Around GMA

NBA: Spurs’ balanced attack overcomes Luka Doncic’s individual effort in win over Lakers
Low irrigation water threatens rice farms in Mangaldan
Chavit Singson signs contract with GMA Pictures for new movie project

Article Inside Page

Showbiz News

American rock band The Fray made their triumphant return to the Philippines last Friday, December 12, 2025; marking their only stop in Asia for the "How to Save a Life" 20th Anniversary Tour.

Returning to the Manila stage after a thirteen-years, multi-Platinum, GRAMMY-nominated rock band The Fray offered a powerful performance of their piano-rock hits that carry just as much soul and resonance today as they did two decades ago.

As part of the 'Double Headline' format of the concert, local favorite December Avenue opened the night with a setlist of their biggest emotional hits.

Their performances of "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig", "Kung 'Di Rin Lang Ikaw," and "Saksi Ang Langit" served as a bridge between contemporary OPM and the classic piano-rock legacy of The Fray, setting a high emotional bar for the night ahead.

Adding a spark of anticipation to the night, December Avenue's vocalist Zel Bautista teased the crowd about a possible return to the Big Dome.

“Malay niyo sa Valentines next year mayroon tayong Araneta!” he joked, drawing a massive cheer from fans who are already hoping the hint becomes a reality.

Source: Mark Joseph Carreon

The atmosphere shifted from contemporary OPM to mid-2000s nostalgia as The Fray took command of the stage. Centered around the 20th anniversary of their breakout album, the set featured Joe King on lead vocals; his delivery provided a fresh perspective on the tracks while maintaining the soul-stirring energy that made How to Save a Life a global phenomenon two decades ago.

“We made it after 20 years. We made it! It's been incredible, it's been a dream to play these songs for you all,” Joe said.

The night kicked off with the song, "She Is," immediately setting a high-energy tone that led into a string of crowd favorites.

The atmosphere reached fever pitch during 'Over My Head' and the sweeping ballad 'Look After You' as the audience took over vocal duties for the iconic choruses before arriving at the inevitable peak of the evening: "How to Save a Life."

The anthem turned the arena into a sea of lights and collective emotion, finally giving way for "Never Say Never" for the grand finale.

During the concert, the band's vocalist Joe King also shared his learnings about music and how music changed his life in the past years.

“One is that music is healing and that it could save you, and it saves us. Music is connecting, it brings you to where you were; it reminds you of your story, it reminds you that you're not alone. We're all connected, we're all in this together,” he said.

Source: Mark Joseph Carreon

Manila served as the final leg of the band's global anniversary tour, making the evening particularly emotional for the band members as they bid farewell to this milestone era.