On February 22 and 23, Manila experienced their first Waterbomb, a water festival filled with live music and lots and lots of water. From the opening of the show, water cannons blasted right away to remove the heat of the weather and to the delight of fans.
Local talents shine bright under the sun
Local acts such as Thea Astley, Zela, and BILIB showcased Filipino talent on the biggest stage, captivating fans as the opening performers for each day. Their sets proved that local artists can stand tall alongside international stars.
DJs Keep the Energy Flowing
No Waterbomb festival would be complete without the pulse-pounding beats of Korean DJs, who kept the energy high in between acts. Their masterful sound mixing fueled the excitement as the day got wetter and wilder.
The Wettest and Wildest K-Pop Performances Manila Has Ever Seen
Waterbomb’s signature mix of water, music, and top-tier performances was on full display as an incredible lineup of K-pop and hip-hop acts took the stage. Let’s break down each unforgettable performance:
B.I
As the first K-pop act of the festival, B.I. set the bar high. Performing his biggest hits with finesse, he surprised fans with a special collaboration alongside Reddy.
Lee Chaeyeon
For many PH WIZ*ONEs, watching Lee Chaeyeon perform was a dream come true. She delivered a stunning medley of IZ*ONE songs and impressed with her solo hits, proving her dance skills are second to none.
Kim Jong Kook & Shorry J (Mighty Mouth)
Bringing classic 90s K-pop vibes, Kim Jong Kook and Shorry J delivered a nostalgic yet high-energy set. The highlight? Jong Kook’s legendary performance of “Loveable” had everyone singing along.
Dynamic Duo
The legendary hip-hop duo finally graced the Philippine stage, delivering a powerhouse set packed with their greatest hits that had the crowd hyped up from start to finish.
STAYC
STAYC girls returned to Manila with their signature sound, taking turns blasting water cannons at the crowd while fans joyfully sang along to their biggest hits.
Baekho
Making his long-awaited return to Manila, Baekho delivered a performance that blended his strong vocals with undeniable stage presence. His charisma and confidence made it one of his best solo sets yet.
Kwon Eunbi
A true “Waterbomb Queen,” Kwon Eunbi exuded sexiness and charisma throughout her set. Closing her performance with the legendary “Underwater” was the perfect way to keep the energy high.
Hwasa
Known for her fierce stage presence, Hwasa once again proved why she’s a Waterbomb favorite. From sultry performances to powerful vocals, she owned the stage effortlessly.
Epik High
The legendary hip-hop trio Epik High brought their signature sound and lyrical prowess, delivering a masterclass in live performance.
Chanyeol
The Day 1 headliner, Chanyeol, delivered an electrifying set, leaving EXO-Ls ecstatic. His performance was filled with energy, passion, and unforgettable moments.
U-Kwon
Kicking off Day 2’s K-pop lineup, U-Kwon performed a mix of his solo tracks and Block B’s hit “HER”, giving both old and new fans an unforgettable experience.
VIVIZ
Returning to the Philippine music festival scene, VIVIZ dazzled with their flawless choreography and infectious charm, making their Waterbomb set one to remember.
HAHA & Skull + Reddy + Sulreggae + Yang Se Chan
Bringing reggae vibes to Waterbomb, this group kept the crowd dancing with fun, high-energy performances that embodied the festival’s vibrant spirit.
Gray
Whether it was his smooth rap delivery or embracing his sexy image, Gray gave fans everything they wanted and more. His set was simply unforgettable.
Oh My Girl
After a decade, Oh My Girl finally landed in the Philippines. Performing for their devoted Miracle fandom, they delivered a setlist packed with all their greatest hits.
Kang Daniel
One of the most highly anticipated performers, Kang Daniel delivered an “Energetic” (pun intended) performance filled with fan service, charisma, and stage presence.
Hyolyn
The queen of summer bangers, Hyolyn, blessed the stage with her powerful vocals. Her set, including SISTAR hits, was perfectly tailored to the Waterbomb vibe.
Bambam
With his effortless charm, dance skills, and stage presence, Bambam owned his Waterbomb performance. A special highlight? His cover of “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour, a heartfelt tribute to his Filipino fans.
Sunmi
A Waterbomb veteran, Sunmi knows the drill: Be Wet & Wild. Her charismatic performance transformed the soaked stage into her personal playground.
Jessi
Marking her much-awaited comeback, Jessi closed out Day 2 with an explosive performance. Her time away hadn’t dulled her stage presence one bit—this was a comeback worth the wait.
A Festival for the Books
Waterbomb Manila 2025 has raised the bar for music festivals in the Philippines. The perfect mix of music, water, and high-energy performances made it an unforgettable event. If this year’s edition was anything to go by, fans will be eagerly awaiting the next splash-filled installment!
Did you attend Waterbomb Manila 2025? Who was your favorite performer?
