Long before boy band 98 Degrees topped charts at home, it was the Philippines that gave the group its first taste of stardom—and the feeling, they say, never left.
During a press conference ahead of their two-night concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31, members Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons shared how Filipino fans embraced them long before they gained momentum in the United States.
“We’re happy to be back here in the Philippines. We have an affinity for this place. We broke here before anywhere else, and we have the most success here. We are thrilled to be back after 25 years,” Jeff said.
Known for ballads like “Because of You” and “I Do (Cherish You),” the members of the group recalled how Filipino fans gave them their earliest taste of global stardom.
“We got off the airplane, and we came to the airport, and there was a mob of people waiting for us. It was like our first moment of feeling like actual rock stars,” shared Drew, reflecting on the band’s early days.
After 25 years, the fans, the hospitality, and the love that the members have received remain the same.
“We’ve been here a little over 24 hours, and they have treated us like kings the entire time we’ve been here. In fact, we were like, man, we just might not go home,” Drew added.
For 98 Degrees, performing in Manila is more than a tour stop. It’s a return to the place where it all began. The members said they’re always flattered when their music is part of life’s most intimate moments, especially in every Filipino wedding.
“I think that’s one of the biggest honors you can have is after we’ve been out for so long, still have our songs to be used in people’s special moments and special events. You know, we do our love songs. So we’re very, very flattered by that,” Justin shared.
“It’s always nice to be a part of someone’s life, right? Not just a song that they like but a part of their personal history,” added Jeff.
While some markets ask for more upbeat tracks, the boy band noted the Philippines’ enduring love for ballads.
“You guys embrace the ballads and the love songs, and that makes us feel like, you know, 98 Degrees is kind of special to the Philippines, and this audience is sort of meant for us in a way,” said Drew.
98 Degrees will be performing both its classic hits and new tracks from its latest album, Full Circle, which includes five original songs and five re-recorded fan favorites.
