2NE1 and PH Blackjacks reunited

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fans of Korean girl group 2NE1 were treated to an open press conference Friday night.

Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy made almost an hour-long appearance at a mall in Pasig City to meet with members of the Philippine media as well as their fans who have been anticipating their arrival since morning of May 16.

But before the girls of 2NE1 arrived at the venue of the press conference, a cover group called Sapphire entertained the crowd by performing some of 2NE1’s chart-topping songs.

Also during the pre-press conference program, meet-and-greet passes and VIP tickets to the concert were given away through raffles and a dance contest.

The event was hosted by the “Krimmy couple,” a moniker combining the names of real-life sweethearts blogger Kring Elenzano and Philippine-based Korean photographer Jimmy Kim.

2NE1 set the roof on fire

When the girls arrived, screams and nothing but screams dominated the place. The hosts had to, from time to time, ask the crowd to keep it down so the girls would hear the media and vice versa. But keeping it down was proven difficult especially when the group finally started answering questions from the press.

“I feel happy to be here. I missed you guys,” Bom told the fans when host Kring Elenzano asked how they feel about being in the Philippines again.

“I feel so blessed,” the group’s leader, CL, exclaimed when fans kept on cheering and chanting her name when it was her turn to speak.

“Ang init ng weather (The weather’s hot). Ang init din ng pagtanggap ninyo (And your reception as well). Ito ang hinintay ko talaga (This is what I’ve really been waiting for),” Dara answered, she was pertaining to being able to hold a concert in the Philippines together with the girls of 2NE1. This caused a louder roar among the crowd.

More love for Blackjacks

When asked what separates 2NE1 from other Korean girl groups, Dara answered “Unique kami dahil sa music namin (We’re unique because of our music), at dahil sa inyong mga Blackjack! (and because of you Blackjacks!)”

And it seems like Dara is not the only one who’s up for appearances in local Pinoy TV shows. When the group’s participation in the TV show “The Bachelor” was mentioned, CL commented: “You know we want to come out in some TV shows here.”

From 2NE1 to the fans

Bom kept her message short but sweet. Before she took charge of the mic, she was seen whispering with Dara, and then she exclaimed “Mahal kita” twice.

While CL said she will express her love for the fans best during their concert. “It’s unbelievable [the support from fans]. Thank you so much. I can’t put it in my words. I’ll just show you tomorrow,” she explained.

2NE1 is set to perform at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night, May 17, for their “All Or Nothing Tour”. The group also celebrates their 5th anniversary since debut on the same day.

Credits: Inquirer

Check out Philippine Star’s article after the cut!

2NE1 overwhelmed with Filipino fans’ welcome

MANILA, Philippines – Loud screams and shouts welcomed South Korean girl band 2NE1 as they arrived at their meet and greet event on Friday, May 16.

Even before the Shangri-La Plaza mall opened Friday, fans were already camping out outside the mall, wanting to be first in line to see their idols up close.

The girls namely Minzy, Bom, Dara, and CL arrived in the venue around six in the evening after the local group Sapphire did a cover of their songs.

As soon as they stepped on stage, the cheers grew louder and the girls waved on their left and right, even on the next three floors of the mall as fans raise their banners and call out their names.

The all-girl group seemed overwhelmed with the welcome that all they can say at first is “thank you so much, Manila! Mahal namin kayo!”

During the brief open press conference, the girls shared little things about their latest album. CL who stands as the leader of the group said that their latest album “Crush” is “my baby. “I’ve written a couple of songs for my girls,” she said.

“Crush” is the group’s second studio album, following the “To Anyone” album that they released in 2010.

The fans were also glad to hear that Dara, popularly known in the Philippines as Sandara Park, still fluent in speaking in Filipino.

After allotting a few minutes with the media people, some of the fans were given a chance to have a photo opportunity with the girls.

“There’s a saying that girls just want to have fun. Let’s just have fun and enjoy our music,” CL said.

2NE1 will have their “All or Nothing” concert tour and anniversary celebration tonight, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Credits: Philippine Star