Sandara ‘Dara’ Park hopes for Manila stop for ‘dream’ 2NE1 reunion

So many K-Pop fans erupted in jubilation when K-Pop superstars 2NE1 announced a reunion to celebrate their 15th anniversary, with one of the members of the phenomenal Korean quintet, Dara, hoping her group will also return to Manila.

Dara, more popularly known in the Philippines as reality talent search hopeful Sandara Park, mentioned this at the “Aim Limitless” concert mounted by the Philippine arm of a Taiwanese electronics giant at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, Aug. 4.

“Hindi ko alam kung aware kayong lahat, pero meron akong good news sa buhay ko at sa buhay ng lahat na fans ko (I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but I have good news about my life and the life of all my fans). You know I’m really thankful and blessed that one of my greatest [wishes] came true–2NE1 is back!” exclaimed the Korean superstar.

The crowd punctuated her declaration with thunderous cheers that reverberated inside the arena, which overwhelmed her and prompted her to take a sip from her flask. “Grabe talaga, parang gusto kong uminom (Amazing, I feel like having a drink),” she quipped.

“Dapat meron ding Manila stop ‘di ba? Hindi pwedeng walang Manila stop sa 2NE1 tour. At sana dito ulit kami mag-concert sa (There should be a Manila stop, right? The 2NE1 tour should never not have a Manila stop. And hopefully we’d still have our concert again here at) MOA Arena just like before. Let’s pray for that,” Dara added.

The jam-packed arena erupted in even louder jubilation at the Korean superstar’s statement, and started chanting “2NE1!” The group took their “All or Nothing” tour in 2014 to Manila and performed at the same venue.

Dara rewarded the crowd with a performance of some of the group’s massive hits–“I Don’t Care” and “I’m the Best”–singing on her own while dancing with a big group of backup dancers. She also performed the 2NE1 song “Can’t Nobody” and her solo song “Dara Dara” in her set.

Dara also shared the stage with P-Pop kings SB19 and P-Pop “female alphas” G22 during the concert, that also had Ebe Dancel, Cup of Joe, TJ Monterde, and Rico Blanco in the line up.