It was a night to relive the songs, dances, and childhood memories that thousands of fans never forgot. On August 8, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi transformed into a vibrant celebration of Filipino pop culture as the iconic girl group SB Girls brought their highly anticipated “Get Get Aw” concert to the UAE.
Some fans came dressed for the occasion, sporting outfits that paid homage to the group’s signature style. Others made sure they had enough sleep to keep up with the high-energy dancing throughout the night. One fan even asked her employer to excuse her from work just to ensure she could witness the historic performance.
For the thousands of fans who gathered at the arena, there was one common reason for making the trip: SB Girls had been an integral part of their childhood. The concert turned the venue into a celebration of familiar songs, old memories, and the generation that grew up watching them on television.
The group’s 19 members—Grace Nera, Jhoana Orbeta, Weng Ibarra, Sandy Tolentino, Cherry Ann Rufo-Panganiban, Jovel Palomo, Monic Icban-Diamante, Mae Acosta-Valdes, Jacky Rivas, Sugar Mercado, Jopay Paguia, Mhyca Bautista, Shane Gonzales Ignacio, Danielle Sheen Ramirez-Hartmann, Cynthia Yapchiongco, Aifha Medina, Mia Pangyarihan, Sunshine Garcia-Castro, and Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap—arrived in Abu Dhabi on August 6 to complete the lineup for this leg of their world tour.
For many in the audience, this was not simply about seeing a favorite group perform; it was about seeing a piece of their childhood come alive. The words “core memory” captured exactly what the night meant to the crowd. “This will become a core memory for you,” said group leader Rochelle in Filipino, acknowledging the profound emotional connection between the performers and their supporters.
During the show, Rochelle expressed her pride in the group’s achievement. “It is a great honor for all of us to be the first Filipinos to perform at Etihad Arena. We will make sure that your trip here is absolutely worth it,” she promised the cheering crowd.
The moment the familiar music started, fans did not need much encouragement. They sang along and danced to some of the group’s best-known hits, including “Bakit Papa,” “The Spageti Song,” and “Halukay Ube.” The group also performed its new single, “Mama Mama,” successfully bridging the gap between their classic hits and their current musical evolution.
For 34-year-old nurse Gecil Jane Bonifacio, the concert was a chance to reconnect with the idols she had admired since she was a child. “Since the 1990s, I was 10 years old back then, they were already my idol. It’s like reliving my childhood memories,” Bonifacio told. She noted that she prepared by resting well to ensure she had the energy to dance along with the group.
For 36-year-old nanny Analyn Talagtag, simply attending the concert was not enough; she went all out with her costume, hair, and makeup. “I am their number one fan,” Talagtag exclaimed. Similarly, 35-year-old cabin crew member Dianne Andaya viewed the Abu Dhabi show as a significant milestone, noting that as a 90s baby, she was incredibly excited to finally see them live.
The concert also resonated with fans like 48-year-old housemaid Lilibeth Acista Barnachea. Despite being busy with work, she secured permission to attend, stating, “For me, they are the number one group because they have been part of my childhood.” Her experience mirrored that of many others who felt the effort to attend was entirely justified by the nostalgia on display.
SB Girls have been officially recognized and awarded as the first Filipino group to perform at the Etihad Arena, marking a significant milestone for both the group and their UAE audience. The group has confirmed that the Dubai leg of their tour will take place on December 19, giving their UAE supporters another opportunity to see them live.
The distance between the Philippines and the UAE felt smaller as the familiar songs connected fans to a time in their youth. From 32-year-old document controller Majilene Legaspi, who recalled watching the group on their drama series “Daisy Siete,” to 29-year-old waitress Maricris Mendoza, the event was described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that turned years of television fandom into a tangible, shared reality.
For 32-year-old document controller Majilene Legaspi, the excitement has begun long before the concert itself.
It’s very nostalgic and I feel so young again,” shared Legaspi.
Before I’m only watching them on TV and I didn’t expect to be here,” stated Mendoza.
“I bought the ticket during the pre-sale, even before the unprecedented situation.
For 37-year-old restaurant reservation officer Jayson Madara, the Abu Dhabi concert has been months in the making.
Since last year, I already prepared by planning, buying the VIP ticket, and then it happened.
I’ve waited so many months and this is it,” exclaimed Madara.
He has highlighted that his love for SB Girls began when he was in high school.
“I was in high school when I started loving SB Girls, that’s why up until now I know their songs very well and also the dance steps.”
And for fans who have not been ready to say goodbye just yet, there was more good news.
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