There are moments that will always make us feel like we’re at home; looping an album we enjoyed in high school or watching artists that have comforted us over the years. That’s what I realized as I watched The Maine’s show last Saturday—this was the third The Maine show I’ve covered (not counting the ones I attended before stepping into the world of music journalism).

Every Manila show, regardless of venue size, turns into an intimate experience. They’ve performed at local malls, joined music festivals, and went on back-to-back shows with bands we’ve all had on the same playlist. Venues like SM Skydome and New Frontier Theater would turn into hole-in-the-wall bars. They would close the distance with fans and make everyone dance to rock music.

As they celebrate their 15th anniversary, they returned to the Philippines with THE MAINE BACK IN MANILA. Their last show was during 2019—when they promoted their 7th studio album, You Are OK. Now, they’re back with their 8th studio album: XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time with the success of their latest single 'Sticky.'

Many attendees queued as early as 2:00PM in hopes of getting spaces close to the stage, holding small signages with messages to the band and merchandise from past shows. There were students who changed out of their uniforms, employees who just got off work, and others who bought tickets at the last minute. Many fans also carried posters that were given by PULP Live World for every purchase of the new The Maine shirts. Staff also distributed small pieces of paper that had lyrics of what, later on, we realized would be an unreleased song.

As the doors opened, we were welcomed by the energetic opening act: Written By The Stars, a Filipino emo/pop punk band. Known for their tracks such as 'Runaway' and 'Sunset Boulevard,' they performed a set that tapped into everyone’s emotions, going through heartache and seeking freedom from mundane lives. The crowd would light up their phones during mellow moments, and the venue would be filled with dancing white lights that complemented the band’s melancholic tunes.

People started moving around in excitement before The Maine’s set. While many fans  stood in the pit, there were a bunch of fans who claimed their spaces by the seated areas. When the boys walked in, everyone knew that it was going to be a long and unforgettable night. The lights began to dance to the rhythm of their first song: 'Sticky.' John even paused to greet the crowd, saying that it’s been too long since their last show in Manila; that most of us probably spent our days wired on gadgets at home or glued to our computer chairs. But, tonight, we were in this crowd and together with them. John asked the crowd to give 3 years’ worth of energy, and everyone did.

The Maine consistently prepares timeless setlists: a bit of the past, present, and future. After performing 'Sticky,' the crowd started jumping and singing to 'Like We Did,' a gem from their 2011 studio album  Pioneer. I felt the ground shake from where I stood; thinking that all these people, even those who chose to go to the seated area, got up on their feet and jumped together as the band performed. Even as people held their phones to capture moments, they would listen to John’s request to put their gadgets down during a couple of songs. At times, John would borrow props like heart-shaped glasses and phones from the crowd to use on stage then return these to their respectful owners.

Being a part of the crowd felt like attending a homecoming party; they presented videos that emphasized the overall feel of their songs. The had visuals to accompany their songs to highlight pivotal moments of their career, specifically the words “8123 Means Everything To Me” during 'We All Roll Along.' They would also flash lyrics on screen as if everyone was chanting an anthem during 'Don’t Come Down.' During 'Taxi,' a track about loneliness and comfort in company, they played a video that simulated an experience  chasing city lights while inside a moving vehicle at night.

While most songs were from XOXO: From Love & Anxiety in Real Time, American Candy, and Lovely Little Lonely, they listened to the audience's requests and squeezed in 'Run'and 'Into Your Arms.' 'Run' was specifically requested by a fan named Lance who raised a sheet of paper from the crowd. John called him out, thinking he would sing it with him. Lance said he could play it on the guitar, and he held Jared’s guitar and performed the song seamlessly with the entire band. He also took photos with the band, showing that he wore matching jackets with John.

They would even hand the microphone directly to an audience member so they can belt verses of a song to their heart’s content. The crowd would try to outsing the band, and John and Garrett would hold the microphones to them—giving them the power to express their emotions. When John asked the crowd who had seen the previous shows, many people raised their hands (including myself). Then, he asked how many were watching them live for the first time. A lot of fans raised their hands as well—probably 20% of the crowd.

The mood of their performances mellowed down when they performed an unreleased song, 'Box In A Heart.' Prior to the show, lyric sheets were distributed so the crowd could sing along to this. They jokingly said they’d give a 6-hour show and have 63 more songs left to play. It got the crowd excited, even when most of us knew that The Maine usually says this and it has turned into an inside joke in the community.

With an enthralling video of an otherworldly environment, they capped the night with 'Another Night On Mars'. It felt surreal to be a part of the show after many years, and yet they promised to come back without having to wait for so long. There were fireworks and confetti; it felt more like a grand entrance for the return of live music than the end of another show. It sends a meaningful message to everyone who has loved their music: the (emo) kids are doing alright.