In A World Like This Concert | My Take on Backstreet Boys' 2015 Manila Concert

Wasn't it like yesterday when I was a pimply awkward-looking pre-teen who spends her summer days in her grandmother's place with her (best) cousin in tow? Back then, all that we can do is try to find a way for summer to last without spending money on prepaid loads (there were limited mobile phones back then), affordable resorts and fattening fast food meals. Life was simpler so we busied ourselves with plain listening to new songs on the radio or checking out quick MTVs in non-cable channels. One new upbeat song resounded in the midst of our listening and cliche as it may sound, we both knew back then that our lives will never be the same.

Backstreet Boys' "Get Down" was out in the Philippine radio charts by year 1996. "We've Got It Going On" was another track from the self-titled album which also made it in the country's hit charts. More than the charm of the upbeat songs, we were enthralled with the boys themselves: Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, AJ Mc Lean, Brian "B-rok" Littrell and Howie Dorough.

We fell in love (some of us swooned) when they serenaded their fans worldwide with hits like, "I'll Never Break Your Heart" and promised us with "Anywhere For You" (or alternately promised their Spanish fans with "Donde Quieras Yo Ire"). They got us hooked when they stood in the rain (yeah, while removing their drenched top) while daring us to "Quit Playing Games".

Just as when we thought that they'd drown with the birth of several other boybands and artists, they playfully avenged their fame with "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" made us "10,000 Promises" that they'll give "All That (I)/(They) Have to Give" and that is "As Long as You Love Me".

Everyone in the group transitioned from being lanky yet adorable singers to dedicated artists. They launched pre- and post-turn-of-the-century albums like  "Millenium" (1999) and "Black and Blue" (2000). There was a lull right after but to date, they have released three other albums, "Unbreakable" (2007), "This is Us" (2009),  "In A World Like This" (2013).

 

When the announcement about Backstreet Boys' 2015 concert, In A World Like This came about, my cousin and I were both transported to our pre-Millenium days. Lucky for us, we're a bit richer now (nah) and were able to finally buy our concert ticket sans the heartbreak of drooling from a far because we can't watch our childhood heroes.

The concert happened on May 5, 2015 and started around 9:00PM Manila time. We were all settled in our seats when the lights went out, spotlights illuminated the stage and out came our heroes belting our The Call.

  

They performed hits like Incomplete, I'll Never Break Your Heart, (an acoustic version of) Drowning, 10,000 Promises, Madeleine, Quit Playing Games, Love Somebody, All I Have to Give, Shape of My Heart. 

They had three wardrobe changes with BSB interview clips in between performance cuts. From semi-formal to casual to laidback comfy attire. 

The audience sang in unison with known hits. And every fan used his/her mobile phone in lighting up the arena beautifully. 

The group honored Manila, the Philippines, our people, Sarah Geronimo (c/o Howie Dorough who sang a duet with her sometime in 2008) and Manny Pacquiao (hell yeah, they are rooting for the Filipino Pride). B-rok wore a Pacman top in their third wardrobe change. 

They sealed the two-hour concert with Everybody (Backstreet's Back) and Larger than Life -- very apt because this concert, the fame makes them larger than life. Thank you for making us party like it's the 90s.