1 month ago
12
Ben&Ben held their first-ever arena concert at the MOA Arena, filling the venue with an electrifying energy and captivating their dedicated fanbase — called Liwanag — from start to finish.
They performed a mix of tracks from their latest album, "The Traveller Across Dimensions," along with fan favorites like "Kathang Isip," "Maybe The Night," and "Pagtingin."
The nine-piece folk-pop band,, known for their heartfelt lyrics and rich instrumentation, is composed of Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin on acoustic guitars and vocals, Agnes Reoma on bass, Poch Barretto on electric guitar, Keifer Cabugao on violin, Pat Lasaten on keyboards, Toni Muñoz and Andrew de Pano on percussions, and Jam Villanueva on drums.
Ben&Ben is known for their heartfelt lyrics and rich instrumentation. PHOTO COURTESY OF OVATION PRODUCTIONS
Filipino-Japanese artist Ena Mori opened the sold-out concert with a dynamic performance of her original songs, including "Vivid," "King of the Night," "SOS," "White Room," "Runaway Holiday!" and her latest single, "Trust Me." Her charisma and stage presence energized the crowd, setting the stage for the main act.
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As the lights dimmed and LED wristbands flickered to life, anticipation filled the arena. Ben&Ben began their set with an animated introduction to Liwanag's journey, leading into "Could Be Something" from their latest album. The lively beats and melodies drew the audience in, followed by "Paninindigan Kita," which further heightened the energy with its ardent lyrics. Their performance of "Pagtingin" had the crowd singing along, accompanied by melodic violins and an exceptional guitar solo.
The band then introduced another segment, showcasing Liwanag with Gabay. They performed "Supernatural" with synchronized choreography, immersing the audience in its rhythmic beats. "Upuan" followed, bringing warmth with its dulcet tones, before the introspective "Autumn" painted a vivid picture of heartache that deeply resonated with concertgoers.
A timeless favorite, "Maybe The Night" captivated the audience with its soothing tones and heartfelt lyrics. The band then presented a stripped-down arrangement of "Winter," highlighting their soulful vocals.
Shifting gears, Ben&Ben intensified the atmosphere with "Langyang Pag-ibig," a rock-driven track with candid lyrics, followed by "Burn," powered by impressive keyboard riffs. To balance the energy, "Sampaguita" brought a folk-inspired sound that filled the arena with serenity.
The band then played one of their personal favorites, "War," featuring a mesmerizing solo by violinist Keifer Cabugao. The spellbinding moment transitioned into "Comets," a dreamy track with poetic verses and intricate melodies. "Doors" followed, drawing the audience in with its introspective lyrics.
The connection between the band and the audience strengthened with "Courage," an anthem of resilience. They then introduced their album producer before launching into "Triumph," a dynamic performance showcasing their versatility, from rapid rap verses to soaring high notes.
After an intermission, the concert seamlessly transitioned into its second half with an introduction to Mahiwaga. "Peace of Mind" offered a moment of calm before "Di Ka Sayang" encouraged self-worth, resonating deeply with the crowd as they passionately sang along.
They also introduced "Shutter," a heartfelt composition by their drummer, performed live for the first time. "Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay" followed, leaving the audience captivated by its hauntingly beautiful melodies.
During "Tomorrow With You," an audience member proposed to their partner, adding a poignant moment to the night. As the concert neared its end, "Leaves" carried the sentimentality forward, with the audience softly singing along. "New Dimensions," the closing track from their latest album, delivered a fresh and electrifying finale, leaving everyone wanting more.
The encore began with "Kathang Isip," bringing the Filipino choir-like audience together one last time. "Araw-Araw" followed, wrapping the night in a comforting ambiance with its beautifully crafted arrangement. Finally, they ended with "Ride Home," an uplifting and nostalgic performance that sent concertgoers off with bright spirits, concluding a night of immersive music and visuals.
