Mid-week blues were nowhere to be found at the New Frontier Theater last night as R&B sensation Giveon transformed the venue into a velvet-draped sanctuary for the Manila leg of his Dear Beloved Tour. Marking his first-ever tour across Asia and fresh off a string of sold-out shows across the region, the crooner proved exactly why he is the reigning architect of modern heartbreak, leaving his signature soothing baritone echoing in the hearts of the crowd long after the house lights dimmed.

For 90 minutes, Giveon transforming the theater into an exclusive, dimly lit lounge where he serenaded the crowd with favorites like “For Tonight,” “RATHER BE,” and the ever-heartbreaking “Like I Want You.” One of the night’s most powerful moments came with his soul-stirring take on “Are You Even Real,” his collaboration with Teddy Swims, which took on a raw, more expansive life in a live setting.

Between songs, Giveon let his guard down, offering rare glimpses into the emotions behind the music. He shared that his songwriting was born from a turbulent past, admitting he was once an “angry kid” who only learned how to process those heavy feelings by putting them on paper. That honesty lingered in the room, making every note of his true-to-life stories hit even deeper and feel undeniably personal

The evening reached its inevitable, soul-aching crescendo with the global smash “Heartbreak Anniversary,” serving as the perfect closing note for a show that felt like a collective exhale for the brokenhearted. Manila may have been just one stop on this tour, but Giveon left an impression that was entirely personal, proving that his voice is just as smooth in person as it is on record.

Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines
Photos by Seth Valenzuela
Words by Kevin Pableo