The Enduring Charm of a1

a1's Valentine concert presented by Concert Republic at the New Frontier Theater last weekend was a deeply evocative experience. It was a full-circle moment, bringing me back to my days as Media Manager at Sony Music Philippines in 2000. Although they've performed since 2012, this was my first time seeing them live in 25 years.

I must say, a1's concert performance was incredibly polished, disciplined, and professional. Paul Marazzi's vocals were detailed yet powerful. Ben Adams retained his boyish charm, eliciting enthusiastic screams from the audience. Mark Read and Christian Ingebrigtsen demonstrated their exceptional skill on guitar and keyboards, respectively.

It was a magical evening that captivated fans of all ages. With their signature pop melodies and smooth harmonies, a1 effortlessly won the hearts of the concert audience. They have obviously maintained their loyal fanbase over the years, proving the enduring quality of their music. The intimate venue enhanced the performance, making it even more heartfelt and memorable.

It was a night filled with fun and lasting memories, shared with an attentive and receptive audience.

A nice highlight of the night was their performance of "Ready Or Not," where the British-Norweigian boy group taught the audience a portion of the chorus dance, which the audience happily joined in.

The concert not only showcased a1's classic upbeat, mid-tempo, and love ballads, but it also highlighted their deep appreciation of and connection with Filipino fans. Throughout the night, the audience enthusiastically sang along to every lyric, creating a delightful atmosphere.

Overall, the concert was quite nostalgic for me, as I enjoyed it on multiple levels. When the group performed their songs, I not only appreciated the lyrics and vocals, but also the fond memories and backstories associated with them, which made the performance even more endearing. I remember their first promo tour vividly. During their initial visit to the Philippines in the year 2000, they had some free time at the Sony Music office (then on Shaw Boulevard). The Sony advertising and promotions department was abuzz because the a1 boys were hanging out and playing Counter-Strike on the office computers. But I digress. Going back to the concert...

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I especially enjoyed their uptempo and mid-tempo songs like "Caught in the Middle," "No More," and "Same Old Brand New You," tracks that showcased their pop-rock sound. Of course, given Filipinos' love for love songs, a1 had to perform many of their love ballads, such as "Walking in the Rain," "Forever in Love," and "One More Try."

It was a pleasant surprise when a1 sang the classic ballad "Three Times A Lady" by the Commodores, written by Lionel Richie, during which four lucky audience members received roses from the band.

I enjoyed the vocal harmonies, which I must say are a level above what I heard last time. If I were to use a local Filipino musical term, their sound was "plakado"—spot-on, with near-perfect execution, and almost flawlessly delivered, eerily identical to their original recording, or at least as I remember it.

A highlight of the night was their medley of love ballads, preceded by their rendition of the chorus of the Filipino classic love song "Forevermore" by Side A. The encore was Ben Adams' "Like A Rose," during which the audience spontaneously sang the chorus a cappella before the music began.

It was a night filled with fun and lasting memories, shared with an attentive and receptive audience. The crowd was a mix of titas and their tito dates, as well as the next generation of a1 fans, complete with cut-out faces of the band members, heart-shaped headbands, and an array of glow sticks and LED light sticks. The Valentine's Day concert at the New Frontier Theater concluded with a performance of the Norwegian hit "Take On Me."

a1's frequent returns to the country prove their lasting popularity with the Filipino fans. Their charming presence and harmonies created a perfect atmosphere for celebrating love. The concert left everyone with fond memories and a continued appreciation for a1's music. It was a celebration of love, music, and their bond with Filipino fans. For me, it was a special Valentine's concert, seeing the group's enduring love and passion for music after 25 years.