MANILA – The rain did not dampen the spirits of the fans who danced the night away at the one-night only outdoor live music event. Over 26,000 fans moved to the explosive dance beats of pop with performances from Onerepublic, Far East Movement, Bebe Rexha, Apink, Gary V feat. Gab Valenciano, James Reid, and Nadine Lustre.
The one-night only outdoor live music event hit an all-time temperature high with a stellar line-up of international and local acts who ignited the stage in celebration of iconic and contemporary pop music with a dance influence.
Starting off with a dose of electrifying energy was one of the Philippines’ most iconic pop performers, Gary V. The legendary Philippine pop star opened his act in true, proud Filipino fashion to the beat of a kulintang, a traditional local instrument. Backed up by rising percussions, Mr. Pure Energy immediately got the crowds dancing to the country’s own beats before moving into a set featuring his song “Babalik Ka Rin.” He brought his son Gab on stage in a heartfelt performance that not only told his own personal story, backed by no less than top dance group, The Maneouvres.
The throwback to Original Pinoy Music’s most memorable tunes then took a charming turn towards two of contemporary Pinoy pop music’s fastest rising stars, James Reid and Nadine Lustre. The young power couple opened with a duet of some well-loved singles, “Para-Paraan” by Nadine and “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit” by James.
The Brooklyn-born singer and songwriter whose voice has provided hooks in nearly all the current Top 40 tracks, Bebe Rexha, then took the stage. She immediately ushered in her unique brand of intensity with the hit song“Take Me Home”, epitomizing true female prowess. Bebe’s energy was undoubtable as she immediately got fans present moving to her powerful delivery of chart toppers like“The Monster”, her composition for Rihanna and Eminem,“Hey Mama” and “Me, Myself, & I”. A hyped up crowd happily sang and danced along to “No Broken Hearts” which ended her set with a bang.
The MTV Music Evolution Manila event grounds were then driven into a wild frenzy with the energy of all the K-Pop fans screaming for their lovable Korean idols, Apink. Park Cho-rong, Yoon Bo Mi, Jeong Eun-ji, Son Na Eun, Kim Nam Joo, and Oh Ha Young.
Electric dance trio Far East Movement amped up the energy when they kicked off a set of their top hits. Mixing their tracks with live rap segments and synth riffs, the three artists on stage brought the crowd to whole new levels of motion—creating a sea of raised fists all moving to the same beat.
The evening closed with a memorable final act – multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated quintet OneRepublic had the audience moving to the beat of their most iconic songs. Opening their set with “Love Runs Out”, fans showed their appreciation for the group’s second visit to the Philippines with arms waving in the air, all around the grounds. Lead singer Ryan Tedder showed love back to his fans from the Philippines, saying “You are the most genuine people on earth.”
Emotions ran high among fans when they were led into a stunning rendition of“Secrets”, performed side by side with the sweet hums from a cello.
Recorded live for global telecast under the MTV World Stage global series,MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will reach an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries. MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer hosted the event, along with MTV Pinoy VJs Yassi Pressman and Andre Paras.
MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 was sponsored by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines of the Department of Tourism (DOT) with media partners ClickTheCity.com, Digichive, Gist.PH, Inquirer.net, MegMagazine, NYXSYS, PhilippineConcerts.com, WhenInManila.com, radio partners 99.5 Play FM, Oomph! Radio (Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga), broadcast partner Cablelink, MyCATV, PBO, Sari Sari channel, SKYcable,TMC, Viva TV, audio partner Dolby, travel partner Asiatravel.com, ride partner Grab and venue partner SM Mall of Asia.
