Article by Desa Desiree Tayting | Photos by Eunick Nobe and Jeanne Dizon
The first Monday of December 2017 felt like an early Valentine serenade for 2018 as two singers from two record-breaking bands joined forces to awaken our 90s hearts once again. Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden of Westlife – both singers from the bands that have captured our hearts since the 90s – formed the band Boyzlife and came to Manila. This concert was presented by Ovation Productions at Kia Theatre.
Some time has already passed, but they still sing and put their hearts into it. Some things really never change.
I’m pretty sure that even though you were not around at the time these bands started, you would still recognize their songs because your Ates, Kuyas, Titas and even mommies still listen to their songs because of how ‘kilig’ they make people feel. Besides, people still request their songs on the radio until now! Who doesn’t know If I Let You Go or Baby Can I Hold You? For some of us, they were our high school or college theme songs.
(READ: How Well Do You Know Your 90’s Pop Group Hits?)
5 Times Boyzlife’s Concert Made Our 90s Hearts ‘Kilig’ Once Again
5. When they came out, they looked like they never aged in looks and in talent.
Keith Duffy’s features onstage are truly enchanting.
We will never get tired of staring at this face!
This sure wasn’t a fireworks-and-thick-smoke-kind of opening, but their mere presence plus the upbeat tune of Looking Like That to begin the show made their entrance grand. Keith’s looks are still enthralling and the way he moves around doesn’t really look like it has been 25 years since Boyzone started. Brian still has charismatic glances and projections anyone could fall for, as well. This was even elevated onto another level once they started singing!
4. When they each left the stage to get closer to the audience.
The challenge is to stay calm as Brian sings in front of you.
When the star isn’t so distant anymore
It’s very rare for our idols to risk leaving the stage even if the crowd might get rowdy, but these two did, which really says a lot about how much they love their fans! Any fan would be ‘kilig’ to the bones because of this! It was already great to breathe the same air as these two, but that feeling rose to another level after they got closer and sang a few lines at the audience seats.
3. When they borrowed some of the fans’ phones and used them for selfies!
Keith and Brian pretending to look at a fan’s photo gallery
Some of the fans really came upclose to them while taking photos and videos – so close that Keith picked up a random phone at times and sang in front of them or took selfies! Now, this is how to do an epic Instagram live! Brian did this, too, and even joked about keeping the phones in his pockets. We envy those phones now.
2. When they made the whole crowd perfectly sing along to all of the lyrics.
The crowd sings If I Let You Go with Brian
It must have been really overwhelming to hear the Manila audience sing along to every single song they performed. From Mandy to Love Me For A Reason to If I Let You Go up until Uptown Girl, everyone was in chorus! Being one of the closest to the stage, I could perfectly hear everyone singing all the songs without missing any of the lyrics!
Keith lets the crowd sing along ‘Picture of You’
Included on the song list for that night were Looking Like That, Picture Of You, World Of Our Own, Words, Swear It Again, Baby Can I Hold You, Obvious, Father & Son, You Needed Me, I Love The Way You Love Me, Queen Of My Heart, No Matter What, Flying Without Wings, A Different Beat, and Going Gets Tough.
1. When they said that they will probably come back soon
Keith gave fans some great news that night
After the first three songs, Keith announced an upcoming album of Boyzone in 2018, which will mark their 25th year – and that will include a concert tour! Fans squealed with joy when he said he’s hoping that the tour will include Manila on the list. Aside from that, Brian will also come with them! Our hearts are already ready for more!
How about a moment of holding hands with Keith?
For a fan like me, the concert only felt like a few minutes because as they say, times really flies by so fast when you’re enjoying (and when all you did was jump, sing along, and shout “I love you KEITH!” or “Marry me, BRIAN!”), but the whole experience was definitely a treasure to keep. It made us reminisce the good times and believe that the kilig from boybands remain in our hearts forever.
