“Once a Blackjack, forever a Blackjack.” This phrase has been proven once again by 2ne1’s fan base during the Blackjacks Grand Fan Party – One Decade with 2NE1, held at Matrix Creation Events Venue in Quezon City, Philippines last May 18, 2019.

(Credits to: Mnet Asian Music Awards)

21^st New Evolution ladies “2ne1”, debuted last May 17, 2009 with their hit single “Fire”. The group is composed of Lee Chaerin (CL), Park Sandara (Dara), Gong Minzy ( Minzy) and Park Bom (Bom) under YG Entertainment in South Korea. This K-pop girl group has changed the mainstream outlook of girl groups not just in Korea but globally – from the cutesy type of K-pop girls to projecting fierceness, swag and that hip hop vibe. Since their debut, the group has received major awards both from local and international music scenes. Despite the many awards and their ever-supportive fans, 2ne1 has disbanded last 2016 which left many in tears and longing for their performances.

(Credits to 2NE1Ph)

To commemorate the “legends of K-Pop”, as what their fans call them, the event, “One Decade With 2ne1” was held. The event was a collaboration of local and international fan sites namely; DaraNationSupporters , Parkers Republic, 2ne1PH, 2ne1 Blackjacks University (Worldwide Reunited), ChaeraWorld, GZbPh, Bom and I PH, OnlySandaraPark, DaraWorld, 2ne1Achievements, AlwaysMinzy, SuperMinzyPos, Arab Bom, Arab CL, 2ne1 France, and Park Bom Global. They have received help from their sponsors MBCosmetics, IdolCollective, LeeJayXXI, dang_eomma and other individual contributors who didn’t think twice in showing their generosity for the success of this event.

The event was hosted by HarloiPh, also a certified Blackjack, who entertained everyone with his wits. The registration started at around 6:00 PM followed a sumptuous dinner buffet. At 8:45 PM the party has officially started with a prayer lead by JudyT. Melanie A.formally opened the party and welcomed the guests. During the event, Blackjacks enjoyed the fun and exciting games like “2ne1 Dance Relay”, in which each member of the group will relay the dance moves of a particular 2ne1 song and “2ne1 Bato Bato Pick” which is a game dedicated to come up with additional donation for their chosen charity - Li’l Bravehearts, that supports indigent kids with down syndrome by helping them with their surgical, medical and nutritional needs. This game of luck thrilled the participants by giving out Php21.00 as their bet to their chosen opponent on their respective tables. The winners from each table went up to the stage and received cheers from their seatmates as they battle to be the ultimate winner and take home 50% of the pot and receive a special reward from the admins. Surprisingly, Daphne, the winner of the game decided to donate the entire pot of money to Li’l Bravehearts. Such a generous Blackjack!

A number of Blackjacks have also graced the red carpet with their eye-turner and fabulous 2ne1 outfits as they were serenaded by Rhadz Koo of the boy group PHP. They were very excited to showcase their 2ne1 bias as they battle for a showdown after 10 years of stanning them.

The audience were on their feet chanting, singing and dancing with the fierce and very energetic dance covers of Requezt, YGQueenz and Wildcards. These groups have really set the mood of the party that even when the event was already over , the people can’t stop from singing and dancing to 2ne1’s songs.

One of the highlights of the event was also the appearance of Ms. Alora Sasam, a celebrity in the Philippines who shared her experiences about being a Dara fan since Star Circle Quest days (a talent show in the Philippines) to a Blackjack stan. She talked about the journey of Dara, her love for the other 2ne1 girls- CL, Bom and Minzy and showed off her 2ne1 tee with Dara’s signature on it. She is one lucky fan girl, indeed.

Aside from the performances, the party-goers have also received freebies and raffle prizes in which some have been shipped from France (2ne1 France), the United States (IdolCollective), New Zealand (LeeJayXXI), Singapore (ChaeraWorld) and different parts of the Philippines by local Blackjacks. These include 2ne1 pins, fans, tote bags, shirts, pens, albums, 2ne1 inspireddesserts, banners with official signature of Dara, photobooks with official signatures of Dara and Bom, 2ne1 magnets, stickers and etcetera.

One of the organizers (requested to stay anonymous) said, “The event wasn’t perfect but it was a success. We poured our heart and soul to this event and we hope that all the Blackjacks and of course, our 2ne1 will appreciate it.” She extended her thanks to all the people who helped in making this event, “ an event to remember”.

The organizers ended the event with closing remarks from Parkers Republic and a tribute video by Owell C. which filled the venue with tears.

A surprise special video of Dara thanking the Blackjacks of their unwavering support was also shown during the event.

(Credits to Parkers Republic for requesting the video and 2ne1 Blackjacks University on YouTube)

Here’s also a video of Blackjacks greeting 2ne1 on their 10^th Year Anniversary with their gleaming eyes and warmest smiles on.

The Blackjacks went home with a smile on their faces, newly-found friends, and memories to cherish forever.

One thing is for sure, though the girls have disbanded, their Blackjacks are here to stay and await for their next 2ne1 evolution. Definitely, there will be more 2ne1 Blackjacks’ events with a heart.

For more information about this event, you may check the hashtags #OneDecadeWith2ne1Party #BlackjacksGrandFanParty on Twitter.

Credits to Charles Malana (event videographer) and Melanie Valeza (official event photographer) for some of the media contents.