Two years had passed since Shane Filan had visited Manila. That time, he was still with Westlife, on a world tour to promote their latest album “Gravity”. During their sold-out concert at the Big Dome, they gave their diehard fans a memorable evening. It was bittersweet how it turned out to be their last ever concert together in Manila. A few months after, the band announced their definitive split, breaking the hearts of their Filipino fans. Read Westlife: Still in the center of Gravity

Who knew that this year would mark Shane Filan’s return to Manila? Now pursuing a solo career, he had recently released an EP titled “Everything to Me”. A week ago, he started touring different countries to promote his music. Luckily, the Philippines happened to be one of the first stops across the world.

Yesterday afternoon, he made a public appearance along with a press conference in the middle of Megamall. A number of loyal fans flocked the venue to show their support for the former lead vocalist of Westlife. As if they suddenly returned to their teenage selves, the fans screamed at the sight of their idol.

Scanning the crowd, Shane seemed very pleased. The 34 year-old Irish singer still looks as dashing as ever even with the addition of a few fine lines on his face. Eager to connect with the Filipino audience, he answered the media’s questions in an engagingly straightforward manner.

He explained that “Everything to Me” was inspired by his family and fans whom he considers to be the most important parts of his life.

On his former Westlife members

When asked about his relationship with former Westlife members, he said that they remain to be “very good” friends. They still phone each other often just to check up how each one’s doing. He also mentioned that they had congratulated him for releasing a new single.

On his solo career

When asked about the difference of having a solo career compared to being in a band, he answered, “It’s a new experience…something that I need to get used to. You’re on your own. Things require more focus and attention. You have to be 100% everyday.” He added that as members of Westlife, “We all worked very hard”, a value that he had learned to live with even now.

On his fans

He showed his love for his fans by showing his sincerity and innate humor. He was very attentive to the crowd, looking at them straight in the eye as he answered.

When the emcee teased him about being a ‘papa’, the slang term for being captivatingly handsome, he blushed and giggled for a few seconds.

A long-time fan, who brought a Shane Filan doll that he had owned for 11 years, specially requested a photo op. Shane, touched by the fan’s admiration, gave him an unforgettable moment by asking him to climb the stage for a picture. He even joked, “I look a lot younger in that doll!”

What can we expect from Shane Filan?

In the near future, he plans on doing collaborations with various artists worldwide, including someone from the Philippines. Currently, he’s on talks with his record label to see it through and he promises that we’ll hear something definite about it in the next months.

Even sooner than that, his first full album “You and Me” is bound to hit the world on the first week of November.

And here’s some great news for his fans: Shane vows to come back next year for a full concert.

Catch him tonight September 28 at Sky Dome and tomorrow at Podium!

Grab a copy of the CD which will be available nationwide soon on Astroplus/Astrovision.  

Presented by MCA MUSIC

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by Sandra Mae Laureano