MANILA, Philippines – It was a historic moment for some to hear Vin Diesel’s distinct growl resonate in SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall announcing he had arrived.

“Mahal ko kayo!” he boomed as he strode on the stage in a black wife-beater and aviator shades looking like he had just stepped out from the “Fast and Furious 6” set.

Watch the video here:

Hundreds turned up for the FF6 premiere night on May 15. They lined the red carpet leading to the Music Hall or stood squished against the balconies on higher floors looking over the stage.

The wait of almost 3 hours was made worth it when one by one, the cast and crew members drove into the venue in luxury sportscars.

Producer Neal Mortiz arrived first and told the excited crowd, “The best food we’ve had has been in the Philippines.”

He also advised film-goers to watch the movie until after the credits for a surprise. Mortiz, who has been part of the “Fast and Furious” franchise since the first movie, said that fans can definitely expect a 7th installment.

READ: Vin Diesel, ‘Furious’ cast to fly to PH

But the crowd first went positively wild when Michelle Rodriguez emerged from her car in a peek-a-boo black gown with a giant smile on her face. She ran down the red carpet, energetically high-fiving fans.

On stage, she shouted, “I love you guys! You are so beautiful! This is the most love that the franchise I think has ever gotten. I think the only thing that comes close — Neal, correct me if I’m wrong — is Rio.”

After that, it was as if the crowd wanted to upstage Rio with the energy and sheer volume of their screams.

It prompted Vin to tell the crowd:

“I’ve been to many premieres in my life. I’ve been to premieres in many, many countries for many, many films. I have never in my life seen a premiere this amazing, ever. I can feel you from here, I can feel that love from here. This is the best premiere I’ve ever been to in my life.”

READ: Vin Diesel thrills Pinoy fans in Makati

Other highlights of the night include cast member and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Gina Carano’s red carpet “shimmy” and Luke Evans — who plays bad guy Owen Shaw in the film — singing “Kailangan Kita” onstage.

Here are Rappler’s exclusive photos from the event:

– Rappler.com