Last weekend, the Araneta Coliseum witnessed an extraordinary musical event as two renowned pop-punk bands, Boys Like Girls and We the Kings, took the stage. The iconic venue was filled to capacity with enthusiastic fans, predominantly from a generation of emo kids, who eagerly awaited the electrifying performances.

Following their triumphant two-night concert at the New Frontier Theater and a captivating solo show in Cebu in October 2022, Boys Like Girls made their grand debut at an arena in the Philippines. Their highly anticipated performance marked a significant milestone in their musical journey.

On the other hand, We the Kings made a remarkable concert comeback after more than a decade. Their return to Manila was met with overwhelming excitement and nostalgia from their dedicated fan base.

The April 20 concert was an unforgettable experience for all attendees, leaving a lasting impression on the music industry and further solidifying the bands’ positions as influential figures in the pop-punk genre.

During the We the Kings set, the audience was energized by the band’s most popular songs, including “Skyway Avenue,” “Secret Valentine,” and “I Feel Alive,” which Travis Clark affectionately dedicated to his daughters. The band also performed “Just Keep Breathing” with a brief excerpt from Coldplay’s “Fix You.” The group playfully performed their most well-known covers, “Wonderwall” by Oasis and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. They concluded their performance with their hit song, “Check Yes Juliet.”

Boys Like Girls graced the stage with an enthusiastic and thunderous applause from their devoted fans. The band formed in 2005, and it’s no surprise that Boys Like Girls made their set seem so effortless. The switch from upbeat, fast-paced songs like “Love Drunk” and “Five Minutes to Midnight” to warm, heartfelt hits like “Be Your Everything” and “Two Is Better Than One” was smooth. Martin Johnson was cool and confident as he interacted with the crowd and commanded the stage with composure. The band is no stranger to Filipino fans, and Marty also said the band was going to play all the fan favorites. And they did. Boys Like Girls showcased their musical prowess by performing an impressive repertoire of over 30 songs: hits from their self-titled 2007 album to “Love Drunk,” as well as their acclaimed 2012 album, “Crazy World,” and “Sunday at Foxwoods,” released in 2023. The crowd knows the words to almost every song, and singing along with the band and fellow fans is an unforgettable feeling.

As someone who still has their “older” hits in my playlists, I was blown away by the stunning arrangements of their songs. They are incredible live, and it was thrilling to see the band at their best.

Special Thanks to Pulp Live World
Words by Manila Concert Scene
Photos by Seth Valenzuela
More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=manilaconcerts&set=a.842866257886575