Selena Gomez 'revives' crowd with bold, unrestricted performance

MANILA, Philippines — It was past nine in the evening when the lights at the Mall of Asia Arena went dim. As soon as the speakers played a tune with an all too familiar voice, the crowd started cheering. Few seconds later, Selena Gomez appeared on stage, the "Revival" has begun.

On July 31, Selena gave thousands of Filipino fans the time of their lives by giving an electrifying performance which made them jolt and flung them from their seats. Living up to the "Revival"'s album cover up to its bold lyrics, Selena's performance was unrestrained, fiery and suffice to say, matured.

The arena erupted into a thousand-strong sing-along of her hit songs, with the crowd’s voices even overpowering the singer’s at some point.

For the first set, Selena sang the electropop “Same Old Love,” one of the highest charting singles she’s ever had and followed it up with the steamy "Come and Get It," from her 2013 album, "Stars Dance."

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

From her body hugging leather pair, Selena quickly changed into a comfy pair of boxer-inspired shorts and coat before proceeding with "Good For You," "Survivors" and "Slow Down."

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

It was then at that point when the 24-year-old pop singer told the audience how thankful she is to be able to perform in front of her Filipino fans. 

She went on to sing "Love You like a Love Song,” "Hands To Myself," and "Who Says,”  a self-empowerment anthem which has been one of the fans’ favorites since she started her singing career.

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

The show slowed down a bit from there, when Selena, clad in a long black dress, took the piano to do a cover of a worship song, “Transfiguration.”

Selena did not perform her song “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” rumored to have been inspired by her breakup with Justin Bieber. But she did give the fans a peek of her mid-tempo “Feel Me.”

“I am working on some new songs for my new album, and whenever I feel frustrated, I write,” she said before proceeding with the song.

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Following the toned down set, Selena went all rogue with “Me & My Girls,” “Me & The Rhythm” and “Body Heat.” Showing everyone that she already is a Disney graduate,  Selena wore her new line of “Revival” merchandise --- a long-sleeved mesh mock turtleneck top with a rectangular patch of denim, covering only her chest.

Gomez wears a long-sleeved mesh mock turtleneck top with a rectangular patch of denim.

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Few minutes before ending the concert, Selena Gomez said what every Filipino Selenator wants to hear from the Instagram queen.

“Please don’t be mad at me if I get this wrong. Mahal Kita…I guarantee you, we will be back,” Selena said before closing off the show with the funky “Kill Them With Kindness,” EDM “I Want You To Know, and once again “Revival” remix.

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena Gomez during her "Revival" Concert at MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Selena's fifth album, “Revival,” was released in October last year. Her concert, which was made up of almost 20 songs, was dedicated to promoting the album, her first and most grown-up version yet. — Photos by Philstar.com / AJ Bolando