ONE OK ROCK TAKES MANILA TO THE TOP

Credits to Stephen Lavoie/Rappler

"Seriously, you guys are f-ing awesome.” -  Taka

Truly a ONE, more than OK, ROCK-ing concert that surged with unyielding energy, hailed Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK performed for the first time ever in the Philippines last January 19, 2016 (Tuesday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The concert was one leg of their 35XXXV Asia Tour with the name derived from the band’s latest album, 35XXXV. It was filled with anticipation, enthusiasm and screams that can even cause someone to experience temporary hearing loss.  With the band playing hit after hit after hit, their non-stop energy yet flawless performance delighted Filipino fans and caused them to jump, sing along and just rock the night away.

Even before the band performed in the country, their catchy yet edgy and solid songs reached the Philippine soil more than four years ago mainly due to the influence of Otaku culture, which garners a huge following in the country. Started in the year 2005, the band got its name from their practice hour which is One o’clock AM. With a few change in line-up and released albums, the band started gaining recognition in their home country, Japan. Moreover, the band gained even more popularity during 2012 when they sang Rurouni Kenshin live action’s theme song, The Beginning that sky rocketed them to become of the most in demand rock bands not just in Asia but eventually in the Western countries as they geared towards rocking the international scene. 

This success was followed by two more songs for the film franchise with Mighty Long Fall and the slow rock song, Heartache, which swooned the fans with amazing musical arrangement and Taka’s soulful singing.

In particular, their Manila leg has got to be the fans’ most awaited event ever. Last year, eager fans spearheaded the petition for the concert, encouraging other fans to sign and show the Filipino fandom’s strength in numbers. With a stroke of patience and hard work, this dream eventually became a blissful reality. The VIP 1 and 2 sections and the limited Royalty tickets were even sold out immediately upon the first few days of selling date! Popularly known for their amazing live shows, Taka (vocalist), Toru (leader and guitarist), Tomoya (drummer) and Ryota (bassist) finally got the chance to prove this claim to the Filipino crowd and give them the epic experience they've been waiting for. 

Here are some of the insights regarding their Manila concert:

Usually, live performances were so raw that playing the instruments and hitting the notes perfectly as if it placated the recorded ones were difficult. But, take ONE OK ROCK as an exception. They jumped and ran all over the stage while still maintaining the superb quality of sound, especially Taka, whose voice is definitely not a product of auto-tune but a heaven-sent one and Toru, Ryota and Tomoya’s sexy instrumental part that showcased their expertise with their respective instruments. Apart from the band’s own efforts, the lights, technical arrangements and other details for the concert added flare to the experience.

Credits to JulenPhoto (OOR's official photographer for the concert)

The crowd also wowed the band when they opened their phone lights during Heartache, which made a dreamy sea of lights. They also sang along regardless if the lyrics are in Japanese or English, proving that they are indeed ready for the ONE OK ROCK. Before the encore, the fans still can’t get enough that they stomped their feet and shouted for more in which the band responded with few more songs for the fans’ delight.

Filipino fans showed their overflowing support for the band and it’s not just because their sound is unique or their songs are catchy, but because they also have this angst and charisma that draws people in especially in live shows. The switch between the English and Japanese lyrics, paired up with Taka’s powerful vocals and always improving pronunciation, Toru’s amazing guitar riffs, Ryota’s incredible bass skills and Tomoya’s double pedal drumming amplify their infectious energy on stage and awaken the fans starting with the intro track 3xxxv5 followed by the progressive Take Me to The Top. The band also sang hit songs from their past albums: The Beginning, Clock Strikes and Deeper Deeper from Jinsei x Boku = (Jinsei Kakete Boku Wa), No Scared from the album Zankyo Reference, Wherever You Are and Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer from Niche Syndrome, and songs from their current album, 35XXXV. The band capped off the event with Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer . 

The venue hours before the start of the concert. The arena was jam packed with fans!
Photo taken by the writer.

Taka and the rest expressed how thankful they are for the intense and warm reception of the Filipino crowd. Statements from them wanting to revisit the country were heard multiple times. They even took a picture with the crowd and received a huge banner from the fans as a remembrance for that memorable occasion. Before leaving the stage, drummer Tomoya even approached the mic and said “Mahal Kita” that made the crowd roar one last time. 

After the concert, fans are still in cloud nine and expressing their gratitude to ONE OK ROCK for taking Manila to the top.

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If you want to know more about the band, you may check their website at www.oneokrock.com or their official accounts on facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube just by typing "ONE OK ROCK." 

Curious about their music? Watch the MV of OOR's The Beginning here:

Photo of the writer hours before the concert.

(Pauleen General is a third year AB Communication student from DLSU-Dasmarinas and is a ONE OK ROCK fan.)

If there are any errors you wish to correct or cite, you may post it as a comment and I'll be glad to revise the article. Also, recording and cameras are not allowed during the concert hours that is why I only got the chance to take a picture before and after the concert. Credits to Rappler and JulenPhoto for the pictures.