Traveling across dimensions with Ben&Ben

Radiant lights bathed the SM Mall of Asia Arena as Ben&Ben, the nine-piece Filipino indie folk-pop band, captivated the audience with soul-stirring performances during their The Traveller Across Dimensions concert on 14 December.

In their first large-scale indoor concert, Ben&Ben treated the audience to a selection of songs from their career, highlighting tracks from their third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions. This album introduces their initial venture into animated storytelling, depicting the adventures of Liwanag, a character named after the band’s fanbase who explores three symbolic realms: light, energy and feel.

“What we did for this album is aside from writing a set of songs, we also wrote a story of Liwanag, the titular character that we are following tonight,” said Miguel Benjamin, one of the twin brothers comprising the indie-folk duo during his monologue.

“The moral of tonight’s show is very simple: the different dimensions of life, when we learn, when we fall and when we suffer, and when we get through it, una, lahat yon bahagi ng buhay (first of all, that is part of life), and when we let go of the things we try to control too much, then we find true inner peace.”

An immersive atmosphere filled the arena, with an ocean of colorful flashing lights from the crowd’s LED wristbands and a thoughtfully curated setlist, making the night a unique experience for Ben&Ben and their fans, collectively known as Liwanag.

Animated storytelling lit up the screen in between performances, illustrating Liwanag’s journey across dimensions and introducing pivotal characters from the album, such as Gabay, a wise traveler; Puhon, Liwanag’s faithful pet; and Mahiwaga, a fellow traveler met in the Feel dimension.

Divided into three acts (light, energy and feel), the concert reflected the dimensions featured in their latest album. Act 1 (Light) opened with a mix of old favorites and newer hits, followed by Act 2 (Energy), which shifted to a more intense yet subdued vibe, culminating in Act 3 (Feel), which brought the evening to an emotional crescendo.

Each set represented three different stages faced by Liwanag, beginning with discovering one’s self, battling their inner demons, and facing their own fears while moving on with grief, with each of the songs played during the act in line with the theme and emotion conveyed through the lyrics.

Deafening cheers erupted at the arena as the band kicked off the concert with “Could Be Something,” setting the tone for the unforgettable night ahead the audience was about to experience. This was followed by two of their hit tracks, “Paninindigan Kita” and “Pagtingin,” sparking the audience to sing along and fully immerse in the vibe.

“Supernatural” and “Winter” were also performed, which are two songs from their newest album, followed by “Upuan,” “Autumn” and “Maybe The Night.”

After a more laid-back series of serenades, the crowd erupted in cheers once again as Ben&Ben performed “Langyang Pag-Ibig,” with fans jumping up and down while screaming the intro lyrics of the song.

Other songs from The Traveller Across Dimensions that were performed at the arena were “Burn,” “Comets,” “Courage,” “Triumph,” “Peace of Mind,” “Shutter” and “New Dimensions.” 

But love was in the air during the band’s performance of “Tomorrow With You,” as one of the attendees at the VIP Standing area proposed to their girlfriend to a romantic success and a warm embrace while swaying to the song.

As the night continued, Ben&Ben amplified the holiday spirit with a combined performance of “Bibingka” and “Ilang Tulog Na Lang,” highlighting the countdown to Christmas.

The crowd once again screamed and cheered as Ben&Ben performed four of their hit tracks once again with “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay,” “Leaves,” “Kathang Isip” and “Araw-Araw.”

Ben&Ben performed “Ride Home,” symbolizing the bond between the band and their fans as they “came home” through music.

The Traveller Across Dimensions is Ben&Ben’s third studio album released on 29 November, centered around a character’s journey throughout innocence, struggle, and maturity. 

Ben&Ben, originally just twin brothers Miguel and Paolo Benjamin on vocals and acoustic guitar, is now comprised of nine members who worked on the production of the new album, including Poch Barretto (electric guitar), Keifer Cabugao (violin),