Boyz II Men’s Triumphant Return in Manila
The iconic vocal harmony group Boyz II Men made a memorable comeback at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on May 18, thrilling fans with their timeless sound. Presented by Wilbros Live!, the event attracted a lively crowd eager to experience the soulful voices of the legendary trio.
From the opening notes, Boyz II Men captivated the audience with a dynamic blend of classic and newer songs. Known for their smooth harmonies and emotional ballads, the group showcased why they remain beloved decades after their debut.
Classic Hits and Emotional Moments
The performance kicked off with the upbeat medley “Can’t Let Her Go – Don’t Stop,” followed by the crowd-favorite “Water Runs Dry,” which drew enthusiastic cheers. The trio, consisting of baritone Nathan Morris, tenor Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman, then delivered heartfelt renditions of “Can You Stand the Rain” and the No. 1 hit “On Bended Knee” from 1994.
Before diving into their iconic songs, Shawn warmly addressed the crowd: “How many of you are seeing us for the very first time live? To all the newcomers, thank you for being here. And for all those who have seen us before, welcome back. How are you doing? It’s good to see your faces again. Allow us to introduce ourselves again. We are Boyz II Men from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We have only one rule, Manila. Enjoy yourselves. That’s it. Let’s enjoy the moment while we have it together.”
Tributes and Personal Stories
The group slowed the pace with “4 Seasons of Loneliness,” their fifth chart-topping single from 1997. They then shifted to a rock tribute segment, honoring legendary musicians including The Beatles, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, and Prince with songs like “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Come Together,” and “Purple Rain.”
Before performing “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” Wanya shared a touching story about the group’s motivation to return to Manila: “In a decade, we lost three women who are very close to us. They were the primary reasons why we initiated this from the very beginning. Nate lost his mother, Shawn lost his mother, and I lost my grandmother.”
He continued, “It hit really hard that we actually don’t want to do this anymore because they were the reasons. But when we thought about Manila, the Philippines, and the Asian Region, we actually felt we were indebted to you. You guys mean so much to us. You are the reason why we are on stage right now. I swear that when it becomes hard, you try your best to navigate it and figure out how it works. It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”
Encore and Lasting Impact
The concert continued with more beloved hits such as “One Sweet Day” (1995), “I’ll Make Love to You” (1994), and “End of the Road” (1992). During “I’ll Make Love to You,” the trio charmed the audience by handing roses to the ladies seated in the VIP section.
Boyz II Men closed the night with an energetic encore featuring “Road” and “Motown,” leaving fans hopeful for future shows featuring favorites like “In The Still of the Night,” “Doin’ Just Fine,” “A Song for Mama,” and “The Color of Love.” Fans also anticipate bonus performances, including Shawn’s stunning solo “Vision of Sunset” and the beautiful duet “Your Home Is In My Heart” with Chante Moore.
Even after four decades, Boyz II Men’s vocal prowess remains undeniable, promising many more memorable performances to come.
For more news and updates on Boyz II Men, visit Filipinokami.com.