“Kumusta? Daming tao!” were the first words Rini spoke at the Manila stop of his Past The Naked Eye Tour. The Philippine-born, Australia-raised singer-songwriter filled Samsung Hall on July 19 for his first gig in the country.

The setlist was packed with roughly 20 songs on the list, including his latest single My Luv, fan-favorites Red Light and Aphrodite, a cover of Juan Karlos’ Buwan, and megahits My Favorite Clothes and Meet Me in Amsterdam. Known to ruminate about love, Rini shared that My Favorite Clothes was written after a break-up while Meet Me in Amsterdam is about a girl from Germany who he had met online but never got around to meeting after he pursued music in 2017.

The rains and heavy traffic in the middle of the work week couldn’t dampen the crowd’s anticipation. The outpouring of support came not just from fans, but from his family who came from near and far – from Castillejos, Zambales to as far as Nebraska. It was their first time watching him live, and in true Pinoy fashion, they all wore custom orange tees and brought a huge banner. Rini was noticeably feeling kilig onstage, saying hi to the aunts and uncles and even leaving the stage to say hello to his lola.

The venue was intimate and instruments were sparse, with only keys, drums, and Rini occasionally on guitar – a simple set-up that highlighted Rini’s soulful, seductive vocals. Though the fans chanted walang uuwi, the concert eventually had to end and Rini was off to what we could only assume was a fun family reunion.