By Carissa Alcantara
"Mahal namin kayo liwanag!"
This was the enthusiastic remark of the group Ben&Ben to their adoring fans during the band's homecoming concert at the SMDC concert grounds in Paranaque City last Dec. 18.
The group successfully headlined a North American tour and secured the #1 spot on Spotify, and Wrapped's most streamed local group in the Philippines list for third year in a row.
After postponing their send-off concert in October, the nine-piece band gave out their fans a welcoming performance.
As the concert started, Indie singer Clara Benin did an opening act singing her songs "Parallel Universe", "Be My Thrill," and "Araw't Gabi." The singer also took the time to thank the band for inviting her to perform on the stage.
After a short AVP from the band from the places they've been, the lights went dim and loud cheers from the fans started to grow when Ben&Ben opened the night with their song "Langyang Pag-Ibig."
Paolo thanked all the fans who went to the concert despite the rain.
''Maraming salamat sa mga liwanag namin na pumunta ngayon para sa inyo ang gabi na ito," he said after performing. (Thank you so much to our "Liwanag" for being here with us, this night is all for you!)
As the night went on, the group sang fan-favorite songs, including "Upuan," "Bibingka," and "Paninindigan Kita," which one of the audience proposed during their performance.
As a tribute to the fans, Ben&Ben performed their unreleased song "Comets."
''This song is about sa mga taong dumaan sa buhay natin pero hindi sila nagiistay, and this song is called Comets,'' Miguel said before performing.
(This song is about those people who passed on our lives but decided not to stay, and this song is called Comets)
The fans lit up their phones as they sang with the band with loud cheers and applause. Aside from Paolo and Miguel, other band members, such as Andrew De Pano and Toni Muñoz, also took center stage and sang.
During the concert's second set, KZ Tandingan took the stage performing their song "Sabel" while Zild and Juan Karlos sang "Lunod."
Ben&Ben ended the homecoming concert with their well-known hit song, ''Araw-Araw," while the member's message flashed on the screen.
Aside from their recent concert, the band will perform at the Clockenflap: Hong Kong's Music & Arts Festival this March 3-5, 2023. Together with Artic Monkeys, Balming Tiger, Ezra Collective, and many more.