There was a time when Justin Bieber was every pre-teen girl’s dream, and Beliebers were the easiest target to pick on for self-appointed music gatekeepers who were fawning all over the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block in their day.

That time was twelve years ago.

If you didn’t feel old enough yet, Justin Bieber is coming back to Manila in 2022, this time brought to us by the fine folks at Ovation Productions. You can’t possibly tell me that Ovation doesn’t know what it’s doing here, because they totally do, and they’re loving it: Justin Bieber now totally counts as “a trip down memory lane,” guys.

But with Ovation Production in the mix comes the golden opportunity for some memorable opening acts to open for Justin this October. Mind-blowing opening acts, such as…

8. Kyla and Jay-R

If we’re taking things seriously, it’s hard to go wrong with a 1-2 punch of Pinoy R and B royalty. Kyla and Jay-R’s forced loveteam days may be over, but these two can still keep up with JB onstage and on the mic, we can guarantee you.

7. Skusta Clee

Speaking of R and B royalty, Skusta Clee, especially when away from all the drama and Ex-B, is one heck of a performer in his own right. He can definitely hold his own and keep the crowd pumped up for the main event.

6. Billy Crawford

Who in the Philippines, just like Justin Bieber, was also a child sensation who is also a performer with a lengthy career to his name? Billy Crawford ticks all those boxes, and he can definitely make some heads turn. Wow. I wasn’t expecting this list to be so serious…

5. Mystica

Now things begin to get more interesting. Not only could Mystica use the cash for this gig, she can definitely, ahem, split the crowd’s loyalties with her antics. Have you seen Mystica’s “History of Dance” video before it disappeared from the face of the internet? JB has got some stiff competition right here!

4. David Pomeranz

Let’s make it even more star-studded with the guy who’s here so often, he’s practically a Filipino! When’s the last time David Pomeranz had a concert that wasn’t a JS Prom or at the Manila International Book Fair? Justin Bieber may be the reigning king of pop music, but David Pomeranz is the King and Queen of Hearts.

3. Hajji Alejandro

The original Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala can definitely do a cross-generational showdown with the Biebs, for sure. While Justin wasn’t even a glint in his dad’s eye, Hajji Alejandro was already receiving way more underwear thrown his way by the ladies way back in the ‘70s. Say what you will about this guy, but he refuses to age, even in 2022.

2. Pilita Corales

Known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, she can Pilita bend her way to possibly upstaging Justin Bieber all on her own. And if that good ol’ charm of hers doesn’t work (but how could it not?!?), there’s also her granddaughter, Janine Gutierrez, to just push things over the top. If you had Ms. Pilita Corales drink from the fountain of youth, it’s probably Janine you’re going to see walking out.

1. RJ Jacinto

Justin Bieber may be all about Pop and R&B, but he’s no match for the uncle of Pinoy Rock and Roll, RJ Jacinto himself. It’s gonna be a rockin’ good night with RJ and JB as they sing some of those amazing hits of yesteryear while RJ plays the tunes on his very own RJ Guitars.

Are you ready for this concert, people? Make sure you have your White Flower and Lola Remedios ready, because it’s going to be a blast!