The Queen of Christmas and pop diva extraordinaire Mariah Carey is making her grand return to the Philippine stage after more than seven years. Organized by Wilbros Live, the concert will take place on Tuesday, October 14, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. As the Lambilys of Manila (Carey’s fans are called “lambs”) rejoiced, the announcement sent shockwaves through social media, with fans quick to point out the impeccable timing of the concert.
“Sinakto sa ber month,” one Facebook user remarked, capturing the collective excitement of a nation already gearing up for the holiday season.
In Philippine pop culture, the “Ber” months — the suffixes of the months September to December — are a time of celebration, marked by early Christmas decorations, festive playlists, and an infectious holiday spirit. Mariah Carey, with her iconic hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has become a staple of this season. Released in 1994, the song has achieved diamond certifications in countries like the USA, Sweden, Canada, and Australia, cementing its place as a global holiday anthem. In December 2024, the song finally made its debut at the Billboard Philippines Hot 100.
But Carey’s influence here extends far beyond Christmas. Her timeless hits such as “We Belong Together,” “Always Be My Baby,” and “Fantasy” are karaoke staples and bar favorites, while her whistle tones and wide vocal range have set the standard for singers worldwide. In the Philippines, her impact is undeniable, inspiring vocal powerhouses like Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo. Carey’s vocal prowess has become a benchmark for Filipino singing contests, making her a cultural icon in her own right.
Now, as she prepares to take the stage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in the heart of the Ber months, Carey’s concert promises to be a celebration of music, nostalgia, and the holiday spirit. For the thousands of fans waiting to get a hand of those tickets, it’s the perfect way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year.
Her last concert in the Philippines was in 2018, also held in October, where she sang early hits such as “Vision of Love” up to selections from the album Caution.
Ticket details will be announced soon and will be available via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.
