F4: After 20 years, the Philippines has not forgotten us
MANILA, Philippines — The F4 craze lives on.
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 I 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
The “F4 FOREVER 1st World Tour” was far from an ordinary concert. The three-hour spectacle featured a 360-degree stage, elevated center platforms, smoke effects, colorful props and showers of confetti that added to the memorable, nostalgia-filled experience. We were also given complimentary light sticks that illuminated the packed arena in different hues, changing colors in sync with each song.
After opening the show with Always Be My Bro and Ask for More, Van Ness welcomed the Filipino crowd with “Mabuhay!” and “Mahal ko kayo.”
“Long time no see,” he further said while Jerry added, “We missed you.” The recent music event marked the group’s first concert in Manila since 2003, when “Meteor Garden” was at the height of its popularity.
The members also expressed their gratitude to Ashin, who was visiting Manila for the first time and whom they credited with bringing the “F4 FOREVER 1st World Tour” together.
Ashin told the crowd he could feel “everybody’s passion, energy and support,” with Van Ness serving as the group’s translator for much of the evening.
One of the night’s lighthearted moments came when the members playfully teased one another about their relationship status, with Vic revealing that Jerry is still unmarried.
Jerry initially translated Vic’s remarks, saying, “(Those who are) waiting for Hua Ze Lei (Vic’s character in ‘Meteor Garden’), he has gotten married. He cannot give you anymore...”
Van Ness then interpreted Vic’s response in English, joking, “He can only give you the not-married-yet Jerry.” The playful banter elicited wild cheers from the audience, especially the female fans, before the group launched into Di Yi Shi Jian.
Moreover, each member was given a chance to shine through solo sets, backed by dancers and distinct stage concepts.
Van Ness rendered Save Me, Peace by Piece, Pray and other songs, displaying his dance moves, guitar skills and rockstar persona infused with gospel-inspired anthems. He also performed Christian worship songs such as Hillsong’s Oceans. The former “Asia’s Got Talent (AGT)” judge then took a moment to acknowledge some of his Filipino friends in attendance, including Rovilson Fernandez who previously hosted “AGT” with Marc Nelson.
Vic, for his part, delivered heartfelt performances of Zui Te Bie De Cun Zai, Ai Zai Ai Ni and Make A Wish, appearing in playful costumes for the latter, alongside mascots onstage.
Ashin also showcased his talent and artistry with songs from Mayday, while Jerry likewise offered emotive performances that resonated with the crowd.
‘Philippines has not forgotten us’
F4 made sure to introduce Mayday songs to Filipinos through Love-ING and Party Animal.
It was a high-energy segment as the trio and Ashin jumped and danced, turning the venue into party mode with table-setting props, backup dancers and white gloves.
After the vibrant, lively part of the show, Van Ness declared, “Twenty years and the Philippines has not forgotten us.”
“We see a lot of people here tonight. A lot of young and new friends here tonight. All three of us have not changed either, we’re still very young,” Jerry added. Van Ness then reacted, “That’s so nice of you. Thank you, Jerry.”
“It feels like we’re back 20 years ago because of everybody’s energy that you’re giving us,” Jerry continued.
“Twenty years later, (you have) partners, spouses and kids (and you’re still supporting us),” Vic mouthed. “From now on, to 20 years later, to new supporters, thank you for supporting us continuously.”
Once again, they thanked Ashin, who is also the music producer of “F4 FOREVER.”
“Without you, we cannot be here. Thank you (also), Philippines. We seriously cannot help falling in love with you,” Van Ness added, which served as a cue for their next song, the Mandarin version of Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Fangirling moments, celebrity sightings
Truly, fans couldn’t help but fall in love all over again with their “first love,” referring to Jerry’s Daoming Si and Vic’s Hua Ze Lei in “Meteor Garden.” Some female netizens even quipped that they were their “first love” before their husbands.
Many fans who grew up during the “Meteor Garden” craze are now wives, aunts and mothers, and they attended the concert with their husbands and partners, who also showed their support. Some older fans, gently guided by their grown-up daughters, were equally thrilled to see the Taiwanese actors in the flesh.
The concert was not only a reunion for F4, but also for friends who once watched the series together in their teens. They reconnected at the event, reminiscing about their “Meteor Garden” memories — rushing home to catch episodes, collecting memorabilia and decorating notebooks with their favorite idols.
Some devoted fans traveled from different parts of the Philippines and flew to Manila just to see F4, singing along in Mandarin. Others dressed up as Shan Cai with braided hair and Daoming Si-inspired outfits.
One of the placards flashed on screen read: “Waited 20 years, traveled 6,250 km for F4.”
Even celebrities such as Ellen Adarna, Melai Cantiveros and Michele Gumabao were in fangirling mode during the event.
The fan service became even more exciting when Jerry, Vic, Van Ness and Ashin left the stage, roamed around the VVIP area and interacted with fans. They formed heart gestures and took selfies while singing, including during the Jue Bu Neng Shi Qu Ni (Can’t Lose You) set. Lucky fans indeed.
‘Tribute’ for Barbie Hsu’s Shan Cai
Several longtime followers of “Meteor Garden” have surmised that Jerry’s lengthy monologue during his solo segment was a way of paying tribute to the late Barbie Hsu, who played the iconic Shan Cai in the series.
In his poignant speech, Jerry mused about living and letting go, while a close-up shot on screen showed the meteor necklace hanging around the telescope. The necklace was the same one his character, Daoming Si, gave to Shan Cai in the series.
“When we were young, we always thought of that person we couldn’t dare to let go of would never leave our life. But then we realize some people are not meant to stay with you forever. They’re just here to walk with you for a little while,” Jerry reflected.
“That journey was so short. So short that looking back now, it feels like it was just a single afternoon. But it was also so long. Long enough that even after 10 years, 20 years, you can still remember their voice. Remember the weather that day. Remember how fiercely you once loved someone.”
“I think the biggest regret in life is not actually losing someone. It’s when you suddenly realize one day, the person who used to make your heart race a beat has slowly just become a memory. You don’t even know how they are doing anymore. But it’s OK, because they teach you how to love. And you teach them what it feels like to be loved,” he went on.
“And then, honestly, it’s already enough. If you happen to think of someone tonight, don’t rush to forget them. Just let them stay here with you until this song ends. You know which song? I really, really love you,” he added, hinting at the next track, Wo Shi Zhen De Zhen De Hen Ai Ni.
Toward the end of the show, colossal angel wings were brought onstage for the group’s rendition of the fan favorite Ni Yao De Ai, originally sung by Penny Tai. Jerry was seen wearing a red handkerchief — reminiscent of his “Meteor Garden” Daoming Si look — tucked into his pants.
For the final segment, they once again left the stage to interact with fans while crooning Yan Huo De Ji Jie and Forever Forever, as confetti rained down.
They made their exit only to return for an encore performance of Meteor Rain on a rotating stage, where they stood positioned at each corner of the platform.
“All good things must come to an end, but not tonight. Welcome to ‘forever forever.’ Tonight will always be in our hearts. We will keep this moment with us forever. Thank you guys. Mahal kita, Philippines, mabuhay!” Van Ness concluded.
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