Rita Ora Won Hearts in First-ever ‘Phoenix’ Manila Concert

Rita Ora Won Hearts in First-ever ‘Phoenix’ Manila Concert

Around 2,000 excited fans flocked to the New Frontier Theater to witness Rita Ora’s live performance last March 10, 2019.

Manila is the fifth stop in Ora’s “Phoenix” World Tour. The tour started in Melbourne, Australia last March 1 and will conclude on May 29 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The world tour is also to promote her second album, “Phoenix,” that was released in November last year. The album has 12 tracks including her hits “Anywhere,” “Your Song,” and “For You” (soundtrack for the “Fifty Shades Freed” movie).

The event started with an opening act from Filipino girl group and X Factor UK alumna 4th Impact. The 28-year-old artist, who was one of the judges in the auditions, commended the performance of the sisters and said, “I wanna be their sister!"

4th Impact sang “Never Enough” by Loren Allred, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, and their X Factor UK audition piece, “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj — and their equally high notes and energy were met with cheers from the crowd.

The audience hollered and clapped in delight when Ora stepped onstage in her fiery red ensemble. She kicked off the concert with a pumped-up “For You,” a song she originally performed with Liam Payne, and immediately succeeded it with “Your Song,” to the delight of her Filipino fans.

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While singing her fifth song for the evening, “New Look,” one of the audience members mustered up the courage to give the British singer-songwriter a blue stuffed toy which she gleefully received.

Throughout the evening, Ora was actively engaging with her ecstatic audience. “Have you all warmed up your voices? Is everyone ready to sing along with me on this next song?,” asked Ora, to which the crowd unanimously answered in the roaring affirmative.

Before the night was over, Ora expressed three important things to her Manila fans. The first is that she was very impressed with how gifted Filipinos are at singing.

“I have to say I’ve had the best time ever here in the Philippines. I’ve seen so many talented people. And you know, I have to say, some of the best vocalists in the world really do come out of the Philippines. I don’t know, but you guys can saaaang!”

The second was that she was grateful for her Manila crowd’s overwhelming support.

“Thank you all for your beautiful signs, and your t-shirts, and your beautiful faces. I can see all of you. Thank you so much! When I come back, you guys have to come back and see me, yeah? We’re a family now!,” Ora exclaimed.

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The third was a phrase she meant to say wholeheartedly.

“Well I learned something today. Ready? I’m gonna try and say this, OK? But I really mean it: Mahal ko kayo.”

As she ended her packed setlist with “Hot Right Now,” Ora thanked the crowd for joining her that evening. For her encore performance and to the crowd’s delight, she performed “Lonely Together” and “Anywhere.” And to show their appreciation, her Filipino fans got on their feet and danced — a fitting way to cap off an evening with a British chanteuse who won Filipino hearts with her vibrant songs.

Rita Ora’s debut Manila concert was presented by Wilbros Live.