Video: M2M in Manila, are Filipinos the best concert audience?

Manila: Filipinos have once again proven they’re the home of sing-along.

When Norwegian pop duo M2M took the stage at the Araneta Coliseum on May 1 and 2 for their “Better Endings” reunion tour, they were met with a sold-out crowd that transformed the venue into a massive, emotionally charged karaoke session.

For many in the audience — now in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s— it was more than just a concert; it was a nostalgic reconnection with their teenage or youngers years.

From the opening chords of “The Day You Went Away,” the audience’s enthusiasm was palpable.

Fans, many of whom had grown up with M2M's music, sang along with fervour, their voices blending seamlessly with Marit Larsen and Marion Raven's harmonies. 

The last time M2M were in Manila was 23 years ago. 

One fan commented: “M2M’s band has 1 guitarist, 1 bassist, 1 keyboardist, 1 drummer and 100,000 Filipino backup singers.”

Another fan, @Dowser, can’t hold back emotions, commenting in Filipino language: “My tears and runny nose were punching each other. I’m 38 years old, male with two kids with my wife. They're one of my favourites.”

The duo’s surprise at the crowd’s energy was evident, especially during the performance of “Pretty Boy,” where the audience's sing-along was so powerful that it moved the artists to tears. 

In Jakarta, the M2M concert was held on April 26, 2025 at the Ecovention Hall in Ancol. 

Besides Manila, their "The Better Endings Tour" also included stops in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Davao, Cebu, Bangkok, and Singapore.

Trip down memory lane

At the two-night concert in Manila, it wasn't just a trip down memory lane; it was a testament to the enduring connection between M2M and their Filipino fans.

The audience’s participation wasn't limited to singing; they dressed in ’90s-inspired outfits and waved purple lightsticks, creating a vibrant, immersive atmosphere that transported everyone back to the early 2000s. 

Middle-aged fans turn up in droves

What set this concert apart was the demographic of the audience. Unlike typical pop concerts dominated by younger fans, this event saw a significant presence of middle-aged attendees, many of whom had been teenagers during M2M's peak. 

Their participation was not just enthusiastic but deeply emotional, reflecting the lasting impact of M2M's music on their formative years. 

The overwhelming response from the Filipino audience left a lasting impression on M2M. 

Their heartfelt interactions and the crowd's unwavering energy underscored the Philippines' reputation for having some of the most passionate and engaging concertgoers in the world.

In the end, the M2M concert in Manila wasn’t just a musical event.

Rather, it was a celebration of shared memories and enduring fandom. For Marit and Marion, the experience reaffirmed a special bond with their Filipino fans, prompting them to express their gratitude and hint at future visits. 

For the audience, it was a night of nostalgia, connection, and the reaffirmation that, indeed, Filipinos might just be the best concert audience.