ruthdelacruz

travel & lifestyle blog by ruth dela cruz

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New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert

June 4, 2012
 Last night was the last leg of the New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys concert series, and they said they chose Manila to end the tour. It is weird that I am feeling a little sad, and disappointed. I want more! There is nothing to look forward to [ugly cry 😭😭😭].
Yeah, another New Kids on the Block post from me. See one I posted before the show here.  Let me share some pictures I have taken. . 
To see more pictures of NKOTBSB concert, click Read More…


*Updated and uploaded re-edited photos from the NKOTB x Backstreet Boys concert. I got the chance to see the Backstreet Boys for the second time during their concert in Manila in 2015. I love looking back at this memory.But I wish I had a better camera back then – and that I took more videos. 


This Backstreet Boys Concert in Manila was in 2015

Ruth Dela Cruz

I woke up to an invitation to see the BACKSTREET BOYS (!!!!) and what does a girl to do? Well, I asked if it is for General Admission (hahaha seriously!), but nope – PATRON SEATS (next to the…





Arriving at SM Arena.
First time to watch in SM Arena. There is a Starbucks beside the entrance I was hoping to see Jon Knight before the show because he tweeted  that Starbucks is only 50ft from his dressing room.
Even at the VIP Patron area, the lines were just sooo long. 
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
We came early and  I made a visit to the washroom twice. I was worried I would need to pee in the middle of the show!
NKOTBSB ad at the snack bar. 
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
We ordered bottled water – but cashier said they had to remove the cap for security reasons. Would love to drink beer but worried about my bladder.
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Front Act was Jay-R.
When Donnie came out of the stage, I was on my way out and I had to rush back to take pictures!
Intro Video.
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
The Boys! 
I thought we reserved good seats, but it is still far from the stage. 
My camera was no help..
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
I forgot the playlist for the concert, but I know NKOTB sang Single
I have to say the NKOTB looks hotter, younger and leaner compared to BSB!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
The NKOTB went in front of the ramp and BSB stayed in the middle of the stage
You can see from the audience who were the NKOTB and BSB fans 😀
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Sorry, you will see a lot of NKOTB pics from this set 😀

New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
One of the many “blasts”
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Donnie and Jordan (on screen)
They are so hot!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Jon is my favorite! Glad to capture that screen shot!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
I just realized Jon was the only one wearing shirt
He gained a few pounds but he’s still cute!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Gorgeous Men.

New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert

Donnie is the man! Love his bad boy attitude.
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Good job Jon! 
(In the interview with Oprah, he confessed that he had anxiety and panic attacks back when NKOTB was rocking the world). 
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Jordan always running around the stage!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Nick Carter always doing the rockstar-playing-guitar move.
I think he has gained too much weight (but he is still adorable).
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Sharing more group photos: 
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
There was a moment when Joey asked who among the audience felt that they were back in 1989..
and 1999. You bet the 1999 crowd screamed louder. I got tired of screaming.
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Singing “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time”.
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
 I was surprised to see Nick on our area looking for a girl to serenade.

New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert

I sat down because I didn’t want to be picked! (Haha)

I was hoping the NKOTB would do the same too!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
He picked someone who is I think a former Close-Up Commercial model. 😀
He is fun and flirty. The audience went wild!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Lucky Girls! You made history!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
 The US Security told me twice to stay in my seat and give way in the aisle.
I found out minutes later why.. Donnie went down in the VIP area!
And he hugged me! Too bad I was not able to have pic taken.
Was too shy to grab him and kiss him!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
One of the girls in our area tried to grab his cap, and he got serious. 
Really serious. What was she thinking?! 
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
The audience went wilder when Nick started singing and came at the back door.
I love the colors! Here’s for the BSB fans
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
NKOTB again singing “I’ll Be Loving You Forever”
I saw from Jordan’s tweet that Jakarta beautifully sang the song..
I am so sorry to disappoint him in Manila, but I sang. Promise!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Two boy bands sharing the stage
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
NKOTB wearing Philippines Jacket singing “Hanging Tough”
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
And the end of the show –
Confetti!!
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
Done.
After the show, we heard hysterical screaming in the exit hall, and checked if the boys were out, but only found the Azkals Team. I was disappointed.

Some highlights:
  • Donnie introduced Jay-R! Can you believe that?
  • The Backstreet Boys picked some girls from the audience to serenade on stage with Call Me Maybe on the background.
  • NKOTB went down at the VIP area! Donnie gave me a hug! Was too shy to pose with him for a pic and I was so scared of bouncers pushing me back to my seat!
  • AJ wore a leopard shorts – also Joey Joe!
  • Nick and Howie came from the back door exit for their performance. As expected, the crowd went crazy!
  • NKOTB showed their abs!
  • One of the BSB Boys did the booty dance (don’t recall the name!)
I am actually feeling a little bitin about the show. I wanted to see more of NKOTB. It was obvious that the crowd were mostly BSB fans, and I felt that I was the only one singing and dancing with NKOTB.
It was funny when Jordan asked the crowd to scream – and people were not really into it (and I know they were laughing too!). How many times did Donnie tell the crowd, “I can’t hear you..” Probably, he was speaking to the BSB fans, and people didn’t know the original boyband that started it all. 
I wish the crowd were a little more reactive. Most of the crowd only started waving, dancing and clapping their hands in the first seconds/minutes. After the “final act” when the boys said goodbyes, no one even screamed “More!!” I think I was one of the few screaming for encoure  – at least to show these boys that we want to see more of them. Some even started leaving their seats – so I am not sure if they were able to see the encore when the boys  came out and sang Everybody and Hangin Tough.

New Kids On the Block x Backstreet Boys in Manila Concert
 I have seen alot of NKOTB concert videos and I have seen how girls go gaga over them and it is the exact opposite of the Manila Concert. It was even funnier that when BSB boys told the crowd “Mahal kita..”. Instead of replying I love you too.. the audience screamed “Whooo!!” Okay, maybe most were just too excited with the thought of them speaking in Tagalog.


I am sure the people beside me and behind me were irritated with all my dancing and waving, but, I was trying to enjoy the show.  😀 Some regrets:

  1. I booked the wrong seats, although it was good enough because I got to see and hug Donnie. I wish I booked the section 5, left side, which is just next to the stage. It is like sitting in the SVIP (which got me and my friend thinking, that would be unfair for those who booked in SVIP section 5, right side because they only get to see the side of the stage. Tsk).
  2. I could have grabbed Donnie and asked for a picture together!
  3. During the final rounds of the boys, I was busy taking pictures of Jordan who stayed in front of us, and I thought Jon was back on stage, but I realized he was the last one to come back. I could have gotten his attention since most of the people beside me are BSB fans. Argh.
You are reading this blog from an NKOTB fan. I grew up to this music as influenced by my sisters. I wish to watch their concert again – or see them perform live (hopefully in the US).  I am not sure how an artist or a band would feel performing in front of the stage with another boy band getting more screams and waves from the crowd. I was looking at the other side of the arena where the boys were facing and the crowd were just seated comfortably with no reaction. It is as if they were watching an opera.
I know BSB and I know some of their songs (even sang with the crowd last night) but I have during their time, I was already listening to other bands/genre.

I hope the next time NKOTB perform here, they would do it on their own – and I wish the ticket prices are cheaper (I hate to ask our seatmates how much they paid for the tickets! Most I think got discounts from groupons). Before the show started, we saw some people occupying seats in the VIP area – probably thinking the seat owner would not show-up. I don’t know who these people are. But we were just surprised.

I also received feedback that audio in the General Admission is not too good. That is something that should be improved.

Anyway, I still love NKOTB. They can still move, and dance – and they still have the charm. It is amazing how they look even younger than the BSB – and we are talking about 10 years gap.

On the concert aspect, I wish the BSB sang their songs differently. Listening to them perform is like listening to the radio. But I love their humility and respect to NKOTB. But seriously, if there is any original boy band, it is gonna be The Beatles.

I am sure the review would be different from a BSB fan. 😉


Anyway, it was a good reunion concert.

So were you at the concert too? Thoughts, reaction, regrets?
** Adding comment that were not migrated when I moved blogs 🙂


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If you are reading this post somewhere, it is originally written by Ruth and published in www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com.


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