One morning in September 2007, I was in the office when boredom got the better of me. And like many bored members of the working class, I logged onto YouTube and looked for the music video of Rihanna’s Umbrella. The search made me stumble upon a band’s acoustic cover of the song. I was blown away. I even loved it better than the original. The band was composed by three brothers — Daniel, Fabian, and Alejandro Manzano. The band’s name was Boyce Avenue.

I became a fan instantaneously. That particularly video had only around 40 views. None of my friends knew them. Somehow I was glad. I thought, “This budding group is going to be my little secret.” I anticipated more “cover videos.” And they never failed to amaze me each time they post a new one. YouTube became my little world and Boyce Avenue was the only thing in it.

It was only a matter of time when those 60 views became hundreds, then thousands, then millions. They became an internet phenomenon with over 75 million total views on YouTube, 143,000 subscribers, and ranked as one of the top musician channels of all-time on YouTube. My little secret became the world’s. My little secret became everything but. And for these men, I’m more than happy.

I blogged about them and their first time in Manila (a mall tour). And now, I’m glad I’m blogging about them again because they’re returning to the Philippines for a major concert. And he’s not alone.

Jabbawockeez arrived in Manila last week and I’m delighted to hear they will be a regular on ASAP XV for a month. I’m not really a dance fan but it doesn’t take a dance diploma to know that they ARE great. Especially after the technical boo-boo on ASAP last Sunday. They were just the most creative-slash-professional group ever. They’re amazing.

Kris Allen will be performing at MusicFest, too. Allow me to die for a moment. (OK, I just died there.) I remember last year when every one of my friends was rooting for that Adam Lambert guy, I think I was the only one in my circle that was jumping out of my seat. Doesn’t matter, though. He’s won. He’s here. And I’m going to see him.

And again, Boyce Avenue is scheduled to perform at the following dates and venues:

February 5 – 8:00 p.m. at SM City Cebu, North Annex
February 6 – 8:00 p.m. at the McKinley Hill Open Grounds

See you all there. ;)

And oh, for the first time ever, BOYCE AVENUE is releasing Best of Acoustic Sessions. For the first time on CD, this release contains 18 songs featuring the best of their YouTube hits including Bleeding Love, Apologize, With You, Umbrella, Realize, No Air and more! It also contains 2 exclusive new songs and acoustic versions of Change Your Mind and Tonight.

Boyce Avenue – Best of Acoustic Sessions is available nationwide in all record stores for only Php395. The album comes in a brand new innovative CD case design, and comes with a premium signed guitar pick. Boyce Avenue content is also available via WAP on you mobile. Boyce Avenue – Best of Acoustic Sessions is released by MCA Music Inc.

If you liked this post, you might want to check out: