Shane Filan’s unforgettable Cebu show

CEBU, Philippines — “To come to a place so far away from home across the world and feel so loved,” Irish singer Shane Filan begins as he scans the Cebuano crowd. “This is amazing.”

It’s been 19 years since Shane started his music career; five since he went solo. Best remembered as a member of one of the world’s most successful bands, Westlife, the singer-songwriter returned to the Philippines after three years since his last solo concert, and stood for the very first time in Cebu soil.

“It’s always good. I’m always very happy. I always feel very excited to come to the Philippines in general. This is my first time to come to a new city—and it’s always nice to go somewhere new, to see new fans and meet new people. I came off the plane today and everyone seemed really excited to see me. It’s funny. It’s really fun,” Shane says, shaking his head in disbelief during a press conference at the Summit Galleria Cebu on Saturday preceding a mall show at the Robinsons Galleria Atrium.

Shane was here for the Cebu leg of his album showcase and pre-Valentines treat with Robinsons Malls. Promoting his latest album “Love Always”— his third since becoming a solo artist in 2013 following Westlife’s split in 2012—Shane was met with a chorus of deafening screams from fans who waited to see him in the flesh. He couldn’t help but tell the crowd how he wants to come back to the Queen City of the South and do a big concert this very year in between his performance.

“Cebu you are incredible! I will never forget this,” Shane gushes.

When asked about his relationship with Filipino fans, Shane says it’s unlike any other. The 38-year-old, who has been to the Philippines a number of times during his Westlife days, says he’s glad to be back.

“Everybody is really friendly and seems really happy to see me. Yesterday, I performed at another Robinsons mall and there’s this incredible atmosphere. Westlife always had a special connection with Filipinos. I feel like Filipinos love music the same way Irish people love music,” Shane quips, revealing that he’s witness to the Filipino talent, and knows how great most Filipinos are at singing.

“Westlife came here a lot, we travelled a lot, did promos and concerts. It feels like we’ve built a huge fan base here, with fans who are very loyal and supportive constantly throughout our career. We [Westlife] were also lucky to have really good songs, and they’re still good today. They live on and the fans’ memories still live on. It’s like seeing the past 20 years and it feels exactly the same. The fans and I have great memories together. We have a good relationship and it keeps getting stronger and stronger,” he says.

Shane adds that his fans will always be a huge factor on why he still continues to perform.

“As a singer, nothing is better than being on stage and singing with everyone. It’s the most enjoyable part of the process. In every album, every song – you picture what your fans are going to be like when they’re singing, or their reaction whether it’s in the Philippines or in Malaysia,” Shane explains.

During his brief tour in the country, Shane was able to work with a few Filipino talents. Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina, who opened for his concert five years ago, opened for him again in Cebu and in Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City.

Shane also worked with the country’s bossa nova diva, Sitti, in a special duet. The singers recorded a special duet of Lady Antabellum’s “Need You Now” which they performed together for the first time in Robinsons Place Manila.

“This is my first duet in the Philippines. We just released it yesterday and it was our first performance,” he says. “Sitti is a really nice girl, and a great singer. I had just met her, and we sang it together once or twice. I’m really delighted to do it. It was brilliant.”

Shane’s “Love Always” album is different from his first two solo efforts: “You and Me” and “Right Here.” This time, it’s a compilation of the singer’s all-time favorite love songs, ballads and original tracks. The 12-track album, exclusively distributed by MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), also heeded his fans’ suggestions.

“‘Love Always’ is a love songs album. When I sign my autograph, it always says: ‘Love always, Shane’. So I thought it would be a good thing to do because it was something personal to me and I didn’t want to call it the love album,” Shane explains.

The singer shares how it was tough to sort through his favorites. Shane says that despite being a bit tricky, “Love Always” had been fun to work on and turned out pretty great. Describing it as a “breath of fresh air,” Shane notes that he enjoyed doing “Love Always” simply because he was singing great songs and nothing could be better for a singer.

“Hopefully the fans enjoy it. I make music for people to enjoy. I hope it makes them happy. It might make them sad if it brings a memory. They might think of their wife or their dad. A lot of emotions come through when you listen to music. I just want people to listen to it and think it’s a great album. If you like me as a singer then you’re going to like this album,” Shane says about what he wants his fans to experience as they go through “Love Always,” adding that “Heaven” by Bryan Adams is his favorite track.

“I’ve been a big fan of Bryan my whole life. I love to listen to his stuff, and I admire him as a singer and as a vocalist. He has a voice that never changes. He still sings the same way he does. I can relate to that,  and it inspires me.”

“Love Always” also includes classics like “This I Promise You”, “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Need You Now” among others.

Becoming a huge part of people’s lives over the years, Shane says that in 20 years, he’s not sure where he’s going to be. He reckons he might be in the Philippines for another concert, hopefully.

“I don’t know. I’ve definitely grown up a lot. In this industry, it’s very tough and you have to really focus on what your goals are. You have to set goals but also not look too far ahead because you’ve got to enjoy the moment too because it can pass you by very quickly.”

He’s also more than just a singer now, noting that being a husband and a father will always be on top of his list.

“I’ve grown more so outside of music. I am a father to three lovely children. They’re my main priority. I spend some time with them and bring them to school and do things that dads do like take them to soccer practice and even coach for soccer practice. I’ve definitely grown up as a person and I’m enjoying what I do. I’m not thinking about it too much, I’m just doing one album at a time, one song at a time and see where it takes me. And right now, it’s taken me to Cebu City.”

Far from the jet-setting lifestyle he’s had with his former band mates, Shane has lived a life he’ll always have fond memories of. But for now, he just wants to savor the moment.