Fans came far and wide to see U2 live in Manila

U2's first-ever concert in the Philippines on Wednesday saw continents crossed and barkadas reunited.

Thousands of people flocked to the Philippine Arena to see the Irish superstars rock the stage, and it was arguably one of the most memorable days of their lives.

RELATED: U2 takes the Philippines to church on first Manila gig

Among the early birds at the concert were high school friends, foreigners, couples in their seniors, you name it! And almost all of them came dressed in matching U2 shirts.

A guy named Leo said he and his music-loving buddies from high school sported identical shirts and went on a road trip all the way from Batangas, just to see their favorite band. He said the distance was nothing compared to how important U2 and their music was to him.

"Until now, let's say i'm driving home from work or anywhere, umiiyak pa rin ako doon sa sound," Leo told GMA News Online.

U2 LIVE IN MANILA: Friends Leo, Ian, William, Arthur, Gilbert, and Carl have been listening to U2 since their highschool days. Now that their idols are playing the PHL Arena, they travelled all the way from Batangas. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/mVf0fLVjuF

— Margaret Claire (@MClaireLayug) December 11, 2019

Meanwhile, a couple from Luxembourg flew in specifically to see their favorite band's Manila show, after seeing U2 several times abroad.

Their only wish is for them "not to retire" and "keep on going."

"Thank you for all the years that you gave us as a band and for all the wonderful people I've met throughout the tours," said Gunter.

Gunter and his partner, Bogi, were far from the only foreigners who rocked out to Joshua Tree at the Philippine Arena.

Fred, for example, is a Manila-based French who's already met U2 back in Europe. But he couldn't be happier that the band had finally come to town.

"I'm really proud for the Filipino. This is my hometown and this is my home country, even if I'm French," he said. 

This is Fred, 50 from France. After 6 years of living in PHL, he will finally see U2 perform live in Manila. His message to the rockband: "Please dont give up, don't stop."

This is his 6th time to watch a U2 concert. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/E6zlBsWJZ9

— Margaret Claire (@MClaireLayug) December 11, 2019

An Australian national, Brett, also lives in the Philippines and has come to see his 16th U2 concert — this time with his Filipina wife.

U2 LIVE IN MANILA: This is Brett McPhee from Australia. He has seen U2 live 15 times. The first show back home in Perth, an even better show in Barcelona, and now for the 16th time - Manila, with his Filipina wife. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/zrYGnVQbLs

— Margaret Claire (@MClaireLayug) December 11, 2019

We also spotted this adorable senior couple who were enduring a very long wait in line just to see U2 again, but this time in their homeland.

"This is our bonding, and (we're) relishing din our times together," the wife, "RC" said.

"This is our bonding". This is "Atty." and "RC" who've been in line at the PHL Arena since 11 a.m. The senior couple have been relishing their time together by watching U2 concerts in the US. Now they'll get to watch them live from home. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/P1k6wdMwkF

— Margaret Claire (@MClaireLayug) December 11, 2019

Presented by Smart Music Live, U2 played its very first concert in the Philippines on Wednesday. — LA, GMA News