For one night, Abu Dhabi felt just like Manila. OPM rock legends Sponge Cola lit up The Hall in Al Qana with a powerful sold-out show that had every Filipino in the crowd singing, swaying, and smiling from ear to ear.
Fans from across the UAE came together for the event, turning it into more than just a show—it felt like a big homecoming. Some even made the journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi just to catch the three-hour performance.
Timeless hits like “Jeepney,” “Tuliro,” “Nakapagtataka” and more echoed through the hall, sparking memories of karaoke nights, college barkada days, and long drives back in the Philippines.
Opening the night was rising star Elijah Semine, a Filipino singer-songwriter born and raised in the UAE, whose heartfelt set warmed up the crowd before Sponge Cola took over.
When the band finally stepped on stage, the roar was deafening. Yael Yuzon, Armo Armovit, Gosh Dilay, and Tedmark Cruz showed why they’ve stayed at the top of the OPM scene for decades. It wasn’t just a one-way performance, as they constantly interacted with fans, sharing smiles, jokes, and stories between songs.
One of the night’s most moving moments was when Yael Yuzon used sign language to interpret parts of some songs. It was a subtle but powerful reminder that music truly transcends barriers.
The concert felt intimate yet explosive — Sponge Cola didn’t just play music, they built a moment with their fans. With lights waving, voices blending, and hands raised high, The Hall at Al Qana became more than a venue. It was a vibrant celebration of Filipino music, culture, and a community bound together by the power of OPM, no matter where they are in the world.
