Fans gathered at the Trinoma Activity Center on May 8, 2025, for the much-anticipated press conference of the Playback Music Festival, featuring iconic 2000s acts The Click Five, Secondhand Serenade, and Boys Like Girls. The atmosphere was electric as each band shared stories of reunion, musical journeys, and their excitement for the upcoming concert.

The Click Five surprised fans by revealing that their reunion wasn’t planned—they simply created new social media accounts and were shocked to see their song streams spike, despite doing no promotion. They dedicated their hit songs “Jenny” and “All I Need Is You” to longtime supporters and teased the release of unreleased tracks, including “Summertime.” Joking about the physical challenges of getting older, they quipped about knees and even their old album covers—where extra hair was Photoshopped in. When asked what makes their music timeless, they credited their high standards for writing and recording, noting that their second album had 70 demo tracks. They closed with a heartfelt message: “We’re so happy to see you again.”

Secondhand Serenade’s John Vesely reflected on how he began making music simply because he “got sad sometimes” and needed a way to express himself. His breakout hit “Fall for You” captured what he was going through at the time, and he’s grateful that his songs continue to resonate with listeners. He emphasized that being a musician is a lifelong journey, saying, “I’m never going to be good enough—you always try to be.”

He also recalled a comment from a former neighbor who once told him, “Just because you sing for a living doesn’t mean you’re good.” Despite the negativity, he took it as a reminder that growth never stops—and it never stopped him from pursuing his passion. He also shared his love for sisig and admitted his dislike for balut.

Boys Like Girls promised a full set of 25 songs for the concert, including fan favorite “Thunder.” They brought laughs when sharing a funny COVID-era story: during a trip to the Philippines in the middle of the pandemic, someone called out to lead singer Martin Johnson and asked him to pull down his face mask. When he did, the fan immediately sang, “Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer,” quoting their hit “Thunder.” They also shared that if they could collaborate with anyone, it would be Taylor Swift.

This press conference was just a glimpse of what’s about to go down at the Playback Music Festival happening on May 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Get ready for a night of iconic throwbacks, emotional sing-alongs, and unforgettable performances from the artists who shaped the soundtrack of your youth. See you there!