5 Highlights From Louis Tomlinson’s ‘How Did We Get Here?’ World Tour In Manila
While not short of echo-shattering screams from fans, the English singer-songwriter’s return to Manila was also a space for vulnerability, and promised something to look forward to in the future.
LOUIS TOMLINSON: Courtesy of Seven 7 Management
LOUIS TOMLINSON: Courtesy of Seven 7 Management
On October 17, 2026, Louis Tomlinson returned to the Smart Araneta Coliseum and staged his How Did We Get Here? World Tour in Manila.
The English singer-songwriterSinger-SongwriterA musician who writes and performs their own songs, typically accompanied by guitar or piano. Valued for personal storytelling and authenticity, singer-songwriters form a major part of the Filipino musicGo to Singer-Songwriter Glossary’s highly anticipated return to the country was met with a resounding reception from his Filipino Louies, who made sure to sing their hearts out and be as loud as they could be to every song on the setlist.
After the Philippines missed out on his Faith in the Future World TourWorld TourA series of concerts held across multiple countries and continents, usually to support a new album or career milestone. World tours demonstrate an artist's international reach, and Philippine stops haveGo to World Tour Glossary in support of his sophomore record a couple of years ago, this time around, the “Lemonade” singer finally reunited with his Filipino fans for a night that showcased not just the music but also the power of how music connects, heals, and brings people together.
With that, Billboard Philippines looks back on the memorable moments from Louis Tomlinson’s return to Manila.
Welcome back, Louie
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They say there’s no crowd quite like a Manila crowd, and Filipino Louies certainly welcomed the 34-year-old singer-songwriter with open arms from the opening notes of “Lemonade” to the roaring encore performance of “Palaces.” It was electrifying to be in the same room as his passionate fans, all fired up to sing along to his newer releases as well as the songs they’ve loved through the years. The crowd never skipped a beat, making sure Louis felt the full force of their love and support through each song he and his band performed.
Never been so “defenceless”
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Held just a day after the second death anniversary of his close friend and former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, the concert carried an added emotional weight. Louis wasn’t shy to show his vulnerable side during a heartfelt stretch of the set, which included “Dark to Light,” “Broken Bones,” and renditions of Foo Fighters’ “My Hero” and One Direction’s “Night Changes.”
It seemed as if, during this stretch, Louis was not feeling it. However, he opened up to the fans in attendance about how the warmth of the crowd inside the Big Dome made him feel comfortable enough to express his emotions freely.
Facing the music
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The night may have had its fair share of emotional and quiet moments; Louis knew when to bring the energy back in full throttle. He continued the night after the aforementioned stretch of songs and turned up the volume, which made the Filipino Louies even more ecstatic.
From Walls to How Did I Get Here?
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With much of the setlist centered on his third studio album, How Did I Get Here?, the tour also featured Louis’ earlier music from his catalog. Tracks such as “Kill My Mind” and “Miss You” brought fans some of the loudest cheers as they circled back to the eras that defined Louis’ direction in his solo work post-One Direction.
Although songs like “Defenceless” and his rendition of One Direction’s “No Control” may have been booted out of the setlistSetlistThe carefully ordered list of songs an artist plans to perform at a concert. A thoughtful setlist balances hits with deeper cuts and builds energy across the night, and fansGo to Setlist Glossary, the nearly two-hour show featured a setlist that was already packed with fan favorites and memorable performances that will be remembered by devoted fans.
Always you, Manila
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At the end of the show, Louis reassured his passionate fans that he would be back. Filipino Louies clearly have something to look forward to, as the singer-songwriterSinger-SongwriterA musician who writes and performs their own songs, typically accompanied by guitar or piano. Valued for personal storytelling and authenticity, singer-songwriters form a major part of the Filipino musicGo to Singer-Songwriter Glossary hinted at another visit to the country in the future. Surely, the fans are well-deserving of an upcoming stop when a new era comes, as evidenced by the roaring reception with which they welcomed Louis back after four years since his first solo show in Manila.
Frequently Asked Questions
Louis Tomlinson’s Manila setlist opened with “Lemonade” and closed with “Palaces,” featuring tracks from How Did I Get Here? alongside earlier hits like “Kill My Mind” and “Miss You.”
Louis Tomlinson performed at Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 17, 2026, marking his first solo Manila show in four years after missing the Philippines on his previous tour.
The concert fell a day after the second anniversary of Liam Payne’s death. Louis performed an emotional stretch including “Dark to Light” and “Broken Bones,” opening up to fans.
No, “Defenceless” and One Direction’s “No Control” were left off the Manila setlist. The nearly two-hour show instead focused on How Did I Get Here? and earlier solo hits.
Louis Tomlinson hinted at another visit to the Philippines, telling fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum he would be back. No official date for a future Manila show has been announced.
