The legendary Backstreet Boys made their way back to the Philippines as part of their sold-out DNA World Tour. It had been almost four years since the group’s previous visit to the country.

The Backstreet Boys started the event off with “I Wanna Be With You” from 1996, making good use of the diamond stage’s steps, ramps, lighting, and numerous giant LED screens. Songs like “The Call” and “Don’t Want You Back” kept the band on the move.

A little over two-hour setlist that addressed every part of their career included more than thirty songs. Unlike other musicians who try to brush over their past work, these guys gave their all to the cheesy hits from the ’90s and ’00s that made them famous. It was nice to hear them played on its original arrangement. Their renditions of “We’ve Got It Goin’ On,” their debut single, “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart),” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” were so full of excitement and pride that they transported the audience back to their own childhoods.

The tempo was perfect for maintaining excitement. The newer material didn’t detract from the overall nostalgic vibe of the show, and I was happy to hear the favorites that I had played on repeat in my room as a preteen.

It’s not usually easy to get a group of five men to sing songs they released 27 years ago and still reach the same notes, but the Backstreet Boys pulled it off, with genuinely exceptional vocals from all five of them throughout the event. Whether it was Nick’s legendary singing, Brian’s beautiful falsetto, or the fantastic singing of AJ, Howie, and Kevin, the entire performance was a vocal masterclass, demonstrating the band’s unparalleled skill at producing harmonious vocal blends.

They not only sang their hearts out, but they also exhibited the comedic side of themselves. The audience watched as AJ and Kevin changed their costumes during the game they were playing. When AJ and Kevin threw their clothes to the crowd who was waiting for them, some lucky audience members were able to take something home with them.

When they celebrated Brian Littrell’s 48th birthday together with their banters while making fun of their ages, it was pretty telling how they are buddies beyond the shows and global tours that they do together.

The Backstreet Boys, if you haven’t seen them live, put on one heck of a show. Kevin and AJ prove to be a powerful double act, and their witty repartee with one another is just as entertaining as the album’s outstanding musical selections and impressive dance moves. The Mall of Asia Arena was put to good use with impressive staging and striking lighting that complements the incredible sound.

The Backstreet Boys’ 27-year reign at the top is due in no small part to their consistent high quality as performers. The performance they put on is larger than life in every sense of the phrase; it is polished to perfection, hilarious, and of the highest quality. On any other night, it would have been an unforgettable experience, but with the added depth of feeling, it becomes something you won’t soon forget. The boys’ stunning vocals and charisma onstage make them just as impressive today as they were back in the ’90s. Regardless matter how much I appreciated the band before the show, I came away from it appreciating them even more than I had before.

Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines

Words by May Pinon

Photos by Cent Bernardo