By Kynesha Robles
Hope is often gentle. Like the tiny wildflowers in the cracks of the pavement, the soft white light at the end of a tunnel, the thing with feathers that perches on your soul. But for one night, hope was neon lights dancing across the arena, bass beat rattling the ground and seats, electric energy coursing through every single body. The crowd so enlivened, music so loud, performances so sincere, it can only be inspired by a purpose-driven passion.
The Juans redefined hope last October 23, 2022 at their first headline concert at the Araneta Coliseum. For many of their fans, hope came in the form of a four-piece band singing of their testimonies and faith.
Bathed in neon lights, the boys elevated to the stage for their grand entrance. They took their time to just look around and take it all in, as if in surreal disbelief. Clad in glittery suits, they welcomed their Big Dome crowd with a medley of “Prom,” “Dulo,” and “Umaga.”
Produced by Viva Records and KDR Music House, and directed by Arnold Sanchez, the concert featured the band’s greatest hits and most of the songs from their latest album “Liwanag.”
In between their performances, scenes of the short film “Hatid” premiered on the screen behind them, chopping the concert into themed segments. The film, starred by Kaori Oinuma and JC Alcantara and debuted exclusively during the concert, is inspired by the band’s song of the same name. Oinuma and Alcantara also took to the stage as they enacted a few scenes live. The short film evoked the most emotions from the audience, which the band then heightened with their related songs and soulful performances.
With songs like “Pinakahihintay,” “Anghel, Pangalan,” and “Sabik,” the band depicted the butterflies of a relationship in its early stages. As the film transitioned into the couple on-screen’s bumps and edges, they played “Sirang Plaka” and “Teka Muna.”
Their more melancholic discography, which includes “Dulo,” “Pangalawang Bitaw,” and “Hindi Tayo Pwede” were played towards the end of the short film and the couple on-screen’s relationship. “Salamin” and “Lumalapit,” both pensive but upbeat, were among the loudest the audience sang along. The band then performed “Hatid” and “Still Standing,” instilling hope and liberty to their fans.
Carl Guevarra performed with his iconic keytar slung across his torso, but switched to a grand piano for his solo performance of “Kuya,” a song he wrote on his own. Japs Mendoza then played a solo performance of “Itutulog Na Lang” with his electric guitar. With Chael Adriano on bass and RJ Cruz on electric guitar, the band proves that they are stronger than ever. “I really do believe that we are in a season where the four of us are being pruned,” Guevarra said in a post-show conference.
Their 23-song setlist also included performances from guest performers Janine Teñoso and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Teñoso performed a BTNS duet with the band and a solo performance of her songs “Pelikula” and “Umibig Muli.” Velasquez-Alcasid, an anticipated part of the night, still surprised everyone with her duet performance of “Istorya.” The Asia’s Songbird’s spin on the song showcased her vocal prowess, still boundless as ever. They also shared the stage with the “Tara G” cast, who danced as the band performed live the show’s theme song of the same name.
The crowd was a sea of neon light sticks, glowing phones, and even cut out faces of the boys. There were the occasional handmade signs, most of which said, “Hindi kayo mahirap na mahalin,” referencing their song “Salamin.” But my favorite sign was, “Pahingi ng tubig mo,” aimed directly at whichever band member was closest.
It was no ordinary concert, which came as no surprise as The Juans is no ordinary band. They ensured that everyone in the arena left in high hopes and spirits. “We are not here to alienate, but we are here to relate to ordinary Juans,” Guevarra said.
As the concert wrapped up, the boys thanked each and every one who accompanied them in their journey, including their former drummers Joshua Coronel and Daniel Grospe who were sitting in the crowd. The band interacted with fans from all areas of the arena. At one point, Guevarra even took a fan’s polaroid and took a selfie with his bandmates.
Their heart for their fans and community was evident throughout the night, but the band made sure to especially mention that it was God who delivered to them more than they were expecting. “I feel like God is telling me, this is the people I called you to serve,” he said as he gestured to the crowd.
The concert ended on a high note with hopeful “Nandito Na” and lively, crowd-favorite “Atin ang Mundo.” With fans hesitant to end the night, it took a long while before the arena emptied.
