It was definitely a good day for Filipino UAENAs, also called MAAENAs, on June 1st, as IU finally returned to Manila after five years!

Her recently concluded “HEREH” concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan gathered nearly 40,000 fans. She also made history as the first-ever Korean solo artist to perform at the massive indoor arena.

The concert spanned three hours, filled with powerful vocals, electrifying performances, and heartwarming and amusing fan interactions. IU opened her show with “Holssi,” “Jam Jam,” “Ah Puh,” “Bbibbi,” and “Obliviate.” Other hits she performed were “Celebrity,” “Eight,” “I Stan U,” “Blueming,” “Coin,” “Shoppe,” “Twenty-Three,” and “Love Wins All.”

What made the night more special was her surprise rendition of SunKissed Lola’s “Pasilyo,” leaving the crowd in awe! Meanwhile, MAAENAs even sang along with “Good Day,” which amazed IU.

“Was this really possible? I’ve been singing this song for almost a decade and this is the first time that I was surprised like this. Which is really, really amazing,” she beamed.

During the encore, the singer-actress serenaded MAAENAs with song requests, such as “Someday,” “Give You My Heart,” “My Sea,” “Lilac,” “Strawberry Moon,” and “Well…” She then capped off the show with “Palette.”

Apart from stunning performances, IU forged a heartfelt connection with MAAENAs by learning Tagalog words! She looked so adorable saying phrases like “Mahal ko kayo,” “Grabe,” “Ang galing,” “Namiss ko kayong lahat,” and “Kayo ang langit ko,” “Kita-kita ulit tayo,” “Bawal magkasakit,” and “Walang uuwi.”

Photo: Pulp Live World and EDAM Entertainment

Overwhelmed by the loud cheers and beautiful voices of MAAENAs, IU gave them 300 points! It was initially 200 points, but we all know how energetic the Filipino crowd is, right?

“It was perfectly kind that you could rest a little bit, you gave me time to change clothes. I’m rating you as a 300-point audience. We started it with 200 points, and now we are ending it with 300 points,” she said.

MAAENAs showed their love for IU with fan project banners. In return, IU chose lucky fans to give the gigantic flower from her “Blueming” set and a special coin she kissed!

Photo: Pulp Live World and EDAM Entertainment

Meanwhile, everyone received thoughtful gifts prepared by IU’s mom, consisting of a rare photocard, key ring, and mini photocard binder. She reminded the crowd to keep the gifts in Tagalog, “Itago niyong mabuti.”

Here’s a glimpse of the lovely gifts:

We love how cute IU was wearing the famous duck clips given by MAAENAs! Having a great time performing in Manila, she promised to come back in less than five years.

“I do make myself committed, but I will not take five years before coming back. I’m really, really happy tonight. Napakasaya ko. Ingat. Bawal magkasakit,” she reiterated.

Photo: Pulp Live World and EDAM Entertainment

We’d love to see you again soon, our dearest darling! IU’s “HEREH” Manila concert was presented by EDAM Entertainment, Kong Yeon Team, and Pulp Live World.

What’s your favorite part of IU’s “HEREH” Manila concert? Tell us in the comments!