Much ado about Justin Bieber

MANILA, Philippines - Teenage pop idol Justin Bieber knows he holds sway over a certain cross-section of young women all over the world and realizes the responsibility that comes with it.

“I have to be a role model because so many people are watching so many young girls. I’d like to be the best that I can be and yes, I make a good role model. I’m a good person in general and people will see that,” Bieber told a swooning press, made up of mostly girls, at his press conference at the SM Mall of Asia yesterday afternoon.

“I know that I’m able to influence a lot of people in a positive way and I’m very happy with that,” he added.

Bieber is in Manila for a one-night outdoor concert at the SM Mall of Asia Tuesday night.

Clad in short pants, checkered shirt and sneakers, Bieber talked about the nuances that come with fame and how these don’t faze him anymore.

“It’s been a crazy rollercoaster ride since I started. It’s crazy that I’ve been the cause of traffic jams and cities closing down for me. So many TV cameras have been shoved down my face, paparazzi running after me, but when I think about the devotion, support and love of my fans all over the world, I don’t think about the negative ones anymore. I love the fans and the many people that care for me, it’s all that matters. It’s been an incredible and amazing journey,” said Bieber.

In the Philippines, Bieber received so much love from his Filipino fans who also call themselves “Beliebers.”

As early as 2 p.m., people were lining up at the MOA to be the first when gates open at 5 p.m.

At the presscon, Bieber was also asked if he is even bothered that he will be irrelevant once he gets a little older.

“I’m 17. I’m young but I know that my music will grow with me as I grow older. I make music for young people and try to make music for everybody, not just for young people,” he said.

“Over everything, what matters most in my music, I’m here because of music, people can relate to all the emotions through my music. My music will change as I grow older but over and out, it will still be my music,” Bieber said.

For the Manila concert, Justin is especially proud that he’s taking in and supporting Filipino band LEGACI and Poreotics which has three Filipino members.

“I think Filipino artists are cool, they’re rocking it. I’m very excited about it and so are my Filipino performer friends,” Bieber said.

Bieber also does not discount collaborating with international singing sensation Charice and even boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

“Well, I met Charice, she’s so sweet. With Pacquiao, maybe I can go in the ring with him,” he said, drawing laughter from the press.

If there’s one thing Bieber will tell Miley Cyrus who will perform here next month, it will be: There are a lot of beautiful girls here in the Philippines.”

He also said he wouldn’t mind dating a Filipina girl.

“Everyone can be my one less lonely girl,” Bieber said to a Pinay reporter.

Asked what his three secrets to success: Bieber said:

“If it’s working, don’t change it, just be relatable to fans, people must feel they can relate to you through your music and make sure you’re having fun while doing it,” he said.