The R&B neo-soul singer returned to Manila for her second concert with us after her first performance last year, featuring her new single and EP, “Talking to the Wind” tour.
Prior to the main performance, UMI hosted a pre-show event called the “VIP Meditation Experience.” This intimate session allowed fans to bring yoga mats and enjoy a rejuvenating experience, a meet and greet, and a photo opportunity with the singer.
The soulful singer graced the stage, starting with a quick meditation piece that set the vibe for the evening’s performance. “My intention is to share the happiness and freedom that none of us can ever forget,” she said.
Early in her set at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub, UMI kicked off the show with a song from her latest EP titled “Why Don’t We Go,” followed by her Japanese tracks “Sukidakara” and “Love Affair.”
Then, UMI took a moment to address the crowd and greeted them with “Happy Pride.” As a member of the LGBT community, the singer expressed her joy at seeing all the colors and rainbows in the audience. She assured fans that this event was a safe space where everyone could freely be themselves and love whoever they wanted. UMI wholeheartedly thanked her fans for openly expressing their rainbow love, considering it an honor and a blessing to witness such love.
UMI took her connection with her fans seriously, engaging in numerous interactions throughout the performance to foster a deep bond. She interacted with fans by teaching them Japanese words, inquiring about their favorite colors and foods. When a fan mentioned Jollibee as their favorite, UMI expressed her curiosity as she had never tried it before, and she asked the audience for recommendations, with many shouting “C3.”
During the show, UMI invited five fans to join her onstage, encouraging them to sing or rap freestyle. She also involved the crowd by prompting them to sing along, shout, dance, rave, and wave their hands, making the event truly personal and memorable for everyone involved.
Along with the set, the artist performed her top songs, including “Wherever U R (ft. BTS V),” “Remember Me,” “Say I’m Ur Luv,” and “Butterfly.”
UMI also included “Synergy” in this year’s lineup because she remembered her fans cheering for her to sing that song last year, so she returned to grant their wish. Additionally, she sang a cover of SZA’s latest hit “Snooze,” a song that many Filipino fans are currently enjoying.
After the last songs of the set, “Whatever You Like” and “Show Me Out,” which ignited the crowd, the singer asked how the fans were feeling. She then led another meditation session for the crowd, sending them off with positive thoughts and energy. This demonstrated how the artist valued holistic well-being and sought to share this positive attitude with her fans.
UMI took the opportunity to thank her fans wholeheartedly for being with her on that day. She also sent out heartwarming affirmation phrases for everyone: “Thank you for being alive today, and if nobody has told you this, I want you to know that you are loved, you are appreciated, and your life matters; it matters so much, every one of your lives, your love matters your emotions matter, your talks matter, your dreams matter. I hold the highest vision for each and every one of you. Every dream that you have, I see that dream for you; every wish that you have, I wish for that to come true for you.”
She said that the fans have her as their biggest fan and repeatedly shows gratitude, saying, “I wouldn’t be here without YOU, so thank YOU for bringing ME to Manila.”
After ending the Manila show and saying goodbye to the fans, the singer returned surprisingly with the song “Wish That I Could.”
