Iconic Irish rock band U2 honored several local and foreign female personalities during their concert in the country, which was held last night at the Philippine Arena.
However, this moved received mixed reactions from fans. Some fans are happy about it while others were a bit confused.
Here’s what people on Twitter think.
“The truth seekers”
I saw the show in Singapore and i knew they were going to include @mariaressa in this song. She was top of mind. ?? Wish I had seen it.
Thank you U2, for recognizing her and the plight of journalists and the truth seekers. ✊? https://t.co/qpdomjpisd
— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) December 12, 2019
“It’s about social movement”
With so many gov’t officials watching the #U2Manila concert yesterday (while some watched in Japan, Korea & Singapore), i hope they’ll be inspired to make sure human rights for all are ensured, and journalists are protected.#U2inManila #U2TheJoshuaTree2019
— Gregorio Larrazabal® ?? (@GoyYLarrazabal) December 11, 2019
“The genre is meant to be political”
@U2 is a punk band, FYI. If you are really into music, people of the Philippines, you’ll know that the genre was meant to be political.
HAYYYYSSSSS.#U2TheJoshuaTree2019 #U2Manila #U2inManila
— nicolin tesla (@jervscolin) December 11, 2019
“Bono supports human rights”
You probably don’t listen to U2 lyrics. If you did, you would understand why Bono supports human rights.
— Mary Grace Sulla (@marygracesulla8) December 12, 2019
“Not everyone will have the same opinion as you”
So Bono of U2 is now a Dilawan just bec of his remark on Human Rights? Hahaha srsly, get a life people. Not everyone will always have the same opinion with you.
— Lalaban for 2020 ?? (@dimpledcpa08) December 12, 2019
There were some who were against how Bono and U2 took a stand during the concert.
“We should evade paying our taxes?”
Dear Bono/U2,
When you say “Be like Maria Ressa,” are you saying we should evade paying our taxes?Just like you?
— Mark Lopez (@MacLen315) December 11, 2019
“Paid to destabilize”
bad move.. Bono is mis informed of real truth… people of the philippines today are not blind anymore.. we dont just rely on media and journalist anymore. admit it or not it is corrupted, paid to spread fake news, paid to destabilize, paid para siraan ang tao o kung ano pa man.
— Mesweetnovember (@mesweetnovember) December 12, 2019
“Better stick to singing”
Who the fu@#$ck is Maria Ressa? All i know is that she weaves half truths and half lies for stupid people to believe. And who the fu#$%ck is Bono? He talks bout human rights with senile brain to work on it, he better stick to singing. He has no idea what he is talking bout.
— titus (@titusrodrimus) December 12, 2019
“You are a hypocrite”
I will all remove all of your songs in my playlist, you are hypocrite, i regrets why I once become your listener, but not now #BONO , you are supporting Philippine’s bias reporter like #mariaRessa such a shame!
— Miguel Fernandeś (@miguelfernds) December 12, 2019
The Irish group is known for speaking up on social and political issues – both on the stage, and off.
After performing “Beautiful Day,” Bono told the audience, “Human rights churn out human wrongs, that’s a beautiful day. When sisters around the world go to school with their brothers, that’s a beautiful day. When journalists don’t have to worry about what they write, that’s a beautiful day. When women of the world unite to rewrite history as herstory, that is a beautiful day.”
Before playing “Ultra Violet (Light My Way),” he dedicated the song to several female personalities including Filipina revolutionary Melchora Aquino, former president Corazon Aquino, Senator Pia Cayetano, singer Lea Salonga, journalist Maria Ressa, late singer Maria Carpena, and climate and social justice activist Lidy Nacpil.
“Women who light up history, your own Maria Ressa, is an incredible woman. But the extraordinary thing is, even Maria will say it’s not about individuals. It’s about collective action. It’s about social movements. And so then all of you can grow up to be the President or Maria Ressa,” Bono said after the performance.
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