During his exclusive interview with Philippine Concerts, Eric Nam promised us a fun show and with lots of singing and dancing. On November 10,  Eric Nam held his There and Back Again in Manila at the Samsung Hall and the Filipino Nam Nation got exactly that and more.

“I waited for this day for a very long time. I’m so excited to be here, so thankful that you guys are here,” Eric told the crowd at the beginning. It was his 2nd time to perform in Manila, the first being in January 2020, a few months before the global pandemic happened. Fast forward to 2022, he took the stage again as if he hadn’t lost any momentum.

Eric Nam was a versatile performer onstage. He belted out his songs effortlessly and danced smoothly while he’s at it. Backed by two dancers and a live band, he moved around the stage as if he owned it. Add to that, he exuded warmth whenever he talked to his fans, making sure all of them were having a good time. With all this, It was very easy for the crowd to immerse themselves in his music and his charm. 

His setlist was a good mix of his best hits. From his latest album, he performed “Any Other Way”, “What If” and “Lost on Me”. From Before We Begin, the bittersweet  “Love Die Young”, the groovy “You’re Sexy I’m Sexy” and the celebratory “Congratulations”.

There were some surprises in between as well. During “Good for You”, Eric Nam came out with a bunch of roses which he graciously gave out to the audience. For the first time in his tour, he performed his debut song from almost a decade ago “Heaven’s Door”. 

The Filipino Nam Nation also threw their curve ball of surprises, too. Before the show, they gave out banners which said “Hi Eric! Nam Nation is always down for you!” . Some even brought customized lightsticks. When Eric asked the crowd who were celebrating their birthdays, he got a bit of a surprise when the crowd sang Happy Birthday for him in return. FYI: He’s celebrating his day on the 17th. “Thank you so much, I’m  turning nineteen. One day, I’ll turn twenty and I’ll be like everybody else,” he joked.

“Thanks to you guys –  to each and every one of you here tonight! You could be anywhere, but you chose to be here. I hope that if I come back, y’all come back,” he told the crowd towards the end of his show. Of course, it was an immediate “yes”.

by Sandra Mae Laureano

Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines

Eric Nam – There and Back Again – Live in Manila – Setlist

1. Any Other Way
2. Don’t Call Me
3. What If 
4. Lost on Me
5. Runaway
6. Down for You
7. Echo 
8. Paradise 
9. Heaven’s Door
10. Good for You
11. Love Die Young
12. You’re Sexy I’m Sexy / Honestly 
13. Congratulations

14. Wildfire
15. I Don’t Know You Anymore