2. The best of Sheeran

MANILA, Philippines - Hours before his one-night show in Manila, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was in high spirits and shared how he was overwhelmed by the warm reception of Filipino Sheerios.

“I was expecting like a good gig but I think this might be the best one just from the reception I’ve got everywhere I’ve gone has been overwhelming. It’s great. Everyone is so excited and that makes me more excited,” Sheeran said.

His lead single Sing from his second album x (Multiply), which also served as his encore song, best described his Manila experience because he was “having a wonderful time here in the Philippines.”

Feeding off from such high energy, he went on the stage and started the show with a warm shout-out, “Hi, Manila! I’ve never had this welcome before. I think this is going to be the best show I’ve ever done. We will sing all night!”

And sing he did for two straight hours. So did the sold-out crowd who was right there with him during the entire concert.

Armed with only a guitar and a loop pedal, Sheeran kept everything raw and simple. He focused on music and the audience as he belted out I’m a Mess, Lego House, Don’t, Drunk and I See Fire (soundtrack from the movie The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug).

Sheeran also showcased his freestyle rapping and guitar-playing skills when he performed Nina, Take It Back, Superstition, Bloodstream and You Need Me, I Don’t Need You.

Even during what he called “quiet songs,” Sheeran remained engaged with the audience, “I don’t want you to be quiet, sing along with me.”

And the crowd responded with equal passion and intensity as they sang along Kiss Me, Tenerife Sea, Thinking Out Loud, A Team and Give Me Love.

As a special treat to those who came to see him sing, Sheeran added on his Manila set list All of the Stars (soundtrack from the hit movie The Fault In Our Stars), which turned the Mall of Asia Arena in a sea of sparkling lights. It was truly a sight to behold.

“This is honestly, hand on heart, 100 percent the best reception I’ve ever received. Manila, thanks for having me! This is my first time here but this won’t definitely my last,” Sheeran promised.

After all, his fans here in Manila have already proven that they are truly a loyal bunch, which Sheeran can now attest to, “You can see the amount of tweets that you get but you can never really tell (what the reception would be like) until you step into the country and feel the electricity…. and Manila is already one of my favorite places.”