Manila Concert Junkies

"Philippines is the best place in the world!” Jesse McCartney screamed at the top of his lungs on Saturday night, during his first ever concert in Manila as the crowd screams for an encore. The pop sensation started touring in 2005- and the first-ever show of the singer in Manila finally happened this year. It brought kids from different generations to experience both Jesse’s old and brand new songs. It’s both a nostalgic and refreshing show as the singer took us to a trip down memory lane as well as introduced a couple of fresh tracks the general public hasn’t heard of.

The show was opened with an electronic beat, which Jesse later on added elements to using a beat pad live. It was a two-man show as the singer is accompanied by his long-time guitarist Dory Lobel for the entire show. The opening songs were hits “She’s No You”, “Leavin’”, “How Do You Sleep”, and brand new songs “Selfless” & “Soul”.

Fans screamed out of nostalgia when Jesse started singing the first lyrics of “Just So You Know”, as well as “Because You Live”, and “Anybody”. One highlight of the night, especially for the lucky fangirl picked, was when Jesse serenaded a fan with “The Stupid Things”, a cover originally by Robin Thicke. The singer had moments with a fan wherein he knelt in front of the lucky fan, rested his head on the lap of the fan, plus offered a hug before leading her down the stage.

The singer continued on and performed his version of “Bleeding Love”, which he co-wrote for Leona Lewis. He also performed “Body Language”, as well as title track of his sophomore album “Right Where You Want Me”. Jesse then shared the story of how his fans got him back to record songs again, before performing “Better with You”, which got him back to producing more music and to touring. He made fans dance along to “Shake”, and sing along to “Wasted”, his latest single.

Before saying goodbye, the singer expressed how good he feels performing for Manila, and even expressed how badly he would want to come back. It wasn’t an entirely sold out show (just the balcony area), but it was still packed of fans who sang along to the lyrics the entire night, making the singer feel at home in Manila. One humbling moment is when the singer said how he misses the fans. He definitely felt the warmth of Filipino fans as they were indeed all-out during the show. The show ended with “Beautiful Soul”.

As someone who’s been in the music industry since the late 90s, it’s humbling to see how an artist as big as Jesse McCartney can put on this show and make fans feel at home with him. Manila is not only craving for more Jesse, we felt Jesse also want to experience more of our warmth; just by the way he thanked fans that night, even saying our country is the best place in the world. He assured fans that he will always try to come back in the years to come, and we’re sure his loyal fans will still be there to sing along to both his old and new songs.

Thank you to RandomMinds for this opportunity.

Written by: Gelo de Vera

Photos by: Caren Guidaga and Christine Lloraine Dela Cruz

When one hears the names Luke, Ashton, Michael, and Calum, together known as 5 Seconds of Summer, one will immediately think of packed arenas with thousands of screaming fangirls and fanboys. However, Manila got a different taste of 5SoS as the band, alongside their local record label, brought an intimate set-up for a few lucky fans to see and experience.

The campaign for the said show included Filipino fans of the band entering a raffle draw by streaming the band’s latest single “Easier” on Spotify. Days prior to the show, 300 lucky names were picked out of 58,000 entries or streams. These fans received invites via e-mails registered, and show passes were distributed hours before the experience. If you’ve walked around the New Frontier area and hear random squeals and screams, it’s probably from a lucky member of the 5SoSFam as MCA Music also randomly gave out meet and greet passes for fans in-line.

Upon entering the venue, fans were able to experience 5SOS-inspired installation booths. Giant LED screens displayed a photo of 5SOS as well as symbols inspired by the band’s current era. Moreover, a giant 5SoS logo was at the center, plus a video-inspired booth filled with candles that transports fans to the set of a music video by the band. These were entirely built for Filipino fans to take photos with and have the best 5SoS experience before and after the short set.

The crowd definitely showed their hype for 5SoS as the band performed their first songs “What You Back”, and “Who Do You Love” using an acoustic set-up. The opening part was followed by a Q&A session with the band wherein fans simply had to line-up and pick the questions from a pre-selected set of questions from a bowl. It was generally filled with fan interactions and laughs from the audience as the boys answered generic questions with their unique sense of humor. The show ended with “Jet Black Heart”, “Easier”, and “Youngblood”. Warm *aaaawws* were heard from the fans as the boys left the stage; without failing to tell fans they will see them again in the years to come though.

The acoustic and intimate set-up is an idea by both the band the label, they wanted to see how big their fan base still is in the Philippines and we are pretty sure they were not disappointed as it had a massive turn-out. Fans even had to line-up outside the venue with hopes of watching the show but it would only mean discrediting the luck and effort of the 300 winners. Generously, MCA Music still allowed these fans, or #TeamLabas to experience the installations for photos.

5 Seconds of Summer may have changed the way they produce their music, how they look, and how their videos feel. But one thing that remained constant is a loyal fan base that would go all-out for the band. The short but sweet show is a little check-up to this loyalty and admiration from Filipino fans, and the show was surely reciprocated by PH 5SoSFam’s energy and support. From the screams, to the streams garnered, and to #TeamLabas, we will definitely see more of 5SoS in the country.

Words by: Gelo de Vera

Photos by: Christine Lorraine Dela Cruz

On a busy Thursday afternoon, American pop sensation Jesse McCartney spent time to talk with various media representatives to discuss his upcoming concert in Manila, as well as the singer’s career. Brought by RandomMinds, Jesse rocked a denim jacket with a touch of the colors orange and yellow, on top of a plain white shirt, and blue jeans. While relaxed on the platform, he was all-out-generous for the press as we raised our questions for the performer. 

For the singer’s first concert in the Philippines, he shared that there are plenty of surprises prepared for the fans. It was brought to his attention how Filipino fans have been waiting for the singer for too long, considering the show on Saturday is the first time he’s performing for the Pinoy crowd. He agreed and shared that he’s aware how badly the Filipino fans want him here just by the way these fans tweet or message him on social media. 

When asked about the singer’s way of producing music, he shared how at the most unexpected times, he gets an idea for a song. He uses his phone to record his own voice for when he gets ideas on beats as well as song lyrics. Surprisingly, the singer also discussed how he’s planning to put out an extended play as soon as he goes back to LA after spending a week of vacation with his family. 

We specifically asked the performer about highlights of his career, and he took us back to when he kick-started as a songwriter. His name definitely became popular in the field of writing and producing music as he helped Leona Lewis with“Bleeding Love”, which he co-wrote and still performs as a cover song at some concerts.

Moreover, we couldn’t resist asking about Filipino artists who he is aware of. He denied at first but then remembered half-Filipino actor Darren Criss, who he adored on “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”. Jesse also said how he wants to discover more Filipino acts and even jockingly asked us, or me rather, if I was a singer. The singer is definitely not hard to click with.

Lucky fans will be able to meet the singer tomorrow for a meet greet and Jesse simply cannot wait to experience how loud Manila can get for his music and show tomorrow. Orchestra and VIP tickets for his show are still available via TicketNet and at the ticket booth on show day. Be there!

Thank you to RandomMinds for this opportunity.

Words by: Angelo de Vera

Photos by: Jovelyn Bajo-Calingo

Now, it's K-hiphop fans turn!

Jay Park is coming back to Manila for his Sexy4Eva Asia World Tour.

The biggest Korean American artist, producer, rapper, and CEO of independent hiphop labels AOMG and H1ghr Music is set to perform his songs in Manila stage this coming September 22, 2019.

Grab from Jay Park's Instagram post.

JWalkers/JayWalkers(z) [Jay Park's fandom name] are all excited for the tour despite of some having second thoughts on the upcoming ticket selling. Hold that thought for a second...

If you're still having second thoughts, here are 7 reasons why you must attend Jay Park #Sexy4Eva tour in Manila. I can bet you'll grab that wallet and say "yes, to attend!" after reading this...

1. This might be his last concert before he retires *I hope not*. Jay Park is very open to fans about his retirement plans so he made sure that what he will perform on Sexy4Eva Asia World Tour will be what JWalkers / JayWalkers(z) wants. He even asked his fans on the setlist so they can enjoy it the most.

Im gonna retire in a couple years~ this is a promise to you guys and myself. Not a lot of space for guys like me left in this game.
— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) Abril 17, 2019

Who’s coming? What song you wanna hear live? https://t.co/L3lwV107Es pic.twitter.com/XOQyW2eP1n
— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) Hunyo 20, 2019

[JP IG TRANS] Jay Park #박재범 shares the tracklist fo his EP ‘Nothing Matters’

Releasing 2nd July at 6PM KST (7PM AEST)

Caption: “I prepare for this EP in full Korean for Korean fans in case they feel excluded*...”

👉 https://t.co/gMY2mj0lYN via jparkitrighthere pic.twitter.com/W2i9LBobr4
— JwalkerzAus (@AusJwalkerz) Hunyo 29, 2019

2. We will see "MOMMAE" LIVE. As what JWalkers / JayWalkers(z) say, it's not a Jay Park concert without a "MOMMAE" in it. You can see him dance, sing, rap, twerk all at the same time. Ugh! what more can you ask for?

3. We love Jay Park because he loves Filipinos. Jay Park has a lot of Filipino friends back in the States and in Korea like Dok2 (Korean/Hawaiian-Filipino), rapper and co founder of Illionaire Records; and Chacha Malone (Filipino-American), artist, producer, and a fellow AOMG member to name a few so he have a big heart for Filipinos. Because of that Filipino JWalkers / JayWalkers(z) loved him so much for always appreciating Filipino talent and beauty so he gets a warm welcome every time he visits Manila. Now, he's returning and we're ready to show our love for him again!

Jay Park and Dok2. (photo credits: allkpop)

Jay Park and Chacha Malone. (photo credit: whatthekpop)

4. We can buy Jay Park merch at the concert. AOMG and Jay Park's merchandise are one of those merchandises which are hard to find because it isn't available globally unlike the usual kpop merch. JWalkers / JayWalkers(z) will surely be the first to line up on the Jay Park Merch booth on D-day. Okay! Just take our money!

5. It's a reunion with our fellow JWalkers / JayWalkers(z). It's a very rare occasion to meet our fellow K-hiphop family and concert is the best way to unite and fangirl together!

6. We are all gonna see Jay Park's "SEXY4Eva Body". Come on! Who doesn't want to see that in the FLESH and UP CLOSE?

[HD PICS] 190629 2019 MTA Festival - Jay Park #박재범

👉 via @sukyshots pic.twitter.com/XhzUHfDIpV
— JAY PARK NETWORK (@JPARKNET) Hunyo 30, 2019

7. We get to hear Jay Park songs LIVE. We all have been dreaming to get serenaded by "Joah", get hyped by "All I Wanna Do", and get bust it by "K-town" for so long and now is our chance. What songs do you wanna hear live?

Be sure not to miss out Jay Park #Sexy4EvainManila tour this September.

Tickets will be on sale on July 12, 2019 (12 noon Manila time). Ticketing links will be announced soon, make sure you follow @onionproduction on Instagram.

Jay Park #Sexy4Eva Tour in Manila is brought to us by Onion Productions, AOMG, and Jay Park.

From championing a new wave of specialty burgers to sending customers to a viral mob, Zark’s Burgers has consistently set the bar high for its unwavering commitment to innovate its brand and serve its loyal customers with value-driven, top quality burgers.

To celebrate its tenth year anniversary in the industry, the largest burger specialty chain in the Philippines is throwing a huge party with the debut of its first-ever music, arts, and food festival.

Dubbed Zark’s Fest 2019, the highly anticipated event guarantees to bring patrons, foodies and music fans together for an entire day of great dining experience, fantastic live music, immersive art installations, and affordable market finds. It’s slated to take place at Century City Mall Events Hall, Makati City on August 17, from 2pm onwards.

The homegrown burger place, which started as an 18-seater, hole-in-the-wall joint, promises to make the anniversary celebration extra special this year with its stellar showcase of Filipino bands, singer-songwriters and performers. Acclaimed folk icons and sold-out concert artists Ebe Dancel, Johnoy Danao and Bullet Dumas are set to headline Zark’s Fest 2019, along with other top-caliber musicians such as I Belong To The Zoo, Mayonnaise, Quest, Sandwich, Orange & Lemons, Autotelic, Shirebound and Busking, Lola Amour, and Shadow Moses.

Expect FRESH, HUGE, GREAT food as Zark’s Burgers brings another fantastic set of best-sellers and ultimate favorites, as well as the grand introduction of “comeback burgers” which include The Jackhammer (Mozzarella and cheddar cheese melted between a half pound burger cooked to perfection), Bones Jones (Melted Cheddar Cheese sandwiched between bacon strips then topped into a juicy patty), and The Burger From Hell (Zark’s Burgers’ famous chili garlic sauce topped to a juicy patty then smothered with signature cheese sauce).

Tickets are available at the following rates: Early bird - P700, Regular - P800 and Walk-in rate – P950, and Zarkada bundle promo – P1,200 (with food, drinks, event shirt, and stickers).

Purchase your Zark’s Fest 2019 tickets at select Zark’s branches nationwide (Taft, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall SM North EDSA Main, and SM Fairview), and via online/bank deposits through www.ticket2me.net and www.bit.ly/ZARKSFEST19.

Zark’s Fest 2019 is brought to you by Zark’s Burgers.

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