​Rock icon Bryan Adams made a big return to Manila last night, delivering a powerhouse performance to a packed crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live, the Manila stop of the Roll With the Punches World Tour marked Adams’ sixth visit to the city since 1990, and the anticipation from the fans was palpable.

​For nearly two and a half hours, the Canadian legend guided the audience through a masterful journey of his illustrious discography. The evening began on an intimate note, with acoustic renditions of “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started” and “Straight From the Heart” performed from a mini elevated platform deep within the crowd. This tour showcased an elevated production, featuring interactive LED Xylobands and arena blimps during “Roll With the Punches” and “So Happy It Hurts,” transforming the arena into a multi-sensory spectacle.

Having witnessed his performances in 2017 and 2023, I found that this show carried a significantly more intimate and personal resonance than previous tours. Adams appeared genuinely moved by the thunderous roar of the Manila crowd, as fans sang along to every lyric with unparalleled passion. A definitive highlight was the surprise inclusion of his classic duet, ‘I Finally Found Someone,’ which sent the arena into a frenzy. While the evening was nearly flawless, the experience was slightly hindered by a lighting design that occasionally obstructed the line of sight for those in certain sections.

Overall, Bryan Adams’ return was a resounding success. He concluded the night with back-to-back hits, including “Summer of ’69,” “Cuts Like a Knife,” and “All for Love.” Even after all these years, Filipino fans’ love for Bryan Adams remains steadfast, proving his music is truly timeless. It was an incredible way to close out the first month of 2026.

Special thanks to Wilbros Live
Words & Photos by Kevin Pableo