On February 23, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts, Nina held a press conference to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her landmark live album, Nina Live!, and formally promote her milestone concert titled “Nina XX.”
The event gathered members of the media, production partners, and supporters who witnessed a reflective celebration of one of the most successful releases in Original Pilipino Music history.
The gathering unfolded in a warm and appreciative atmosphere, with visuals and discussions centered on the lasting impact of the Diamond-certified album. Originally released in 2005 under Warner Music Philippines, Nina Live! achieved extraordinary commercial success, earning Diamond certification from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry. It remains one of the best-selling Filipino albums of all time and was recognized as Best Selling Album of the Year at the Awit Awards in 2006.
Throughout the press conference, attention repeatedly returned to the emotional resonance of the album’s signature tracks, including “I Don’t Want To Be Your Friend” and “(Love Moves) In Mysterious Ways.” These songs, performed live two decades ago, continue to define Nina’s artistry and vocal identity. The anniversary event highlighted how the live recording format helped elevate her status as one of the country’s most respected vocalists, earning her the widely known title of Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren.
The upcoming concert, “Nina XX,” was positioned as a retrospective performance experience that revisits selections from the original live set while incorporating additional fan favorites and refreshed arrangements. The production team behind the show includes director Calvin Neria and musical director Soc Mina, both of whom shared their commitment to preserving the emotional authenticity of the original album while enhancing the concert with contemporary staging and musical depth.
Special guest performers are set to join the celebration, including Jay Durias, Thor, and Kris Lawrence. Their participation underscores the collaborative spirit of the event, creating opportunities for shared performances that reflect the breadth of OPM talent across generations.
Organized by Echo Jham Entertainment Production in partnership with SynthX, the concert’s ticket distribution was managed through TicketWorld, with strong demand reported following the announcement. The press conference confirmed that anticipation had steadily grown among long-time fans eager to relive the live album experience in a full-scale concert setting.
Although the celebration focused on musical milestones rather than competition, the achievements associated with Nina Live! were repeatedly acknowledged as defining industry benchmarks.
Its Diamond certification and enduring sales performance solidified its legacy as a cultural touchstone, marking it as the final album to receive such recognition from PARI at the time of its release.
The February 23 gathering ultimately served as both a retrospective tribute and a forward-looking celebration.
As “Nina XX” approaches, the event reinforced how two decades after its debut, Nina Live! continues to inspire audiences, influence artists, and resonate across generations—proving that some performances do not simply age but grow stronger with time. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
