It was a magical night of music and romance last May 30 at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang as Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey made her concert debut on Philippine shores!

Presented by Karpos Live, #LaufeyInManila was the kick-off show of the 24 year-old jazz singer’s sold out Asia tour. The journey to Manila was literally not easy for Laufey, as she was racing against a typhoon and even lost her luggage after her 24-hour-long flight – but the wonderful Filipino crowd who sang along with her the entire show made it worth it!

“I’m not going to lie, this is the biggest concert I’ve ever played, and I’m so honored to have this special moment in the Philippines. This is so mind-blowing,” Laufey excitedly said in her opening spiel.

Switching between her electric guitar and the grand piano to accompany her beautiful voice, Laufey enchanted the over 2,000-strong audience with a packed setlist that included fan favorites ‘Fragile,’ ‘Dear Valentine,’ ‘Let You Break My Heart Again,’ ‘Like The Movies,’ ‘Falling Behind’ and ‘Magnolia’; and the first-ever live performance of her latest single ‘From The Start.’ It was amazing to see her command the stage alone; no fancy lights or backup performers needed!

Perhaps the night's highlight was Laufey performing not one but two unreleased songs from her upcoming sophomore album! “It hurts to be something, it’s worse to be nothing… with you,” she crooned – we swear everyone in the room was trying to hold back tears! It was so good; we can’t wait ‘til she officially drops the songs!

As she bid her Filipino fans farewell, Laufey thanked everyone for making the night one she’ll never forget. “I’m so in love with this country… It seems I just have to return,” she said.

It was an honor to witness “the story of [Laufey’s] life through music” live, and we will forever be in awe of how she brought jazz closer to a younger audience by sharing her own experiences of love and life. We’ve loved her ~from the start~, and the Monster will be here waiting ‘til she comes back.