- Boyce Avenue with Moira Concert in MNL, an inspiring and heart-warming night
- Boyce Avenue and Moira also performed in Cebu and Davao last Saturday and Sunday
June 1, Araneta Coliseum – YouTube sensation boy group Boyce Avenue came to the Philippines for the seventh time to once again cater a delightful, acoustical show to their numerous Filipino fans, with the much-coveted Moira Dela Torre being the show’s warm-up act. Brought by Wilbros Live, the concert was a huge success, with the big dome packed to capacity, teeming with varying fans, men and women of different age groups.
After a long, sapping day at work, one can only ask to do something calming. Above all, a Friday night is not a Friday night without a late-night plan or a mandatory weekend ‘ganap’ – a random coffee or movie date, a night drive someplace, or perhaps a hoped-for Friday night concert. Much to my surprise, I had the chance to see Boyce Avenue and Moira’s Concert at the big dome last Friday night.
A First Look with Moira
Following Boyce Avenue’s comments about Moira’s potential to be an international star during their press conference (Thursday, May 31), the very in-demand Filipino singer made proof once again how her music transcends not only to the ears but also to the heart. Although it was not actually my first time to see Moira perform live, I still believe that her music is a brave step towards a more open-minded music industry in the country. Yes, you don’t have to hit all the high notes to be branded excellent – singing is an art, not an exhibition of one’s vocal range.
Seeing Moira from a rather near distance, I noticed that she was somewhat teary-eyed. Before starting to sing, she let out an honest declaration of how she had always wanted to say “Good evening, Araneta!” She said that it was an honor, indeed, to be part of the concert with Boyce Avenue whom she had been following on YouTube ever since. She remembered the news was brought to her two days after her “Tagpuan” concert – and she still couldn’t believe it now. The viewers, including me, couldn’t help but feel inspired as Moira recounted her story before her career’s success – dedicating her song “Tagu-Taguan” to those who have dreams but had their hearts broken. She made everybody open the flashlights of their phones; for a moment, the big dome was seemingly blanketed by stars. The view was just magnificent (particularly relaxing).
Notably, Moira was with her fiancé Jayson Hernandez on stage. The couple shared a duet of “Tagpuan” (a way of declaring their love in public) with Jayson tweaking the lyrics slightly to refer to his future wife.
Going Main with Boyce Avenue
Indeed, Boyce Avenue came to the show just to share their music alone, without the intention to be grand or have their fans impressed with so many visual exhibitions and props. They were just wearing plain shirts at the concert, and Alejandro’s excellent voice was enough to capture the attention of their fans.
For their first performance, Boyce Avenue performed their original song “Hear Me Now” (from their album “All You’re Meant to Be”). Being widely known for making song covers of different international songs, they alternated in performing their originals and their covers. One of my favorites was their cover of Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” something nostalgic for me as the song was released when I was just in high school. Notably, they sang “Yellow” by Coldplay and “Torn” by Natalia Imbruglia.
What I had always believed about the group is true: that they can indeed sometimes do better than the actual artists of the songs they make covers to. It is, no doubt, the very reason why they easily became sensational online.
For their originals, they sang “Find Me” which also from the album “All You’re Meant to Be” and “Your Biggest Fan” from the album “Road Less Travelled.” Boyce Avenue had often surprised their audience for having an unpredictable line-up, singing Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” and Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” in the set. Notably, they also performed “A Thousand Years” and “Say You Won’t Let Go” with Moira. Moira appeared rather shy performing with the group, but she also made it a point to showcase her beautiful voice.
Just a few minutes before the show ended, Boyce Avenue “seemingly” concluded the show by saying thank you to those who came. Fans were screaming for more. After a few minutes, the three brothers – Alejandro, Daniel, and Fabian – came back to perform their last song which is Goo Goo Doll’s “Iris.” They made everybody stand up. I saw some couples hugging each other – young and old. It was just a scene one would want to etch inside his or her mind. I was a bit teary-eyed seeing how beautiful the crowd was – how everything seemed to be peaceful – all singing in harmony and waving their hands.
Overall, indeed, I could say that my Friday night was extraordinary, bagged with music and inspiration.
(Boyce Avenue and Moira also performed in Cebu and Davao last Saturday and Sunday.)
