Ben Madilynn
Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, Nick Lachey and Jeff Timmons, the voices behind the popular ‘90s boy band 98 Degrees, are in town for their two-night concert on May 30 and 31, 8 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
They arrived last Thursday and have since hit the ground running with promotional activities and show rehearsals.
“I know we’re doing a lot of media, and a lot of it has kind of developed at the last minute,” said Jeff of what keeps them busy prior to showtime in last Friday’s press conference at Solaire.
“So, we’re doing some of the big shows… we’ve done that before and a couple of the other national shows, and some radio stuff,” added he.
Last Saturday, they treated the viewers and studio audience of “Eat Bulaga” on TV5 to a throwback kantahan or singing, as the hosts put it. They gave everyone a preview of the upcoming shows by performing the now-classic Because of You from the 1998 album “98 Degrees and Rising” and the new song Got U from the 2024 album “Full Circle.” They also sang the all-time favorite I Do (Cherish You).
Their previous visits to the Philippines saw them appearing in programs like “ASAP” “MTV Philippines” and “SOP,” and doing fan shows at SM Megamall.
“So, we’re happy to be back here,” said Jeff, who talked about their affection for the country because this is where they first experienced enthusiasm and excitement from fans, and they had “the most success here” before their popularity took off in “other territories.”
98 Degrees is back in Manila, and as soon as they landed, they noticed the development and changes in Manila as compared to back in the day.
“But one thing that hasn’t changed is how inviting the people are here,” said Jeff. “We’ve been here for a little over 24 hours and they’ve treated us like kings the entire time we’ve been here.” They are staying at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City.
What also excites them is to be given the opportunity again to share their music with the listening public and music enthusiasts.
“You’ll definitely hear a combination of obviously, the classic hits that we were able to share with everyone here 20 some years ago, but we’re also excited to perform new music from our new album, ‘Full Circle,’ which we’ll include in the show as well and then some cover songs that we do. We do a little homage to the TRL era, which is always a fun moment for us,” said Nick, who describes the shows as “very energetic and very fun.”
Photos from VIVA Live, Inc. Facebook page
Also featured in the 98 Degrees concert are Janine Teñoso and Katrina Velarde, who lends her endearing and powerful vocals in the duet version of I Do (Cherish) You, with Tagalog lyrics.
As for the group’s album “Full Circle,” Drew said that it “is a combination of five re-records of some of our biggest hits” like Invisible Man, I Do, Una Noche, Because of You and The Hardest Thing and five new tunes, Stranger Things (Have Happened), Got U, Same Mistake, Tremble and Mona Lisa.
“So, the hardest part of this process of this record was making, you know, five songs from the late ‘90s sound like they fit with the five songs of today and vice versa,” added Drew. “So, for us, that was the kind of challenge to make sure they blended together to make one great, complete album as opposed to an A-side that sounds like it’s from 1997 and the B-side that sounds like from 2025.”
They’ve been working on it since 2021.
For Nick, “Full Circle” is a celebration of “kinda where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going.” And that’s the full circle moment that 98 Degrees is celebrating on the album.
Pinoys will also have a special live experience of it on the shows.
During the media call, the members of 98 Degrees were also asked to give pieces of advice to aspiring and up-and-coming singers and artists.
They said while one is doing one’s passion, one should take and know the business side and believe in oneself.
“I think we always say that, you know, no matter what you’re doing, you should work hard. You should treat people well and you should try to have fun,” shared Justin.
“You know it’s usually for your passion, and it’s not always an easy thing. But to be able to do what you love is really the best thing you could hope for in life,” concluded he.
(Tickets for the 98 Degrees shows, call VAA Live at 0930-0921948 or at [02]8687-5853 loc. 841 and they are available at SM Tickets.
Source: Why 98 Degrees’ Manila concert is more than just a throwback
