The queens are back.

Filo blackjacks gave 2NE1 a warm welcome 10 years after they last performed in the country as a group. 2NE1 returned to the Mall of Asia Arena where they held the Manila leg of their All or Nothing concert back on May 17, 2014.

This time, the group staged their Welcome Back tour on November 16 with a second show on the 17th, with both shows selling out within hours tickets went on sale. Opening with strains from “Come Back Home” before launching into “Fire,” CL, Dara, Bom, and Minzy got the audience on their feet, singing and dancing along.

They performed some of their biggest hits like “I Don’t Care,” “Lonely,” “Ugly,” “Can’t Nobody,” “It Hurts,” “Clap Your Hands,” and “I am the Best” which were met with screams and cheers. The fanbase might be older, but the enthusiasm displayed by the fans who trooped to the arena was still high level. CL also proved she’s “The Baddest Female” by performing the song for her solo stage along with “MTBD.”

There was a bit of a hiccup in the concert as Bom left the stage after their first set due to what was announced as a “wardrobe malfunction.” She would be absent from the stage for most of the show, sparking some concern from the fans. In a show of support, they chanted her name during some lulls in the show. She would return in time to perform “I Love You” but left again before joining the rest of the girls to finish the show.

On November 17, YG Entertainment made released a statement through Live Nation Philippines explaining that Bom had been feeling unwell.

“Hello, this is YG Entertainment. We are deeply sorry to let you know that Park Bom of 2NE1 was unable to complete her performance due to health-related issues at the ‘2024 2NE1 CONCERT [WELCOME BACK IN MANILA.’

“Despite receiving emergency medical attention on-site, her condition did not improve, and unfortunately, she was unable to return to the stage. Sincere apologies to everyone who had been waiting for this concert. We will do our utmost to ensure our artist's recovery as we fully understand the concern of the fans.

“Thank you.”

While Bom was offstage, CL stopped the music and asked the fans if they could help singing her parts while they went on with the show. They also subbed in for her throughout the night.

In between sets, a dance challenge had some fans going all out copying 2NE1’s best moves. A video montage of various artists congratulating 2NE1 for the reunion tour and expressing their admiration of the group was also played. Stars like IU, New Jeans, IVE, IU, TWICE, BABYMONSTER, aespa, Stray Kids, (G)-IDLE, Kiss of Life, BOYNEXTDOOR, Zico, TREASURE, G-Dragon (who elicited the loudest cheers), and Pharrell gave their best wishes for 2NE1.

Dara and Minzy also surprised the crowd when they said they were doing a local dance challenge. The crowd soon cheered as BINI’s “Pantropiko” started playing and the girls danced to the viral hit.

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As a throwback to their last show in Manila, they recalled the time when CL failed to join in as they performed Dara’s local hit “In or Out.” This time around, CL joined in with the rest of the girls as they performed the song again. Bom was also doing the vocals as well, singing the Tagalog lyrics.

After CL did a solo dance to “In or Out,” she said that she did it for Dara who celebrated her birthday on November 12. On cue, they played the birthday song and brought out a cake for Dara. Overwhelmed, Dara teared up when she called it a dream come true that she gets to celebrate her birthday in Manila with the rest of 2NE1. CL then revealed what Dara has been thinking leading up to their Manila show.

“There’s a lot to say and there’s a lot of fun stuff. But she's been talking about how she's so emotional and blessed and happy to be back here her hometown with us. It's been such a long time and we feel so blessed. You know it's such a trip and such a different experience when we come with her. And I feel like we're so welcomed and whenever we come here feel like we have a family and a fan base here. You know, you guys’ energy, it’s a lot and it’s so blackjack and so us… So we feel very blessed that it's such a fun memory to be celebrating her birthday here,” CL said.

Dara replied with, “Yeah, it’s really special,” before adding, “I'm not going to forget this day forever.”

The night ended with a medley of their most popular songs and a promise to come back.

“We are 2NE1 and we’ll see you very soon. We love you!”