LOOK THEM IN THE EYE. The Jonas Brothers open their concert with the popular “Look Me in the Eye” to the cheers and shrieks of their fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Friday night, Oct. 19, 2012. The brothers, who visited Manila for the first time, vowed to return to the delight of the audience. Video by INQUIRER.net’s Matikas Santos
MANILA, Philippines – “I can’t believe it took us this long to get here. It’s our first time here in Manila and you guys are showing us so much love.”
These were the words echoed by Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas as thousands of their young Filipino fans went wild during their first-ever Philippine concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Friday night.
Everyone was standing, screaming, and waving their hands as the more confident and more mature trio serenaded the audience by opening the night with one of their smash hits “When You Look Me in the Eyes.”
“Sing your heart out for me, Manila,” Nick repeatedly engaged the Filipino crowd throughout the one and a half hour show. The fans did not fail him one minute as they channeled all their heat and excitement by passionately singing along with him on practically every song.
Back from a three-year hiatus during which they pursued individual interests, the members of the much-loved boy band felt pumped up and matched the crowd’s energy as they played their pop hits from their best-selling albums.
Manila is the first leg of the group’s seven-city Asian, European and South American tour that followed a reunion concert show in New York last week.
“I want to turn this house into a club,” Joe shouted as the crowd danced to the hits “Paranoid,” “That’s the way we roll,” “Hold On,” and “Still in Love With You,” among others.
The crowd particularly went wild for Joe when he sang “Gotta Find You,” a hit from the Disney show “Camp Rock” where the brothers co-starred with American singer-song writer and actress Demi Lovato. Joe maintained an outstanding stage presence all through-out the night, and melted the hearts of his obsessed fans.
Fun mash-ups, amazing band mates
The crowd was also treated to a fresh vibe from the boys as they rendered excellent mash-ups of their songs, and showcased their musical influences. Top pop and R&B artist Rihanna’s hit “We Found Love” was paired with the trio’s “Fly With Me,” American band Fun’s “We are Young” was paired with their own “Tonight,” and Scottish recording artist Calvin Harris’ “Feel So Close” was paired with their “Feeling Alive.”
The brothers also kept true to their word about sticking to music and no gimmicks when they gave their other band mates their time on the spotlight.
“To be up here on stage and perform with talented musicians is so so amazing. I think we have to give them an opportunity to shine don’t you think. Give it up for the Jonas brothers’ band,” Joe said as the crowd was awed by the bond displayed by the group. The band’s’ violinists, guitarists, drummer, and back-up vocalists rendered heartfelt, acoustic performances of the songs “Turn Right,” and “Pushin’ Me Away.”
New Songs
Three new songs also made its way to the set-list, with two of them — “Let’s Go” and “First Time.” being additions to their up-beat hits. Kevin surprised the audience when he sang a short-solo part. For the rest of the night, Kevin wowed the audience with his superb guitar skills.
Nick, however, brought the fans to an emotional ride when he sang the new song “Wedding Bells,” – the much talked about new hit which had been said was written for singer and actress Miley Cyrus.
The Jonas Brothers said that their forthcoming fifth album would be “deep,” and “personal,” and would reflect their new song writing decision.
Nick’s soulful rendition of their song “A Little Bit Longer” also made his fans see his sensitive side. The youngest and the most musically-inclined of the three, Nick also showcased for the Filipino crowd his prowess in playing the drums, guitar, and piano.
Memorable Finale
The fans danced the night way and the energy was sustained until the very end when the trio went all out in playing two of their most sought after hits “Love Bug,” and “S.O.S.”
“We want more!” shouted the fans and the brothers performed an encore of another dance hit “Burning’ Up,” as they bid their Filipino fans goodbye.
But Filipino fans should expect more of the brothers in the next years, as Nick promised to “prioritize” their fans in Manila.
“And if you haven’t found this from us, then in the next years in our career and our journey as a band, we are going to prioritize coming to see you,” Nick said to the cheers of the fans.