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.
MODERN-DAY INDIE PUNK ROCK HEROES TURNOVER WILL END AUGUST WITH A CONCERT IN THE PHILIPPINES!
Pop punk and indie rock both have certainly come a long way and evolved into more inclusive and musically adventurous genres and without a doubt, Virginia Beach natives TURNOVER are definitely one of the biggest names in the underground scene that are among the catalysts of this evolution.
And Filipino fans know it, which is why they will be excited to know that the band – consisting of vocalist Austin Getz, bassist Danny Dempsey, guitarist Nick Rayfield and drummer Casey Getz – will be returning to our shores, as part of their Asia Tour 2023. Truly, both longtime followers and fans of underground music with dream-pop, shoegaze, and emo sensibilities know that this is the event specifically for them!
The event is produced by PULP LIVE WORLD and co-presented by Skesh Entertainment and will be held at the Skydome, SM City North Edsa. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Formed in 2009, Turnover’s beginnings were mainly rooted with the release of their self-titled EP in 2011, and a split single release the following year with contemporaries Citizen – but like any other underground/indie rock band, found its true strength in performing live and touring, both with fellow rising stars and established names in the scene, including Angel Dust, Blind Justice, Turnstile and New Found Glory. Though the tours were initially in the United States, Turnover began extending their reach with subsequent rounds in the United Kingdom and ultimately, in Southeast Asia.
To date, the band has five full-length albums under its collective belt, namely: their 2013 emo/pop-punk-inspired debut Magnolia, 2015’s Peripheral Vision (which sonically switched to dream-pop…), 2017’s Good Nature (which Alternative Press cited to be among the year’s most anticipated albums…), 2019’s Altogether and their most recent 2022 outing Myself In The Way.
Tickets to see Turnover: Live in Manila go on sale this August 5th for *PHP2,950.00 and will be available via SM Tickets outlets nationwide, and/or can be purchased online via smtickets.com. For more information and updates, interested parties can log on to pulp.ph. See you in the pit!
DMC Philippines, the concert promoter for the upcoming Manila show of Anna of the North, has announced that Samsung Hall in Taguig, Metro Manila will be the official venue for her upcoming CRAZY tour.
The concert will make several stops in cities across New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines.
Anna of the North will be performing some of the songs off her new album, Crazy Life, along with notable hits from her previous releases and collaborations.
The Norwegian star, whose music is often described as intricate, soul-crushing electronic pop, has released three albums and an EP under her belt. She has worked with some of the biggest international acts, including Tyler The Creator, Rex Orange County, Steve Lacy, Dua Lipa, HONNE, Prep, Snake Hips, and Alina Baraz.
Two of her biggest and most-streamed hits, “Lovers” and “Dream Girl” were part of the soundtrack of the No. 1 global Netflix smash, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and its sequel, To All The Boys: Always and Forever.
Tickets to Anna of the North: Live In Manila are available at SM Tickets for PHP 3,900 (VIP), and PHP 2,200 (Gold/Regular).
This event is presented and produced by DMC Philippines.
Sabrina Carpenter performed to a full house at the New Frontier Theater for the Emails I Can’t Send Tour stop in Manila.
It was a rainy Tuesday night, but the area surrounding the venue was filled with young people dressed to party into the weekend. Corset tops, platform boots, and mini skirts were some of the outfits elegantly thrown into the mix. They were all poised to strut, to party, and to sing with the main attraction of the evening. Presented by Live Nation Philippines, the sold-out show, which lasted for an hour and a half, was a striking success, so much so that even Sabrina Carpenter called Manila her favorite city.
Sabrina Carpenter made her entrance by playing “Emails I Can’t Send” on the grand piano. Instantly, the audience was on their feet, singing out loud, feeling every word.
“My only rule is that you guys have to be as loud as humanly possible. Cry if you need to cry, laugh if you need to laugh,” Sabrina told the crowd. That was indeed the vibe for the entire concert. From the front to the last row, fans were living in the moment. They were there to have the best time with their idol and they owned it.
Sabrina Carpenter was a captivating performer onstage – a mix of a phenomenal pop star and a songwriter extraordinaire. She could groove sensuously to her disco-pop-inspired tracks like “Read Your Mind” and “Feather” and she would have the entire room dancing with her. She could easily sing the airiest ballads about yearning for someone, and it would be mixed with references about forks (“how many things”) or contact lenses (“opposite”). Even so, her quips stick like glue. Her lyrics could also feel like simple conversational thought bubbles that steadily unfold into full-blown stories like “skinny dipping” and “Tornado Warnings”, and it would leave the audience wanting to hear and sing more.
Beyond a stellar live performance, Sabrina repeatedly expressed her gratitude to her fans for their support. “I feel so lucky to be able to play in a place so far away from home and I still feel like I’m singing in my backyard.” She also complimented her fans’ effort in glamming up to fit her album, her music, and her world.
During the encore, Sabrina Carpenter made her Filipino fans (whom she fondly called “sluts”) very happy when she changed the outro of her viral hit “Nonsense”:
“His ex is a motel, I’m a villa / He said I taste better than vanilla / What’s your favorite city, mine’s Manila”. She said the song started to get popular when Filipino fans turned it into a TikTok trend. Thanks to that, Manila became her favorite city. Sabrina promised to come back, saying the next time she comes here, “there will be new music, a new chapter”.
By Sandra Mae Laureano
SETLIST emails i can’t send Read Your Mind Feather Vicious Already Over Bad for Business skinny dipping things i wish you said Tornado Warnings opposite bet u wanna unsubscribe Baby One More Time (Britney Spears cover) how many things Fast Times Paris Honeymoon Fades Sue Me decode Nonsense because i liked a boy
The Emails I Can’t Send Tour in Manila was presented by Live Nation Philippines. Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines.
Bang Yongguk held his first solo concert, The Colors of Bang Yongguk, at the Music Museum in San Juan, Manila. Previously known as the leader and main rapper of the popular boy group B.A.P, he is now making waves across the world as a solo artist.
Bang Yongguk’s colors can’t be described in simple words. The 33-year-old rapper’s artistry is expansive – infusing rock and jazz with R&B and hip-hop, creating dark undertones in melodic, memorable layers. His music can be fierce yet vulnerable, dark yet yearning, blunt yet sincere – all of which shone so well during his live performance.
The stage was simple – a DJ and the main performer, surrounded by ardent fans. The concert, which lasted for almost 2 hours, felt like an intimate show like Yongguk was talking to each person who was there.
The show started strong with “G.M.T” and “Up” from his 2022 EP titled 2. “Mabuhay! Ako si Bang Yongguk,” he introduced himself. In contrast to his fierce opening tracks, a wide smile spread across his face as he talked to the crowd.
“Don’t use your phone. Record this moment with your eyes. I want to look into your eyes,” he said. His request was mostly honored during the night, and fans got into the music all the more.
Bang Yongguk’s setlist featured the comprehensive work he put into his music. From his 2019 album, there was the introspective vibe of “Hikikomori” and the alluring beats of “Ya”. He also performed “Race”, “Screwed Up”, and “Off” from 2. From his newly released EP The Colors of Love, he performed the soft “Rain on Me”, “UFO”, “Green” and “Ride or Die”. A huge throwback for his longtime fans was when he performed his first solo single “I Remember” which was released in 2011 and the 2017 single “Yamazaki”.
“Being here made me realize I have to keep making more good music. Thank you for coming! I hope to see you again next time,” he said before performing “Xie Xie” and “See You Later” in the encore.
The Colors of Bang Yongguk in Manila was presented by OfficialKEvents. Special thanks to OfficialKEvents for the invitation.
As fans from all over Manila gathered to see Dhruv perform live for the first time, the stage was prepared; the lights were dimmed, and there was an overwhelming feeling of anticipation in the air. From small beginnings, Dhruv’s climb to fame has been nothing short of amazing, and his performance in Manila served as evidence of his exceptional talent and charisma.
Dhruv’s status as a prominent artist in the music industry was cemented by the highly expected event, which took place at the Podium Hall, last July 25, 2023, and left the audience in awe. Everyone was excited to witness the event firsthand, from passionate fans who have followed Dhruv’s path from the beginning to those who had just found his music.
Dhruv opened his show with his songs “airplane thoughts”, and “retrograde”. From the very first notes, Dhruv’s musical prowess was on full display. His soulful voice carried emotion that resonated with the crowd, drawing them into each lyric and melody. Despite it being his debut concert, Dhruv performed with a maturity and stage presence that belied his years, captivating his fans.
“Thank you for inviting us to be here and to play in this cozy, intimate show. I wanted to be here for a sec. Throughout this project Rapunzel, in January of last year, it was like a scrapbook of the two years of my life and I remember finishing it thinking I really want to come to Asia and play it eventually and not knowing what was gonna happen so I had the joy of being in Asia for the last few weeks touring and were kinda in our last three shows so I’m thrilled to see you guys here.”
After sharing his experience of touring in Asia for the first time, Dhruv performed one of his favorite songs, as he said, which is “moonlight”. He also performed “what’s wrong with me.” Dhruv not only has an amazing voice but also a commanding stage presence. His natural ability to engage with the crowd struck a chord with his supporters intimately, heightening the intimacy of the moment.
“I actually grew up in Asia, and when I was 15, I actually loved a song. Found it deep on the internet. The song is “when we were young.” Dhruv sang this melancholic song about childhood, which he shared as grew up in Singapore and moved to London when he was two years old.
He continued to perform more songs from his latest EP, such as “stable life”, “blur” and “vulnerable”. Throughout the show, Dhruv showcased an impressive range of musical styles. From soulful ballads that tugged at heartstrings to upbeat tracks that had the entire venue swaying, his versatility as an artist was on full display.
Dhruv also shared that we will get more music from him soon as he told the audience the show will end. “We have three songs left for you. I know I wish I had more songs out. The good thing is I will have more out. SOON so.”
One of his last songs was a cover of Norah Jones’ song, Don’t Know Why. As he shared, “I like this song so I hope you like it too”. He also performed “grateful”, which was also the most expected song a lot of fans were waiting for.
And to end his concert, he closed with his breakthrough song. Most fans were definitely waiting for “double take”, which had gained massive popularity on various platforms. The crowd sang along in unison, a testament to the connection he had already forged with his growing fanbase.
His fans had the chance to interact with him in person, as the evening concluded. The success of Dhruv’s debut performance in Manila serves as an introduction to even bigger things in store for this rising star. His outstanding talent and sincere connection with his followers set him apart and assure him of a successful future in the music business.
Following the show, it flooded social media sites with positive comments and words of support for the young performer. Dhruv established his reputation as a performer to watch with his outstanding concert in Manila. Audiences all over the world eagerly expect the next chapter in Dhruv’s musical journey as his music continues to soar to new heights, knowing that his passion and commitment to his craft will certainly take him to even higher heights in the future.
Be You 3 gave poignant homage to the cleft lip and palate community with heartfelt numbers from Filipino artists and performances from our favorite K-Pop artists that brought back fond memories.
Neuwave Events and Productions staged the third concert in the Be You concert series, Be You 3: The World Will Smile, at the Araneta Coliseum on July 23 to mark the series’ first anniversary. Together with local performers Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ice Seguerra, and NOBITA, thousands of fans came together for the cause and witnessed APINK, Infinite’s Nam Woo Hyun, BtoB’s Lee Min Hyuk, and CIX perform on the Philippine concert stage.
Filipino artists take the Be You 3 stage
Prior to the show’s official start, talented Filipino P-Pop group Trainee AE warmed up the crowd with their performances, including a rendition of SB19’s latest hit single, “I Want You”.
Be You 3: The World Will Smile opened with It’s Showtime host and comedian Vhong Navarro showcasing his dance moves with a medley of viral hits. During “Big Boy”, the Streetboy was joined by children with cleft lip and palate who wowed the audience with their sleek moves. Fellow Streeboy and It’s Showtime host Jhong Hilario took the baton from Vhong Navarro with a dance medley. The Sample King paired up with children with cleft lip and palate for an adorable take on the Tiktok trend to the tune of Fifty Fifty’s “Cupid”. Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario, with their cute performance partners, completed their stage with the trending “Gento” of SB19.
Ice Seguerra serenaded The Big Dome with “I’ll Be There For You” from his 2007 album, Para Lang Sa’yo. Jerome and Kyle, who underwent operations for their cleft lip and palate, joined him on stage for a soulful performance of the song and inspire people with their stories. Filipino alt-rock band NOBITA was also present at the festivity with KZ Tandingan’s “Wag Ka Nang Umiyak” and their very own hit song, “Ikaw Lang”.
Be You celebrates its first anniversary with APINK, Nam Woo Hyun, Lee Min Hyuk, and CIX
Last year, Neuwave Events and Production introduced Be You, a concert-for-a-cause, with its inaugural show featuring Red Velvet as the headliner. Since then, the concert series has presented Be You 2 and most recently, Be You 3.
Be You: The World will Adjust celebrated people with special needs through inspiring testimonials and heartwarming performances from Filipino artists, including Martin Nieverra, BINI, BGYO, and Lady Pipay. Red Velvet highlighted the event, marking their first performance in the country after three years. In December 2022, Be You returned with Be You 2: The World will Care, a tribute concert for the elderly. The second installment of the concert-for-a-cause gathered top K-Pop acts BoA, TVXQ!’s Yunho and Changmin, and EXO’s Xiumin and Chen, as well as, Filipino acts Ms. Pilita Corrales, Ian Veneracion, Lady Pipay, Lukas Magallano (Cebu), and G22 (Manila) in two cities in the Philippines — Cebu and Metro Manila.
For its third installment, Be You 3: The World will Smile brought iconic K-Pop acts APINK, Infinite’s Nam Woo Hyun, and BtoB’s Lee Min Hyuk, and rising K-Pop boy group CIX. Ahead of the concert, the K-Pop stars graciously took part in a press conference where they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform on the Philippine concert stage and be part of the advocacy for promoting inclusivity and honoring the community of people with cleft lips and palates.
Nam Woo Hyun was the first of the K-Pop acts to take the stage, opening his set with “Hold On Me” from his third extended play, A New Journey. He followed it up with “Calm & Passion” from his fourth EP, With. The Infinite member remarked how much he missed his Filipino fans and generously gave them his warmest smile. As the finger hearts king, he did not shy away from gifting hearts to the audience.
“It’s good to see you often. Do you guys feel the same? I prepared a lot in excitement to meet Filipino Inspirits. Your cheering made me excited to perform tonight,” he said. He continued his performances with “Somehow (My Diary)” and “Lonely Night”, before saying goodbye with “Shooting Star”.
Nam Woo Hyun assured the fans that there is so much to look forward to from himself as he prepares for his solo activities and from Infinite. Infinite will make their highly-awaited comeback with their seventh extended play, Begin, on July 31.
CIX made their debut performance on the Philippine concert stage through Be You 3. The boy group, who were happy to meet FIX in the country finally, kicked off their first stage with “Save Me, Kill Me” from their most recent release, OK Episode 2: I’m OK, and went on to fire up the stage with “LOST” from their first studio album, OK Prologue: Be OK.
Fan favorites “Movie Star” and “Cinema” further hyped the crowd, heightening the cheers for CIX. Seunghun, who had to sit down during the performances due to an injury, apologized for the situation. “I feel sorry and disappointed that I can’t perform in front of you, guys,” he said to which the audience gave him a reassuring “It’s okay”. BX also relayed his hope to return to the country and once again, perform together. The boy group closed their set with “Color”.
Another K-Pop artist dearly missed on the local concert stage, Lee Min Hyuk of BtoB, came next, starting off his performances with the hard-hitting, fired-up “I’m Rare”. He took the Be You 3 stage, bringing out the best of HUTA with “Dear My Spring” and “Tonight (with Melody).
“You guys are so supportive for singing out loud and making the song complete. Melody, you guys are always beautiful,” he said, before saying his goodbye with “BOOM”. Still, Lee Min Hyuk assured Melody that he will come back — hopefully bringing along the rest of BtoB.
APINK finally made their way back to the Philippine concert stage, completing the evening’s lineup and bringing their best hits to their Filipino fans. The girl group, who first and last performed in Manila in 2016, marked their return to the country after seven years with performances of their recent single, “D N D”, “Dumhdurum” from Look EP, the iconic hits “Mr. Chu” and “NoNoNo”, and “I’m So Sick” from One & Six EP.
Echoing the wishes of Filo Pandas, APINK expressed their hope for a solo concert in the country. “We have another dream — a solo concert of APINK in Manila,” Bomi said.
“Kumusta? Daming tao!” were the first words Rini spoke at the Manila stop of his Past The Naked Eye Tour. The Philippine-born, Australia-raised singer-songwriter filled Samsung Hall on July 19 for his first gig in the country.
The setlist was packed with roughly 20 songs on the list, including his latest single My Luv, fan-favorites Red Light and Aphrodite, a cover of Juan Karlos’ Buwan, and megahits My Favorite Clothes and Meet Me in Amsterdam. Known to ruminate about love, Rini shared that My Favorite Clothes was written after a break-up while Meet Me in Amsterdam is about a girl from Germany who he had met online but never got around to meeting after he pursued music in 2017.
The rains and heavy traffic in the middle of the work week couldn’t dampen the crowd’s anticipation. The outpouring of support came not just from fans, but from his family who came from near and far – from Castillejos, Zambales to as far as Nebraska. It was their first time watching him live, and in true Pinoy fashion, they all wore custom orange tees and brought a huge banner. Rini was noticeably feeling kilig onstage, saying hi to the aunts and uncles and even leaving the stage to say hello to his lola.
The venue was intimate and instruments were sparse, with only keys, drums, and Rini occasionally on guitar – a simple set-up that highlighted Rini’s soulful, seductive vocals. Though the fans chanted walang uuwi, the concert eventually had to end and Rini was off to what we could only assume was a fun family reunion.
HAN SEUNG WOO BRINGS DELIGHT TO FILIPINO FANS THIS AUGUST 20 AT THE SM NORTH EDSA SKYDOME!
Manila, being a loved stop by most Korean artists, has become a favorite stop by many artists whether they have visited the country countless times or it’s their first time. This is not any different for the K-Pop artist – Han Seung Woo who recently added Manila to his Asia tour entitled “2023 HAN SEUNG WOO Special Live <ONE>”. The said show is also happening in other Asian countries including Hong Kong and Japan, the tour has also been recently done in Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok, all receiving much love from fans across Asia.
The VICTON member and all-rounder artist is loved by many Hallyu fans across different generations since his first debut and appearance. His current release “FRAME” dives into a soulful R&B genre that many Hallyu fans love and the album encapsulates different kinds of moods and emotions rolled into the different tracks including the lead single “Dive Into” which instantly became a fan favorite.
He is rising to be one of K-Pop’s most loved and iconic soloists of his generation and rightfully so that he showcases this through his upcoming show in Manila this August 20, 2023, at the SM North EDSA Skydome. Fans can catch Han Seung Woo’s exciting performances and interact with the artist through the show’s fan benefits.
[#HANSEUNGWOOinMNL] Our favorite all-rounder is heading to Manila this August 20 for his special live! Make sure to not miss out on this #ONE!
MakeitLive is excited to bring the ultimate fan experience to Filipino HAN_A (the collective term for Seung Woo’s fans) through exciting fan benefits and heart-stopping performances from the man of the hour. Tickets are on-sale via www.makeitlive.asia (MKLTICKETS – MakeitLive’s exclusive ticketing platform) and fans can also catch the physical ticket selling on July 29, 2023, at Novotel Manila Araneta Center from 1-5 PM and during the concert day.
2023 HAN SEUNG WOO SPECIAL LIVE <ONE> in MANILA is brought to you by MAKEITLIVE, Yumetomo, and IST Entertainment.
A new story of The Boyz and Philippine The Bs unfolded last July 15 at The Big Dome as the boy group brings their ZENERATION Tour to the country.
Zeneration, according to Kevin, represents people with a common state of mind who experience the same generation and culture — like The Boyz and The Bs. It is a stage to show a new story of Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Ju Haknyeon, Sunwoo, Eric, and their fans in 2023.
And true to these words, a new story was told last July 15 at the Araneta Coliseum. Lightsticks up and cheers loud and proud, The Bs in the Philippines welcomed with resounding excitement the boy group to their first solo concert in the country. THE BOYZ 2ND WORLD TOUR: ZENERATION IN MANILA was a promise made true and a dream realized. Although the boys have performed on the local concert stage a couple of times, with the latest visit happening in April this year for an omnibus concert, the July 15 concert marked their highly-awaited first solo concert in the Philippines since their debut in 2017.
Performing a total of 20 songs in a concert that spanned more than two hours, The Boyz took The Bs on a journey —traveling through time from their debut to their present zeneration — with a setlist that saw them perform their songs from 2017 to 2023.
Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Ju Haknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric began the show with “Ego” and “Reveal” from their debut studio album, Reveal, released in 2020. They then allowed the crowd to marvel at their performances of “Awake” and “ROAR” from their 2023 extended play, Be Awake.
And the ultimate throwback came on in the second set of performances, when the members, dressed in casual/school looks, brought back “I’m Your Boy” from their debut EP, The First, followed by “Text Me Back” from their second EP. The Start, “KeePer” from their first single album, The Sphere, and “Only ONE” from their third EP, The Only.
A+ for effort should be granted to The Boyz also as they made it their serious business to learn Filipino and communicate their words to the fans in the local language. More than the usual “mahal ko kayo“, “mabuhay“, and “salamat po“, we got to hear sweet and adorable messages of “Ako si Eric! Ang inyong boyfriend!”, “Mabuhay! Kamusta ang beshy ko? Nagagalak akong makita kayong muli.”, “Philippine The B, maganda! Natutuwa akong nandito.”, “Na-miss na-miss na-miss na ko kayo.”, among others.
The energy, as Jacob described, was definitely crazy as there was no shortage of cheer and applause from the crowd. The passionate enthusiasm intensified with the continuation of the performances of “Whisper”, “Water”, “Thrill Ride”, and “D.D.D”. With a short break, the members, handsome in white, returned on stage in a dreamy medley of “Lucid Dream”, “Daydream”, “Butterfly”, and “Wings”. And the dreams then turned into the most beautiful nightmare as Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Ju Haknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric re-emerged for the “Nightmares” stage.
Contrasting the white outfits they donned prior, The Boyz took on their charisma to a new high with a black-and-white ensemble for “Russian Roulette”, and “Insanity”. With a total of 20 songs, the setlist was packed with tracks from the boy group that showcased their different colors and charms —yet there are well-loved songs that unfortunately did not make the cut. But The Boyz, in all their love for their The Bs, understood and treated them with a snippet of “The Stealer” and promised to return to perform all the songs their fans wanted to see. Ending the set of charisma-high stages, the boy group performed their 2021 hit, “Maverick”, from the single album of the same name.
The Boyz then diverted from the usual encore fit as they came back on stage looking princely in white tops and black bottoms —ready to serenade The Bs with “Spring Snow” and “Horizon”.
Eric then greeted The Bs with the sweetest “Happy five years and seven months to my forever”, adding he wants to be with The Bs forever. And one after the other, the members relayed their gratitude to the fans who have become their horizon. “I think each one of you will be remembered in my mind like a photo. Thank you. See you.” New said.
Jacob also expressed his appreciation to the fans who showed up despite the heavy rains. “From start to finish, you guys have been amazing. Your energy is amazing. It’s been a long time since my ears have hurt from the screaming. Thank you so much for your love and your energy. I feel like we’ll be able to take this and work harder to come back with better music for you guys. We will be back. Please wait for us. Thank you so much! Mahal kita,” he added. Haknyeon and Q echoed this promise to come back and give their best.
Hyunjae reflected on their first solo concert in the Philippines, noting that it made up for all the years they have been unable to perform for their Filipino fans. “I really wanna say to our Filipino The Bs that we thank you so much. Today, I really had a happy moment with you. We will come back.” Younghoon also expressed his happiness to have had the concert and asked fans to look forward to their comeback in August. Similarly, Juyeon thanked fans for coming today — for giving him energy today. “Let’s cheer each other up and have happy lives together.”
Sunwoo said his farewell message while adorably granting fans’ requests randomly in the middle of his speech. “Thank you so much for enjoying the show with us and we will come back to the Philippines with more energy,” he added. Sangyeon got his Filipino words out one last time, saying “Natutuwa akong makilala kayo. Nandito ako para makita ka.” He went on to say that the Philippines always gives him good memories. “I wanna come here more often and see our Philippine The Bs more often too. I love Philippines! Mahal kita.”
“It’s actually so crazy ‘cause I’ve been there. I have been where you guys are standing… I know what’s that like. And to have someone do that for me and for The Boyz. It’s actually so amazing and I feel so blessed today. You guys, every time we come to the Philippines, you have unmatched energy and I can’t get enough of it. Thank you, guys, so so much for making time for us tonight. I promise we’ll be back.”
KEVIN
Eric also expressed his astonishment at the Philippine concert crowd’s seemingly unmatched energy. “I rarely see people with louder voices than me. Every single one of you here beat me… Shout out to you guys and congrats. Thank you.” And with those words, The Boyz once again —for the last time that evening— took the stage with their 2022 single, “Timeless”, from Be Aware.
As Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Ju Haknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric exited the stage, handwritten letters from them filled the screen— letters of love and gratitude to The Bs who, throughout every zeneration, has stood by them. And this gratitude went both ways as The Bs made sure the members knew how they, too, got through the dark times with The Boyz and their music.
THE BOYZ 2ND WORLD TOUR: ZENERATION IN MANILA was presented by DNM Entertainment and In2une Entertainment. Special thanks to DNM Entertainment for the invitation.
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