Pop-rock band Maroon 5 had nothing but good words for its Filipino fans as it made a triumphant return to the Philippines, launching their Asia Tour with a sold-out show at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Presented by Live Nation Philippines, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the Department of Tourism, the Manila stop marked the group’s fourth performance in the country.
Setting the stage for Maroon 5 was American alternative-rock band Culture Wars, whose lead singer, Alex Dugan, acknowledged the band’s recent Philippine visit as an opener for LANY. To show appreciation for local fans, Dugan revealed an “I Love Cebu” shirt, referencing one of the cities where both bands had previously performed.
DJ Mailbox followed with a dynamic mix of chart-topping hits, including Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” and Jungkook’s “Standing Next to You,” keeping the audience on their feet before the main act.
When Maroon 5 finally took the stage, they opened with “Animals,” immediately drawing cheers from the jam-packed arena.
“How are we doing, Manila?” frontman Adam Levine shouted, hyping up the Filipino crowd as he began playing his guitar before launching into “One More Night.”
The Grammy-award-winning act once again lauded Filipino fans for their exceptional singing abilities.
“It’s so good to be back. I have a question for you, a very important question. Can you do me a big favor? Everybody who’s sitting down, stand up. Don’t you feel better?” Adam said, encouraging everyone in the crowd to sing their hearts out.
“We know here in the Philippines, you are the best singers. No one sings louder at Maroon 5 concerts,” he continued.
The band then delivered back-to-back hits, including “One More Night,” “This Love,” and “Stereo Hearts,” where keyboardist PJ Morton showcased an extended intro. Guitarist James Valentine took center stage during “Lucky Strike,” treating the fans to his special solo.
Maroon 5 slowed things down with an emotional rendition of “Memories,” a tribute to their late manager Jordan Feldstein. As Adam encouraged the crowd to “fill this room with melody,” thousands of phone lights illuminated the arena, creating a sea of lights.
The set built back up with “Love Somebody” and the ever-energetic “Moves Like Jagger,” before the band briefly exited the stage. Their return for the encore was met with deafening cheers as Adam and James took to the extended stage for an acoustic version of “She Will Be Loved.”
Closing the night with “Girls Like You” and “Sugar,” Maroon 5 left the stage with a final bow.
“Thank you so much, Manila! We are Maroon 5,” Adam said, wrapping up the one-night-only show.
