After years of waiting, Scrubb Band performed in the country for their very first debut concert. Featuring some of their most well-known songs—”ทุกอย่าง” (Everything), “ใกล้” (Close), “คู่กัน” (Soulmate), “ให้เธอ” (To You), “เข้ากันดี” (Click), and “รักนิรันดร์” (Eternal Love)—as the official soundtrack from the phenomenal Boy’s Love series, “2gether The Series,” led by Thai superstars Vachirawit Chivaaree (Bright) and Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (Win) contributing to solidifying Scrubb’s global popularity.
Last February 10, 2024 (Saturday), the Thai duo pop-rock superstar, SCRUBB, composed of Thawatpon Wongboonsiri (Muey) and Torpong Chantabubpha (Ball), held their first-ever outdoor live concert in Manila at 123 Block Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City. For the first time in 20 years of their music career, Scrubb made history by performing live in front of Filipino fans, much to the delight of the BrightWin nation.
The entire show lasted for 5 hours, featuring a total of 31 songs performed by Scrubb and their guest acts Elijah and Toneejay. Of these, 21 songs were from Scrubb’s setlist. More than just a night filled with nostalgic music and memories, the Filipino fans experienced a blissful gathering, forming new friendships. The event was a magical moment for all, overflowing with love, empowerment, and respect from the BL community.
Here are some of the memorable highlights happened during Scrubb`s first visit here in Manila.
PRE-SHOW
A few hours before the performances, the host commenced the event by asking the crowd if they knew the hit Thai BL drama, “2gether,” and if they were BrightWin fans. As expected, the crowd went wild and enthusiastically answered, “Yes,” indicating they knew “2gether” and proudly identified as BrightWin stans. The host then teased that those single fans in attendance might be searching for their own Sarawat and Tine, reliving their inner main character moments.
The event continued with fun games featuring exciting prizes from generous sponsors and Scrubb’s 20th-anniversary handkerchief. This included rap games inspired by Elijah’s performance and impromptu songs to introduce Toneejay as the next act to perform. Finally, before welcoming Scrubb Band, a colorful and empowering “blind date” game for an LGBT member took place.
FRONT ACTS: Elijah and Toneejay
Award-winning actor Elijah Canlas, known for his roles in the hit Filipino BL series “Gameboys” and the TV drama series “Senior High,” who also establishing his name in the music industry as a hip-hop artist joined fast-rising solo artist Toneejay, notable for his new single “711,” which reached the No. 1 spot on Spotify Philippines for weeks that went viral as an inspiring music choice for netizens’ videos uploaded on various social media platforms. They served as guest acts for the Scrubb Live Concert in Manila last Saturday.
Elijah graced the audience as he performed four of his unreleased songs, including one titled “Loved Song,” which conveys a message about someone who used to have a lover but has ended the relationship. He concluded his performance with the debut soundtrack for Senior High entitled “Kilala Kita,” which greatly hyped the audience.
On the other hand, chart-topping singer-songwriter Toneejay elated the crowd with his popular songs, namely “Parang Magic,” “Aurora,” “Bagong Tradisyon,” and “Bawat Piyesa.” As he performed his final song, “711,” he encouraged fans to jump as high as they could, which symbolizes reaching for their goals and aspirations in life.
21 SONGS
Scrubb band performed a total of 21 tracks during their concert, undoubtedly energized and ensured that every single fan had an unforgettable Saturday night with them performing live on stage. Scrubb opened their show with “Everything,” evoking goosebumps as everyone reminisced about the good old days of the 2gether era. They followed with more enchanting songs from the 2gether OST, including “Only You,” “Deep,” and “Soulmate.”
The fans then thought that the show was over after Scrubb performed “Click” and introduced their band members to the audience. And as they sang their 16th track, “Keep it with you,” and the crowd’s expression turned disheartened as they saw Scrubb band leave the stage.
However, a few minutes later, they returned to the stage after the host hyped up the crowd by asking if they wanted more, hearing fans yelling “Walang uuwi!” and “We want more!” Scrubb continued with their performance until the very last song, performing “Close,” which also signaled the end of the event.
It was truly a wonderful experience witnessing fans jamming out and singing at the top of their lungs to Scrubb’s most loved tracks namely “Everything,” “This Person,” and “Close.”
SCRUBB’S MANILA SETLIST
For almost 2 hours of performance, here is the list of songs performed by Scrubb.
1. ทุกอย่าง (Everything)
2. ขอ (Only You)
3. อยู่อยู่ (JuJu)
4. ใกล้ (Close)
5. ลึกลึก (Deep)
6. อยากบอกให้รู้ (You)
7. คู่กัน (Soulmate)
8. คนนี้ (This person)
9. กลัว (Between)
10. รอยยิ้ม (Smile)
11. หนี (Escape)
12. ให้เธอ (To You)
13. เธอหมุนรอบฉัน ฉันหมุนรอบเธอ (You Revolve Around Me, I Revolve Around You)
14. คำตอบ (Answer)
15. เข้ากันดี (Click)
16. เก็บไว้กับเธอ (Keep It with You)
17. เรา (We)
18. เก็บมันเอาไว้ (Keep it)
19. รักนิรันดร์ (Eternal Love)
20. See Scape
21. ใกล้ (Close)
FANS’ POST SCRUBB CONCERT EXPERIENCE
After an exhausting night of standing for long hours, yet recharged with the enthralling music of Scrubb, we managed to ask some of the fans attending Scrubb’s first live concert to describe their experience in one word and explain why. Arielle described last Saturday night’s concert as a surreal experience.
“Surreal… Who would have thought that what was once just a dream will eventually turn into reality. Being a part of that crowd is definitely something I would always treasure. The comfort and nostalgia that Scrubb brings will always be like no other.”
Arielle
Likewise, Patrick said his experience was euphoric.
“Euphoric… Hearing the songs live and generally experiencing Scrubb’s musical prowess, you will understand why Tine fell in love with Sarawat. The air filled with the rush of hearing close, everything, and literally every song, makes the word magical an understatement.”
Patrick
Meanwhile, Arnold, an avid BrightWin fan, relates his experience attending the concert to the same way Tine in “2gether” does. The two of them feel deeply in love every time they listen to Scrubb’s music.
“Love… Like what Tine said, “When you’re in love and listen to Scrubb music you will be more deeply in love, and when you are sad and listen to it you will feel better”. That is exactly what I feel when I heard them last Saturday. Listen to the music, enjoying the vibes, and feel the LOVE.”
Arnold
CONCLUSION
One phrase to conclude Scrubb Live in Manila its “Worth the wait.” Undoubtedly, Filipino fans had been eagerly awaiting this magical moment for long years, whether they became fans because of SarawatTine, “2gether,” BrightWin, or even long before then. One thing’s for sure: Scrubb’s music holds a special place in everyone’s heart, revealing thousands of unspoken stories from the fans.
We witnessed that when passion meets purpose, it becomes more meaningful, illuminating, and impactful in someone’s life. And Scrubb is the epitome of that. Just like how Tine, a big fan of Scrubb in “2gether The Series,” described his feelings every time he listens to Scrubb songs—it made him feel happy, loved, and comforted, saying “It’s like someone is comforting you.”
Therefore, listening to Scrubb is everyone’s therapy song as it provides solace. And having the chance to attend one of their concerts, such as Scrubb Live in Manila, is definitely every single fan’s core memory, absolutely one they will treasure forever.
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and listen to Scrubb’s music. And don’t forget to check out their February 2024 Concert Tour Dates.
SCRUBB Live in Manila is presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions
Words by: Nekon Jay Sus
Photos by: Sherwin Largado
Thaimazing Manila 