When GIVĒON took the stage at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City earlier this week (February 5, 2026), there were no towering LEDs, colorful flashing lights, no fancy graphics. It was simply just all mood, music, and emotion.
The R&B sensation’s first time in Manila didn’t unfold like a typical concert. It felt closer to a confessional. The atmosphere felt hushed yet heavy, romantic but reflective, as if the audience had collectively agreed to swim in their feelings for the night. Rather than overpowering the room, GIVĒON let stillness do the work. His presence was controlled, almost minimal, allowing the music his emotion, and powerful vocals to move freely across the theater. This turned the packed venue into something that felt deeply personal, reflecting who GIVĒON truly is as an artist.
As we still reel from an impeccable Manila debut — presented by Live Nation Philippines, let’s look at five moments that made GIVĒON’s concert a night to remember.
A minimalist stage that pulled everyone closer
Courtesy of Live Nation Philippines. Photograph by Jasper Lucena.
Even with the New Frontier Theater packed and the audience fully seated, the night felt less like a grand venue and more like an intimate room. The sound design and audio mixing made it feel as though GIVĒON was always within reach. This was most evident during stripped back moments like his acoustic performance of “Chicago Freestyle,” where the room fell into near silence, hanging onto every word. A near blank stage, built on only a few levels and draped in satin beneath a giant cloth backdrop was all it took. No excess, no distraction, and just enough to frame the night and allow the music to do what it does best — pull everyone closer.
Lighting as a silent co-star
Courtesy of Live Nation Philippines. Photograph by Jasper Lucena.
The suave storyteller set the mood perfectly with lighting, often appearing in silhouette alongside his band, washed in dark blues, reds, and purples that filled the stage. His performance of newer tracks like “ Twenties,” and “Avalanche” were accompanied by dancing rays of lights that entranced the audience.
A band that took center stage with him
Courtesy of Live Nation Philippines. Photograph by Jasper Lucena.
While GIVĒON is undeniably the star, his brilliance onstage was amplified by his band. Guitar solos sparked roaring applause, while intimate moments transformed some of GIVĒON’s biggest songs into stripped-down piano passages or acoustic renditions. Backing vocalists were given real space to shine, stepping forward as essential voices in the performance. Songs like “Stuck On You,” felt especially alive in this setting, lifted by warm instrumentation and layered harmonies.
The arrangements across his catalog felt richer and more alive, reflecting a clear respect for both the music and the audience. It was a reminder that great live shows are built through collaboration, and it’s always a welcome sight to see an artist who proudly spotlights the team that carries his sound.
When the crowd became part of the story
Courtesy of Live Nation Philippines. Photograph by Jasper Lucena.
Midway through the set, GIVĒON paused to read a handwritten sign from the audience: “We were supposed to watch Giveon together but now we are strangers.” After it drew an instant communal expression of heartbreak from the audience, Giveon brought this emotion into the show.
As “Strangers,” later echoed through the theater, the emotion definitely felt heightened by the exchange. He recorded a short video for the fan onstage, asking them to take the person back and come see him again the next time he’s in Manila, but this time together. It was a small spontaneous gesture that only added to the honesty that defined the night.
Music and memories
Courtesy of Live Nation Philippines. Photograph by Jasper Lucena.
Between songs, GIVĒON reflected on love, loss, and growth, sharing how he poured everything inside him into his writing, and how that outlet became poetry in motion that now resonates through his music around the world.
The set list flowed seamlessly from early releases and listener favorites to a strong focus on his latest album. GIVĒON closed the night with arguably his biggest hit “Heartbreak Anniversary,” returning to the stage after being summoned back by the crowd for one last powerful encore.
Without giant screens or visual gimmicks, the show relied on flawless sound rich instrumentation, and a deeply sincere performance. In a time when concerts often compete to be louder and bigger, GIVĒON’s Manila stop reminded us how powerful it can be to simply let the music speak.