MANILA, Philippines – Before smartphones and streaming changed everything, afternoons were for music videos.
In the early 2000s, I’d spend hours glued to MTV and MYX, discovering artists whose songs would shape the soundtrack of my youth. That’s how I found M2M, a Norwegian pop duo whose music instantly felt like home.
One moment, in particular, is still etched in my memory: a music video that opened with scenes from Pokémon: The First Movie, seamlessly blended with M2M’s “Don’t Say You Love Me.”
I didn’t know who Marion Raven and Marit Larsen were at the time, but the song struck a chord. It felt like something I had always known, even if I had just discovered it. The magic of Pokémon — the wonder, the adventure, the emotion — made the song hit even harder. That one video became my gateway into M2M’s world.
Music has always been a part of my life. Raised in a musically inclined family, I sang, played the guitar, and dabbled with keyboards — just like Marion and Marit. As I learned more about them, I grew even fonder of their music, finding common ground in the instruments we all shared.
So when my mom surprised me with Shades of Purple, the first CD I ever owned, it felt like more than just a gift. It was a rite of passage — a tangible connection to the artists who had unknowingly shaped my musical journey.
Fast forward to May 2, 2025, the second night of M2M’s “Better Endings Tour” in Cubao, Quezon City — 25 years had passed since their last visit to the Philippines, and I was about to witness something I had only dreamed of.
Originally scheduled for just one night, the concert sold out almost immediately, prompting the addition of a second show, also sold out. Thanks to Wilbros Live, fans like me were given a rare opportunity to relive the magic of M2M — and I wasn’t about to miss it.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation buzzed through the crowd, Marion and Marit made a dramatic entrance with “The Day You Went Away,” while singing face-to-face in the first few lines.
It was a fitting opener — both nostalgic and emotional — echoing the time they had spent apart as a pop duo. The crowd was instantly swept into the moment, as if no time had passed at all.
Next came “Everything You Do,” and with it, a burst of energy. The crowd couldn’t help but dance — arms waving, feet moving, hearts beating in sync with the rhythm.
Marion wasted no energy and played with the crowd, feeding off their excitement as she moved across the stage with electric energy. It was joy in its purest form.
Later, during “What You Do About Me,” while Marit, who we always see in music videos holding a guitar, was still there, smiling and charming as she strummed,
Marion surprised everyone by stepping off the stage and making her way through the VIP and patron sections. Fans lit up with shock and excitement as she greeted them warmly, waving, smiling, and even stopping for a few selfies. Lucky them!
Between songs, Marion and Marit shared the touching story of their reunion. A twist of fate had brought them back together — Marit running late one morning, Marion dealing with a flat tire, and both unexpectedly finding themselves in the same coffee shop.
“It felt like the universe was playing a trick on us,” Marit laughed.
That chance encounter rekindled a connection they thought had long faded. Within five hours, they decided to reunite for a tour.
Without that serendipitous meeting, “Better Endings” might never have happened. But there they were on stage in Cubao — two voices, one story, and thousands of fans reliving the soundtrack of their youth.
One of the night’s most powerful moments came when M2M turned the spotlight on us, the fans. Without missing a beat, they asked the crowd to sing while they played their guitars, letting our voices carry the melody.
The crowd responded in perfect harmony — every word, every note rising effortlessly through the venue. It felt like muscle memory, as if the lyrics had lived in our bones all these years. The emotion was palpable, and it was clear that both M2M and the audience were deeply connected, sharing a moment that transcended time and space.
Before performing “Pretty Boy,” Marion shared how its meaning had evolved. What once spoke of a schoolgirl crush had become a heartfelt tribute to her son.
Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, and when she sang, it felt deeper, richer — proof that songs, like people, grow over time.
After the performance, the childhood friends sat quietly with their guitars, wiping away tears. They took a few seconds to collect themselves before getting ready for the next song.
That moment of stillness said more than words ever could. It reminded us that music is about memory, connection, and emotion that transcends time.
The concert also highlighted some of their individual artistry, with Marit captivating the crowd with “Under the Surface” and Marion delivering a deeply emotional rendition of Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
After their solos, they performed again together on “Mirror Mirror,” a classic childhood hit. Marion played a playful tune on the keyboards, while Marit rocked her iconic red guitar.
As the concert neared its end, the pop duo performed “Don’t Mess With My Love,” fulfilling fans’ requests, as many had been hoping to hear it.
Before they performed their last song, they teased the fans with a question, asking if they felt there was a missing song. Of course, the supporters responded in unison.
Marion and Marit wrapped up the night with our favorite “Don’t Say You Love Me.”
The venue became one big karaoke session, with the crowd singing along to every word, sharing in the moment of nostalgia and joy.
As the familiar chords filled the Smart Araneta Coliseum, I was transported back to that young kid watching music videos, discovering new music, and connecting with artists whose impact I would carry with me for life.
And not to forget, Pokémon — the magic of childhood, the joy of discovery, and the wonder of a world where everything seemed possible, especially the discovery of music.
I sang my heart out that night. I hadn’t just memorized the lyrics, but the harmonies, the instrumental layers — every note like an old friend I was rediscovering.
The circle felt complete. The moment was perfect. The songs, the memories, and the emotions all came rushing back, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia, love, and an unforgettable journey with M2M.
Though the meanings of their songs may change with time, one thing remains constant: our love for M2M.
“The Better Endings Tour” was more than worth the 25-year wait. For fans like me, it wasn’t just a concert — it was a homecoming. – Rappler.com
Content shared from www.rappler.com.