The grounds of SM City Fairview transformed into a vibrant concert arena on April 11, 2026, as StarPop’s rising P-Pop group DNA brought infectious energy to Neon Music Fest 2026, headlining an evening where live music, fan excitement, and pop culture collided in a celebration built around movement, youth, and community.
Mounted as part of SM Supermalls’ “Gala to the Max” campaign, the event was designed to turn an ordinary weekend mall visit into something immersive, with music at the center of the experience. By late afternoon, the concert grounds were already filling up, with crowds gathering in anticipation as neon lights and festival visuals transformed the parking lot into a lively open-air venue.
As one of StarPop’s emerging P-Pop acts, the group arrived with growing momentum—and from the moment they stepped onstage, that momentum translated into full audience engagement.
Opening with “Don’t Ask Me Why,” DNA immediately drew loud cheers from the crowd, with fans singing along from the first chorus. The performance carried a polished but playful energy, blending choreography, live presence, and the kind of stage chemistry that kept the audience locked in.
That energy only intensified with “BINGO,” which pushed the crowd into full participation. By then, the performance had shifted from spectators simply watching to fans moving and singing as part of the moment itself. What stood out was how naturally the exchange between artist and audience unfolded, creating the feeling of a shared celebration rather than a one-sided performance.
DNA performed “Gala to the Max,” the official SM Supermalls pop anthem, live in full for the very first time.
The debut carried a milestone feel, and the audience responded with immediate enthusiasm. Bright, catchy, and undeniably danceable, the track brought a lighter, feel-good energy to the set—one that fit seamlessly with the festival atmosphere. It was playful pop at its most accessible, the kind of song built for movement and collective joy.
And in that moment, the campaign’s spirit felt fully realized.
The performance captured what “Gala to the Max” was meant to evoke—not simply shopping or mall-going, but turning everyday moments into something lively and memorable.
That made the event feel purposeful beyond entertainment.
Throughout the set, the group projected the kind of confidence that comes from artists beginning to settle into their own identity. There was polish, but also warmth. Precision, but also spontaneity.
Following the concert, the energy shifted into a more intimate setting during a media interview session held at Tower 3 of SM Fairview, where DNA offered a glimpse beyond the performance lights.
Away from the stage, the group’s dynamic remained just as engaging.
There was an easy camaraderie in the room, a light and playful energy that made the conversation feel natural rather than formal. The same chemistry visible during their set carried into the interview, where the members spoke candidly about their journey as a group and the evolving identity they are building within the P-Pop scene.
One of the more thoughtful moments came when the group was asked about carrying expectations while trying to establish their own voice.
Their response reflected both humility and clarity.
There was acknowledgment of the weight that comes with being part of a growing P-Pop movement, but also confidence in carving out something uniquely their own.
That perspective became even more apparent when asked what makes DNA’s bond different from other groups.
Their answer centered on the balance of individual strengths working toward one shared vision.
It was a simple insight, but one that seemed to explain much of what makes the group resonate—onstage and off.
Each member may bring something distinct, but the identity they project is collective.
That same sentiment surfaced in their interview clips shared online, where the members spoke further about trust, teamwork, and why their connection as a group has become part of their appeal.
It added another layer to an evening already defined by strong performances.
Because beyond the choreography and crowd energy, what lingered was the sense that DNA is building something rooted as much in authenticity as performance.
As the festival wound down and crowds slowly dispersed, the night felt less like a mall activation and more like a glimpse into how live pop events continue to evolve—blending performance, fandom, and branded experiences into something immersive.
For SM City Fairview, Neon Music Fest delivered exactly what its name promised. (with reports from Cassiopeia Calamaya)
