Jason Mraz is no stranger to the Philippines: prior to kicking off his Asia Tour 2026 at Mall of Asia Arena last October 27, Mraz has visited the Philippines three times. For his fourth time holding a concert in the Philippines, it was a 7-year wait that’s very worth it–especially since his last show in the country was before COVID-19 struck the world.
Having a career spanning over 20 years, it’s really hard to fit his entire discography in a 2-hour long concert that reminded me of a more intimate setting with a complete live band, raw vocals, and pure talent.
I am more familiar with Mraz’s works from the 2000s and early 2010s, and I found it refreshing that the setlist for his 2026 Manila concert is a good mix of his earlier and later hits. What’s even impressive is how Mraz made his handpicked songs sound better as a live performance–with his adlibs and guitar playing skills blending well with the live band that was present that night.
The evening kicked off with Love Someone, Have it All, and Unlonely–all three songs defining Mraz’s career in the late 2010s. Mraz changed the pace for the next few songs, focusing on his works from the 2000s and early 2010s–aka the era I’m more familiar with. I really like the laidback feel of how he performed each of these songs, and how he adds a new spin to tracks that are almost two decades old–like coming up with on-the-spot adlibs talking about romance in the past.
Beyond being a singer, Mraz’s true talent lies with his wordsmithing. Whether he sings about romance and heartbreaks, or sings about resilience and connecting with nature, every word he chooses in his songs is something that everyone can relate to–regardless if you’re a long-time Mraz fan or someone who just heard his songs for the first time.
Millennials like me love the medley segments that combine Mraz’s earlier works, like when he combined the lyrics of classics like Curbside Prophet and Remedy with the fan-favorite Work in Progress. While most of Mraz’s song picks are more for relaxed listening, there were songs that got the packed crowd at Mall of Asia Arena vibing–that became evident when he performed I Feel Like Dancing, which resonated with me so well even if its part of Mraz’s early 2020’s discography. And just like what the song title says, Mraz was also in the mood for a little dancing–to the joy of the crowd that’s impressed that he still has the energy even if he’s pushing 50.
In the midst of the two-hour long performance, the night wasn’t complete with a performance of Lucky and Make it Mine–with both songs earning a Grammy for Mraz’s storied career. Mraz did sing several songs from his third studio album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. These include Butterfly, A Beautiful Mess, and Make it Mine, all three being laidback tracks that’s perfect for a Tuesday night after a long day.
Of course, Mraz ended with a bang with the last two songs: I Won’t Give Up, which was very fitting and proof that Mraz will always love his Filipino fans, and that it brings in the possibilities that he may come back for another concert in the future. Filipino fans loved the song so much, they chanted “Isa pa! Isa pa!”, and of course Mr. A-Z delivered with I’m Yours as his final song for the night.
Even if it is Mraz’s fourth time visiting and performing in Manila, he always has something fresh to offer–be it his adlibs or revamped arrangements of his hits–that both casual and hardcore fans will appreciate.
Jason Mraz: ASIA Tour 2026 in Manila presented by PULP Live World.
Words by Duey Guison