98 Degrees reignites bond with Manila

After more than 25 years of music, memories and milestones, 98 Degrees is back in Manila. For Jeff Timmons, Justin Jeffre, Drew and Nick Lachey, this homecoming is a tribute to brotherhood, growth, and the enduring bond that has carried them through shifting trends and changing times.

"We're still learning. It's an ongoing process," Timmons said at a recent media conference when asked how they've stayed together for nearly 30 years. "We've been through so much, super high highs and low lows. When you experience that together, it creates a kind of connection you don't have with anyone else."

The group — who popularized hits "I Do," "Because of You," and "My Everything" — spoke openly about how living and working side by side helped build a mutual understanding that's rare even among bands.

Drew added that having the chance to explore solo projects and other creative ventures allowed them to return to the group refreshed and energized. "We're not pouring all of our energy into one thing. We're creatively spread out, and that keeps this exciting."

Despite their side ventures, the group has always found their way back to each other. That same loyalty and gratitude extends to their fans in the Philippines, who were among the first to fully embrace their music.

For 98 Degrees, Manila isn’t just another stop — it’s where they had their first ‘rock star moment’ during a visit in the late ‘90s. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

In fact, their first visit to the country in the late '90s remains unforgettable for the group.

"That was our first rock star moment," Drew recalled, describing the crowd waiting at the airport.

Timmons added, "They knew our nicknames, what we ate. That thoughtfulness reignited our passion at a time we were feeling discouraged. It reminded us why we started this."

Over the years, that connection has only grown. For the group, it is especially meaningful that their songs continue to be part of major life events for many Filipinos.

"That's one of the biggest honors," Drew said. "You dream that your songs will live on and be part of people's special moments." Nick agreed, saying, "It becomes part of their personal history. That's the ultimate compliment."

Now, as they return to perform in Manila anew, the band is excited to reconnect with the audience that gave them one of their earliest boosts.

Nick shared that he plans to bring his wife, Filipino-American host/actress Vanessa Lachey, and their children back to visit. "She was born here but has never been back. That's my next goal."

Jeffre revealed that his brother was born in the Philippines, making the country especially meaningful to him as well. Drew hopes to do the same, already planning a future trip to Boracay.

Along with their reflections on the road so far, the group also opened up about the lessons they've learned from the artists they've worked with.

Drew remembered Stevie Wonder taking the time to jam with them and make sure they were included, even before anyone knew who they were.

Jeffre recalled Prince speaking about the importance of artists' ownership and supporting local artists. "He didn't need to be concerned with other artists, but he was. That was really generous."

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Multi-platinum boy band 98 Degrees sits down with local media at a press conference in Parañaque City on May 23, 2025, as they talk about their current album, decades-long career, and upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30 and 31. Members Justin Jeffrey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey will be singing their hit songs, "I Do," "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing," as well as those from their new album. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Nick pointed out that passion remains the foundation of their longevity. "If you don't love what you do and the people you do it with, it is hard to keep going. We're lucky. We still love it."

Meanwhile, Jeffre said he would remind his younger self to slow down and appreciate the moment. "Smell the roses. It is easy to get caught up in the pressure, but it is just as important to appreciate every second."

Drew echoed the sentiment, adding, "Not many groups stay together this long. I wish I had realized sooner how special it is to be part of something like this. It is not just about music, but about who we are as people."

In the end, their message is clear. What has sustained 98 Degrees through the years is not just fame or success, but a deep bond rooted in loyalty, gratitude and mutual respect. And here in the Philippines, where their journey first gained real momentum, that connection continues to be welcomed with open arms by fans who have never let them go.

98 Degrees is set to perform live in Manila on May 30 and 31 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The shows promise a mix of classic hits, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of the timeless connection between the band and their Filipino fans.

Tickets are still available at smtickets.com.