In 2011, everything fell into place when Taylor Swift released “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” As a long-time fan, I was thrilled to revisit the memories of her Speak Now World Tour in the Philippines, which happened to be my very first concert. The emotions flooded back as I watched the shaky and blurry footage of a young Taylor performing on her home turf. Nostalgia, happiness, and pride washed over me as I realized just how far my favorite artist had come.
Since becoming a “Swiftie” in 2008, I always knew Taylor had talent and potential, but I never could have predicted the profound impact she would have on my life and the world as a whole over the next decade. Back then, Taylor was a sweet country singer, the girl-next-door type, who quickly became my childhood hero and role model. As an 11-year-old, I eagerly awaited the moment my parents surprised me with tickets to see her live. I might not have fully understood the complexity of her love-themed songs, but I adored every one of them.
Fast forward to now, 12 years later, as a 22-year-old reminiscing on a re-release of the album that defined my youth. It feels different now that I have my own experiences and can relate to the emotions Taylor expressed in her music. Taylor’s success has exploded over the years, with record-breaking achievements, chart-topping hits, and genre-defying albums. Her Eras Tour is a testament to her incredible journey so far.
It’s been a decade since Taylor last graced the Philippines with her Red Tour, and unfortunately, she won’t be making a stop there for the Eras Tour. Nevertheless, we will always cherish that enchanting night on February 19, 2011, when we first met Taylor Swift. Although she has symbolically closed the chapter on that era with her recent “I Can See You” music video, fans still consider Speak Now as the epitome of “Classic Taylor” at her finest and most vulnerable. In honor of the album’s re-release, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the Speak Now World Tour in Manila through the lens of a devoted Swiftie, along with some reflections on how much has changed since then.
Back in 2011, the cheapest ticket to see Taylor Swift live was priced at a mere ₱530. Compare that to the current average concert ticket prices ranging from ₱2,800 to a staggering ₱52,000 (including VIP packages). Securing tickets these days can be a chaotic battle, but back then, we were spared from that stress.
The venue for the Speak Now World Tour was the nostalgic Araneta Coliseum, now known as the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Back then, this iconic venue could accommodate around 10,000 fans, a far cry from the massive stadium crowds of over 73,000 that Taylor now attracts for her Eras Tour. I remember having to arrive early to secure a good seat in the Upper Box or General Admission areas, which were free seating at that time. I sat next to a group of fans with cute matching t-shirts and homemade banners, all buzzing with excitement.
As for the opening act, none other than Sam Concepcion, a local singer, dancer, actor, and host, had the honor of getting the crowd pumped up with his energetic rendition of Katy Perry’s “Firework.” It was a surreal moment, knowing that Sam stood where so many other talented artists would yearn to be in the years to come.
And then, the moment we had all been eagerly waiting for arrived. Taylor stepped onstage to the sound of thunderous applause as she performed her hit song “Sparks Fly.” As a witness from the Upper Box, tears began to well up in my eyes. It was an indescribable feeling to be breathing the same air as Taylor Swift, someone I had only heard through CDs until then. She looked quintessentially Taylor, dressed in a sparkly gold dress, black boots, with her natural curls, smokey cat-eye makeup, red lipstick, and lyrics written on her arm.
Taylor’s introductions were endearing, with her greeting the crowd with a cheerful “Magandang gabi, Manila!” and her iconic “I’m Taylor.” She reveled in the energy of her Filipino fans and spoke about the universality of love and heartbreak, regardless of language or distance.
An integral part of Taylor’s performance was her original band, The Agency, which consisted of talented musicians and backup singers. They played a crucial role in enhancing the country music vibe that Taylor explored during that era. Taylor herself showcased her skills on various instruments, including her red electric guitar, koi fish guitar, and ukulele.
One standout moment during the concert was Taylor’s mash-up of “Back to December” and One Republic’s “Apologize.” This poignant performance effectively conveyed heartfelt regret, particularly as it coincided with Taylor’s past romance with Taylor Lautner. It’s remarkable to think that, 12 years later, the two would reunite as good friends during her Eras tour.
In contrast to today’s concerts, where smartphones dominate the air as fans strive to capture the perfect photo or video for social media, back in 2011, it was mostly digicams and cameras. The focus was on living in the moment and wholeheartedly enjoying the concert.
After the show, the Taylor Swift hangover lingered for weeks. I stumbled upon Taylor’s Asia video blog as I scrolled through YouTube in an internet cafe. The vlog offered a glimpse into her quirky adventures in Singapore, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. I vividly remember her cutting her backup singers’ hair in what appeared to be her hotel room in Manila. In the vlog, Taylor expressed her amazement at the Filipino audience’s energy, saying, “The crowd is insanely crazy, I’m so stoked.”
Overall, Taylor Swift’s career has been an extraordinary journey that I am grateful to have witnessed. The Speak Now concert has a special place in my heart and memories, as it allowed me to experience Taylor at her most vulnerable and personal. For those fortunate enough to attend the Eras tour, it will undoubtedly be a dream come true after more than a decade of anticipation. We can only hope that Taylor will grace the Philippines with her presence once again, as we eagerly await the day we can welcome her back with open arms.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
