After years of anticipation, Kolohe Kai finally held their first-ever concert—and it happened right here in Manila. On February 1, 2025, the Hawaiian reggae sensation took the stage at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City, giving Filipino fans a night they had been waiting for over a decade.
The announcement of the concert immediately sparked excitement, with fans flooding social media to share their disbelief and joy that Kolohe Kai was finally coming to the Philippines.
For many, it was a dream come true, as their music had long been a staple in Filipino beach trips, road adventures, and even late-night senti sessions. Concert tickets sold fast, with die-hard fans ensuring they secured a spot for what was sure to be a historic performance.
Some fans even traveled from different parts of the country just to witness the momentous event. Videos of ticket-holders lining up hours before the gates opened circulated online, showing just how much Filipinos had been longing for this concert.
Many shared that they had been playing Kolohe Kai’s songs for over a decade, making this event not just a performance, but an emotional reunion between the artist and his biggest supporters.
A Long-Awaited Performance in the Philippines
The moment Kolohe Kai announced their Manila concert, fans rushed to secure tickets, eager to witness history.
Some had been listening to the band since their 2009 debut album This Is The Life, while others discovered their music through viral hits like “Ehu Girl” and “Cool Down“—both of which have become modern reggae anthems in the Philippines.
The concert was part of the Insignia Concert Series, a lineup of exclusive shows featuring international artists, making Kolohe Kai’s debut even more special.
Adding to the excitement, concertgoers shared stories online about how Kolohe Kai’s songs had been the soundtrack to their lives—whether it was summer road trips, high school romances, or beachside hangouts. Some even traveled from provinces just to see Roman De Peralta perform live for the first time.
A Night of Music, Memories, and Surprises
For years, Kolohe Kai, led by Filipino-Hawaiian frontman Roman De Peralta, has been one of the most beloved reggae acts among Filipino listeners.
Songs like “Cool Down,” “Ehu Girl,” and “First True Love” have long been staples in local playlists, making his Manila concert more than just a show—it was a homecoming of sorts.
Opening the night was Filipino reggae rock band Chocolate Factory, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening filled with island vibes and nostalgic hits. But nothing could prepare fans for the moment Roman De Peralta stepped onto a Philippine stage for the very first time.
From the very first note, the energy inside Samsung Hall was electric. Fans sang every lyric, swaying to the beats of “Round and Around,” “Speechless,” and “Dream Girl.”
The intimate venue made the concert feel more personal, as if De Peralta was performing for close friends rather than a packed audience.
One of the night’s most touching moments? A fan proposal right in the middle of the concert. The special moment, captured on video, was later shared on Kolohe Kai’s official Instagram, proving that his music isn’t just for the ears—it’s for the heart.
And while the concert itself was exclusive to ticket holders, clips from the night exploded on TikTok, racking up massive views from both concertgoers and those who could only watch from afar.
The Start of Something Bigger?
With his first-ever concert happening in the Philippines, the question now is—will Kolohe Kai be back? If the energy, love, and overwhelming response from his Filipino fans are anything to go by, Manila might just become a regular stop for him in the future.
For now, one thing is certain: Kolohe Kai’s first-ever concert is now part of Philippine music history.
