If there’s one thing that Boyce Avenue and their fans have in common, it’s the passion they have for music. Bonded by brotherhood and strengthened with their ardor of music, the Florida-based trio captured the hearts of Filipinos long before their initial visit to the country in 2009. Four years later, Alejandro, Daniel and Fabian Manzano as well as their fans will agree that it has been way too long since they have performed in the Philippines.

On the eve of December 30, Boyce Avenue graced the Philippine stage once more. As the show was held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World, the crowd’s decorum was nothing short of appropriate for the venue. The fans’ true fervor shone towards the end of the show. At Alejandro’s encouragement to stand up, they moved closer to the stage.

Boyce Avenue is famous for doing their renditions of popular hits, so it is inevitable for fans to hear covers like Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, Oasis’s Wonder wall, and Justin Timberlake’s Mirrors (a crowd favorite) live. They also balance out the set list with their compositions such as On My Way and Your Biggest Fan. The band also inspires fans to be optimistic in tough times through the song Broken Angel. Alejandro explains the song as taking a negative experience and turning it into something positive. The band took the emotional ambiance deeper with a personal song called Briane. It was written for Daniel’s friend whose wife had committed suicide. No matter what song, the boys put their heart and soul in their performance. They use their music to bring a positive light to their listeners.

The songs they play mean something to them. This is what makes their performance personal. This vulnerability works well, connecting with fans worldwide. It relays honesty in what they do. It can be heard in Alejandro’s rugged and raw vocals accompanied by the instruments stripped down. Their renditions showcase the beauty in simplicity; music in its raw form.

Though the crowd was observing proper decorum at a theater, they were proactive. They clapped, cheered, whistled; and shouted words of affirmation and song requests. During song intervals, when the theater was engulfed in near silence, a guy would shout, “I love you, Alejandro”. This happened a number of instances, and the crowd ignited in laugher every time. The loudest was when Alejandro quipped an echo of the statement.

Though now a staple at shows, the crowd loves an encore. It gives that feeling of only-for-you. Returning on stage after a cliffhanger, Boyce Avenue ignited the crowd in cheers as they said, “Mabuhay Philippines. Mahal namin kayo!” By the last song, fans were rushing to the front row to get a personal moment, take great photos, or selfies with the band.

Echoes of fervor lingered after the show. What’s more, the euphoria from the concert was heightened with the spirit of charity. The final concert of the year was in true celebration of the meaning of Christmas. All came together for a greater cause with a heart-warming news that Ovation Productions together with Boyce Avenue were donating Php 1 Million to Red Cross for Typhoon Yolanda.

Written by Isabel R. Matias

Special thanks to MMI Live and OVATION PRODUCTIONS