IMAGES: Rihanna sparkles in Manila show

MANILA -- Despite starting two hours behind schedule, Rihanna's concert had Filipino fans in high spirits as they left the Mall of Asia Arena late Thursday, taking to social media to share their experience during the one-night show.

Scheduled to start at 8 p.m., the Manila stop of the Barbadian singer's "Diamonds World Tour" reportedly started late, as she only landed in the Philippines at around 6:15 p.m. on the same night.


The lull, however, easily shifted to high gear with performances from American DJ tandem Good Times Ahead, Rihanna's opening act since the European leg of the concert series.

Rihanna, in the early part of the show, noted it was her second time in the Philippines, having performed here in 2008.

Wearing what appeared to be white sportswear -- some netizens called it "gym clothes" -- the 25-year-old hitmaker went on to strip the matching white jacket and baggy shorts as the show went on.

Performing some 20 songs, Rihanna had fans screaming with her global hits "Umbrella," "Love the Way You Lie," "We Found Love," "Where Have You Been," "Stay," and the finale number, "Diamonds."

Local celebrities spotted at the concert include Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Kathryn Bernardo, Bianca Gonzalez, Kim Chiu, and Gutierrez siblings Ruffa, Richard and Raymond.

Here are some photos of the "Diamonds World Tour" concert taken by netizens, as it happened in Manila:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sorry, no cameras allowed at Rihanna concert

MANILA -- Filipino fans of Rihanna won't be able to take photos of the international pop star when she performs at the Mall of Asia Arena stage on Thursday night.

The Pasay City concert venue, in its official social media accounts, announced that any type of camera will not be allowed in, "as per artist's management and event organizer's request."

"All type of cameras (digital cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs) are prohibited during Rihanna's 'Diamonds World Tour.' Only accredited press and media will be allowed to bring cameras inside the venue," it said.

The 25-year-old Barbadian singer, who is behind the global hits "Umbrella" and "We Found Love," is performing in the Philippines for a second time after her sold-out show in Taguig in 2008.

Manila is one of the three Asian stops of the "Diamonds" tour, which has so far visited over 60 cities around the world. The concert series is set to make 19 more stops until November 15.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com