May 28, 2012
Hard Rock Cafe, Makati

Just a little over a year after their first Manila show, power pop band We the Kings returned for their own headlining concert at the Hard Rock Cafe. The show was made possible by Dayly Entertainment and Built By Sonic.

Fans were already spotted roaming Glorietta as Travis, Danny, Hunter, Charles and Coley chatted with the media at the secret press conference.

“Choosing a favorite album is like asking a parent to choose their favorite child.” shared drummer Danny Duncan when asked about their 3 successful studio albums. Frontman Travis Clark then added that while they could not choose a favorite, their first album was very close to them as it was their self-titled album that got them to where they are today.

The band was greeted with resounding cheers as they entered the venue. Newly-appointed bassist Charles Trippy held up his camera as they made their entrance, taking video footage for his popular vlog, Internet Killed Television.

Hours later, the doors were finally opened and the crowd trickled into the venue as the organizers sorted out the ticket-holders and listed guests.

Opening act December Avenue clearly had technical issues with their set, their songs often pierced by screeches and feedback from the sound system. While not completely prepared for these issues, the band and tech crew managed to work with the situation.

After much anticipation, it was time for the main event. We the Kings opened with the song “She Takes Me High”, followed by “Skyway Avenue” and “What You Do To Me”. The avid fans did not disappoint as they sang (or in many cases, screamed) the words right back at the boys.

“Bands come and go,” said Travis, “but we really feel like this is our second home.” It was soon made clear that he had been practicing his Tagalog, slipping in phrases like “Astig kayo!” and “Mahal namin kayo!” The greetings were received with wild cheering that resulted in an improv jam, wherein the crowd chanted “Astig, astig, astig!” as the band freestyled.

Sooner than the fans would have wanted, the rockers said their goodbyes before performing their smash hit finale song, “Check Yes Juliet”. Every person present in the jam-packed audience jumped, danced, and sang their hearts out until the very end.

Despite their rockstar status, the members and crew of We the Kings proved to be very friendly and down-to-earth people. Many fans got the chance to chat, get autographs, and give gifts of their own as the band soon came out to meet them. “We’ll do every f—–g thing in this world to get back here!” declared Travis, to which the ecstatic WTK Family loudly cheered and held up the signature “W” gang sign.

We the Kings live in Manila left fans in incredibly high spirits, singing their Kings’ songs and praising the event as one of the best rock concerts of the year. Needless to say, Manila can’t wait to have them back.

Special thanks to Dayly Entertainment and Built By Sonic for making We the Kings live in Manila possible.

 

Manila 2012 Set List

She Takes Me High
Skyway Avenue
What You Do To Me
Kiss Me Last
Friday is Forever
Every Single Dollar
All Again for You
Secret Valentine
We’ll Be a Dream
Heaven Can Wait
Say You Like Me
The Middle
Check Yes Juliet

Photos and review by Carla Barretto