F4: AFTER 20 YEARS, THE PHILIPPINES HAS NOT FORGOTTEN US

THE F4 CRAZE LIVES ON.

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

Back in high school, my friends and I would rush to the nearest café to watch “Meteor Garden,” which aired on ABS-CBN in the early 2000s. Since we couldn't make it home in time, the café became our go-to spot every afternoon so we wouldn't miss an episode.

More than two decades later, that memory came rushing back. It’s my fondest “Meteor Garden” recollection, and I’m sure it’s just one of thousands shared by the fans who flocked to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Saturday for a chance to see the Taiwanese boy group in person.

So imagine the overflowing glee, punctuated by deafening screams and shrieks, when F4 members Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu and Vic Chou appeared onstage to perform the iconic soundtracks from the beloved series during the Manila stop of the “F4 FOREVER 1st World Tour,” presented by Live Nation Philippines and Ovation Productions.

Earlier, Ken Chu, who played Ximen in the series, posted a video online explaining why he was unable to join the reunion concert. He said he did not have an existing contract with B’in Music, the recording company behind the tour.

“We have always been talking in a way of expressing intentions,” Ken said. “What I shared online with everyone a while ago was also me discussing the intentions we have been discussing from several months ago after formally rejected their three demands.”

Despite Ken’s absence, the concert pushed through with the inclusion of Ashin, the frontman of Taiwanese rock band Mayday.

According to reports, Ashin didn’t only become the “fourth member” in the reunion tour, but also served as its co-producer, organizer and even musical director.

On Instagram, he would later post a video message: “I’m not F4. But like many of you, I grew up with their songs, their stories and the memories they left behind. Thank you, Philippines, for your unexpected warmth.”

NO ORDINARY CONCERT