
Wide	50MP f/1.57 1/1.28” Sony LYT-828	50MP f/1.57 1/1.28” Sony LYT-818
Ultra-Wide	50MP f/2.0 119º FoV (Field of View) Samsung ISOCELL JN1	50MP f/2.0 119º FoV (Field of View) Samsung ISOCELL JN1
Telephoto	200MP f/2.67 ZEISS APO 3.7x optical zoom (85mm) 1/1.4” Samsung ISOCELL HPB	200MP f/2.67 ZEISS APO 3.7x optical zoom (85mm) 1/1.4” Samsung ISOCELL HP9
Selfie	50MP f/2.0 1/2.76” Samsung ISOCELL JN1	32MP f/2.0

Specs-wise, there hasn’t been a massive difference — just newer sensors equipped.

But, as I always say in my write-ups, hardware is just one factor. Actual photo output is what truly makes or breaks the performance of the phone’s cameras.

To somewhat entice you, here are some of my postcards from my very recent Vietnam trip — obviously shot on the vivo X300 Pro.

(Brace yourself, there’s a lot to come!)

Just like hopping along three cities in Vietnam, I used the three lenses of the X300 Pro more extensively due to their overall flexibility — more than what I did with my mirrorless camera and the recently-bought 35mm prime lens attached to it.

And by that, it’s the phone’s capability to switch seamlessly between several focal length options with little to no degradation.

That also meant consistent colors regardless if you use the main 1x mode, UWA (ultra-wide angle), its optical 3.5x zoom, or even beyond 5x lossless zoom.

X-ceptional Collab

The superiority of vivo X300 Pro’s cameras doesn’t revolve only around its hardware. Over the years, vivo has strengthened its ties with ZEISS even further. Starting it all with the X60 all the way to X300 series, the brand’s exceptional collab is stronger than ever.

The default ZEISS color profile captures photos that look natural without being too flat. I’ve been using this in subjects that offers the best balance in shadows and saturation.

That said, vivo providing two more profiles just means they want the user to be as creative and as free as possible.

When it comes to food, switching to Vivid is deemed the best option. This profile gives the best pop of colors in the scene.

Architecture and interior should not be exempted when using this punchy profile.

It also made these golden hour shots more favorable than just sticking with the default ZEISS calibration.

📍 Lotte Mall West Lake (Hồ Tây)

📍 Lotte Hanoi Sky

But, for the entirety of my trip, I relied heavily on Textured as I love how my shots look more soulful in this profile with ample amount of shadows and toned-down highlights.

📍 Hạ Long Bay

📍 Sun World Fansipan Legend

📍 SaPa Center

📍 Moana SaPa

📍 Ban Mong Alpine Coaster

📍 Hanoi Train Street

📍 Phố cổ Hà Nội + Hoàn Kiếm

📍 Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh / Sài Gòn

📍 Vietnam Airlines / VN206

Furthermore, it gives that much-needed depth when taking pics of indoor and outdoor pets.

Switching to Portrait Mode, ZEISS Style Portrait remains with faster shooting times plus more precise subject to background segmentation.

Mind you, it’s not limited to human subjects as I used it all throughout my time with these cute capys in Saigon.

📍 Kapi Cafe

Speaking of, it’s worth mentioning that the user now has the ability to pick between vivo’s three color profiles when shooting in Portrait Mode. It’s something you cannot do in previous vivo phones. Not even vivo’s latest V60 midranger has this.

Also, the rear flash unit can now be toggled in this mode — just without that Aura Light madness. It makes more sense when taking night-time portraits with high facial illumination.

There’s also an additional ZEISS “Mirotar” lens. This only appears though when aiming to shoot tele-macro subjects as it’s not included in vivo’s default Portrait Mode lenses under ZEISS Style Portrait.

X-traordinary Camera X-tras

The vivo X300 Pro is very rich in camera feats. It doesn’t just end with the default Photo Mode.

Humanistic Street Snap Camera Mode still remains — which isn’t very different from the X200 Pro. Thankfully, vivo added two more film presets: Positive Film and Clear Blue.

 

The X300 Pro already has a fast shutter speed in the default Photo Mode. But in times where you’re really on the move and you cannot stay still, Snapshot Mode is here to save the day.

With my commute in Vietnam heavily relying on riding motorbikes, this mode became my go-to for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Trying to take very-detailed horizon shots? The 50MP and 200MP Hi-Res toggles exist. They were beneficial when I tried taking horizon shots of Hanoi, Saigon, and even SaPa.

* For the sake of this write-up, I’ve retained the resolution but compressed the overall quality for faster loading times

When it comes to video shooting, the vivo X300 Pro is undoubtedly dynamic. And it’s more than just that 10-bit Log feature.

The X200 Pro was only limited to 4K/60fps when shooting in Dolby Vision. Now, vivo’s X300 Pro steps it up a notch as it maxes out at 120fps — perfect for those slo-mo clips in crispier UHD quality.

If you’re the concert-goer type of fan, the X300 Pro is more than capable enough to produce those social media-ready snaps.

Stage Mode got improved as well with additional support for 4K/60fps resolution — Dolby Vision toggle not forgotten.

The X200 Pro never had any configurable options and only had a limiting 1080p / Full HD option.

I’ve fully used this camera mode when I went to BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE Tour in Bulacan.

The LBA (Lower Box A) Premium section I was seated isn’t the closest to the stage. Still, the X300 Pro had me capture shots and clips that still looked closer than what I’ve seen IRL.

Talk about concerts. It’s good to mention that both the base and Pro X300s have their dedicated Professional Imaging Grip Kit. This was something previously exclusive to the vivo X200 Ultra.

Sadly, despite anticipating for it, we were not given this special camera kit. I cannot vouch for something I haven’t tried at all.

The new Selfie X-pert?

The vivo X300 Pro not only takes great-looking mirrorfies, the improved selfie shooter provides ample amount of light and detail that the X200 Pro simply lacked.

Not only that selfie camera boasts a megapixel count more than 1.5x than its predecessor, FoV and color reproduction also seem more natural and less whitewashed.

That’s something I have experienced using the X200 Pro — and more of a reason why I refused taking selfies with it.

Speaking of color, the aforementioned color profiles as well as the bundled ZEISS Style Portrait lens bokeh are also applicable when shooting with the front camera.

X-quisite Design

If it ain’t broke, there’s no point of fixing it. However, vivo still tried refining the X200 Pro’s successor even further.

Gone are the slightly curved edges and the micro quad-curved display. This time, they have completely flattened everything out on the X300 Pro — camera bump, notwithstanding.

This form factor clearly reminds me of the base iPhones, premium midrange Androids, even the newest line of its sister brand, the OPPO Find X9 series.

In return, the X300 Pro is thinner at 7.99mm (versus 8.5mm of the X200 Pro). Though heft reduction isn’t significant as it weighs just 2 grams less (226 grams over 228 grams).

Comfort-wise, those flat edges felt sharp when held one-handedly. Although after several days of usage, I eventually got the hang of it.

I just miss the grippier hold of its predecessor. Also, the subtle curves I felt when swiping and navigating through the edges of its screen.

Good thing, the absence of a curved display means not having to buy any flimsy screen protectors that lack that curved edge coverage.

More so, “specialized” tempered glass that need UV glue (and light) in order for that undersonic fingerprint sensor to work properly.

Personally, I love the new look of X300 Pro’s monstrous camera bump.

How they trimmed down the camera rim in favor of a larger flat surface looks more sleek. Also, the new striped texture of the bump closely resembles a camera lens grip.

Then again, the dust magnet issue I’ve experienced before is still present in this new X-teration.

Only time will tell though how durable it is. So far, I’ve only managed it to drop it twice on a hard floor. So far, no unwanted dents and scathes found.

Speaking of, the X300 Pro still features that dual IP68 + IP69 water and dust resistance rating — a staple of Android flagships moving forward.

X-cellent Powerhouse

While the display curves are gone, vivo’s already superior display tech stays. It has an unchanged 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel. I just assume the bigger screen size is reserved for the Ultra variant.

Display accuracy and calibration, as well as support for HDR content, are top-notch as one would expect. Whether the visuals are vibrant, bright, or just dark, the X300 Pro doesn’t go overboard and accurately shows the most natural output possible.

For that ultimate audiovisual pleasure, its stereo speakers are loud and full with that powerful bass to rock your banging solo concert sessions.

Found beneath this superior slab is none other than MediaTek’s latest and greatest Dimensity 9500 SoC based on a 3nm process.

The last iteration was already great to begin with. Let alone, this all-new Dimensity chip headlined by the X300 series.

Day-to-day tasks are buttery smooth with no room for lag. Switching (and even split-screen multitasking) through multiple apps is a breeze.

Playing games wasn’t an exception to the experience.

For instance, my all-time fave racing game, Racing Master, was able to run for two hours without throttling. That’s considering I set it in the most extreme graphics setting possible.

HoYoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero is able to run as well. But, due to the heavier nature of the game, except some overheating in the long run.

X-citing new OS

If you’ve read my X200 Pro review, I’ve boldly stated how Funtouch OS isn’t “fun” at all.

After several years of forcing to bear with that aging Android skin, vivo has finally decided to bring the latest flavor of OriginOS to global units.

Funtouch OS 15 was already fast as it is. OriginOS 6 made that even snappier with added fluidity.

The AI Tools are still there. From transcribing, call assist, all the way to gallery’s AI Erase, reflection removal, even AI UHD upscaling, they’re all there.

For me though, the best changes can be seen in its overhauled UI.

Heck, vivo even brought iPhone-like features — just with better customizations.

From the more customizable lock screen, resizable folder sizes, to the (finally) separate Notifications and Control Center.

For one, there’s the Origin Island that acts like Apple’s Dynamic Island. But, dragging texts, photos, or even files to the island itself gives you a range of apps for it to be shared.

The other one is the additional button on the X300 Pro’s left side. Unlike iOS’s limiting Action Button assignments, it’s more customizable here.

On my end, I’ve set the double-tap to quickly launch the camera in Snapshot mode for fast-firing shootouts. Holding the button fires up the flashlight behind. Unfortunately though, single-tapping the button doesn’t do anything.

Overall, OriginOS 6 seems and feels like a proper and polished experience.

X-panded Horizons

Another feature where I felt that I needed to have in global vivo phones is none other than the Office Kit.

As a long-time MacBook Pro user ever since my university days back in 2016, this feature is a gift from the gods.

Not only I can wirelessly transfer photos and videos, I can also receive notifications and even access Notes stored in my X300 Pro. Even when you take a freshly-captured photo, it will simply prompt you so you can easily share it.

Although you can remotely control your MacBook through the screen of the X300 Pro, that screen size simply won’t make the cut. This feature works best with a foldable or a tablet.

But hey, it’s still useful if you’re out and about and your higher-ups needed that document stored on your MacBook.

Given that nothing beats the cross-platform compatibility between iOS and macOS, it’s still a huge leap forward to be able to connect the vivo X300 Pro to an Apple device.

Lastly, OriginOS also has a new Private Space feature. It serves as a separate space from your main screen with apps and accounts that are totally unrelated to the one you’re mainly using.

This enables users to keep confidential files and information from prying eyes. I just hope users will use this feature into good use 👀.

More than enough even when you X-haust it

On paper, the battery of the vivo X300 Pro gets a battery boost from 6000mAh to 6500mAh.

While it doesn’t beat the hell out of the 7500mAh capacity of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, an increase is still an increase.

Using it moderately or ever so lightly, the vivo X300 Pro can last a full day (or even two) with staggering hours of standby time and plenty left in the tank.

Admittedly, I’ve used the cameras more than I expected during my two-week Vietnam getaway.

From shooting plethora of photos and barrage of vertical clips for Instagram Stories and possible use for Reels, the X300 Pro hogs that battery juice a lot.

I’ve even experienced some overheating in the long run. But, not to the point where the camera will shut off, as I was able to still shoot and record without ever halting.

That said, 90W FlashCharge is here to save the day. This time though, vivo has added a “FlashCharge High Speed” mode when using its bundled charger.

	FlashCharge High Speed	FlashCharge Regular
START TIME (From 0%)	12:14PM	1:59PM
3 minutes	3%	1%
5 minutes	6%	3%
10 minutes	15%	10%
15 minutes	23%	18%
20 minutes	29%	24%
30 minutes	50%	38%
40 minutes	66%	51%
45 minutes	75%	57%
50 minutes	82%	63%
1 hour	96%	71%
1 hour 10 minutes	–	85%
1 hour 15 minutes	–	99%
END TIME	1:17PM 1 hour 3 minutes	3:15PM 1 hour 16 minutes

Using non-vivo chargers and cables that are USB-C PD and/or PPS compliant will still top-up the phone fast — just with regular FlashCharge speeds.

While I haven’t tested wireless charging (which is my least favorite mode of charging), it’s worthy to point out that it was improved to 40W (from the conventional 30W).

Although the vivo X300 Pro has faster speeds than Qi2 or Qi2.2, it still doesn’t implement built-in magnets like the HMD Skyline or Pixel 10 series with Pixelsnap.

Don’t get me wrong. Support for magnetic wireless charging plus MagSafe accessories will still be possible. Only if you buy third-party cases with magnets on it.

Is the vivo X300 Pro your GadgetMatch?

It seems like 2025 has already reached the pinnacle of smartphones: superior camera system, gargantuan battery capacities with long-lasting endurance, faster than ever performance, displays and speakers that truly satisfy one’s audiovisual cravings.

The vivo X300 Pro is a great embodiment of that. Not only you get the best in class cameras, the smartphone itself is just a refined version of a smartphone that was already superior to begin with.

And if you’d ask me, the asking price of EUR 1099 / MYR 4699 / PhP 77,999 is more than justified — unlike how some brands aggressively slap overpriced tags on their barely flagship offerings 🙄

I just hope they consider bringing in a larger 1TB configuration (or maybe even 2TB) in the next lineup — especially for storage-hungry multimedia creatives like me who’s expected to shoot a lot of stills and clips in the foreseeable future.

All sentiments aside and without an ounce of doubt, the vivo X300 Pro is both a Swipe Right and a Super Swipe.

And, just like its older sibling, it also rightfully deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

I have been yearning to see and hear BLACKPINK perform live since 2016.

My long-time university friends (even acquaintances) can prove how hyped I was during the barrage of BLACKPINK’s first set of debut teasers. That excitement went through the roof the very moment BOOMBAYAH and WHISTLE / 휘파람 (Hwiparam) music videos got out on YouTube.

Honestly, it’s a huge core memory that still lingers to me.

Who’s Next: Pink Punk?! 🩷🤘🏼

Did you know? BLACKPINK was originally planned as a 9-member girl group dubbed “Pink Punk.”

Not until other trainees left and fate decided to let them be another 4-member girl group of YG Entertainment just after the agency’s first hit girl group, 2NE1.

Backtracking my tweets from my aging K-Pop stan account, I was actually waiting for the group’s highly-anticipated arrival as early as March 2015.

what if that “Who’s next” teaser will be Pink Punk……………………..

— . (@vincenzvangogh) March 24, 2015

* As a refresher, BLACKPINK made their official debut with ‘Square One’ EP last August 8, 2016 — more than a year after I made that tweet.

Again, my inner girl group geekiness speaks out. Other notable trainees include:

• i-dle’s Miyeon
• former SECRET NUMBER’s Jinny
• The Ark’s Yuna (now Euna Kim)

The remaining two are now soloists who still have a passion for music:

• EB / Kim Eunbi
• Jang Hannah

Near, Far, Wherever You Are 🎶

Despite being a hardcore BLINK since 2016, I only got quite a handful of BLACKPINK-related mementos with me.

For one, there’s the Samsung Galaxy A80 BLACKPINK Edition unboxing we did back in 2019 (which I personally shot and edited).

Last January 2020, two months ahead the lockdown, I was the few chosen ones invited to attend the Korean giant’s ‘Awesome Galaxy’ event in Jakarta, Indonesia.

As unfortunate as it seems, they never performed any songs and only held a mini fan gathering that time. That’s still my closest encounter with the hit 3rd gen K-girl group.

FINALLY: BLACKPINK has appeared on the stage. They will serve as judges for all the BLACKPINK cover groups from Southeast Asia that will perform here tonight at Samsung’s Awesome Live Event.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/wuq57fhWC5

— . (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020

Pandemic halted the world, but it never stopped me from dedicating my very first vivo V-series phone review write-up in relation to BLACKPINK’s first full album promotion during that time.

Five years in, finally, here we are! The much-awaited concert of BLACKPINK is honestly one of the things I least expected to ever see in 2025.

D-DAY = DEADLINE-Day 💅

Longing sentiments aside, THE day has finally arrived.

I came to see BLACKPINK’s ‘DEADLINE’ Day 1 Stop at Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

After that dreamy golden hour, the arena’s pink stairs illuminated to showcase the group’s official color. A perfect complement to everyone’s black and pink fits.

No one asked but, I’m the type of person who often goes cashless — or someone who relies heavily on card payments and just keeps a handful of hard cash in my bag’s pockets.

Luckily, the existence of Maya cards (both the Maya Black Credit Card and the glitzy Pink Glitter Edition one) truly helped me replenish and fill-up that pre-concert void.

These cards have been helpful along my cashless purchases.

From hydrating myself with water (and iced coffee) after roaming around the arena, all the way to filling my appetite with pizza right before entering my designated concert section and seat, it’s been a hassle-free experience.

As easy as tapping your card towards the payment terminal, you’re off the hook and free to go whenever, wherever.

There was even a dedicated Visa booth that gave away freebies (such as a portable fan and power bank) just by showing the Maya card/s that you own.

Going beyond the arena’s doors, you’d be greeted by a lot of BLINKs holding their old and new versions of BLACKPINK lightsticks.

During this time, it was still not sinking in to me. I just sat on my assigned seat just so I can fully immerse myself in this massive concert crowd.

BLACK to the PINK 🖤🩷

After waiting for 15 more minutes, the lights and VCR finally went off while BLINKs screamed as loud as they can.

The set was started by the pre-pandemic hit Kill This Love followed by their second to the latest single Pink Venom (which was released three years ago, BTW).

I’m not saying that having a fewer-than-usual discography as a 9-year-old girl group is a good thing.

However, BLACKPINK’s ‘DEADLINE’ Tour still made me hear and relive their recent BLACK tracks like and Shut Down alongside classics such as How You Like That together with뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU),

Even BOOMBAYAH was never forgotten — or the banger that made me stan them since the very beginning.

The group’s “Pink Side” was even shown through Lovesick Girls, Forever Young, 불장난 (Playing With Fire), 휘파람 (WHISTLE), even 마지막처럼 (As If It’s Your Last).

Their latest group release, JUMP, was also included in the setlist.

This is the part where everyone actually had the chance to stand up and jump high in the air — myself included in the narrative.

Un poco loco over solo 🤯

ICYMI, BLACKPINK already left YG Entertainment (their OG agency) and went all-out solo with their respective agencies.

That’s Jennie with ODD ATELIER, Lisa with LLOUD, Jisoo with BLISSOO, and lastly, Rosé with THEBLACKLABEL — which was founded by YG’s former producer, TEDDY, who released all hit songs for one of the biggest girl group acts of K-Pop.

Fortunately, despite separating ways, this DEADLINE tour made it possible to perform all of the members’ latest solo releases.

After researching for a bit, I’ve found out that the setlist was NOT fixed / definite in every stop.

DEADLINE’s Act 2 (at least in the first day) was introduced by Jisoo with Hugs & Kisses followed by Earthquake.

It was then followed by Lisa with When I’m With You and Rockstar.

After another OT4 group act, Jennie started Act 4 with the wonder hit Like Jennie mashed alongside ExtraL plus Starlight.

Finally, Rosé (or Rosie) ended the solo act with an acoustic performance of number one girl alongside a band performance of toxic till the end. Of course, APT. was never excluded in this set list as everyone chanted “아파트” (a-pa-teu) so hard and danced like crazy.

En route to the core ➡️

Just when everyone thought it already ended, my gut feeling told me a K-Pop concert wouldn’t be complete without an encore. I was right all along.

Once again, BLACKPINK shooketh the venue with another JUMP performance. This time, they’ve changed to another set of stage outfits — which looked more comfy and lax for all members.

After some fan service and cute fan interactions, they performed Really. My inner self gasped as it’s actually one of my favorite BLACKPINK b-sides ever.

As unfortunate as it gets, they had to end it with See U Later. Maybe that’s a sign that they will come back again — or maybe never?

From Concert Dreams to Reality ✨

I’m an aging veteran K-Pop stan for more than 16 years now.

Admittedly, no matter how dedicated I am when it comes to streaming a lot of groups’ music and performances on several platforms, I’ve never been the concert-goer typa fan.

I’m THAT “broke” type of fan during my elementary, high school, and even university days who relies heavily on granted scholarships. Thus, not having that severe FOMO that most K-Pop fans truly dire and desire.

Still, seeing BLACKPINK for the first time ever since I stanned them last August 2016 has always been a long-time dream.

Not only I get to see and hear Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé perform live, I’ve finally crossed out one thing out of my bucket list after nine long years of being a BLINK.

What a way to truly end my year in advance (and belatedly celebrate my birthday more than a month ago 😅).