It started with a sudden flash of light across the arena screens and a single piece of paper handed out in the dim light outside the doors — a physical flyer bearing a silver cosmic logo that caused a collective gasp to ripple through the exiting crowd.
Long before the silver ocean became a permanent fixture in our lives, PULP Live World dropped the ultimate surprise in November 2015, right as the Infinite Effect in Manila concert came to a close at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The moment the house lights came up and the final VCR faded, the arena screens flashed with the unexpected teaser, while staff simultaneously distributed printed promises that EXO PLANET #2 – The EXO’luXion was finally landing in Manila.
For years, local fans had watched world tour stops unfold through pixelated screens, but that sudden dual announcement transformed a distant dream into something tangible. It was the first time we realized that the screen was finally about to become real.
Now, as we stand on the precipice of their monumental return, that same electric anticipation is rushing back. To understand the gravity of their upcoming staging, we have to look back at the trail of stardust they left behind—a journey that constantly reminded us how live music binds our memories together.
2016: The EXO’luXion’s Cosmic Awakening
Photo: EXO
When the silver light stick ocean first illuminated the Mall of Asia Arena on January 23–24, 2016, it marked the exact moment a generation of Filipino fans realized they were no longer looking from the outside in. Coming off the massive success of their EXODUS era, the energy inside the room felt like absolute friction. The stage was commanded by Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun — and though Lay was unable to join due to overseas commitments, the magic was there.
From the powerful, stomping choreography of “Overdose” to the playful, fairy-tale transitions of “Peter Pan,” the weekend proved that the music sounded entirely different when it was happening right in front of your eyes.
2017: The EXO’rDIUM’s Big Dome Magic
Photo: EXO
Returning just over a year later on February 25–26, 2017, EXO brought an intensely theatrical production to the Smart Araneta Coliseum, transforming the “Big Dome” into a pressure cooker of pure vocal power. The lineup returned intact with Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun, while Lay remained absent due to heavy scheduling conflicts.
This era gave birth to legendary moments like the cane-assisted choreography of “Artificial Love” and EXO’s raw acoustic session. But the moment that truly healed the crowd was a deep, nostalgic callback: the members singing lines from the beloved Filipino track “Hawak Kamay.” Standing in that room, singing a song about holding hands across distances, it became beautifully clear that the distance between artist and fan had completely vanished.
2018: The ElyXiOn’s Realm of Elegance
Photo: EXO
On April 28, 2018, the tour returned to the Mall of Asia Arena, transforming the space into a grand, royal sanctuary built on sophisticated styling, sharp tailored suits, and intricate visual mapping. Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun took the stage, while Lay continued his solo work abroad.
The ElyXiOn showcased a breathtaking maturity, defined by heavy-hitting solo stages and the massive, synchronized pulse of “The Eve” and “Power.” It was a visually polished masterpiece, yet beneath the grandeur, the core feeling remained remarkably grounding. Watching the silver ocean ripple from the quiet periphery of General Admission to the heartbeat of the barricade, the night served as a beautiful reminder of the collective joy that only a shared space can bring.
2019: The EXplOration’s Beautiful Shift
Photo: HelloKPOP
By August 23–24, 2019, the group was navigating a shifting landscape as military enlistments began. Performing as a tight six-member unit consisting of Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, Kai, and Sehun—with Xiumin and D.O. actively serving and Lay promoting his solo work—they delivered an experience that felt deeply intimate.
Focusing on the smooth, mature sounds of Don’t Mess Up My Tempo and Love Shot, the energy was profoundly on fire! When Chen’s raw, stunning solo during “Lights Out” echoed through the arena, it felt like a collective exhale. It was a beautiful, comforting transition, proving to everyone present that even as eras change, the gravity of their presence remains a timeless anchor.
Expanding the Horizon: EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon in Manila (2026)
Photo: SM Tickets
Now, after nearly seven long years of waiting through enlistments, solo eras, and unit projects, the full-group countdown has finally ended. The SM Mall of Asia Arena is once again set to become the epicenter of a silver revolution as EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon lands in Manila, supporting their triumphant eighth studio album, REVERXE. For this highly anticipated return, the stage will be graced by Suho, Chanyeol, and D.O., alongside the long-awaited return of Kai and Sehun following their military discharges.
The lineup for this specific leg reflects the current, complex reality of the group’s ongoing journey. Lay remains focused on his intensive global schedule, and due to high-profile contract disputes with SM Entertainment, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin will not be part of this tour’s staging.
It is undoubtedly a bittersweet chapter for the fandom, a stark reminder of the spaces left empty. Yet, if a decade of history has proven anything, it is that the bond between this group and the Philippines is built on pure endurance. We hold onto the steadfast hope that when the dust settles and time permits, we will eventually see all nine stars align on a local stage once more.
Until then, Manila is ready to scream louder and wave their light sticks higher. Whether there are five members or nine on stage, and whether you are standing at the front barrier or watching from the farthest edge of the arena, the magic remains untouched—ready to make history all over again.
See you on EXO Planet 6: EXhOrizon in Manila, EXO-Ls! ?
