When XG first came to the Philippines in 2024, the seven-piece was only beginning to rise to global popularity. Even then, the pop group already had a good sense of its brand and sonic identity, but it’s in XG’s most recent Manila concert — held on July 22 as part of their “The Core” world tour — that their vision is fully realized.
On the floor of the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the fans (also called Alphaz) are seated around a C-shaped stage that allowed the group’s members better access to the audience. As fans waited for the concert to start, they cheered, screamed, and even barked, which is only appropriate for XG’s galactic wolf concept.
Finally, JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA emerge in cloaks to reveal cosmic-themed outfits for their first set of songs. They start with the dance pop tracks “GALA” and “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT,” and end the segment with the hip-hop track “WOKE UP” before disappearing backstage to change out of their costumes.
The outfit changes happen twice more throughout the night, but it’s not an issue when dramatic VCRs and laser light programming keep fans entertained. The last VCR included a looping clip of the moon transitioning through different phases, which prompted Alphaz around the arena to howl.
The second and third segments include more of the hits, such as “PUPPET SHOW,” “HOWLING,” “ROCK THE BOAT,” “IS THIS LOVE,” and the TikTok-viral “HYPNOTIZE.” XG’s rap line, consisting of JURIN, HARVEY, MAYA, and COCONA, perform the boom-bap track “PS118.” The group also slows things down with the acoustic R&B song “4 SEASONS,” performed by vocalists CHISA, HINATA, and JURIA.
One thing I was in awe of — aside, of course, from the mind-blowing production — is the members’ stamina and showmanship. With each number, XG manages to sing and dance without ever missing a beat or going out of breath, never showing that they’re tired. Even the fan chants and the screaming from the crowd never waver. You could power all of Greater Metro Manila with the energy in the arena that night.
Filipino Alphaz got the chance to interact a little more with XG in the final segment of the concert, with the members coming down to the barriers for the song “NEW DANCE.” For the encore, they performed the 2023 track “LEFT RIGHT.” And as the members waved their fans goodbye, MAYA said, “Alphaz, mahal ko kayo! We’ll be back.”
Frequently Asked Questions
XG performed at SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 22 as part of their The Core world tour. It marked the seven-piece group’s second Philippine show, following their 2024 Manila debut when they were still early in their global rise.
XG’s 23-track setlist for Manila included “GALA,” “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT,” “WOKE UP,” “PUPPET SHOW,” “HOWLING,” “IS THIS LOVE,” “HYPNOTIZE,” “NEW DANCE,” and “LEFT RIGHT.”
XG is composed of seven members: JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA. The group performs across dance-pop, hip-hop, and R&B styles, with designated rap and vocal lines featured throughout their live sets.
XG’s performances are built around a recurring galactic wolf concept, reflected in cosmic-themed outfits, howling fan chants, and visuals like a moon-phase transition sequence. The group’s fans are called “Alphaz.”
XG’s first Manila show was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in 2024. The group’s 2026 show was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with a larger stage and crowd.
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