'Ganda niyong lahat!': Coldplay takes the Philippines on a cosmic journey

MANILA, Philippines — British pop-rock band Coldplay made a grand return to the Philippines, taking audiences on a journey through the cosmos while reminding everyone that a beautiful future lies ahead if we make better decisions for the environment and for each other.

It's been seven years since the band was last in the country for its "A Head Full of Dreams" tour, and this time, the "Music of the Spheres" tour had an even bigger reception as tickets at the Philippine Arena were sold out.

The current tour is not only Coldplay's return to live performances but also one with an environmental approach. The band has been actively seeking to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to its past concerts and has been looking for other sustainable efforts that would still guarantee an enjoyable time for audiences.

Opening for the band's long-awaited Philippine return was local R&B singer Jikamarie, who performed seven of her original songs like "Hinahanap-hanap," "Balang Araw" and "Lutang."

Half an hour after Jikamarie's set, a short film played to show the tour's sustainable efforts, which include being charged by solar and wind energy, electric bikes and a kinetic floor situated in the venue and the use of lit-up wristbands made from plant-based material.

Proceeds from the tour will go to reforestation, ocean clean-ups, animal conservation, carbon capture, green technology, environmental law, advocacies and re-wilding and soil restoration.

The time finally came: John Williams' "Flying Theme" from "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" played over a video of Coldplay navigating their way below the stage, and one by one, the members stepped out to greet the Philippines once more.

Coldplay began the night with "Higher Power" and "Adventure of a Lifetime," releasing large balloons during the latter for the crowd to pass around. Lead vocalist Chris Martin had some fun with the crowd for the chorus and ending of "Paradise."

The lights from the wristbands were momentarily turned off by this time as the band performed "The Scientist."

"Maraming, maraming salamat. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Masayang kaming [bumalik] sa Pilipinas," Chris said. "So happy and grateful, and ang