MANILA — Waterbomb has long been an iconic music festival in South Korea, and now, it finally made its Philippine debut.

The music festival, known for making the audience wet with its water cannons — hence, Waterbomb — brought several K-pop and K-hip hop artists in the country for a 2-day event at the Quirino Grandstand last February 22 and 23.

Soloists Chanyeol of EXO and Jessi were the main performers of the event, with the former on the first day and the latter on the second.

Soloist and EXO member Chanyeol was the main performer of the first day of Waterbomb Manila. (Photo contributed by Anjie Tanguilan)

Chanyeol began his set with EXO-SC's "Nothin" and followed by his solo songs — majority of which were from his latest album "Black Out."

The event was received with a modest crowd, cheering for their favorite artists and newly discovered ones alike.

According to some concert-goers, the event itself was unlike any other Korean concert they've been to since it has a different setting and vibe.

"Even though it wasn't my first time seeing Chanyeol and Stayc, it felt different watching them in a more carefree setting, enjoying themselves onstage with water everywhere," Kim Beba (not their real name) said.

"The interaction between the artists and the audience was on another level because of the water making it even more fun and engaging," they added.

For some, it was a "dream" to attend Waterbomb since it was previously a Korea-exclusive event.

"Dream na ever since makapag-Waterbomb since sobrang ganda ng previews kapag sa Korea and it was memorable na all of us are first-timers. I loved the fireworks towards the end plus the display na may Philippine flag. Even though it was a Korean event, [they] were able to insert a Pinoy touch to it," concert goer Reia said.

Some also said that Waterbomb is a good way of bringing new artists into the radar of Filipino K-pop enthusiasts.

"My friend and I really enjoyed every performance of the artists. Kahit 'yung mga artist na hindi pa kami masyadong familiar, na-enjoy namin sila," concert-goer Dee said.

"Babalik at babalik for sure ang mga tao and it's also a nice avenue to get to know more artists," Reia added.

However, some aired out their frustration on the event, saying the organizers had many lapses during the event.

"I hope mas ma-promote nila 'yung event nang mas maayos — 'yung mas may hype! Also, sana mas prepared 'yung organizers kasi dami ring lapses during the event," Dee said.

When asked on what lapses she was referring to, she mentioned the late opening of gates on the first day and an issue with the coordination of the fan benefits.

"Noong first day late sila nag-open ng gates. Nagpapasok sila around 1:30 p.m. na," Dee said.

According to Waterbomb Manila's entrance guide Instagram post, opening of gates were set at 12 noon.

"'Yung sa fan benefit winners rin. Nagsabi sila na nag-email na sila sa mga winners ng fan benefits 2 days before the event pero parang hindi nila na-send noon kasi nalaman ko lang na winner ako ng photo-op on the day itself kasi late ko nakuha 'yung e-mail," Dee said.

"Tapos noong actual event na, sabi kasi sa e-mail, upon entry magsasabi ng instructions para sa photo-op pero hindi rin alam nung nasa entrance kung paano 'yung gagawin sa photo-op. If hindi pa ako tanong ng tanong sa mga organizers, baka hindi ko pa nakuha 'yung fan benefit ko," she added.

HIGHLIGHTS

GOT7 member Bambam sang a cover of OPM song "Raining in Manila" during his set at Waterbomb Manila 2025. (📷: Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News)

Thai artist and GOT7 member Bambam surprised fans with his cover of OPM song "Raining in Manila" and a live performance of "Tidal Wave," a song from GOT7's latest album "Winter Heptagon."

K-pop girl groups Stayc, Viviz, and Oh My Girl also graced the event, performing their hit songs "ASAP," "Maniac," and "Dolphin," respectively.

K-pop trio Viviz performed on the first day of Waterbomb Manila 2025. (📷: Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News)

Former IZ*ONE members and now soloists Lee Chae Yeon and Kwon Eunbi also performed in the music festival, with both of them singing their solo songs during their respective sets, and with Chae Yeon performing a mashup of IZ*ONE songs.

Mamamoo's Hwasa also returned to the country for her stint at Waterbomb, showcasing a live performance of her solo songs and a mashup of Mamamoo's top hits. She was then followed by a performance of K-hip hop veterans Epik High.

K-pop girl group Oh My Girl visited the country for their Waterbomb Manila 2025 stint. (📷: Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News)

"Running Man" cast members Kim Jong Kook, Haha, and Yang Se Chan dropped by the event, with Kim performing his early '90s and 2000s hit songs on the first day.

Meanwhile, Haha and Se Chan took the stage and vibed with the crowd with a reggae-centered type of performance on the second day.

Soloist and former WannaOne member Kang Daniel returns to the country for his Waterbomb Manila 2025 performance. (📷: Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News)

Soloist and former WannaOne member Kang Daniel also returned to the country as part of the second day lineup. This marked his first performance in the Philippines after nearly three years since his "First Parade" Asia tour.

Former Sistar member and soloist Hyolyn at the Waterbomb Manila 2025. (📷: Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News)

Former Sistar member and soloist Hyolyn performed her solo songs, including "Wait." She also took a trip down memory lane and performed a mashup of some hits of Sistar, including "Touch My Body," and "Ma Boy."

K-Pop veteran and former Wonder Girls member Sunmi drops by at the Waterbomb Manila 2025. (📷: Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News)

Another K-pop veteran Sunmi was also present in the event, delivering a sizzling performance of her hit songs "24 Hours" and "Gashina."

Meanwhile, rapper Jessi capped the whole event with her setlist full of her hit songs, including "Zoom," and "Nunu Nana."

Jessi also hinted at coming back to the country with new songs.

Korean rapper Jessi returns to the country for her Waterbomb Manila 2025 performance. (📷: Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News)

The first Waterbomb commenced in 2015 in Seoul, South Korea. Up until 2022, it was a Korea-exclusive event.

Waterbomb's Manila debut is the event's third installment in the Southeast Asia region, with the first one being in Bangkok, Thailand in 2023, and the second one in Sentosa, Singapore in 2024.