Showcasing its innovative musical platform, Wish 107.5 launched its fourth Wish Bus in South Korea on Sunday, June 9, at the Busan Eurasia Platform, Outdoor Plaza in Dong-Gu, Busan.
This unveiling coincided with the commemoration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day, the 29th National Migrant Workers Day, and the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Korea Diplomatic Relations. The event was held in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Korea, the Overseas Workers Welfare Association, and the Department of Migrant Workers.
In his speech, Kuya Daniel Razon highlighted how the launch of the new Wish Bus aligns with the Embassy’s goal of celebrating Filipino culture.
“Narito po kami ngayon para dalhin sa inyo ang kahilingan ni ambassador na makarating dito ang Wish Bus sa South Korea. Ito po ay isang bihikulo ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino para makarating ang talento ng ating mga musikero sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo,” he enthused.
The highly anticipated performances of top-notch Filipino artists served as the event’s highlight.
In an afternoon of world-class entertainment, SB19, HORI7ON, Zack Tabudlo, Zephanie, and Esay Belanio showcased their musical chops.
P-pop giant SB19 performed their newest songs “Moonlight” and “Ready” live from the Wish Bus South Korea — making them the first-ever act to grace the platform. The members also dished out their solo work: Pablo performed “EDSA,” while Josh delivered “Sumaya.” Meanwhile, Justin delighted the audience with “Surreal.” Stell also recorded his debut solo Wishclusive, featuring an unreleased track called “Room.”
Later in the show, the quintet performed on stage, bringing their hits “Gento,” “Mapa,” “Liham,” and “Crimzone.”
“We’re very happy and honored to be here today dahil sa napakalaking celebration and, of course, and being able to see a lot of Filipinos our kababayans na nagtipon-tipon ngayong araw. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso na makita kayo dito… Again maraming, maraming salamat po Wish for having us today and congratulations po dahil hindi lang po sa Pilipinas pati na sa ibang dako ng mundo, nandito na rin po tayo sa South Korea,” Stell said.
Certified hitmaker Zack Tabudlo also brought “Feel This Way,” “Victim,” and “Give Me Your Forever” to Wish Bus Korea during the launch. During his stint, he also recalled how BTS’s Jungkook previously “playlisted his track [Give Me Your Forever] in a livestream.”
Putting her powerful vocals on full display, This Generation’s Pop Princess Zephanie performed “Sabihin” and “Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo,” “Isa Pang Araw,” and “New Rules.”
“Every time I’m on the Wish Bus, it’s such a memorable experience kasi talagang it’s a good place to be at, especially for artists who want to share their music. We’re grateful to the Wish Bus and to the Wish family,” Zephanie shared in an interview.
Esay Belanio, KDR Music House’s newly signed artist, sang her renditions of “Rolling in the Deep,” “Unchained Melody,” “What Was I Made For,” and Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak.” “Anak,” a classic OPM piece, has been translated into 51 languages, including Korean.
HORI7ON, the first all-Filipino boy group to debut in Korea, hopped aboard the bus and also rocked the stage with “Lucky,” “Lovey Dovey,” “Six7een,” and “Salamat”.
“It’s definitely so cool to perform on Wish for the first time in Korea ‘cause we used to just do this in the Philippines. And while it was fun in the Philippines, it definitely hits differently with the crowd in Korea, especially seeing that we also have a lot of Filipinos here as well,” HORI7ON remarked.
The Wish 107.5 Bus was officially launched on August 10, 2014, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Philippines. About six years ago — on September 7, 2018 — the launch in Los Angeles, California, USA, marked the expansion of this innovative concept into the heart of Hollywood.
In January 2019, coinciding with the 4th Wish Music Awards, the FM radio station introduced its third bus. Months after its launch, the said bus hit provincial roads to showcase more local acts and bring what is dubbed “the coolest musical experience” to more Filipinos.
With the fourth Wish Bus, Wish 107.5’s musical fleet expands, potentially welcoming not just Filipino talents but Korea-based artists as well.
“One of the reasons why the Wish Bus is called Wish Bus ay hindi lamang po para magdala sa inyo ng musika, kung hindi, sa isang maliit na paraan, ay makapag-grant ng inyong wishes, kung ano man po ang aming higit na maipaglilingkod sa inyo,” Razon further added.
Before the unveiling of the Wish Bus in Korea, the Philippine Embassy held various activities, including a parade featuring various Filipino communities in Korea.
During the eventful celebration, there were also raffle draws that served as a welcome surprise for the attendees. Winners of the OF Got Talent contest also had the opportunity to perform aboard the Wish Bus Korea.
DJ Alice of the Roadshow, Ms. Leigh, and Mr. Hermin Garrobo were the event’s hosts.
READ NEXT: Wish Bus USA Launch Draws Praise from Artists, Netizens
Written by Joram Flores
Edited by Emmy Borromeo
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