MANILA, Philippines – Aca-spectacular, aca-awesome. aca-fantastic – these are some apt words to describe a live performance by Los Angeles-based a cappella boy band The Filharmonic. If you were casually strolling around Mall of Asia last Saturday, November 7, you would stop in your tracks to watch these wonder boys work their vocal magic on Top 40 hits and more.

Jules Cruz, Trace Gaynor, Joe Caigoy, Barry Fortgang, VJ Rosales, and Niko del Rey have always waved the banner of 3 stars and a sun up high. Their Pinoy pride can even be literally worn on their sleeves, as it’s written into their group’s name. (Q&A: The Filharmonic on ‘Pitch Perfect 2,’ being Pinoy, and YouTube fame)

After they had launched their entire act on NBC’s a cappella singing competition The Sing-Off, they emerged as stalwarts of the scene. They made their mark on the world stage, even having their own showstopper in the comedy Pitch Perfect 2 as Manila Envy, which competed against the Barden Bellas. (WATCH: ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ director Elizabeth Banks on ‘fantastic’ Filharmonic)

The Manila show was definitely a homecoming for the American-born crooners, and no other people would welcome them with arms as wide open as Filipinos. More than being a spectacle for their tight harmonies and beats, the concert was especially for their fans in the country. 

The guys, clad in bright red outfits, kicked off the show and spread holiday cheer by way of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and even closed with Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” They were also the star carolers for the Mall of Asia’s Christmas tree lighting.

Their slick and fun covers of chart toppers like “Treasure” (Bruno Mars), “Shut Up and Dance” (Walk the Moon), “Stitches” (Shawn Mendes), “Drag Me Down” (One Direction), “Bad Blood” (Taylor Swift), “Chains” (Nick Jonas), and “One More Night” (Maroon 5) electrified the crowd. However, their soulful voices shone the most in their nostalgic take on Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me,” and this made a lot of fans swoon.

As much as the Filharmaniacs adored them, the Fillies loved them back. While singing Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” they invited a talented lady in the audience to do vocal adlibs with them.

One moment, everything settled into a hush, but this was really a prelude for a beatbox battle that brought the house down. Trace took the stage first, but had to yield to Niko, who absolutely killed it with a jaw-dropping solo.

While they had their own moment in Pitch Perfect 2, they sang their on-screen rivals’ signature piece “Flashlight” for the excited Filharmaniacs in attendance.

They also proudly announced that their YouTube video for this Jessie J cover has recently hit 2 million views and counting. 

@TheFilharmonic sings their on-screen rivals’ song, Flashlight, for the Manila #Filharmaniacs pic.twitter.com/DvztlESgyr

— Out of Tune (@outoftunelive) November 8, 2015

As self-professed Sarah G fans, The Filharmonic also thrilled the crowd with a fantastic cover of the Popstar Princess’ acclaimed hit, “Kilometro.” (READ: Watch The Filharmonic sing Sarah G hit ‘Kilometro’ at Manila homecoming gig) 

The song which goes, “Gagawin ko ang lahat upang sa huli, sa huli, sa huli ay tayo / kung kailangan kong tahakin ang kilomet-, kilomet-, kilometrong layo (I’ll do whatever it takes, so we’ll end, end, end up together / even if I have to go through kilomet-, kilomet-, kilometers apart),” was a great way to describe the spirit of their homecoming concert. 

Indeed, the show meant a lot to these boys, especially as Filipino-Americans living in the United States.

“We’ve been so excited to come to Manila. Ever since we formed, that’s all we wanted to do – it’s to come to the Philippines. So, it’s such an honor to be here,” said Trace to the thrilled audience, right before the boys changed the pace with a warm and fuzzy rendition of Gary Valenciano’s “Pasko Na, Sinta Ko.”

“The second I found out that we were coming to the Philippines, I knew I had to brush up on my Tagalog,” added Trace.

“So, I bought a textbook, and the first thing [that it] talked about was something called utang na loob (debt of gratitude), which talked about giving back, repaying what you’ve been given. That hit me pretty well because I’ve been so grateful for everything that you guys have done for us – supporting us from the beginning.”

Did you see The Filharmonic in concert, or have you seen them in Pitch Perfect 2? What did you think of their performance? Let us know in the comments below. – Rappler.com

Paolo Abad is a film/television editor and motion graphic designer. He is also a self-confessed concert junkie. Follow his Instagram for live music @outoftunephoto