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| Lauv Live in Manila: The Between Albums Tour 2023 MOA Arena, SM Mall of Asia Pasay City September 11, 2023 |
The MOA Arena buzzed with palpable energy on September 11, 2023, as Filipino Lauv fans eagerly awaited his return. The "Between Albums Tour" promised a night of raw emotions, familiar anthems, and a glimpse into the creative space between Lauv's debut and sophomore albums. And did it deliver? Oh, it did.
From the opening notes of "Love U Like That" to the final, triumphant chords of "I Like Me Better," Lauv painted the MOA Arena with a kaleidoscope of emotions. The stripped-down acoustic renditions of fan favorites like "Sad Forever" and "Steal The Show" tugged at heartstrings, while the electrifying performances of "Who (ft. BTS)" and "Tattoos Together" had the entire crowd on their feet, singing along with every word.
But Lauv wasn't just there to perform hits. He interacted with the audience with genuine warmth, sharing stories about the inspiration behind his songs and his creative process. The vulnerability he exuded resonated deeply with the fans, creating a sense of intimacy that transcended the stage lights and the vastness of the arena.
The "Between Albums Tour" wasn't just a concert; it was a shared experience. It was a night of catharsis, joy, and connection. It was a reminder that even in the "between" spaces, there's beauty, growth, and the promise of something extraordinary to come.
Did you catch Lauv's Manila concert? What was your favorite moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
P.S. Don't forget to check out the full-show recording on YouTube by trina.ph!
Lauv Live in Manila 2023 Videos:
Lauv Live in Manila 2023 Setlist:
Love U Like That
Paris in the Rain
Paranoid
Chasing Fire
Enemies / Kids Are Born Stars / Superhero
Drugs & The Internet
Lonely Eyes
Mean It [Lauv & LANY]
fuck, i'm lonely
Tattoos Together
Summer Nights
Molly in Mexico
All 4 Nothing (I’m So In Love)
Sad Forever [Acoustic]
Breathe [Acoustic]
Steal the Show [Acoustic]
Modern Loneliness
I'm So Tired... [Lauv & Troye Sivan]
Who
Feelings
*Encore*
Never Not
I Like Me Better
Lauv Live in Manila 2023 Photos:
Lauv Live in Manila: A Night of Emotion, Energy, and Connection
There’s something undeniably electrifying about arena shows. The scale, the crowd, the lights—everything feels larger than life. But when you combine that massive energy with an artist like Lauv, whose music is filled with raw emotion and vulnerability, it creates an unforgettable experience. That’s exactly how I felt after attending Lauv’s live show at the arena in Manila. It was a night that perfectly blended high-energy performances with deeply emotional moments, leaving me feeling both exhilarated and introspective by the end.
The Build-Up: Anticipation in the Air
Walking into the arena that night, I could already sense the anticipation buzzing in the air. Fans of all ages had gathered, some wearing Lauv’s signature light blue merchandise, while others clutched handmade signs hoping to catch his attention. As I found my seat and looked around, I couldn’t help but feel part of something bigger—a shared love for an artist whose music has touched so many people around the world.
Lauv’s music has this unique ability to resonate on a personal level. Whether he’s singing about love, heartbreak, mental health, or self-discovery, there’s always something in his lyrics that strikes a chord. That night, I knew I was about to experience those feelings in an amplified way, surrounded by thousands of others who felt the same.
Opening the Show: A Burst of Energy
When the lights finally dimmed and the music began to play, the entire arena erupted in cheers. Lauv burst onto the stage with so much energy, launching into one of his upbeat tracks that had everyone on their feet. The opening moments were electric—his presence, the lights, the sound—it was all designed to pull us into his world from the get-go.
One of the things I immediately appreciated was how much Lauv seemed to be feeding off the crowd’s energy. You could see the joy on his face as he danced around the stage, interacting with fans and soaking in the love that Manila was giving him. It was clear that this wasn’t just another stop on his tour—he was genuinely excited to be performing here.
The Emotional Depth of Lauv’s Music
While Lauv is known for his upbeat, catchy pop songs, what really sets him apart is the emotional depth of his music. His setlist was a perfect balance of high-energy anthems and slower, more introspective songs. When he performed “I Like Me Better,” the entire crowd sang along, and it felt like one massive, collective moment of joy. But it was during his more vulnerable songs, like “Feelings” and “Sad Forever,” where the atmosphere shifted and things became more intimate, despite the size of the arena.
I’ve always admired how honest Lauv is in his music, especially when it comes to topics like mental health. Hearing him perform “Sad Forever” live was particularly moving. The lyrics touch on his personal struggles with anxiety and depression, and in that moment, you could feel the weight of those words. The crowd seemed to instinctively know when to quiet down as if we were all holding space for Lauv and each other during that performance. It was a beautiful, poignant moment in the midst of an otherwise high-energy show.
A Personal Connection with Fans
What makes Lauv stand out as a performer is not just his incredible voice or stage presence, but his ability to connect with his fans on a personal level. Throughout the show, he took the time to talk to the audience, sharing little anecdotes and expressing his gratitude for the love and support he’s received from his Filipino fans.
At one point, Lauv invited fans to shine their phone lights during “Modern Loneliness,” a song that addresses the paradox of feeling lonely in a hyper-connected world. As I looked around the arena, it was an incredible sight—thousands of tiny lights swaying in the dark, a sea of people united by the same feelings of isolation, yet connected through the music. It was one of those moments where I felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself.
Lauv also made an effort to highlight the importance of mental health during the show, reminding us all that it’s okay to not be okay and that we shouldn’t be afraid to seek help when we need it. Hearing him speak so openly about these issues made me appreciate his music even more—it’s not just catchy pop; it’s meaningful, and it’s clear that he wants to use his platform for good.
Crowd Favorites and Unforgettable Moments
Of course, no Lauv concert would be complete without the big hits. Songs like “Chasing Fire,” “Paris in the Rain,” and “Tattoos Together” had everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along at the top of their lungs. Each performance felt like a celebration, a burst of joy that rippled through the crowd. Lauv’s energy was contagious, and you could tell he was giving everything he had to each song.
One of the highlights of the night for me was when he performed “I’m So Tired,” a song he originally collaborated on with Troye Sivan. Even though Troye wasn’t there, the crowd more than made up for it. We all sang Troye’s parts, and it felt like the entire arena was one giant choir. It was such a fun, feel-good moment, and you could see how much Lauv was enjoying it.
Another standout moment was his performance of “Never Not.” The simplicity of the song, paired with Lauv’s heartfelt delivery, made it one of the most emotional performances of the night. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to stand still, and all that mattered was the music and the emotions it stirred within us.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As the show began to wind down, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was completely energized by the night—Lauv’s performance had been everything I’d hoped for and more. But on the other hand, I didn’t want it to end. There’s something so magical about live music, the way it brings people together and creates these shared moments that you carry with you long after the final note has been played.
Lauv closed the show with “The Other,” one of his earlier hits that still resonates deeply with fans. It was the perfect way to end the night, a song that encapsulates both the highs and lows of love, which is such a central theme in his music. As the final notes echoed through the arena, the crowd erupted in applause, but there was also a sense of quiet reflection. We had just been part of something special, something that felt deeply personal despite being shared with thousands of others.
The Afterglow of an Unforgettable Night
Walking out of the arena that night, I felt a sense of fulfillment. Lauv’s music has always made me feel understood, and seeing him live in Manila only deepened that connection. His ability to seamlessly blend upbeat pop anthems with raw, emotional honesty is what makes him such a unique artist, and experiencing that in a live setting was unforgettable.
Lauv’s Manila show wasn’t just a concert—it was an emotional journey, a celebration of the highs and lows of life, love, and mental health. It reminded me of the power of music to heal, to bring people together, and to make us feel less alone in the world.
I’ll carry the memories of that night with me for a long time. It was a perfect blend of energy, emotion, and connection, and it left me feeling grateful to have been part of such an amazing experience.
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