Mei ManuelWARNING: This is a very lengthy live report so please be very careful not to lose your way around this post. I have posted a few photos in this that I took but don’t expect more because I actually internalized the show for this live report. All for you #TeamBahay and #TeamAbroad people!
Of course, I have not forgotten my #TeamArena family. This is also for your PCD and cure it… maybe… what is that word anyway?! Hahaha!
Some of the quotes here – especially from the MC time of the boys – are cross-checked from fan-cams taken by fans. Hey, even my memory and hearing isn’t that great especially with how loud we were that night! I also am guilty of being starstruck because Taka and Toru just kept going to the extended stage and making eye contact. Who would still be sane after that?!
Additional shoutout to the fans who helped me get a perspective on how their respective zones fared during the concert. Mei does not have eyes at the back of her head or could she attach eyes in all the zones! How I wish! Some of their perspectives are added randomly coz even they don’t know when it happened so I’ll just assume.
Best read with the setlist in the background. Prepare your tissues and water! It’s gonna be a long one!
Cover photo for this live report is by my chaotic friend because I didn’t take landscape photos… RIP <:3
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They say that when people want something so bad, they can rival even Buddha, who is known for his patience. For ONE OK ROCK fans here in the Philippines (and Asian fans who made their pilgrimage here), patience is in our DNA.
Pinoy ONE OK ROCK-ers last saw our talented foursome (and their mighty entourage of excellent sound techs and team) in January 2018 for the Manila leg of the Ambitions Asia tour. Back then, they said they would come back and they would be for the Eye of the Storm World Tour in May 2020. Ticket sales even began and it was close to getting sold out as the date drew closer.
But, we all know that COVID-19 made those plans kaput and any hope of a possible resumption of the tour continues to slowly fade away. Some even had to refund their tickets even if their tickets will be honored once the new tour is announced.
As we patiently waited and the world got back on its feet after the pandemic, the band released a new album – Luxury Disease. They even went on tour around the US and Europe as part of their promotional tour. But, where’s Asia?
Fortunately, our boys heard our never-ending internal pleas and got the schedule for the Luxury Disease Asia Tour out to the world while they were on tour in Europe. Of course, the Pinoy fans rejoiced and sold out the whole thing an hour after the ticket sales began. The demand for more tickets became too much that additional zones were opened and even general admission became available. There was even that sudden glitch that the long sold-out areas were reopened. Was that a glitch? I have no idea.
While GA didn’t get sold out, the fact that a lot are coming out to watch promises good tidings. Most are even first-timers who are about to experience their first ONE OK ROCK live. I was in their shoes once.
So, how did it go? Why don’t I just spill it right here eh?
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Once the lights were turned off and the crowd goes wild, the spotlight slightly illuminated Tomoya’s iconic drums before the whole space turned red as the screen on the stage showed the iconic red, white and black smoke that was first seen in the band’s Renegades singles cover. Not long after, random shapes started to form in the screen which then began to show a dystopian world of never-ending buildings.
Then not long after, I think I went deaf as the crowd went wild once Tomoya makes his way to his drumset and posed a bit with his hand holding his drumsticks up high before getting his seat and started playing. Ryota and Toru came in next with more ear-piercing applause and joined Tomoya in performing the first instrumental beats of the first song. The video being played on the stage then changes to showcasing the countries included in the Asia tour and once the word “Manila” appeared, we all lost our collective minds it was immediately followed by “ONE OK ROCK Luxury Disease Asia Tour 2023!” IT IS REALLY HAPPENING!
Taka then pops out of nowhere and asked his roaring audience “Are you ready guys?” before the first song, Wonder, kicks into high gear. As I expected, and pretty much since I did it alongside my peers at Platinum A, all of us sang along as Taka sang and what added to the surrealness that is this live, the screen showed closeups of the boys and shapes and symbols for the album which I have not seen in this style in 2018. In fact, it actually reminded me of the stage transitions in Japan and it just added to the ambiance! Good start, good start!
We also got to see Ryota, Taka and Toru do the mini-dance skit for this song’s chorus and it was even shot on 4k for those in the back to see (If only Tomoya can do the same no?). The extended stage even got some action for this song as the boys took in the love while dancing to the beat. Taka even called for Manila and shouted “Let me hear you Manila” with us promptly responding “Wonder!” Hey, we won’t back down from a challenge now! The man even shouted after asking each side to shout out “Make some noise Philippines!” What should you do then? OF COURSE MAKE SOME NOISE!
The rifts of Save Yourself followed almost immediately with the lights flashing red and MAN! Let me tell you this is one of my favorite Luxury Disease songs and to hear it live is amazing! The stage video wasn’t helping my cursing (which was a common thing throughout the live) because it spelt out the lyrics of the song much like that lyric video teaser they released a while back.
Here’s the video for you guys for reference! Sadly, this is for Mad World because Save Yourself has its own MV T_T But, thats how the lyrics appeared in the live so this is a good example! If it doesn’t show up, just click the embedded player and watch it in YouTube.
Of course, Manila being Manila, we sang alongside Taka which added to the whole hype. In my case, I just watched because ahhh!!! I really love this song! And did I mention they sang the Japanese lyrics?!? Praise the king in his splendor, he heard our pleas to let us hear the Japanese lyrics! I’m not against the English lyrics but there’s just something so captivating when you listen and sing to the Japanese lyrics. Taka sure found us one of a kind because we just sang like kings regardless of the lyrics when he called for us to sing (a common thing throughout the night).
Here’s a cool photo of Ryota by Francheska (whom I didn’t really take photos of much throughout the live). And to you all waiting for his abs, nope. He didn’t remove his top during the live.
After Save Yourself, Taka started off with a greeting, saying “We finally made it to this night. We want to have a f*****’ time with you guys. Are you guys ready?” Of course, we responded in kind because heck! We too want to have a fun time with the boys and 5 years we have waited for this. The instrumental track of the next song was in the background and if we could pounce, we would have pounced even before the song started because its one of the favorites during the 2018 show and we know its coming. Taka was not helping matters too because he said “Manila, let me see you f*****’ jump!”
Once he said that though, we pounced and jumped as they started off with Taking Off. Much like the first two songs, we sang the back vocals for each line and just watched as the boys rocked it out. To me, remembering the 2018 show where they performed this and the shows where they performed this song in Japan that I saw, the movements was just giving me an out of body experience. The hand gestures and the entire production?! Where the eff am I?! This isn’t Manila anymore! The only reason I was tethered to reality was the fact the crowd keeps replying back to Taka. You only get that here in Manila!
After the song, Taka spoke to us in the crowd with the words “It’s been a f*****’ while Manila!” and we cheered because again, yes, it has been a daaaaaang long time! I felt like saying uh, like 5 years or… maybe more depending on who you ask. He continues on “We missed you so so much baby! But tonight! We finally made it! We’re now with you guys. So, we only have a short time, we want to make it a f*****’ great one with you guys!” He then gestured to the crowd “I can see you all over and I can already feel really good vibes from you guys. We can make it more better. So, those of you who know the words to the song, please sing as loud as you can. You got it?” Heck yes my emperor! He then mentions the title of the next song which is Let Me Let You Go.
I do like to add though before I talk about the song that it is also quite amazing to see how far Taka has gotten with his English. I remember the olden days when his English still had that Japanese tone to it (2018’s MC time) but now, it is still there but not as pronounced as before. Of course, we had to wait until they do the longer MC time to see how far they all faired and if they will speak Tagalog just like in 2018.
So back to the song, the light show was 100% trippy and we just sang along. When did we not? This is also one of the songs we just let go and stupefied ONE OK ROCK because we sang the Japanese lyrics like its nobody’s business. Taka even let us sing one chorus on our own without his prompting. Thats why I love watching here in Manila.
We were also treated with a lengthy instrumental rift from the trio and boy oh boy! I’m so happy the production value for this live is out of this world because we got to see Tomoya on closeup as the cameras got pointed to him. The past two lives didn’t do him much justice. The light show also added to the eyegasm that I have a feeling it will be hard to trump this live until the next one comes along. Taka also danced on the stage as the instrumental rift was ongoing and man, can this man dance!
No pause for the fans once the song ended because Taka started counting down like a clock for one of their fan favorites, Clock Strikes, and well. The emotions for this song are through the roof because we just sang. At this point, I would tell you that my voice was totally out of it that I just had to pause and lipsync. I also had to take a mint break to refresh my throat coz I didn’t dare drink water through the wait. No one is taking my spot in the barricades! RAWR! Fortunately, my fellow fans just sang along and answered each time Taka would point to the fans to take over.
A cool shot of both Tomoya and Taka from Clock Strikes
One of the highlights was us doing the long “Oh oh oh oh” with Taka smiling as he walked down the extended stage to take it all in. We also sang when he asked and sang as loud as we could. And man, the long notes for this song. Ah! Amazing! 28 seconds for Manila! We gave it the proper ovation by singing our part to make it oh so magical! He even thanked us at the end of the song as we gave him all our love! He really looked so proud!
Are we really still in Manila?
Tomoya took the reigns for the next song as the bells rang in the background and the crowd chanting “Hey hey hey” to bop along. Of course, the intro included Taka posing with his fist up like the king that he is before he sang out I Was King. Here for this song, the fans were really active as we did the backup vocals and its echoing throughout the coliseum. Man! When Taka even called us to sing it “Let me hear you Philippines!” Heck! We sang and don’t let them tell you otherwise!
The next song, Renegades, got the respect it deserved from us and for me, I actually stopped as I watched Taka sing the first few lines and then just sang along with everyone. This song, to me, is like a fan anthem that we have been getting in the past few albums and it spoke to us personally just like how The Beginning, Mighty Long Fall and We Are did when we first heard them. This song in particular spoke to us because despite all the adversity we had to face to get to this point, we were the Renegades who stood strong and proud. Taka, Toru, Ryota and Tomoya know it coz they too had to face all sorts of challenges to get here and our collective emotions were transmitted as this song got played that night. I felt it and I think I’m not alone in this. Taka sure did shout his approval as he called out to us at the end to sing it out and proud.
The much awaited MC time came after a minute or two and Ryota takes the first spot by speaking in Tagalog, much to the approval of everyone (I’ll type the Tagalog part first then follow it with the English one. Thanks to Francheska, my dear partner-in-crime for the fan project, for doing the transcribing)
“Kamusta kayong lahat? Masaya ba? Masaya ba kayo, dear? Masaya ba! (How are you guys? Happy? Are you happy dear? Happy!)” We all laughed when he apologized as he got lost in his notes. He said he’ll try again and try again he did by continuing “Masaya ba kayo diyan? *crowd answers yes* Ako din masaya! (Are you happy there? I’m happy too!)” Ryota then signaled he still have something to say and pressed onward “May tanong ako sa inyo, ok? May tanong ako sa inyo (I have a question for you guys, ok? I have a question)”
We responded with “Ano? (What?)”
“Ilan sa inyo ang narinig na ang bagong album? (How many of you have heard the new album?)” We raised our hands like the good fans we are to respond and Ryota smiled “Wow! So many! Thank you! Okay. Nagustuhan nyo ba ang bagong album? (Wow! So many! Thank you! Okay. Did you like the new album?)” The answer to this is YES! “Wow! Thank you! Naibigan nyo ba ang bagong album? (Wow! Thank you! Do you love the new album?)” The crowd cheers Yes! because, admittedly, it is a good album. (Mei’s inner response: Why are you guys not performing Mad World though T_T)
He smiles and presses on “Thank you! Mag enjoy tayong lahat ngayong gabi. Let’s have fun tonight! Thank you! (Thank you! Let’s all enjoy tonight! Let’s have fun tonight! Thank you!)”
During Ryota’s MC time, by the way, we all saw Toru come in and fanning himself with the iconic abaniko before sitting down to listen in. The whole scene just made me laugh because of how cute he looked. The one he was specifically using was the yellow one with various colors which you would see being used by barbecue vendors and even in church. I think every Pinoy fan that night were all thinking of getting one or look for one at home to use it for the next fan project. So relatable Toru! (Although, my dear Pinoy fans, fan projects for the supposed 2026 live are still not being made or discussed. We will discuss it when it comes. Good idea though)
Here’s a photo of Toru for context for you guys of #TeamBahay and #TeamAbroad
He did come in next after Ryota’s speech and wow! The man made that abaniko his own and it didn’t even clash with his getup! “Kamusta kayo Manila (How are you Manila!?)” he starts while fanning himself. God Toru why are you like this! His voice is also ugh! The dilemma of all Toru fangirls that night… aaaaahhhh! “Good to see you guys! Namiss ko kayong lahat. Namiss nyo din ba ako? (Good to see you guys! I missed you all! Did you miss me?)” Yes you handsome man, we have missed you! You may be married but we have missed you and your godly face!
“Thank you for coming out tonight. And thank you for waiting for us. I am so happy to be back here! Thank you guys! We love you guys so much! Thank you Manila!” We love you too Toru! The man never really put down the abaniko after that hahaha!
Tomoya caps off the MC time with his short but iconic speech. In his cute tone, he said “Mabuhay Manilaaaa!!! Maraming salamat, masaya akong nandito para sa inyo. (Hello Manila! Thank you very much. I am happy to be here for you guys!)” Of course, that earned him loads of cheers. The next bit did catch us off guard but Tomoya’s the foodie in the group, of course he’ll know about it!
“I love adobo! I love sisig!!”
He follows it with “Mahal ko kayong lahat! Salamat sa inyo!! (I love you all! Thank you so much!)” then he ends it with “Handa na ba kayo? (Are you guys ready!?)” heck we are! We all laughed when he just replied to the cheers in a slightly flat tone “Ok” before beginning the Instrumental Rift! And yes, Taka didn’t have his Tagalog time which was sad. But, later in the night, he’d be having his moment (spoilers!)
I have no words to describe how this part of the show went but like always, it showed the prowess of the trio which really never gets focused on that much in the songs (curse you traditional song lengths!) and the song they did? A rehashed and spell-binding instrumental of the next song, Neon! Why can’t all of their instrumental be included in the albums huh? I would press repeat all over again if I can listen to this godly arrangement all over!
When it came to the actual song though, thats where things got a little weird and it became one of the highlights of the night. Not that we all wanted such mishap to happen, but it still happened.
The song started normally with us singing along to the bop that is this song. In fact, we started so strong! Taka even said so! We even had the red lights open to match the beat and we were treated to the Shibuya skyline for the backdrop. But, by the time Taka sang the first chorus of the song, everyone noticed that he stopped singing and even his mic wasn’t working (well I actually noticed that on the first beats he was already cutting off). We did try to sing the parts, but it was quite clear that it was a tall order knowing that there was a technical problem. I do not claim to be an expert on what just happened, but, some fans have noted its a problem with his ear piece, which disabled Taka from keeping up with the instrumentals over the intensity that is the Manila crowd.
In our defense, we never really reduced the intensity of our loudness throughout the live so it may have caused a disturbance in the force. Who knows.
When the song ended, we all thought they would move on to the next song, but ever the showman and perfectionist that we know him, Taka came back with a new mic and fixed ear piece and said “Let’s do this one more time.” This time, there were no fails (except the Manila nights bit which we planned to do. But, again, you can’t control everyone. I will say I tried to sing Manila nights like the good little bean that I am. It just wasn’t enough)
There was no time to fully internalize what just happened because the next song came in. Vandalize is one of the three new songs in the setlist I’ved been sorely wishing to hear live for many reasons. The first of those reasons and the only one I’d share is the fact it is one of the three songs that sold me to the new album. Renegades was the other and Mad World, but sadly that last one isn’t included in this setlist. Boo hoo!
Anyway, I find myself stupefied as Taka sang the first lines of this iconic song and took in the moment. There’s nothing better than to see this live and sing along with it. The light show didn’t even help! Thank god I am here! Thank god we are all here! We also got to sing the second and third chorus for this song and boy did we rock it! Love you Manila!
Before they started the next song, which they first performed in Europe live after its release, Taka taught us what to do. Raise our hands and follow his lead by saying “Hey Hey Hey!” While he was getting us to practice the chanting, the other three were playing the instrumental for the song and AHHH~! LEMME SING TO THIS SONG ALREADY!
The next song is Make It Out Alive (which we wouldn’t be after this live is over!)
For this song, (As we all bop along), the lyrics were flashing on the screen so it was quite easy to follow if you don’t know it well. I looped this song so hard when it was first released and included it on my exercise playlist so I know this song like the anthem that it is! We also jumped during the chorus like on a high while singing along and what joint pain? JUMP YOU LOST SOUL! JUMP!
An epic shot of Taka during Make It Out Alive
Before the final chorus, we all saw Taka get his bearings and like the emperor that he is, screamed to his people (aka us) and family headbanging! I actually headbanged so hard during this time because the emotions was all over the place! Holy! Are we really doing this?! Now I am fine that MLF wasn’t in this!
I would later find out through the fans that Platinum B and Gold had come alive and did the mosh for Make It Out Alive. Platinum A? Not so much. I did joke to a friend that the reason Platinum A wasn’t that into the mosh was due to the fact that most were looking at Toru. I was in the area where it’s Taka who dominated my peripheral view so I can’t be bothered to mosh too. Haha, now you know my bias! Hahaha!
We did have a short breather before the next song and Taka had his own MC time. He asked us “Are you guys having a great time?” Of course we were my emperor! My heart was racing still because ugh! I barely made it out alive in the last song and I know I’m not alone! “We’re having so much fun. Thank you for being here. Oh my gosh Manila, you guys are f***** great! You guys are killing it. I love it!”
Well, he earned quite a lot of cheers for that because yes, we have been killing it thank you very much. He did have to hype us by twirling his towel around (and throwing it. Hey! I wanted it!) and taking in all the love. Another iconic point happened here too because the stomping sounds from the higher zones echoed and the boys did hear it too (Ryota would later comment on it in his post for Manila)
He then continued his remarks and Toru was adding to the solemnity of this moment by strumming the instrumental of the incoming song, “It has been a while I know. 5 years! It’s five year. It’s a f**** long time. We had f**** bad experiences like from five years ago, like COVID-19. It was a dark time and maybe you guys felt the same thing right? It is still happening a little bit but now, we can make it louder and singing, doing concerts without having any masks on.” Cheering came and he pressed on, “We are sharing this moment and makes us appreciate you guys. Thank you for having us tonight!” We all shouted our love (one guy apparently shouted I love you Taka in the upper floors according to one fan during this time. You my dude, whoever you are, you are a real one)
It was also quite clear in my view at least that Taka was teary eyed as we cheered them on. I’ved known that it was hard for him and for the rest of the band that COVID-19 had indeed put a lid on many of their plans. The Netflix documentary has said it that much. But, I think, hearing us and standing before all of us, the man just couldn’t really hold it in any more. And I think I also felt the same way. We have taken 5 years (3 for me since I have seen them last in Osaka in December 2019 for EOTS Japan Tour) to get to this point and each one of us have taken various roads to get here. But, we are all here and sharing this one moment. Ah, the tears are coming in.
He then said they would play an acoustic song and if its anything like the previous acoustics in the previous two lives, the waterworks will definitely come to play here. “If you know the words, please sing it as loud as you can like a choir. Tonight is going to be a different approach because this song came from Luxury Disease and its called Your Tears Are Mine. It is going to be the acoustic version for tonight and I just want to sing it with you guys” We’re more than ready to sing it Taka. More than ready! He also pointed that the lyrics would be on the screen so we can follow along.
The song? I think many fans – this one included – just took in this song and shed a tear (and more) as we all sang the song like Taka wanted. The lyrics were indeed posted on the screen but we never really read it since we all sang it through the heart. The echoing voices added to the ambiance and to see Taka and Toru’s expressions as they heard Manila sing, priceless! There were also red and white lights flashing around as planned but I think everyone could be forgiven for not lighting their phones because we just sang… even now, the emotions are just flowing to me to the point it felt like yesterday did we all sing it as I write these lines.
Before the final verse of the song, Taka smiled at us and pointed his mic to us as if saying ‘Isn’t this your turn to sing?’ We are ready for this challenge and when he asked if we were ready, we immediately said yes. He served as our cue and we sang like the Manila chorale we are known for! The stage even showed us Taka’s view of the crowd and god! If you were there, you will agree with me that it was our best acoustic rendition to date! We did have to catch up a little bit to Toru but man! Did we ace this song and owned it! Taka did troll us a bit when we got to the last line but his smile, ah! He then said “With me” before we all sang the last bit together. We did good guys, we did good! He even said that we were awesome and loved us so much! (Are you shedding a tear now?)
Ryota and Tomoya came in next for the next song and we saw Taka showcasing his new talent of hyping the crowd while using his mic stand to do so. Hey Taka, stop showing off! Hahaha! You might hurt yourself! But, meh! We just allowed all of it and danced to the beat as Change kicks into high ground! The choir is also back each time the chorus is in and Taka even said “Perfect” when we managed to sing the beat. I also love the stage backdrop so much! What Japan?! Manila is in a league of its own!
He also gave his salutations to the higher zones, which earned him a lot of stomping noises from those on the top. A fan did comment that due to the energy that is this song, she almost fell to another seat. Fortunately, she’s ok. Toruka is also in clear view on the screens in the second verses, much to the love of those who appreciate the pairing. I also find myself dancing because of this song. Its just a fun bop!
The next song was a special one because as I mentioned in my previous Manila live reports, this one is our anthem. Many new and old fans alike have definitely associated this song to the boys and became the catalyst to their road to being a fan. To me, well, you all know my story by now so I agree to this sentiment wholeheartedly. When the first beats for this song played, we all came to life and were more than ready to sing it out loud.
The next song is, of course, The Beginning.
We definitely came to our element as Taka sang the first lines to this iconic song with us singing along. And the emperor shouted out to his people by shouting “Let’s go Manila!” and we responded by singing along! I sang this song like the devout follower that I am and those beside me and everyone else, gave our tribute to our kings by singing the entire song! I have a feeling the boys will not be removing this song any time soon in the Asia setlist because of how alive we were whenever this song is on. This version though, man! The liveliest to date! Who cares if it has Japanese lyrics?! We own this song now!
We were not given any pause after our national anthem as Taka got us all crouching down (in all zones) and asked those from the standing to move a bit give each other space as he wants us all to jump to this next song. The catchy tunes indeed told us what was coming and I was down low from my place. The king asked if we knew this song and we know it too well. With a signal from Taka, we all braced for impact as we jumped for Stand Out Fit In. (I actually forgot myself due to this song. Haha, the adrenaline was through the roof for me!)
What made this song too iconic for me was the closeup of the boys as we all sang and their expressions were so cute. I am so happy that the production is indeed high up coz we would never have this in the previous lives! Tomoya’s have to be my favorite because he made this deadpan face before we were given his iconic smile. Toru’s fangirls also died because of the closeup shot and man he really knows his girls (and boys).
A cute shot of Tomoya for this song! His laugh is so cute!
I did watch Taka’s closeups and before me and on the screen, god this man! Why are you like this! I will forgive you for being blonde because of how cool you look! Manila also responded as he shouted for us to dance with him. I am surprised Araneta was still standing with how much jumping we did, especially with the higher zones! At the end of the song, Taka even had another close up moment that just screamed playful and we all cheered for it. Seriously though!
A short reprieve came in the form of another lengthy speech from our Emperor. But, such a speech highlights that it was the last song for the main set. He starts with “You guys are best! You guys are f***** best!” Yes, we are the best thank you and we even had a stomping crowd in the upper floors to show you that we are the best. Taka also found it so amusing that there was a loud stomping before he could even continue. He’s probably like ‘What the heck Manila! Don’t make me regret ending this live’ Oh Taka, Taka, Taka… if only you knew.
“Yes, We Are. Yes, We Are” he then said hearing some people shouting for “We Are” but ever the troll our dear Emperor is, he was actually referring to the stomping and to the fact that we, Manila, were the best. Well, if you put it that way Taka, you are forgiven. Hahaha!
“We are happy to see you guys. We are all on the same page. We love you guys so much. This song is gonna be the last one for tonight” Nooo! The agony! “I know. I know” he placated his displeased crowd “It’s a f***** shame. I hate that!” With a scrunched up face, he continued “You hate that right?” Yes we do hate it! “I know. I really f***** hate that too! But, we have to finish it” More NOs from us, because no! Why so short!
But, he did say “But, you know what, like… we’re working on a new album right now. So, this time it’s been like a f****** 5 years but like… next time, for sure, maybe? like less than 3 years? We are definitely coming back to here again! We love you guys!”
We love you too Taka and the upper zones gave him our collective answer with the echoing stomping. He acknowledges it by saying “OHHHH! Okay. That means like a Yes, right?” Yes dear Taka, its a yes!
“Okay. I got it. I got it” then he promptly copies the stomping and gotten a reply stomping back. Oh so iconic! “Alright, anyways, thank you for being here. We love you guys so much. I hope to see you soon.” Huhuhu! Noooo! He would then go in for the kill with a whisper “We love you guys” *insert melting fans here*
To start us all off with the final song, Taka said “If you know this song, please sing it as loud as you can, for the next lines. This song is about the hope for tomorrow, hope for safe everything. Just make sure your life… is safe. So, I hope everything. I hope EVERYTHING. You know what I’m saying? I hope you guys, everything, will be safe. From today, tomorrow, and the next day, and the future, and forever” Stoppppp! “This next song is called Wasted Nights.”
This song… argh! I really want to sob because we all just sang with Taka and lived like immortals! The closeups too! I can’t define it! Why is it ending?!?! The closeups to Toru, Ryota and Tomoya showed that they were also taking in the moment and hey, Manila, you are the greatest! There’s even confetti at the finale, and the long note… AH!!
Just in case you missed it!
Taka was quite emotional at the end of it too, putting his hand on his chest, taking in all the love. Did you spot his heart sign at the end? Perfection Manila! We killed it! He also lipsynced his love for Manila.
For the encore, this one was an amusing one to recall because everyone was like shouting “We Are” in various tones because a majority of those who attended wanted to hear it. A proposal had even circulated that we should sing it but heck, who would lead for this? So, an off-tune “We Are, We Are” chanting came to play as we waited for the boys to come back. For me, I was mostly catching my breath because I was totally out of it! I was that lost coz I don’t recall where we are and if I’m still in Manila or in Japan.
The boys did come back now wearing their tour shirts and the chanting continued. I think we all confused the lot out of the boys for shouting “We Are” but they took it like a pro. The energy was palpable too as we all prepared to listen to the finale song which we all knew was another classic, Wherever You Are.
Before beginning the finale, Taka thanked the crowd for coming and said they will sing one song just for us. And Toru just started playing the first keys to the song. Ugh! I am always emotional when I hear this song live but 2016 will always be in my heart. That one was magical. Anyway! We sang along with Taka throughout the song and we showed that no matter what lyrics you throw at us, we will sing it. This one definitely!
Here is a better photo of Toru (and Ryota at the back there) during Wherever You Are
We also had our moment to sing the second verse to the finale. Taka was so proud! Toru too when he approached the extended stage. Have you seen how his eyes sparkled before he moved back to his place for the final verse?!
We all thought that it was the end when Wherever You Are finished. But, it seems that we managed to shock ONE OK ROCK throughout the night to the point that Taka slyly asked “Actually, I have a question for you guys. Do you guys want to hear one more song?” We all lost it because we were not expecting this surprise and there was the thought that they will play We Are finally because almost everyone was chanting for it and they know it.
But… “We will play just one more song for you guys ok?” then he goes, throwing that initial thought out of the window “It’s been a while since we last played this song but, we should play it for tonight. Are you ready? Are you guys f***** ready?!”
And without further ado and us losing our collective minds, the intro beats of Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer played before our very eyes and ears. The crowd just went loco and everyone’s ears – mine most definitely – burst because we just all lost it and sang! The visuals also reminded me of the last time the boys played the song in Japan because it was the same.Last time they did play KKD was for the final leg of the 2023 Luxury Disease Japan Tour in Sapporo. Before that, it was during the 2019-2020 Eye of the Storm Japan Tour. Last time they performed it overseas was actually the European tour in 2018. So it has indeed been a long long time!
Tomoya even shouted “Manila!” in one part of it! But, I think most of us had this one thought as we rocked the song “OMG HOW DID WE END UP THIS LUCKY FOR KKD TO BE PERFORMED! ”
Later on, I did think, and it was a shared thought with some of the fans after we found out the setlist in Jakarta who got “We Are”, that it was alright we never gotten it because Kanzen fitted the Manila crowd oh too well. We would rock the song, sing the collective heck out of it and ask for more. Maybe next time we’ll get We Are when we get the right timing for the chanting.
When the song ended, we all just cheered because KKD is always a treat to experience live. There were chanting again for one more “We Are” but alas, it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, Taka had his phone out for the official post-concert video and haha, I can now say I will be seen in it! The boys then started throwing their drumstick, guitar picks and even the shirts they wore (lucky lucky souls you are whoever got Taka’s and Toru’s!). The setlist was also flown to the crowd by Tomoya.
We all then saw the official banners for Manila handed to Tomoya and it was laid down to prepare for the official family photo. I think we all broke Taka coz he just laid face down on the banner and kissed the hell out of the Philippine flag before posing for the photo. We love you too! We also got your flying kiss. Damn it! He would then wrap himself with the larger banner and bowed deeply before all of us. Gosh Taka, you sure know how to make us feel special!
As they left one by one, the last person who gave us a send off that night was no other than the man who formed the band in the first place. In his sweet words “Arigato Manila!” , we were all cheering to give our send off because god that’s the best way you can thank these boys for coming to Manila.
The lights then turned off with the icon of the tour flashing on the stage to signal the end of the live. When the lights came back on and the PA system was thanking people for coming, I pretty much was a broken fan in a good way and I am quite sure I’m not alone.
I was like… damn, if it had fireworks and all the the bells and whistles of a ONE OK ROCK Japan live (longer setlist, fun MC time involving some cannons, etc), this one will pretty much cement the fact that you don’t have to travel to Japan and fight in the lottery system to see Japan-level live vibes. You can save a whole lot and be with your fellow Pinoy fans by just watching them here.
That was how good the entire night was and I think those who, like me, seen the boys in Japan, this specific Manila live has reached that point and more.
Later through the night and even the morning that came after, there were comments – both here and abroad – that said that out of all the Asia lives then and now, Manila’s was always special. I can’t say I disagree. Manila has always been quite special both then and now.
What do you think?
The guys sure have the same idea as seen in their posts after that night.
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They even posted a recap. Why did they post it while I was at mass? Hahaha! PCD is still so strong for them!
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Before I end this post, this fan would like to thank Sir Vernon Go and the awesome team of PULP Live World for making this a night not easy to forget… or be free from (I’m for both really). As a fan of these foursome a year before the first concert in 2016, it is great to see how far we’ved come to get to this level of performance I only got to experience in Japan. Sure, Japan lives ain’t always perfect but the production value of those lives and the latest Manila live, only a bit more and Manila definitely ranks high in my books.
I’m quite sure this third one gave ONE OK ROCK clear proof that we were destined for greater things and you guys know that too. Looking forward to the next one and hey, we may be 3 years older by that time, but we will still bring that house down – wherever the next one will be- like we’re still in our 20s. Live like we’re immortals am I right?
Truly, thank you for bringing them here in the first place. They can’t get enough of us and they will definitely keeping come back for more.
The third and final installment of the #ONEOKROCKinMNL2023 posts will be launched in two days. It will be the end I know, but it will have great stories that you may not have realized happened during this special day.
Did you get your PCD again? Haha! I sure hope you have! Happy 10.9 to all of you!
