By Samuel Pimping
Heads up—as of date, here are some of the hottest upcoming concerts from August to December 2023. You better have your pockets ready because ticket sales might not last for too long! From the stunning uproar led by Twice to the laid-back ambience of local artists such as Kyla and Jay R, you can be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in this compilation!
Click the links for more ticket sale information if you’re interested.
Ian Veneracion Live
Titas of Manila, rejoice! Dashing actor and musician Ian Veneracion will serenade us this August 12, 8 PM at the Winford Manila Resort & Casino.
In his new concert, Ian will be singing his personal favorites which also happen to favor the music taste of his many supporters—his Army of Titas, as he calls them. As a well-respected veteran actor, it’s interesting to see a more relaxed, lighthearted version of him.
Ian commented that he isn’t a biritero and that he won’t be belting songs all the way. He knows the atmosphere he wants to convey, and he simply wants to tell a story through the music he shares. Tita or not, this chill vibe is exactly what we might be looking for!
This isn’t his first concert, though. He’s had various gigs alongside Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sharon Cuneta, Ogie Alcasid, and even Regine Velasquez, so you can be sure that he’s going to deliver a great performance. Ian plays guitar himself, and with the help of his fellow musicians, he will be playing music live on this special night.
Marissa Sanchez and Zach Ponce will also be singing in the opening act. The concert is directed by Vergel Sto. Domingo and is also a benefit for the Home for the Golden Gays, which is a Philippine non-profit organization that provides support and care facilities for elderly LGBTQ individuals.
Bruno Major – Tour of Planet Earth 2023
It’s been five years since Bruno Major made his big debut in the Philippines! This August 15, 8 PM at the New Frontier Theater, Quezon City, the British singer-songwriter is coming back to the country as part of his amazing world tour.
He will bring a variety of new music that has yet to be heard live, so fans are excited for the opportunity to hear them all for the first time! Bruno’s old-fashioned, captivating music is a blend of R&B, soul, and jazz which appeals to the hearts of the younger generation.
The whole concept behind his band is their distinct astronomical theme, and this makes for a spellbinding atmosphere that will reach out to even the most stretched souls. He’s released a mix of albums which include A Song for Every Moon, To Let a Good Thing Die, and Columbo, his latest release.
His most well-known songs include The Most Beautiful Thing, We Were Never Really Friends, Nothing, and Easily, among others. Whether it’s falling in or out of love, you’ll surely be captured by the sheer emotion and beautiful simplicity behind his music.
Back in Time: Kyla X Jay R The Reunion Concert
Be enchanted by Pinoy R&B soulmates in music Kyla and Jay R on September 02, 8 PM at the New Frontier Theater, Quezon City! The musical chemistry between these two creates a comeback concert that you certainly won’t regret being a part of.
Kyla and Jay R are happy to bring the magic onstage as this concert means a lot to them sentimentally as well. Since the 2000s, soul and R&B has been thriving in the Philippines, and their 20-year collaboration has been one of the best exemplars that drove these genres into the mainstream original Pilipino music (OPM) music scene.
Back in Time will truly take you back years into the memorable music and performances by the two artists. Classics such as Let the Love Begin, Say that You Love Me, and Bakit Pa Ba are sure to make their way into the repertoire.
Kyla and Jay R’s reunion concert is presented and co-presented by GNN Pop and Cornerstone Entertainment, respectively. While Kyla and Jay R have yet to finalize their setlist and guest performances, they are excited for the possibilities that can take place
on a night of magic and memories!
Twice 5th World Tour “Ready to Be”
It’s a treat for Once (fandom name for Twice) everywhere! Twice will be having a two-day concert in the Philippines as part for their world tour from September 30 to October 01 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
If you have plans, you best hurry because tickets for September 30 are already sold out.
With their hit song Like Ooh-Ahh, Twice debuted in 2015 under JYP Entertainment. The group comprises nine members: Jihyo, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu.
The Korean all-girl group’s upcoming concert is only their second time performing in Manila since their 2019 Twicelights tour in SM Mall of Asia Arena. Indeed, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience, so any true fan is expected to be there. No pressure!
Super Junior: 2023 D&E World Tour FanCon [DElight Party] in Manila
Filipino ELFs or Suju fans are ready for a delightful time on September 30, 6 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City! Donghae and Eunhyuk make their way to Manila as a sub-unit in line with their fan concert tour.
Having been dubbed a veteran boy band group, D&E will bring back the golden era of K-pop on an incredible night of cheer and excitement. The duo has released hits and tracks such as “Oppa, Oppa,” “Danger,” and “Zero” that are well-known among ELFs.
As the lead dancers of Super Junior, D&E are bringing their best to the Philippines with their seasoned performances and classic singles. Plus, Eunhyuk will be directing the show himself! They have been to the country several times, so they are very much well-known and loved among Filipino fans.
Rex Orange County
For the first time, Rex Orange County is bringing his music to the Philippines! As part of his Live in Asia 2023 Tour, he’ll be making his Philippine debut on October 08, 8 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Alexander James O’ Connor (his actual name) is famous for being a significant part of bringing bedroom pop, which is a genre of songs completely created by the original artist without mass production, into the mainstream. His diverse mix of songs are a combination of jazz, hip hop, indie rock, and such.
Some of his famous hits include Happiness, Best Friend, Television / So Far So Good, Amazing, and many others. Rex Orange County was previously scheduled to have a concert in Manila in 2020, but it had been unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic. Luckily, fans finally have the chance to see him for the first time here!
Sam Smith: GLORIA the tour
Ready for an evening of emancipation? Glorify the music of Sam Smith on October 21, 8PM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City! The world-famous artist described Gloria, his newest and fourth album, as an “emotional, sexual and spiritual liberation.”
In what will be undoubtedly a spicy and edgier experience, Sam sings freely in what feels like a personal revolution and a coming-of-age story. He has a multitude of hits and achievements that include four Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar, but he describes Gloria as a different kind of achievement that “isn’t playing the numbers game.”
This one-night concert surely piques one’s interest! Expect to hear more of his newer songs and an act free from conservative conventions and traditions.
The Corrs Live in Manila
After over 20 years of waiting, The Corrs are finally bringing their iconic music back to the Philippine setting from October 21 to 22, 8 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City! They are the most successful family band that has ever graced the world with their best hits such as Runaway, Dreams, Breathless, and All the Love in the World.
“Nostalgic” is the best word for describing what to expect. This legendary Irish band has captured the hearts of a generation of Filipino fans, and it is exciting to know that they will creating one of the best nostalgia-fests with their unique mix of Celtic and pop-rock music.
With seven critically acclaimed studio albums, long-standing supporters are certain to feast on the best music of their time. Bear witness to one of the greatest comebacks in this two-night show soon in Manila!
Do note that this list isn’t exhaustive. We only placed some of our favorites, and there’s no telling what other concerts will come up soon. So, make sure to be on the lookout for more fan favorites that might luckily come your way!
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References
Bruno major returning to manila this August 2023. (May 05, 2023). Manila Concert Scene. https://mnlconcertscene.com/2023/05/05/bruno-major-returning-to-manila-this-august- 2023/
Concerts in Manila in September. (n.d.). Songkick. https://www.songkick.com/metro-
areas/31573-philippines-manila/september-2023
Event Calendar. (n.d.). Live Nation. https://www.livenation.ph/event/allevents
Kyla and Jay R reunite for a concert. (June 20, 2023). GMA Network Entertainment.
Mercado, J. (July 25, 2023). Ian Veneracion calls on ‘Army of Titas’ for new concert.
Shows and Concerts. (n.d.). TicketNet Online. https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/events/shows
The Corrs live in Manila. (n.d.). Pulp. https://pulp.ph/2023/04/13/the-corrs-live-in-manila/
Ticket prices, seat plan: Super Junior D&E’s fan concert in Manila. (July 12, 2023). Rappler.