Some experiences entertain you for a night.

Others stay with you for a lifetime.

Last November 23, 2025, I had the opportunity to attend Day 2 of BLACKPINK’s “DEADLINE” World Tour in Manila. After many years of being a fan, I finally saw the group perform LIVE.

As a 30-something fan balancing work, responsibilities, and adult life, this experience felt more meaningful and personal than I expected.

A Long Time Coming

I have followed BLACKPINK for several years.

Like many BLINKs, I supported their music through streaming, online performances, and late-night comeback releases. However, attending their concert was always postponed due to schedule conflicts or other priorities.

As adults, we often place our hobbies and interests last. Work and responsibilities come first. Concerts become optional. But when the Manila stop of the “DEADLINE” tour was announced, I made a decision. This time, I will go.

As Bench Payla, the blogger behind Don Byahero PH, I attend many events for coverage and content. However, this concert was different. I attended not as a blogger, but simply as a fan.

And that made the experience more genuine.

The Atmosphere Before the Show

Even outside the venue, the excitement was already noticeable.

Fans filled the area wearing black and pink outfits, carrying lightsticks, banners, and photocards. Groups were taking photos, exchanging merchandise, and sharing their favorite BLACKPINK memories.

What stood out to me most was the sense of community.

Although many of us were strangers, we shared one common interest. That connection made the environment warm and welcoming.

For a moment, age and background did not matter. Everyone was there for the same reason — to support BLACKPINK.

The Moment the Concert Began

When the lights inside the arena suddenly went out, the entire crowd grew louder. The opening video played, the music started, and thousands of fans cheered together. Then BLACKPINK appeared on stage.

It was a simple moment, but it felt surreal. After years of watching them only through screens, seeing them live and standing just meters away was difficult to process. They felt real and present in a way that videos could never fully capture.

I realized then that this was exactly why live concerts are special.

A World-Class Performance

BLACKPINK’s stage presence was impressive from beginning to end.

Each member brought her own strength to the performance:

• Jennie’s confidence and aura.
• Lisa’s powerful dance breaks.
• Rosé’s emotional and stable live vocals, though she's still a bit sick since D1.
• Jisoo’s elegance and warm interaction with the crowd.

Together, they created a show that was both professional and engaging.

P.S.: Enhanced through a photo editor as this shot of mine was very blurry.

The production quality was also remarkable — from the lighting and stage design to the choreography and visuals. Every detail was carefully planned.

It was clear that the group values giving their fans the best possible experience.

[ BLACKPINK DEADLINE World Tour – Manila Day 2 Setlist ]

1. Kill This Love
2. Pink Venom
3. How You Like That
4. Playing With Fire
5. Shut Down

JISOO Solo Stage

6. Hugs & Kisses
7. earthquake

LISA Solo Stage

8. Thunder
9. FXCK UP THE WORLD

Group Stage

10. Pretty Savage
11. Don't Know What to Do
12. Whistle
13. Stay
14. Lovesick Girls

JENNIE Solo Stage

15. like JENNIE
16. ExtraL
17. Starlight

ROSÉ Solo Stage

18. Call it the End
19. Toxic Till the End
20. APT.

Final Set

21. JUMP
22. BOOMBAYAH
23. DDU-DU DDU-DU
24. As If It's Your Last
25. Forever Young

Encore

26. JUMP
27. Really
28. Tally

Rediscovering the Joy of Being a Fan

During the concert, I slowly stopped thinking about taking photos or creating content. Instead, I chose to simply enjoy the moment.

For a few hours, I forgot about deadlines, responsibilities, and daily stress.

I was not a blogger or an adult managing tasks. I was simply a fan — happy and fully present. It reminded me that we all need moments like this. Moments where we allow ourselves to enjoy life without pressure.

Memorable Highlights

Several parts of the night remain clear in my memory:

And finally, the group’s closing bow — a simple gesture of gratitude that felt genuine and touching. These small details made the experience unforgettable.

More Than Just a Concert

Looking back, this event meant more to me than I expected. It was not only about music or entertainment.

As someone who writes about lifestyle and experiences through Don Byahero PH, I often say that the best stories come from moments that make you feel truly alive.

This was one of those moments.

Final Thoughts

If there is one lesson I learned from this experience, it is this: Do not postpone the things that bring you joy. Opportunities pass quickly, and time moves fast. But meaningful experiences stay with us.

Watching BLACKPINK live during the “DEADLINE” World Tour in Manila was a simple dream that took years to achieve. Yet when it finally happened, it was worth every wait.

For me, Bench Payla — a 30-something Blink and the man behind Don Byahero PH— this concert will always be remembered as a milestone.

Truly, one for the books.

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Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Terminal 2

Arrival in Taiwan: A Fresh Start

The moment I landed, everything already felt efficient and seamless. From immigration to baggage claim, the process was smooth and organized—something Taiwan is known for. But what really caught my attention wasn’t just the efficiency, it was the atmosphere: clean, calm, and welcoming.

First Glimpse of the City

On the way into the city, I noticed how Taiwan effortlessly balances modernity and nature. Even urban spaces feel breathable. Buildings don’t overwhelm you, and there’s this sense of order that makes everything feel easy—even if it’s your first time. But I didn’t want to waste time. After settling in, I headed straight to one of Taipei’s most famous districts.

HSR View

Ximending: Chaotic, Colorful, and Completely Alive

If you want to feel Taiwan’s youthful energy right away, Ximending is the place to be. The moment I stepped into the area, it felt like I walked into a live-action collage—bright billboards, street performers, endless food options, and crowds moving in every direction. It’s chaotic, yes—but in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming. Massive anime murals tower over the streets, colorful ads compete for your attention, and every corner feels like a photo spot waiting to happen.

Ximending 西門町

One of my favorite moments? Standing at a rainbow-painted pedestrian crossing, surrounded by towering buildings covered in art and advertisements. It felt like I was inside a moving postcard—urban, vibrant, and unapologetically bold.

Rainbow Six in Ximending, Wanhua District

The historic Red House Theater in Ximending

Street Food & That First Sip of Taiwan

Of course, you can’t walk around Ximending without trying something.

I grabbed a cup of milk tea—actually, two—and just stood there in the middle of the crowd, soaking everything in. There’s something oddly satisfying about that simple moment: holding a cold drink, watching people pass by, and realizing you’re part of the scene now. Street food here isn’t just about eating. It’s part of the experience. The smells, the queues, the quick exchanges—it all adds to the rhythm of the place.

Xing Fu Tang  | No. 101號, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District

The Vibe: Why Ximending Hits Different

What makes Ximending special isn’t just the visuals—it’s the energy. It’s where locals and tourists blend seamlessly. Where fashion, food, and pop culture collide. Where you don’t really need a plan—you just walk, explore, and let the place surprise you.

It reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be structured. Sometimes, the best experiences come from simply being present.

Ending Day 1

By the time I wrapped up my first day, I was tired—but in the best way possible. Day 1 in Taiwan wasn’t packed with a strict itinerary, but it didn’t need to be. It was about arrival, adjustment, and letting the city introduce itself naturally.

And if this was just the beginning, I already knew: Taiwan was going to be unforgettable.

Travel Tips for Your First Day in Taiwan

If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few things I’d recommend:

• Keep Day 1 light – Give yourself time to adjust and explore casually
• Visit Ximending early evening – Best time to see it come alive
• Try street food right away – It sets the tone for your trip
• Bring comfortable shoes – You’ll walk more than you expect
• Stay curious – Taiwan rewards spontaneous exploration

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle |  No. 8-1號, Emei St, Wanhua District

Day 1 is always special—it sets the tone for everything that follows. And in Taiwan, it doesn’t take long to realize you made the right choice.

More stories coming soon. Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!

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Co-created with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 brings professional-grade sports science directly to the wrist! Delivering an industry-first 3D floating antenna architecture uses the watch’s entire titanium case and bezel frame, resulting in more consistent signal reception. Along with the revolutionary XDR AI Inertial Navigation Positioning Algorithm, this ultra-light titanium smartwatch guarantees flawless, dead-zone-free GPS tracking in any environment.

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