Breaking away from a beloved musical group to venture into a solo career is a daunting task for any artist. The stakes are high, and the expectations from both fans and critics alike can be overwhelming. Yet for Felip, a member of the wildly successful Filipino P-pop group SB19, the challenge was even greater.
With the Kings of P-pop known for their tight-knit performances and strong group dynamics, stepping out on his own meant Felip had to prove his mettle as an individual artist while still honoring the legacy of his own group. The expectations to deliver something extraordinary were immense — especially with an ambitious debut solo album like 7sins.
With its rich thematic elements and innovative sound, the album quickly gained traction, setting the stage for Felip’s highly anticipated solo concert. Held at the brand new Space at One Ayala, the concert was poised to be a defining moment in Felip’s career — one that promised to showcase his unique artistic vision and ability to captivate an audience on his own.
The stage was set with a visually captivating backdrop, embodying the bold and introspective themes of the 7sins album, with each sin represented through intricate lighting and set designs. As the lights dimmed, the audience erupted into cheers, signaling Felip’s grand entrance. Clad in a sleek, avant-garde outfit, Felip kicked off the show with “foes,” setting the tone with its operatic opening, intense beats, and powerful lyrics.
From the moment Felip stepped on stage, his effortless swagger and magnetic stage presence entranced the crowd. His newly debuted fiery red hair was a bold statement that perfectly complemented his stylish attire, making him the focal point of the entire production. Every move he made and every note he sang had the audience laying eyes on him, captivated by his undeniable star power.
While the venue’s sound system ended up muffled, the concert’s conceptual vision was brilliantly brought to life through meticulous attention to detail. Each segment of the show was carefully crafted to reflect each corresponding sin, creating a cohesive narrative that guided the audience through an emotional and sensory journey. The lighting design was particularly noteworthy, with each sin characterized by distinct color schemes and visual effects that enhanced the storytelling. For instance, the performance of “envy” was bathed in fiery reds and aggressive strobe lights, while “sloth” was enveloped in soothing blues and gentle spotlights, mirroring the contrasting moods.
Throughout the concert, Felip navigated through the emotional landscape of each sin, blending genres seamlessly. “wrath” saw him channeling raw energy with hard-hitting choreography and a rock-infused sound, while “greed” brought a contrasting mellow vibe, allowing Felip to demonstrate his vocal range and emotive delivery.
The transitions between songs were smooth, maintaining the momentum and keeping the audience engaged. However, one aspect that was evident throughout the show was the grand size of the venue’s teleprompter. While it was much appreciated that Felip went off-script from the prompter’s script for most of the show, there were several instances wherein the show’s surprises were spoiled or revealed in advance of the moment.
The concert also featured several guest artists, including hip-hop stars PLAYERTWO and Belgium-based singer Cyra Gwynth, who each joined Felip for a special set of performances, much to the delight of the fans.
One of the standout moments of the show was his performance of “lust,” wherein Felip was joined by Cyra Gwnyth on stage. The sultry number was accentuated by the electric chemistry between the two — inviting the audience into their unique dynamic. Cyra also performed two other songs from her repertoire, including a fantastic rendition of her latest single, “cut the bs (runnin’).”
PLAYERTWO brought out their signature energy in their performance of “gluttony” with Felip, and delighted the crowd with a stellar (and surprise) execution of their beloved hit, “SHOWER MUSIC.”
All throughout the show, Felip demonstrated his ability to command the stage, which was evident as he moved effortlessly across its various sections, allowing him to connect with the audience on a deeper level. He took several moments between songs to address the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes and the inspiration behind the 7sins album. His sincerity and humility resonated with the audience, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the grandeur of the venue.
“Gusto ko lang sabihin na this is my very first concert, and I love you guys. And thank you so much sa pagpunta ngayong gabi. I saw that some of you, galing pa sa malalayong lugar, lumipad pa. So, maraming salamat sa inyo na nandito,” said Felip. (“I just want to say that this is my very first concert, and I love you guys. Thank you so much for coming out tonight. I saw that some of you came from faraway places, and flew all the way here for this. So thank you so much for being here.”)
The night culminated with a stellar set of final tracks “ROCKSTA” and “ache,” the latter combining haunting melodies with poignant lyrics. As the last few notes faded, the crowd erupted into applause, giving Felip a well-deserved standing ovation. He returned for an encore, performing a high-energy version of “MICTEST” once more, leaving the audience on a high energy that is tough to recreate.
From what the audience witnessed, Felip’s first solo concert was a resounding success, demonstrating his growth as an artist and his ability to captivate an audience. Though it would’ve been appreciated if the show included more of his discography to make the most of its runtime, the 7sins album concert was not just a performance, but a journey through human emotions, brought to life by the SB19 soloist’s undeniable talent and charisma.
As the fans dispersed from the venue, the A’TIN fandom left the venue not just entertained, but deeply moved (and wanting more), eagerly anticipating what Felip will offer next in his solo journey.
As we look forward to what lies ahead for Felip, listen to his 7sins album below:
Check out more exclusive photos from Felip’s 7sins album concert below: