And In This Moment I Am Happy: NKOTBSB in Manila

The Backstreet Boys Live in Manila 2012

June 3, 2012, SM Arena -Most people would see me as a Rock music junkie, but believe it or not, I’m secretly still a huge fan of the 90’s boybands, most specially the Backstreet Boys! Before I evolved into an awesome rocker chick, I was one of those crazy little girls collecting pinups from teen/songmags, fighting over which boyband is the biggest, dancing and singing while favorite hits on the radio were playing or practically playing cassette tapes until they get busted, or doing homework while glued to MTV Nonstop Hits. When I got the chance to see the Backstreet Boys last 2010, I let it passed thinking I have outgrown them. After realizing what I had missed, I felt remorseful! It was one of my biggest childhood dreams to meet and see the Boys. My life basically revolved around them, how could I let the chance slipped away?

Howie Dorough, NKOTBSB in Manila 2012

When Howie D. announced the NKOTBSB Tour on his Twitter, I never expected it would include Asia, but I tweeted him back anyway. Wishful thinking. With lots of foreign acts visiting the country lately, I can hardly choose which ones I’m going to see so I scanned Manila Concert Scene’s website to help me decide. And, BOOM, NKOTBSB in Manila! I skipped a couple of shows in May just to save up for this one night concert.

Due to miscommunication with the tickets we have preordered, we got in late at the SM Arena. NKOTB and BSB were already performing the opening song. A couple of my friends and I got Lower Box SRO passes and another one got an All Access ID. I borrowed her ID and tried to get to the VIP section to take closer shots. I was able to get to the front, but when Nick Carter went down the stage, he created a mob of Mrs. Carter wannabes so the security went all outraged and aggressive. This chinky guy, who, I know for sure is one of the BSB’s bodyguards harassed me while yelling, “where’s your ticket?!... get the fuck outta here! I don’t care about your ID, you don’t have a ticket! Buhbye!” I felt sorry for myself, never in my life have I experienced a stranger bullied me like that. I wasn't even staring at Nick! I was so helpless, it nearly ruined my night so I decided to go back to my friends.

New Kids On The Block, NKOTBSB in Manila 2012

Anyway, when I regained composure, it was NKOTB who were performing. The set was in an alternate performance of the BSB and NKOTB and I haven’t experienced the latter’s music yet so I got myself busy taking pictures and videos because I barely know the songs. I mean, they were big in the 80s and only rose to fame here in the Philippines in early 90s and I was just a toddler then. But Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight can still reach those high flying notes. They were full of energy and still captured every girl's heart from the audience.

Brian Littrell, NKOTBSB in Manila 2012

When I finally saw the BSB onstage, I nearly teared up. That was the moment I have been waiting since I was 9 years old. My heart skipped a beat, I needed to internalize what I was seeing. They played most songs from their first three albums and my little heart couldn't contain the happiness. I've gone crazy, it was like grade school/high school all over again. I sang my heart out until I choked out, it was a great feeling. When they played 10,000 Promises, I felt like my hair raised like there was a strong magnetic field around me and I started crying! That song is full of emotion, and it's one of my most favorite songs. After the song, I saw Brian wiped something out of his eyes. I could tell he got carried away and teared up, too.

The NKOTBSB Tour last stop was Manila, so I'm guessing they made everything possible to produce it world class. The lights, laser effects, fireworks and confetti were incredible, the stage was well executed and the crowd was full of energy the whole time. It was like the highlight of the whole tour which started around early last year. The Kids and the Boys are already in their 30's and early 40s but it was so surprising they can still do their signature dance moves! For some, it was weird watching them dance like they used to do when they were younger, but for me, heck yeah! All hail the Kings of Boybands! Also, during the show, they kept telling the crowd how they're making it really special because the tour is ending. They thanked each other for making it possible, sticking together like the old times and expressed how they'll gonna miss each other. I felt proud I got to attend this show. The first and the last are always the ones most remembered.

After they said their thanks and goodbyes, Howie D, chanted "NKOTBSB, NKOTBSB, NKOTBSB, NKOTBSB, NKOTBSB..." and everyone followed until the stage faded to black.

"NKOTBSB, NKOTBSB, NKTOBSB"!, NKOTBSB in Manila 2012

NKOTBSB - The End, signing off.

Here are some of the photos I took during the show. If you like to see more, then visit this page. All photos were taken by me, should you wish to copy them, please do not alter the copyright watermark. Thank you.