EXO Reunites With Filipino EXO-Ls at EXhOrizon After Seven Years

K-pop group EXO made their long-awaited return to the Philippines after seven years, bringing “EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon” to the SM Mall of Asia Arena for two nights, July 4 and 5, 2026. Filipino EXO-Ls filled the arena early, lightsticks up, ready for a night the fandom had been anticipating for years.

The night started with a throwback VCR taking fans back to EXO’s debut era, before the screens lit up with that iconic “tree of life” imagery. Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun then appeared in hooded robes and launched straight into “MAMA,” followed by their signature “WE ARE ONE!” greeting to the crowd.

From there, EXO kept the pace up with “Monster,” “Wolf,” and “Overdose,” backed by fire effects and pyrotechnics that got the crowd moving early. Suho told fans the group had missed them just as much as they’d been missed, setting the tone for a night built around reconnecting rather than just performing.

EXO-Ls also got their first live taste of songs from this year’s comeback album, “REVERXE,” including “Moonlight Shadows,” “Crazy,” “Back It Up,” “Crown,” “Back Pocket,” and “Flatline.” Slipping new material between the classics kept the setlist feeling current instead of purely nostalgic.

“Gravity” and “Jekyll” led into “PLAYBOY” and “Artificial Love.” The next part of the show featured some of EXO’s best-known songs, including “The Eve” and “Love Shot.” A medley of “Tempo,” “Ko Ko Bop” and “Call Me Baby” followed, along with a mix of “Power,” “Don’t Fight the Feeling” and “Run.” Giant inflatable balls were sent across the crowd during the set, adding a playful touch to the performance.

EXO continued with “Love Me Right” and “Growl” before D.O. and Suho performed “Baby Don’t Cry” as a duet. The group then returned in all-white outfits for “El Dorado,” which featured a more elegant stage setup.

Chanyeol brought the house down with his Filipino. He greeted fans in Tagalog and performed his covers of “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour and “Hawak Kamay” by Yeng Constantino, both songs he’s sung during past solo visits to the country. Suho brought up EXO’s very first Manila show back in 2013, linking the night to more than a decade of history with local fans.

The members spent a good part of the show interacting directly with the crowd rather than rushing between songs. There was a lightstick wave challenge, some good-natured teasing aimed at fans who looked like they were heading out early, and a segment where a few bold EXO-Ls got to show off their own dance moves on the big screen. At one point, the members joked about needing a breather, noting that a good number of them, and plenty of EXO-Ls in the audience, are now in their thirties.

Before wrapping up with “Flatline,” each member took a moment to speak directly to the crowd. Chanyeol said he was happy that EXO had returned as a group. Kai called the night “just really perfect.” D.O. said he would be having sweet dreams because of the fans who filled the venue.

Sehun joked that he had already warned everyone’s parents they would be home late. He also said EXO would try to return to the Philippines as soon as possible. Suho told the audience that as long as EXO-Ls continued to love the group, EXO would come back.

By the end the show, it was clear that the group did not plan to make fans wait another seven years. EXhOrizon looked back at the music that built EXO’s career while making room for where the group is now. For Filipino EXO-Ls, the Manila concerts marked the end of a long wait and the start of another chapter with the group.

EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon in Manila is brought to you by PULP Live World.