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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Side A reunites original and present lineup for two-day concert

Side A reunites original and present lineup for two-day concert

Joined by a 30-piece orchestra, the special homecoming show celebrates the enduring power of brotherhood, legacy, and music

By MBrand
Published Feb 16, 2026 12:41 pm
Side A
Side A
Side A returns with a special musical homecoming that reunites the founding and current members of the iconic Filipino pop band.
Produced by Minsan Studio, the two-night concert will take place at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) on Feb. 21 and 22, 2025, and will feature orchestral arrangements by acclaimed musical director Ria Villena-Osorio.
Described as a big family reunion, Now&Then represents Side A’s enduring spirit, one that is built on music, brotherhood, and timeless artistry. “Bringing both the OGs and current members together on one stage shows how the Side A story has grown through the years but kept the same heart,” shares the band.
The idea for the concert arose from a serendipitous moment. Joey Benin recounts how the collaboration took shape after attending his daughter Clara’s concert at the MET. “I was so impressed with the sound and the whole production. After the show, Jason [Conanan] of Minsan Studio said, ‘How about we do a passion project with Side A here at the classic Metropolitan Theater?’ I immediately contacted our manager, Lito Fugoso, who pitched it to the band—and here we are now: excited and looking forward to next year’s ultimate gathering.”
What makes Now&Then stand out is the union of two generations of Side A musicians, each bringing their chapter of sound, story, and soul. The concert will feature the following lineup:
Side A Now:
Naldy Gonzalez - Keyboards/Musical Director (the only remaining and active original member of Side A)
Ernie Severino – Drums
Leevon Cailao - Lead guitars and vocals
Ned Esguerra – Bass
Yubs Esperat - Lead vocals and acoustic guitar
Side A Then:
Rodel Gonzalez - Lead vocals / guitars
Pido Lalimarmo - guitars and vocals
Joey Benin - Bass and vocals
Music fans can look forward to a one-of-a-kind experience as Side A’s rich and vast catalog gets reimagined with a 30-piece orchestra.
“Expect to hear Side A songs in a new way, but still very familiar,” reveals the chart-topping band. “The orchestra adds a bigger emotional landscape to the songs. It’s going to be a special experience for all of us on stage and in the audience.”
Ultimately, Now&Then serves both as a celebration of Side A’s legacy and a gift to generations of listeners. “We hope people go home reminded of why they fell in love with Side A songs in the first place and maybe fall in love with them all over again. For us, Now &Then is a thank you: to God, to the people who have supported us all these years, and to our families, our wives, children, and apos who became part of the story. If people leave the concert with full hearts, good memories, and fresh hope, then this reunion will have done its job.”
Tickets to Side A’s Now&Then concert are now available on minsan.studio
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