Last night, Parokya ni Edgar kicked off the ‘BER’ months with a bang at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, delivering a concert that was both nostalgic and electrifying. Despite being a Sunday with a workday looming ahead, thousands of Filipinos from across the UAE filled the venue to capacity, showing up in droves to see the beloved Filipino rock band. Tickets for four sections of the arena were sold out just hours before the event, highlighting the immense popularity of Parokya ni Edgar in the Filipino community.
The concert opened with the soulful “Para Sa’yo,” a love song from their 2010 album Middle-Aged Juvenile Novelty Pop Rockers. As the band played the opening chords, the crowd erupted into song, their voices blending into a powerful chorus that filled the arena. It was a magical moment that set the tone for the night—one of unity, nostalgia, and a shared love for music.
The energy only escalated when the band launched into “Buloy,” a track from their 1996 debut album that has become an anthem for many fans. Despite being released nearly three decades ago, “Buloy” still dominated the arena, with concertgoers raising their hands and singing along with fervor. It felt less like a concert and more like a massive sing-along, with everyone jamming to the familiar tunes that have soundtracked countless high school days and inuman sessions.
Between songs, Chito Miranda, the charismatic frontman, kept the audience entertained with his signature blend of humor and candidness. He expressed genuine surprise at the massive turnout, thanking the crowd for their unwavering support over the years. “We didn’t expect this many people to come,” Chito admitted with a smile. “It’s amazing to see so many of you still remembering our songs after all these years.”
The band last performed in Dubai during the Expo 2020 in 2022, and their return to the city was clearly a much-anticipated event. As they rolled through their hits, each song seemed to unlock a floodgate of memories for the audience, transporting them back to simpler times.
One of the standout moments of the night was Chito’s comedic monologue, where he humorously took jabs at other local bands from the Philippines. His ability to weave humor into his performance added a unique flavor to the concert, turning it into more than just a musical experience but also a comedy show. He even joked about the 2013 scandal involving a leaked private video of him and his then-girlfriend (now wife), Neri Naig, advising fans to “be careful” when Googling his name and to make sure their safe search settings are on. The crowd burst into laughter, appreciating Chito’s ability to laugh at himself and make light of past controversies.
Another highlight was when two lucky fans were invited on stage to perform “Bagsakan,” one of the band’s iconic tracks. The crowd went wild as the duo impressively nailed the rap sections of the song, proving that Parokya ni Edgar’s music has deeply ingrained itself into the hearts of its listeners.
Although the concert lasted just under two hours, it was packed with memorable moments that left fans feeling elated and a bit nostalgic. Parokya ni Edgar’s performance was more than just a concert—it was a much-needed escape, a chance for the Filipino community in Dubai to reconnect with their roots and relive the memories that these songs have created over the years.