R&B Royalties Kyla and Jay R reigned over the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City for their reunion concert titled Back in Time. Presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, nostalgia was palpable all over as the crowd, mostly composed of millennials, was treated to a fabulous concert with two of the most talented OPM artists.
With their distinctly airy yet smooth vocals, Kyla and Jay R were some of the most popular singers in the early 2000s. They were regular performers in GMA’s noontime show SOP which ran every Sunday from 1997 to 2010. There, they often shared the stage as singers and even had their stint as actors as part of the love team called “JayLa”. Beyond this, the two have been musical partners, composing and making music together. Twenty years since then, their love team might be no longer, but their solid musical chemistry is still very much alive.
When the lights went out, Jay R burst through the stage with Ne-Yo’s “Closer” followed by Kyla who then performed Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy”. Together, they performed “Back in Time” which was composed by Jay R.
Accompanied by an incredible live band, each artist had their solo stage first. Jay R whipped out his best moves with his best hits including “Parachute”, “Kung Mahal Mo Siya” and “Bakit Pa Ba”. He also introduced his new song “Blessed”.
Kyla’s stage performance was stellar with “Making Me Crazy”, “On the Wings of Love”, “Hanggang Kailan” and her breakthrough hit in 2000 “Hanggang Ngayon”.
”Ever since I met this woman 20 years ago, she elevated me in so many ways — as a singer, as a performer, as a person even. Ky, she gives great advice,” Jay R said in between their duet.
“I feel the same. You’ve done the same for me. We’re very close friends,” Kyla replied.
Kyla also fondly reminisced about their first meeting which apparently is a subject for debate for the two of them. According to Kyla’s memory, they met at SOP wherein a towering Jay R accompanied by a bodyguard greeted her with “Wazzup”. Meanwhile, Jay R always thought they first met during their Christmas stage in SOP. Regardless, the two concluded that it was the show that solidified our partnership as musicians.
Kyla and Jay R shared the stage again, one banger after another. Songs like “My Boo” (Usher ft. Alicia Keys), “Hate That I Love You” (Rihanna and Ne-Yo), and “Broken Vow” and “Say That You Love Me” had the crowd singing along with them.
The show was a pleasure to watch from beginning to end. Like its title, it really did take us back in time. Jay R has this natural swag which is matched by his soulfully airy vocals. Graceful as she is, Kyla’s vocals are powerful and distinctly colorful. Together, they make a great team, and seeing that unfold again in 2023 was terrific.
Manila went on an evolution genre journey with Turnover, as no rain nor storm stopped them from capturing the Philippine concert scene on the last day of August!
The Virginia Beach locals, Austin Getz, bassist Danny Dempsey, guitarist Nick Rayfield, and drummer Casey Getz, took off with their Turnover Asian Tour 2023 in Manila in SM North EDSA Skydome and squeezed in more than a decade-long year career in one night.
The Filipino crowd, as always, resonated right with the band with a few familiar faces in the crowd of our very own music scene and showed that we are still deeply connected to the rock genre, despite the rise of pop music in the country.
Synths and Low Light Bulb Feels to Almost Mosh Pits
The band started their act with their latest album, Myself in the Way, tracks that were released last year, effectively putting the crowd in the right mood with their synth play, which is almost somnolent and puts you in a trance. They plucked “Stone Station,” “Tears of Change,” the album title track, “Myself in the Way,” and “Mountains Made of Clouds” from the album. In addition to the setlist was one of the crowd favorites that released the audience from its trance and gave a nod to the band’s early loved genre, which are “Cutting My Fingers Off” and “Humming,” both from their 2015 album, Peripheral Vision. Perhaps this is the band’s most loved and most popular album as this isn’t the last song of the night they played from the LP.
The vocalist Austin Getz greeted the Filipino audience gave the crowd the classic “Mabuhay!” and thanked the crowd for always welcoming them into the country. Some tracks from the Good Nature album also made their way onto the stage, a happier tune the band has previously experimented on with good feel songs like “Super Natural,” “Pure Devotion, Plant, and What Got in The Way. This got the crowd excited and it was evident that the band’s best attraction to the crowd was their fast-paced tracks as tracks from another album full of happy drive feel songs took over the Skydome and made the patrons dance with Plant Sugar, Number on the Gate and Much After Feeling, all from the album “Altogether.” Sneaking into the middle of all this beautiful chaos was their single “Humblest Pleasures.”
The vocalist noted that he feels like the Filipino fans are their long-time friends with the number of times they’ve been back in the country and still welcomed warmly, with the fans still able to sing along with their old and newly released tracks.
The night was then taken over by Peripheral Visions tracks like “New Scream,” “Diazepam,” and the band’s most streamed track on Spotify, “Dizzy on the Comedown” which gives extreme levels of nostalgia. Songtell has described this song as “about being in a tumultuous relationship and yearning for connection beyond the way things have always gone.” And it does. It’s impossible not to connect to this song and it has been a universal agreement among the song’s listeners that it has hit them on a core memory.
And how can you let go of the band after they sing that? The Manila crowd who is always notorious for asking for more asked the band to sing another track for the encore, which almost turned the crowd into a mosh pit with a heavier guitar riff and faster pace than most of the songs of the night, another track from Peripheral Visions, “Take My Head.”
It’s clear that the band has found a home in the country when they said they will come back again as part of the closing words of the concert and band followers cheered on. They even asked for more songs after the encore and insisted that they didn’t want to let go of the pop rock and indie rock band that captured an audience in our country, chasing that high feeling for shoegaze and nostalgia.
In September, Nyoy Volante and Juris Fernandez will perform a sentimental concert together that will transport us on a musical journey unlike any other.
Get ready for an extraordinary evening of soul-stirring music and compelling performances when two of OPM’s finest, Nyoy Volante and Juris Fernandez, perform on September 29, 2023, at the Music Museum for Soundtrip Sessions Vol. 2.
With iconic 80s and 90s tunes as their backdrop, Nyoy and Juris will transport you on an enthralling musical journey.
Whether you’ve been a longtime admirer of Nyoy and Juris or are just now learning about their musical genius, this event promises to be mesmerizing and soul-stirring and will leave you wanting more.
Tickets are currently on sale at TicketWorld (8891-9999), www.ticketworld.com.ph, Music Museum (8721-0635/8721-6726), and at 0917-8032571.
Tickets are 4500 for VIP, 3000 for Gold, 2500 for Silver, and 1500 for Balcony.
Kiko Versoza also contributes his talent to Soundtrip Sessions Vol. 2. Showtime is 8:00 p.m.
This production is brought to you by Dragon Arc Events Management in collaboration with Katinko, Le Marais Esthetics, Gusto Goto, Distileria Barako, Viic’s, Particio’s, 104.3FM2, 0107 Management Group, Inc., and the Philippine Star.
Just in time to celebrate their 25th anniversary in the music industry. This is a highly anticipated event for their Filipino fans who have been waiting for the group’s return to the Philippines after their successful concert in 2018. Thus, their upcoming tour is aptly called TWENTY FIVE.
A1 has been back to their original line-up, which consists of Paul Marazzi, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read and Ben Adams, since Paul re-joined the group in 2018 for their 20th Anniversary Reunion Tour, now 5 years on the band return to celebrate their musical milestone.
A1 concerts will be held at SMX Convention Centre, Davao City, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino & New Frontier Theater, Araneta Center, Quezon City. Performing their classic hits from their impressive discography including Like a Rose, Everytime, Same Old Brand New You & Caught in the Middle to name but a few that Filipinos learned to love over the years. Likewise, the group feels ecstatic to be returning to the Philippines to perform once again.
“We’re so grateful to our Filipino fans who have supported us throughout the years,” says Mark. “It’s been 25 years since we started as a group, and we’re so excited to be able to celebrate this landmark anniversary with our Filipino fans,”he shares.
Tickets available at all TicketNet outlets or log on to Ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555 for more details.
For more concert updates, check out A1’s Facebook page /a1official or follow Concert Republic’s website www.concertrepublic.com or /@concertrepublic on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The clock is ticking closer to SUPER JUNIOR-D&E’s highly anticipated show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Since the tour announcement in May, SUPER JUNIOR-D&E has been to four Asian cities namely Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
Come September, the two will once again be busy hopping off to major cities across Southeast Asia beginning with Ho Chi Minh on September 2, Kuala Lumpur on September 9, and finally, Manila on September 30.
While the wait may be agonizing for Filipino fans who happen to be the seventh stop of the tour, SUPER JUNIOR-D&E’s official social media accounts have been feeding them with teasers of what’s to come.
Recap videos from each country are posted on the artist’s YouTube channel. In the videos, Donghae and Eunhyuk are seen not just singing and dancing, but playing games and interacting with fans as well.
As a bonus, the organizer has also released a teaser of the Exclusive Photocard perk that all ticket holders will be eligible to receive, raising the fans’ excitement further.
Aside from the photocard, plenty of other perks are also included in select ticket tiers such as Goodbye Session, Soundcheck, and Official Poster.
Tickets to the 2023 D&E WORLD TOUR FANCON – [DElight Party] IN MANILA are still available via https://www.ticketnet.com.ph and TicketNet outlets nationwide.
For more information on the show, follow CDM Entertainment’s official social media accounts.
2023 D&E WORLD TOUR FANCON – [DElight Party] IN MANILA is presented by CDM Entertainment, VIVA LIVE, and BingoPlus.
Clara Benin celebrates the release of her sophomore studio album with a major concert at the Music Museum on September 22, 2023 (Friday), from 8 p.m. onwards.
Aptly titled ‘befriending my tears, a Clara Benin concert,’ the show chronicles Benin’s journey as an artist coming to terms with self-acceptance and healing while showcasing musical maturity through years of experience and growth.
“Headlining my concert at the Music Museum feels incredibly exciting and a bit nerve-wracking,” the Filipino singer-songwriter shares. “I think that the venue’s classic charm and quality acoustics make it the perfect place to perform my new album! I really want my fans to be comfortable and fully immersed in my music, so choosing a seated venue was very important to me.”
‘befriending my tears, a Clara Benin concert’ serves as her second major show after staging a sold-out, two-night residency at Teatrino Greenhills in 2016. This time around, the Parallel Universe artist will be performing all the songs from her newly released album, along with fan favorites from her catalog. “I haven’t performed a very long set in a while,” Benin explains. “You can expect to hear all the new songs from my album and, of course, some old favorites.”
A tribute to an album that honors Benin’s newfound artistry and emotional strength, don’t miss your chance to be part of this show-stopping concert.
‘befriending my tears, a Clara Benin concert’ is presented by CNCA Media Concepts Inc., in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and GNN Entertainment Productions.
A special memory with the ONE and only Han Seung Woo
Han Seung Woo lit up the SM Skydome on August 19 as he held the final show of his Special Live ONE Asia Tour. The 28-year-old K-pop idol debuted as a soloist in 2020 and has released three EPs since, namely Fame, Fade, and Frame. Prior to that, he was well known as the leader of the groups Victon and X1.
Since 2018, he has become famous for being an all-rounder. Han Seung Woo is an idol who can sing, rap, and dance, all of which makes for his charismatic presence onstage. True enough, his show in Manila was a testament to that.
Brimming with energy and enthusiasm, he made sure Filipino HAN_As had a wonderful time during his show. His tour was supposed to end in Singapore last week, but due to his fans’ request, the Philippines became his final stop.
His setlist had a lot of songs from his latest EP Frame. He performed “Dive Into”, “Flutter”, “Runnin’ High”, “Lovelorn” and “Burn”. From Fame, he performed “Sacrifice”, “Child”, “Reply” and “I Just Want Love”
Seung Woo is also somewhat of a spontaneous soul. During the keyword segment of his show, he went off-script and told the crowd that he had been explaining the same keyword all throughout his Asia Tour. Instead, he said that what matters is that he gets to create special memories with his fans especially since it was the last show in the tour. He hyped up the crowd by singing and dancing impeccably. During some songs, he even asked everyone to stand up and party with him.
“I love you. I value you. I cherish you.”
HAN SEUNG WOO
Filipino HAN_A also did their part and made a lot of fan projects for Han Seung Woo. For each seat, they prepared a concert kit with a banner saying “HAN_A will always be on Seungwoo’s side” in Korean, a purple scrunchie, purple petals, and a purple sticker for phone lights. (FYI, purple is their official fandom color.) All these items were meant to be used at specific moments during the concert.
“There was a time when you were ALICE and ONE IT. Right now, you are HAN_A. Being able to meet you now as HAN_As is very meaningful, I will work harder to give you more energy, to live continuously and longer together,” he said as he thanked the crowd, acknowledging that many of them have been there for him since his time as a member of Victon and X1.
“There was a time when you were ALICE and ONE IT. Right now, you are HAN_A. Being able to meet you now as HAN_As is very meaningful… I will work harder to give you more energy, to live continuously and longer together.” – HAN SEUNG WOO#HANSEUNGWOOinMNL@makeitliveasiapic.twitter.com/hoxZ1Bskp9
“Kita po tayo ulit,” he said with a smile on his face. For his last song, he performed the sweet “We Loved Each Other”. As a bonus, all attendees were treated to a hi-touch session before leaving the venue.
Live Nation is thrilled to announce the visionary artist, d4vd willbe coming to Manila! The Petals to Thorns Tour kicks off on 27 November in Singapore, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Seoul.Registered members of Live Nation Philippines can secure tickets first during the exclusive Live Nation pre-sale on Thursday, August 31st from 10am until 11:59pm. Register from presale access at livenation.ph.
The general on-sale for Petals to Thorns tour in Manila will start Friday, September 1st at 12pm local time at ticketnet.com.ph and its outlets. Please visit livenation.ph for full details.
The announcement follows a successful several months of live performances for d4vd and a recently announced special guest slot on SZA’s S.O.S. North American Tour. d4vd’s debut headline ‘The Root of it All’ tour earlier this year—which sold out within 30 minutes of going on sale— first brought his music to life. d4vd then embarked on a follow-up ‘Petals To Thorns’ US & European summer run which also sold out entirely and took on larger venues, including three nights in New York at Music Hall of Williamsburg and Racket as well as two nights at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.
Following the release of his debut Petals to Thorns EP in May, d4vd complements the project with a follow-up EP, The Lost Petals. The recently announced project is a collection of five songs that fit in the world of and serve as a continuation of his debut EP. These songs represent a similar time in d4vd’s creative process that he wants to share with fans before moving into his next phase of music. Pre-save The Lost Petals EP HERE.
The first offering from the project “Notes From A Wrist” was released last week alongside a visualizer directed by Erik Rojas – Listen HERE & Watch HERE.
English singer, musician, songwriter, and actor YUNGBLUD with JESSE JO STARK as a special guest is set to perform in Manila for his YUNGBLUD ASIA TOUR LIVE IN MANILA this November 8, 2023, 8PM at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA.
Rarely does an artist come along such as YUNGBLUD, who has undeniably become the voice of Gen-Z, using his music to unite and empower the youth of today. From the ground up, he has nurtured a vast collective of dedicated fans around the globe – a close-knit family that’s grown into the millions. With a social following of over 14.5 million, over 5 billion TikTok views, 6.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and 5 billion global streams, YUNGBLUD is firmly amongst the top alternative artists of his generation.
His breakneck voyage through the alt cosmos continues in 2023, with the release of the new single ‘Lowlife’ marking a fresh new era that simultaneously takes him back to his roots and into the heady new future of YUNGBLUD. Discussing the single, he says “I wrote ‘Lowlife’ because I just didn’t want to leave my house. I was sick of people, of games, of myself, my friends, and anytime I did anything some idiot had an opinion about it. What I should do or be. The truth is I didn’t want to be anything at all sometimes, I wanted to be nothing. So I just didn’t leave bed. I was dissatisfied and craving some sort of boredom. The type of boredom where you sit in your house, in the same sheets and watch fucking mind-numbing TV, so I wrote a song about it.”
YUNGBLUD returns to his alternative roots while also taking creative risks with quirky yet detailed production, and considered instrumentation that simultaneously feels new and nostalgic, bringing an entirely refreshed energy to his music. He also delves deeper than ever before in his most honest and raw lyrical narration to date, with intricate and sophisticated wordplay that, teamed with that sonic shift, brings darkness and intensity to this new chapter.
As an artist who has vehemently pivoted from the music industry’s cookie-cutter definition of success, YUNGBLUD, ironically, has been topping the charts and filling the mantlepiece since the very beginning of his phenomenal rise. Following his self-titled EP and full-length 2018 debut, ‘21st Century Liability’, he went on to win ‘Best Music Video’ at the NME Awards in February 2020 and Best Alternative Artist at the 2021 MTV EMAs. Over the years, he has performed to sold-out crowds in over 20 countries and played some of the world’s biggest festivals. YUNGBLUD released the coming-of-age album ‘weird!’ in 2020, which debuted at #1 on the UK Official Album Chart. He also launched ‘The YUNGBLUD Podcast’ on BBC Sounds in 2020, where he meets young music fans who are approaching turning points in their lives, to discuss topics and issues affecting young people today whether it be gender, sexuality, identity, money worries, friendships, style, or mental health. YUNGBLUD’s third full-length album ‘YUNGBLUD’, marked an exciting and unique chapter. The album went to #1 in six countries and has achieved over 423M streams since its release in September 2022.
Yungblud has just completed a huge run of sold-out arenas in the UK and Europe, and South American festivals, on his headline tour titled YUNGBLUD – The World Tour. Now, he will perform 4 headline shows with special guest JESSE JO STARK across Asia including Manila. YUNGBLUD ASIA TOUR LIVE IN MANILA will be the wildest and most fiery show of the year for all Filipino Black Hearts Club. Don’t miss this out and secure your tickets starting August 21, 2023, 11AM via SM Tickets outlets nationwide or online via www.smtickets.com.
This show is proudly brought to you by Eventim Live Asia and the Philippines’ Live Show Giant, PULP Live World.
TICKET PRICES:
VVIP — Php 5,500 (priority entry + free poster)
VIP — Php 4,500
GA — Php 4,000
*Ticketing charges apply.
For show updates, please stay tuned on our social media accounts, PULP Live World on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website www.pulp.ph.
Bruno Major performed an enthralling set at the New Frontier Theater as part of his Tour of Planet Earth. Presented by Karpos Multimedia, the sold-out show gave the Filipino crowd a strange kind of beautiful evening (yes, just like his song).
As it was in his recently released album Columbo, the introductory song for the concert was “The Show Must Go On”, setting the soft mood for the evening. As the lyrics go, “If you’re always putting on a show / you’ll lose yourself before you know / as easy lovers come, and easy go”. There was that tinge of melancholy, and maybe a memory of a heartbreak, but there was that soothing feel to it.
The 35-year-old British singer-songwriter is no stranger to our country. In 2018, he played as part of Karpos Live Mix 3 line-up. “Manila, I came here a long time ago, before lockdown. I can’t believe I got to come back five years later,” he recounted.
Since 2019, this is Bruno Major’s step to touring the world again. His sophomore album A Song for Every Moon was released in the midst of the global pandemic in 2020. A month ago, he also released his third album, Columbo. This tour is his first time performing the songs from the two albums live.
Listening to Bruno Major perform his songs one after another, anyone in that theater could tell the concert was of a different kind. He was backed up by a live band (with keyboards, drums, and guitars), yet sitting there as part of the audience felt a bit like witnessing a classical music performance.
It wasn’t one where people sang along to every word, where they hoot and dance gleefully all throughout. Instead, it thrived on silence, solemnity even. It was the kind of concert where you listen and let the music and the poetry of the lyrics sink into you. Even in the moments when people sang, it was still done with the utmost respect.
“I woke up this morning and I couldn’t talk. I was so scared. I’ve never canceled a show,” he revealed to the crowd midway. He took some medicines (a thousand lozenges according to him) and he was relieved when he was able to sing again. “I’m so honored to be able to perform across the world”.
Each Bruno Major song has a characteristic imprint, a distinct concoction of feelings that clings to you. There was the passive-aggressive jealousy in“Fair-Weather Friend”, the extensive ode to love in “Wouldn’t Mean a Thing” and “Home”, the wistful romance in “Regent’s Park” and “The Most Beautiful Thing”, the discrete catharsis of “Just the Same”.
When it was time for him to perform “Nothing”, his most-streamed track (and one that went viral on Tiktok), he requested that people light up their phones because “there’s a light at the end of it about stars”.
“I love you very much. You’re f*cking awesome and I feel like I’m home,” Bruno Major said. He promised to come back and play in a bigger venue. For the encore, he performed “Easily” and “The End”.
Tomorrow X Together, also known as TXT, makes history for being the 3rd K-pop group to hold their solo concert in the biggest indoor stadium in the world, the Philippine Arena.
Their world tour, Act: Sweet Mirage, which started in Seoul in March, made its final stop in our country. Living up to the tour title, TXT, composed of Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai, captured the Filipino crowd with a thrilling and visually captivating three-hour concert with a 26-track setlist that was so grand, it felt like a beautiful dream. Presented by Live Nation, the show was indeed one for the books.
Photo from BIGHIT MUSIC
TXT gave the best possible performance. Their production was very sophisticated, every detail contributing wonders to the magnificent end result. The show had all the glitz and glamor you’d expect in a world-class concert – the massive stage, the bursting confetti, the blazing pyrotechnics, the rising platforms, and the dazzling animation – Act: Sweet Mirage had all that and enhanced each one to create magic. Being there was a visceral experience.
The opening animation was nothing short of a scene in a real-life fairytale. The screen showed a carousel spinning with starlight flowing out like glitters and orbs of bright lights rising up amidst a floating castle, with the sound of orchestra swelling in the background. The five members of TXT appeared in their princely garb and it was time for the first song: “Blue Hour”. This was followed by heaps of their upbeat pop tracks “Can’t We Leave the Monster Alive?”, “Drama” and “No Rules”.
MOA, the official name of TXT’s fans, had their moments with their idols. Dedicated as they are, they were able to follow through the fan chants per song plus they had a lot of energy to go along with the whims of the boys. During “Cat & Dog”, they were filling out the barks in the songs. With their lightsticks called “MOAbong” in hand, they created a tsunami-like wave from the floor area to the upper floors. They also played a short follow-me game with TXT as lead initiators.
Photo from BIGHIT MUSIC
The fairytale setting took a darker turn by the time “We Lost the Summer” played, yet the crowd’s energy just got more passionate than before. Crimson lights took over during the angsty rock-infused track “Can’t You See Me?”, with flames bursting in the middle of the song. The Philippine Arena was bursting with life as the crowd sang along loudly to “0X1=LOVESONG”, “LO$ER=LO♡ER”, “Dear Sputnik” and “Magic”.
When TXT came back for “Opening Sequence”, they treated the audience to an enthralling dance spectacle. Spotlights shone on them as they performed an interpretative dance during the song’s introduction. This was followed by the melancholic “Anti-Romantic” and the two-faced “Eternally”.
In any concert, a setlist featuring more than twenty tracks is bound to be tiring. However, that was not the case for TXT. In fact, 26 songs felt like a breeze because they delivered each track with sharp choreography and smooth vocals, never showing signs of exhaustion. They also performed “Good Boy Gone Bad”, “Devil by the Window”, “Happy Fools” and “Sugar Rush Ride”. The superb sound engineering during the show also contributed to that. Another noticeable feature of the concert was the strikingly clear sound quality.
MOAs and TXT: “Underneath the blazing sun YOU and I have become WE”
As the final stop of TXT’s world tour, MOAs made sure to come prepared with their own fan projects. They did a unified banner project with the words “Underneath the blazing sun, you and I have became ‘we’ ” which was a reference to TXT’s song “Our Summer”. (Ironically, the sun was actually blazing on that day. Anyone who went would have felt the 40-degree heatwave in the afternoon until the evening.) MOAs also prepared glowing blue roses which lit up when the encore song “Blue Spring” was almost done.
Similarly, Filipino MOAs were lucky enough to experience one-of-a-kind surprises. For one thing, the members of TXT surprised Huening Kai with a birthday greeting in the middle of their ment. His birthday was just a few hours away from that evening. The birthday celebrant was delighted by the animated penguin on the screen and joked that it danced better than him. He also thanked the crowd as well as his bandmates and said that it was his dream to have a concert on his birthday.
Photo from BIGHIT MUSIC
Another unique surprise was the live performance of “Do It Like That”. The song, which is a collaboration with the Jonas Brothers, was only performed live during TXT’s very recent set at Lollapalooza in the US, and we were the only country on the world tour that got to see it live.
Lastly, we were the only ones who got an encore, after the encore. As the boys were saying farewell, almost ready to leave the stage, Taehyun suddenly said, “Because we received so many things from you, I think we have to give back as well” as they performed “MOA Diary” which is their first fan song.
Soobin, the band’s leader, was nearly teary-eyed when he thanked the crowd at the end, “I think, Philippines, I’m destined to love this country. You prepared so many things for us that we don’t feel regretful that this is the last concert. I enjoyed this concert more than ever.”
Huening Kai was also overwhelmed, “I’m so happy today. Thank you for joining this beautiful last concert of ours. We will be coming back soon. You guys will wait for us, right? Promise! We love you so much.”
“I’m so thankful that even today, you gave us so much comfort and love… I hope you cherish these memories we have together. Let’s keep seeing each other next year and next, next year. I love you guys,” Beomgyu said with a bright smile.
“Even this year, I’ve fallen in love with you guys. Thank you so much for decorating our last concert beautifully to the point where we were able to finish this concert really well. I’m so happy right now. I guess, I’ll miss you guys so much,” Yeonjun sweetly told the crowd.
“MOAs, you know you are the best at singing, dancing, cheering, and screaming for us, right? MOAs, you are the best. And our members were the best, too! I was really happy because of you. I’m already looking forward to our next concert here.” Taehyun said.
Photo from BIGHIT MUSIC
TXT’s Act: Sweet Mirage in the Philippine Arena was truly a concert worth experiencing live. It was worth the time, the effort, the travel, and the money. To put it bluntly, the show was magical.
TXT has outdone themselves with this concert. They showed that they are capable of conquering the biggest indoor stadium in the world. Their performance was undoubtedly top-notch. The show’s production is on a grander scale than most concerts. From the sound to the lighting, from the fireworks to the confetti, from the theatrics to the choreography, it’s a spectacle you wouldn’t normally see anywhere. If you didn’t see it, you sadly missed out, but look on the brighter side: TXT promised to come back! We’re already excited to see them again.
Photo from BIGHIT MUSIC
Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines!
by Sandra Mae Laureano
TXT – ACT: Sweet Mirage – Live in Bulacan – Philippine Arena – Setlist Blue Hour Can’t We Just Leave the Monster Alive? Drama No Rules Cat & Dog 9 and Three Quarters (Run Away) We Lost the Summer Can’t You See Me? 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) LO$ER=LO♡ER Dear Sputnik Magic Opening Sequence Anti-Romantic Eternally Good Boy Gone Bad Tinnitus (Wanna Be a Rock) Devil by the Window Angel or Devil Do It Like That Happy Fools Sugar Rush Ride ENCORE Farewell, Neverland Blue Spring Our Summer MOA Diary
As they bid farewell to the concert stage, Mr. Big offers the Manila crowd a performance to remember.
From the moment I entered the venue, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. The stage was set with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, creating the perfect ambiance for a rock concert. The crowd was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm, eagerly waiting for the last show of Mr. Big in Manila.
Lead vocalist Eric Martin, bassist/vocalist Billy Sheehan, guitarist/vocalist Paul Gilbert, and drummer Nick D’Virgilio make up Mr. Big. Nick is filling in for founding drummer and vocalist Pat Torpey, who passed away in 2018 following a valiant struggle against Parkinson’s disease.
As the lights dimmed and the band emerged, the audience erupted in applause. Mr. Big kicked off the show with their classic hit “Addicted to that Rush,” instantly captivating everyone in the room. The band’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, showcasing their incredible musicianship and stage presence. Each member exuded passion and dedication, making it evident that this farewell concert was a momentous occasion for them as well.
Throughout the night, Mr. Big treated us to a mix of their greatest hits and deep cuts, delivering an electric performance that had the crowd singing along and dancing. Songs like “To Be With You,” “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind,” and “Just Take My Heart” reminded us why we fell in love with their music in the first place. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and their connection with the audience was truly special.
In addition to their phenomenal musical talent, the band took the time to engage with the crowd, sharing stories, and expressing their gratitude for the years of support. It was evident that Mr. Big genuinely enjoyed performing and cherishing this final chapter of their musical journey.
The concert had impeccable production value, and the sound quality was exceptional, allowing every instrument and vocal to shine through. The energy in the room was infectious, and the crowd’s response was overwhelming. It was a night filled with nostalgia, celebration, and a genuine sense of appreciation for the music that Mr. Big has given us over the years.
Overall, the Mr. Big farewell concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded all expectations. It was a fitting tribute to a band that has made a lasting impact on the music industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this unforgettable night.
MR. BIG The BIG Finish Live in Manila was presented by PULP Live World.
Without exaggeration, iKON consistently succeeds in transforming the concert stage into the biggest and greatest party — a wonderful collaboration with iKONICs, who consistently arrive in the most passionate manner with lightsticks raised and ready to illuminate the stage for Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan, regardless of the number, the location, the time, or the circumstances. Cheers rang out, loud and proud, as iKON returned to the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
The boy group and their fans continued to display unrelenting and persistent enthusiasm to make the Manila stop of the 2023 iKON World Tour TAKE OFF another concert to remember despite Jay’s absence from the event owing to his military enlistment.
From their first solo concert in 2018, an exclusive gathering for a brand in 2019, their glorious return to the Philippine concert stage in 2022, to their eagerly anticipated takeover of The Big Dome last August 5, the boy group’s previous visits to the country are sufficient proof that iKON will constantly be able to dominate any concert stage with a setlist packed with timeless and current tracks accompanied by a live band and captivating stage presence.
As The Big Dome blazes red for them, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan took the stage and launched the show with “Tantara” from their third studio album and most recent release, Take Off. With endorphin, energy runnin’ deep through everyone’s brain, they promptly followed “Tantara” with the hard-hitting “SINOSIJAK” and “At Ease” and a parade of performances of their hits “Killing Me”, “Rhythm Ta”, and “Bling Bling”.
The anticipation grew when they announced their impending return with new tracks. The boys also gave iKONICs a preview of the new tracks they will be releasing.
Nothing has changed, guys. You are still on fire. Thank you for showing up, guys.
BOBBY
The show continued with the national anthem, “Love Scenario,” and their most recent single, “U.” In plain white t-shirts and black slacks, iKON performed on these stages, exuding a relaxed and carefree mood that encouraged you, the audience, to let loose and fully immerse yourself in the party.
iKONICS were treated to solo performances of “Kiss Me,” “Want You Back,” “HeartBROKEN PlaYBoY,” and “Fighting” by DK, Ju-ne, Bobby, and Song, respectively. Bobby and Ju-ne collaborated on “Deep Night”. Meanwhile, Chan promised fans a solo stage at their next show in the Philippines. Then, during the interval, a charming and heartfelt VCR was played, offering viewers a glimpse into the boy group’s endearing bond and their love for iKONICs.
I think even a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to pay back what you’ve done for us. So, we’ll always do our best, whether onstage or offstage, and try our hardest to be great people.
CHAN
“When the feelings from our fans get through to me, that’s when I feel the most thankful,” Chan said. Jay added, “There was a time when I felt a little lost. When I was told, ‘I wish you’d stop feeling guilty,’ that made me tear up a bit.” Other members mirrored these sentiments and shared how their fans’ encouragement has helped them get through difficult times. “I hope we can continue to depend on and support each other,” said Ju-ne.
Thank you for staying by iKON.
JAY
Brimming with emotions, iKON slowed down a bit with “Why Why Why”, “Like a Movie”, and “GOODBYE ROAD”. And this is how we celebrate, man! They then revived the party with “WHAT’S WRONG?”, “DUMB & DUMBER”, “B-DAY”, and “FREEDOM”.
The boys returned to the stage for the encore and opened it with “Driving Slowly,” acknowledging the various fan projects that the iKONICs had prepared, including the “iKONICs love iKON always and forever” sign, to which DK replied, “We love you forever, seriously. Thank you.” The fans, who also have a lot planned for them, surprised the boys with a touching video greeting that made them tear up.
Always the best party when iKON and iKONICs are present. Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan teamed up with iKONICs for a prolonged encore of “B-DAY,” “RHYTHM TA,” “Love Scenario,” “FREEDOM,” and “Tantara,” generating an unrivaled amount of energy at the Manila stop of the 2023 iKON World TourTAKE OFF.
It’s hardly hyperbole to state that iKON and the iKONICs always put up a show unlike any other. Everyone was on their feet, chanting loudly and proudly, with KonBats blazing red. Always and forever with iKON, and indeed, the iKONICs never felt short on this promise as they consistently gave Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan the warmest welcomes and the best, most memorable parties.
2023 iKON World Tour TAKE OFF in MANILA was presented by PULP Live World and Happee Hour. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invite.
The long-awaited debut of CRAVITY on the Philippine concert stage finally happened with a masterpiece and a concert to remember.
When CRAVITY announced their tour dates for their first world tour, MASTERPIECE, fans from all over the Philippines waited for this day to come with so much anticipation! Fans from all corners of the country flocked to the New Frontier Theater, brimming with excitement to witness the stellar performances of Allen, Hyeonjun, Jungmo, Minhee, Serim, Seongmin, Taeyoung, Wonjin, and Woobin. The night was filled with euphoria, mesmerizing choreography, and unforgettable moments, solidifying Cravity’s place as a global icon in the K-pop scene.
The moment the lights dimmed, and the stage came alive with dazzling LED displays, the atmosphere inside the New Frontier Theater reached a fever pitch. Cravity emerged from the darkness, opening the show with their hit tracks Get Lifted, Baddie, and My Turn. They indeed opened their concert with their hot and powerful stages. “I didn’t know that Manila was this hot; everyone, you guys are the best in the world!” Heongjun said.
After their opening, each member got to greet Manila. Wonjin even opened with “Mabuhay, beshy!” which made the crowds go wild. Their second set was just as hot as their opening as they performed, Flip the Frame and Veni Vidi Vici. Seongmin even gave a spoiler before they performed Bad Habits. “Recently, I made a bad habit for myself. This is something I do when I feel the atmosphere is not so good and the tension is bound,” Seongmin said as he made the cutest expression saying, “Nyah!”. Taeyong also got to do the expression, and as fans chanted Serim’s name, we also got to see Serim do it! After they performed Bad Habits, it was followed by Gas Pedal.
Cravity returned to the stage with colorful outfits and a different stage showcasing their sweeter and youthful side. They sang Give me your love and Maybe, Baby and even prepared a concert version for the world tour. In a brief intermission, Hyeongjun and Taeyoung gave the fans a special treat. They performed P-pop sensation SB19’s “Gento” in person, which the pair earlier performed in a TikTok clip posted days before the Manila show. But of course, fans also wanted the other members to do the dance, and indeed they did not disappoint.
Throughout the evening, Cravity showcased their immense versatility, captivating the audience with a dynamic mix of upbeat tracks, soulful hits, and powerful dance routines. With their performances with Pow! And with their latest song Groovy, they indeed performed their hearts out as their concert was coming to an end. But before anything else, they explained how it was a part of their bucket list to experience the light wave with their fans. Of course, the entire theater did its best in doing the light wave for Cravity.
After taking the group photo, fans started cheering, “Birthday na ni Songmin! Birthday na ni Songmin!” as the cake and balloons the fans prepared were a surprise for Cravity’s make. His band members prepared him some flowers and headbands as a surprise also. Fans even teased him and chanted, “Iiyak na yan! Iiyak na yan!”
Cravity performed “A to Z” and “Light the Way” for their encore stage. They even delivered individual messages to their fans regarding the end of their world concert and the beginning of Cravity’s journey worldwide. They promised to return and create more precious memories with their fans, known as LUVITYs. The group also highlighted their enjoyment of the energetic performances and the enthusiastic response from the audience, expressing their desire to come back with even better shows in the future. They closed with the first song they ever composed, Colorful.
Thank you for being the last piece for our Masterpiece world tour. August 5th, 2023, remember our time!
Taeyeon returned to the Philippines as she had promised, and the country’s SONEs made sure she did so to the biggest applause and most enthusiastic welcome on the Philippine concert stage.
Last July 30 at the Araneta Coliseum, Kim Taeyeon, the leader of Girl’s Generation and one of the most esteemed vocalists in the music industry, gave a magnificent performance of a jam-packed setlist that included 25 songs from her debut album, I, through her third studio album, INVU. The concert, which featured a live band and dancers, emphasized her vocal prowess and her performance, which delved into many genres and demonstrated her versatility.
The singer, who looked stunning in a black gown, sang the songs “INVU,” “Can’t Control Myself,” “Some Nights,” and “Set Myself on Fire” from her third studio album, INVU, which was released in 2022, to start THE ODD OF LOVE in Manila. She continued to astound the audience while wearing a scarlet outfit and performing “Siren” and “Cold As Hell” from INVU.
“Finally, I have come to Manila. It’s nice to see you all,” she said during the opening meant. She then relived her last visit to the country with a joint concert in April, recalling making a vow to return with a solo concert. She proceeded to perform “Heart” and “Toddler” to wrap up the first portion of the performance.
Taeyeon had a joyful comeback to the concert stage, shining with enthusiasm and energy in “Weekend,” “No Love Again,” “You Better Not,” and “Stress.” With purple clothing on display for the siren tonight, a rave party started during “Stress”! “I think it’s the first time to see SONEs enjoying my concert so well. You have this vibe of enjoying the concert — so good,” she commented.
She also performed songs from her fourth extended play, What Do I Call You, offering the fans beautiful and soulful renditions of “Playlist,” “What Do I Call You,” “To the Moon,” and “Wildfire.” She returned and changed the mood by giving powerful renditions of “My Tragedy,” “Better Babe,” and “Four Seasons” on stage. With a live band on each stage, Taeyeon’s vocal prowess and stage presence were more prominently shown, enhancing the impact of every performance.
She then admitted that the empty venue made her feel lonely during rehearsal. I don’t know why I had such a feeling, but seeing you now fill the venue, I genuinely feel thankful,” she continued. The crowd then cheered the artist, who returned the applause by saying “thank you” and bowing.
Taeyeon and her music transcend time. And THE ODD of LOVE in Manila was evidence of the enduring and illustrious career she has developed over the years. No matter how many years have passed, she never ceases to impress with her talents and charisma, and her music is still a staple on everyone’s playlist. Following “Timeless,” she took the audience back to the beginning of her solo career with “I,” the lead single from her debut EP, I, and with “Fine” and “Time Lapse,” both tracks from her 2017 album, My Voice.
Taeyeon began the encore stages with “Spark” while looking adorable in her ensemble. She subsequently interacted with PH SONEs in the most endearing ways as they prepared a variety of initiatives to welcome their beshy, Taeyeon, back to the Philippines. The fan projects included a rave party with purple cloths, a banner project, and a charming attempt to sing “Rain” before the encore, among others, and added to the loud applause and the intense energy they displayed throughout the show.
“I really have so much energy because I have all of you expressing your love for me.”
TAEYEON
With the sweetest smiles, bows, and waves of thanks, Taeyeon showed her appreciation for the fans. She remarked during one of her ment, “I hope you guys invite me again to Manila.”
Indeed, it was a timeless memory that will be inscribed in everyone’s heart and mind, till a new memory takes over when Taeyeon returns to her PH SONEs. THE ODD of LOVE in Manila was completed successfully with thanks and happiness flowing from Taeyeon and PH SONEs.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
