David Archuleta stuns Manila anew, reveals his 'kind of girlfriend'

MANILA, Philippines -- The saying “three’s a charm” worked for third-time visitor David Archuleta.

The “American Idol Season 7” runner-up arrived July 17 in time for his successful Manila concert held July 18 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Fans screamed at the top of their voices at the glimpse of the 20-year-old American crooner and songwriter. Talent aside, it only needs his boyish charm to perfect a night loaded with one and a half hour of showmanship.

David sang 17 songs from his past and present albums, satisfying the crowd composed of youngsters and oldies.

“Hello Philippines!,” went David who started the show past 9 p.m. with “Stomping The Roses.” His getup was relaxed – black jeans, plain gray shirt and red jacket – making him sweat all over on that hot, humid day.

“Kumusta kayo, Manila? It’s good to be back here. Thank you for coming. It’s my third time here,” David addressed the crowd as he tried to perfect his Tagalog.

No dull moment

The upbeat “The Other Side Of Down,” “Something Bout Love,” “Elevator” sent David dancing and jumping to the beat full of energy, same with “A Little Too Not Over You,” “Love Don’t Hate,” “Touch My Hand,” “My Hands,” “Falling Stars” and his hit “Crush.” The repertoire made the audience sing as if they were singing the national anthem – united, synchronized, and take note, with lyrics memorized.

Not to be missed from the repertoire were covers among them: Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” Daniel Bedingfield’s “Gonna Get Thru This” and Bryan Adam’s “Heaven.”

David also shared a piece of advice to the crowd. “Have a dream. Live it, work hard for it even if the others tell you, ‘you can’t.’”

At the middle of the show, David didn’t forget to thank and commend Julie Anne San Jose, who front-acted for him.

“She has an amazing voice,” said David of Julie Anne.

That boyish charm

Showing how talented he is, David sang a couple of songs while playing his keyboard. The left-handed artist didn’t play the guitar, though many expected him to.

Playing his composition “My Kind Of Perfect,” makes David imagine “I wonder if she goes to the theme park… if she likes music just like me…”

During the jam-packed meet-and-greet session held at the event center of SM Megamall a day prior his Manila concert, David told the crowd his “kind of girlfriend:” “Down to earth, loves her family, love to go out and most especially, loves to eat.”

David’s serene voice, beyond the powerful falsettos and ballads relayed sincerity and depth. Beyond being a pop crooner, he’s a total performer. His most uploaded performance attests to this – his rendition, for instance, of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me.”

Playing again on keyboards, “A Thousand Miles,” as David said, is “a song that I like to sing a lot. It reminds me of my mom.” David seemed to forget the chords and lyrics of the song’s second stanza. But with only a boyish smile, he pulled off recovery and was rewarded with loud cheers.

He even changed the lyrics to his fans’ delight: “You know I’d fly a thousand times if I could just see you… Manila.”

David then addressed the cheering crowd, “You guys just make me freeze!”

“Salamat, audience! A big salamat for being here. You guys are amazing. I can’t thank you enough” prompted everybody as he sang his last piece, “Zero Gravity.”

Overwhelmed with the crowd’s plea to come back, David rushed back and said, “This is so amazing, incredible! It’s been remarkable making me come back.”

mb.com