Friday, May 23, 2025
It was conveyed that the Philippines’ biggest folk-pop band, Ben&Ben, would be bringing their highly anticipated “The Traveller Across Dimensions World Tour” to Cebu for a one-night-only performance scheduled at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino on May 24, 2025. This concert was described as the first stop of their global album tour, which would subsequently travel to Bacolod, Davao, and even Lincoln, California throughout 2025, with more locations and dates expected to be announced.
The band reportedly expressed excitement about presenting songs from their album, stating that the live experience combined with accompanying visuals would make the album’s story truly come alive. They invited their community, known as “Liwanag,” from Cebu City and neighboring areas to experience the performance firsthand, expressing eagerness to meet fans on the weekend of the concert.
Why Cebu Was Chosen as the Tour’s Launchpad
When asked about why Cebu was selected to launch the tour, Miguel Benjamin reflected on their previous experiences, mentioning that their last full-scale concert in Cebu occurred in 2023 and remained one of the most memorable shows they had performed. He noted that the band had felt nervous initially, aware of Cebuano people’s strong love for music, but the warm reception they received had left a lasting impression, influencing their decision to begin the tour in this city.
The Album: The Traveller Across Dimensions
The band’s album, “The Traveller Across Dimensions,” was revealed to have been released on November 29, 2024. The album, a 12-track concept piece, narrates the story of Liwanag, the Traveller, journeying through three symbolic dimensions: Light (innocence), Energy (struggle), and Feel (maturity). The album includes popular songs such as “Could Be Something,” “Autumn,” and “Tomorrow with You,” which reflect the band members’ personal growth over recent years, both as individuals and musicians.
It was noted that although the band retained their signature indie folk sound, the album incorporated new elements like city pop and electronic beats, signaling an evolution in their musical style. For the upcoming Cebu concert, the nine-piece band planned to perform a mix of tracks from this album as well as past hits, including their latest single “Saranggola,” a song they hold dear and hope their audience will come to cherish.
Inside Ben&Ben: The Dynamics of a Nine-Piece Band
Insights into the workings of the band revealed that operating as a nine-member ensemble was no small feat but was considered the secret to their unique sound and meaningful music. Andrew de Pano likened the group to a cookbook, with each member representing an ingredient, and the songs as dishes that require collaboration and a shared vision.
Challenges of managing a large band were acknowledged, with Miguel Benjamin quoting the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together,” emphasizing teamwork. Agnes Reoma highlighted the need to set aside individual egos for the band’s success, as working effectively with so many artists demanded humility and mutual respect.
The Message to Fans: Growing Together
The band conveyed deep gratitude to their fans, acknowledging the mutual growth that had occurred over the years. They welcomed many new followers, especially younger ones, affectionately called “new Liwanag,” and expressed heartfelt thanks for the fans’ ongoing support and connection as the band evolved.
Impact on Travel and Tourism Industry
This event’s announcement was expected to have significant implications for the travel and tourism sector, particularly in Cebu and other tour stops. The influx of visitors traveling specifically to attend the concert would provide a boost to local hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. Hotels like the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino stood to benefit from increased bookings, and ancillary tourism businesses such as restaurants, local tours, and transport services could expect heightened demand.
Given that the tour would extend beyond the Philippines to international locations, it was anticipated that this would strengthen cultural tourism links between the Philippines and global cities like Lincoln, California. The band’s appeal to both local and international audiences could encourage cross-border travel, contributing positively to airline bookings and overall travel itineraries that combine music tourism with traditional sightseeing.
Global Effects on Travelers
The world tour, with its fusion of folk-pop music and cultural storytelling, was poised to offer travelers a unique cultural experience. For international tourists, attending a Ben&Ben concert in the Philippines could add a layer of meaningful engagement to their trip, fostering a deeper appreciation of Filipino culture and contemporary artistry.
Travelers from the diaspora might find such events an emotional draw, reconnecting with heritage and community through music. Moreover, the band’s blending of traditional and modern sounds could attract diverse demographics, including younger travelers eager to explore new global music scenes.
The staging of the tour in multiple locations, both urban and provincial, also highlighted the potential for decentralized tourism, encouraging visitors to venture beyond typical metropolitan hubs and discover new regions of the Philippines and abroad.
Key Details to Note
- Concert Date & Location: May 24, 2025, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino
- Tour Stops: Cebu, Bacolod, Davao (Philippines), Lincoln (California)
- Album Release: November 29, 2024
- Album Theme: Journey through Light, Energy, Feel
- Band Size: Nine members
- Ticket Prices: PHP 1,000 to PHP 6,500 available
A Fusion of Culture, Music, and Travel
In summary, it was revealed that Ben&Ben’s upcoming tour would serve not only as a musical event but as a cultural journey resonating deeply with local and international audiences. This initiative was anticipated to inspire growth within the travel and entertainment industries by drawing attention to the Philippines’ vibrant music scene and expanding the profile of cities like Cebu as prime cultural destinations.
The tour was expected to stimulate economic activity, promote cultural exchange, and enhance the traveler experience by blending artistry with exploration. In doing so, it could encourage a broader pattern of travel motivated by cultural events, contributing to the diversification and enrichment of global tourism markets.
