98 Degrees Light Up Manila With Summer Tour Return
98 Degrees returned to Manila, joined by Janine Teñoso and Jona Viray for MOA Arena shows.
Image: Instagram
Background And Tour Kickoff
Nick Lachey and his bandmates—Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons—brought the heat back to Manila last week with two sold-out nights at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The veteran boy band, known for late-’90s hits like “Because of You” and “The Hardest Thing,” reunited in 2012 and have since been touring behind their upcoming album Full Circle.
In an Instagram post to their global fan club (@98degrees), Lachey wrote: “We are majorly missing the Manila heat and this crowd’s energy. Thank you to all the 98ers who came to our shows at @moaarena last week. We felt your love from the stage! ❤️ It was amazing being back after so long…” The message captured the excitement on both sides of the footlights—fans dancing under the lights, and performers soaking in the cheers.
Manila Nights And Guest Acts
Each night’s setlist spanned classic ballads, chart-toppers and fresh cuts from Full Circle. The crowd roared along to “Invisible Man,” swayed during “I Do (Cherish You)” and jumped when the group unleashed their new single, “Stranger Things (Have Happened).”
Local chart-toppers Janine Teñoso and Jona Viray joined the band for special duets. Teñoso, whose Instagram bio reads @janinemusic, lent her soulful voice to a reimagined rendition of “I Can’t Get Next to You.” Viray—known simply as @jona on social—stepped into the spotlight for a dramatic take on “My Everything.” Their appearances underscored 98 Degrees’ commitment to spotlighting Philippine talent.
Fans captured the energy in photos: confetti cannons, synchronized choreography and candid backstage shots showing Lachey and company high-fiving stagehands. The MOA Arena posts (Image 1 and Image 2) highlight a sea of smartphone lights as the band closed each night with an encore of “Heat It Up.”
Looking Ahead: Full Circle Album And Summer Dates
The Manila shows marked the international start of the Full Circle tour. In another Instagram update, the band teased the album’s release: “Summer is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see more 98ers at shows in the coming months!” Their social feed also promoted pre-saves and streaming links for Full Circle, due this Friday with ten brand-new tracks.
An earlier post announced: “Our new single, ‘Stranger Things (Have Happened),’ is all about the unpredictability of love… Our album Full Circle comes out THIS FRIDAY!” That buzz carried over to the live arena, where fans danced in anticipation of hearing the full project on streaming platforms.
On the band’s official tour page, dates for the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand sold out within hours. North American and European dates are now on sale, with VIP packages offering meet-and-greets with Lachey and the rest of 98 Degrees.
A Reunion Fueled By Nostalgia And New Beginnings
Formed in 1996 in Cincinnati, 98 Degrees shot to fame alongside fellow boy bands of the late ’90s. Their reunion albums—2.0 (2013) and Leading Men (2015)—reconnected them with longtime fans and a new generation discovering their harmonies online. Full Circle promises both throwback vibes and contemporary pop-R&B production, tapping into the band’s strengths as vocalists and entertainers.
Nick Lachey, who also hosts television projects and podcasts, said during a press Q&A in Manila: “Coming back here reminds us why we started. The fans bring an energy you can’t rehearse.” That raw enthusiasm was on full display under the arena lights, proving that 98 Degrees’ appeal is far from fading.
As summer ramps up, 98 Degrees remains one of the most enduring acts of the boy-band era. Their Manila comeback isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a statement that great harmonies and spirited performances never go out of style.
The band heads next to Sydney and Auckland before returning to North America in August, carrying Manila’s roar with them wherever they go.
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