After years of waiting, REAL FRIENDS finally brought their music to Manila. I had the chance to be there, and this is how the night went.

There are nights when a show feels less like a gig and more like a community. REAL FRIENDS’ first-ever Manila stop (last leg) on August 15, 2025, at Bar IX in Muntinlupa City was exactly that.

The night began with Yes Friday, who took over for Summerlane, who was initially scheduled to join the Philippine leg. Even as last-minute substitutes, they set the tone right: tight, energetic, and winning the crowd over. Android 18 followed, a female-fronted pop-punk band, who turned the energy up a notch. On their last song, they pulled a surprise by bringing Symoun Durias of End Street on stage, sending the crowd pumped before the main show.

When REAL FRIENDS finally came out, a little technical issue happened, which usually happens in live music, making the crowd extra pumped for them. Then, after it was fixed, everything just went crazy. Opening with “Late Nights in My Car,” the crowd started moshing, running in circle pits, people were stage diving and crowdsurfing, and even vocalist Cody joined the chaos, diving straight into the crowd. The band ripped through a 14-song set that included both new and old tracks. Fan favorites like “Mess” kept the floor moving, while recent tracks like “Waiting Room” showed just how hard their music still hits live.

But the emotional peak came mid-set. On their eighth song, Cody (vocalist) walked right into the middle of the crowd to sing “I’ve Given Up on You.” Everyone screamed every word back, and for a moment, the chaos turned into something raw and emotional. Before jumping back on stage, Cody shared a message that stuck:

“There’s something else I want to say that’s really important to me and to REAL FRIENDS – is I want every single one of you to know how special it is that you’re in this room. Not just you’re supporting the band, but because you’re supporting yourself and this community. Now, what I mean by that is you made a choice today to get up and do something with yourself.”

The band closed with “Tell Me You’re Sorry,” ending the night on the same energy as it began.

The show wasn’t packed to the brim, but it didn’t matter. The energy was undeniable, the emotions heavy, and for many, this night was years in the making. REAL FRIENDS didn’t just play their first Manila show; they reminded us what it feels like to be part of something bigger than ourselves and why we go to shows in the first place. And if this night was just the beginning, then here’s to hoping it won’t be the last time we scream these songs together in the same room.

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