WaychRaych*

Ne-Yo’s two day concert in Manila at Araneta Coliseum started last night. As early as 5:00 in the afternoon, the venue was already half-filled (Upper Box and Lower Box sections). Ne-Yo fans were eager to watch their favorite artist perform live.

The concert was supposed to start at 8:00 in the evening, as what is stated on promotions and on the tickets but since we’re in the Philippines and events didn’t really start on time - Ne-Yo’s performance started at 8:45pm. Two front-acts were filled in before the start of the main event. Philippine All Stars - a Filipino based hiphop dance group showcased their moves and grooves to the Araneta audience. After which, Arnee Hidalgo sang Rihanna’s Umbrella. I didn’t know that Arnee is known as Philippines’ R&B Siren (a title which I think is a collaboration of Nina’s and Kyla’s). Unfortunately, Arnee murdered Rihanna’s Umbrella. You would definitely agree with me if you heard her. She sang another song, I Try (a Macy Gray original) - a track from her current album which I forgot the title.

8:45 PM. The band and the DJ came up on the stage. A few minutes later, the party started.

Ne-Yo made his entrance with two back-up dancers. The moment Ne-Yo came up to the stage, the audience went wild. People from the Patron and Lower Box areas flocked the front of the stage. The Araneta audience stood up as if giving their respects to the hottest R&B act. Ne-Yo’s first song was So Sick, which the audience sang along with.

The stage and lighting was brilliant! I couldn’t say anything more than the greatest of the great for the stage preparation. It really added to the magnificent event of the night. The sound system was fine not really great, but it has always been like that in Araneta Coliseum (and I wonder why the Araneta management won’t do something about it.)

Ne-Yo serenaded the audience with his numerous hits. Ne-Yo’s Live In Manila concert setlist includes: So Sick, Do You, Sexy Love, Mirror (though I’m not sure if it’s really Mirror), Addicted, Say It, Ain’t Thinking About You, Go On Girl, Can We Chill, Make It Work, Stay, Crazy and Because Of You. One thing I noticed, Ne-Yo didn’t sing his songs completely. The ONLY song he performed from the beginning up to the end was Go On Girl - his current single. Ne-Yo took breaks in between three-four songs and the DJ cranked up some R&B tunes for the audience. It was like being in a HUGE bar with the DJ spinning tracks and Ne-Yo as the special guest. You might even be surprised that there were beers (San Miguel) being sold inside the venue. Ne-Yo interacted with the audience by letting them sing parts of the songs he wrote like Mario’s Let Me Love You, Rihanna’s Unfaithful, Beyonce’s Irreplaceable and the song he also sang with Rihanna - Hate That I Love You So. His backup dancers were amazing. If you’ve seen ladies shaking their booties effortlessly on videos, his dancers are like them. Of course, Ne-Yo also flaunted his dance moves.

The people in front of the stage were lucky enough to see Ne-Yo perform UPCLOSE. Celebrity sightings include Phoemela Baranda, Will DeVaughn with Riza Santos, Rico Robles, Yna Revilla, Pauleen Luna and Anne Curtis. Ne-Yo threw in towels with his sweat (a must have for die-hard fans I guess) to the audience.

By the time Ne-Yo sang his Grammy award winning single - Because Of You, I knew it’s the end of the show. And I was right. Right after finishing the song, Ne-Yo thanked his Manila fans and requested them to watch again today - the second day of the concert. Ne-Yo threw his signature black hat to the audience before going down the stage. The moment Ne-Yo was no longer seen on the stage, the crowd were shouting “More!!” asking Ne-Yo to come back and sing another song. The “More” screams were then changed to “Ne-Yo” and after much begging of the audience, Ne-Yo came back and sang parts of When You’re Mad and You Make Me Better.

“Mahal ko kayong lahat” was Ne-Yo’s last words to his Filipino fans.

Overall, the concert was amazing. Ne-Yo was really a performer. You really could feel the warm welcome his Filipino fans gave him. The Dome was roaring with screams for the Grammy award winning artist. I was somehow disappointed though, since the concert lasted for only an hour. ‘Guess it was made that way because he’s having another performance tonight.

For those who won’t be able to see Ne-Yo on his last concert tonight, you can still catch him tomorrow - March 2 3:00 PM at SM Megamall Grand Atrium for an Autograph Signing Session. For every purchase of Neyo’s Special Philippine Tour Bundle containing Neyo’s two hit albums “In My Own Words” and “Because Of You”, you will get a free limited edition album flat, priced at P650.00. The bundle was also sold at Araneta by the way.

To watch Ne-Yo Live in Manila videos, click here.

Photo from my friend Diego.

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