American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth is set to return to the Philippines on October 14 for the Manila leg of his Whatever's Clever! Tour at the Mall of Asia Arena, his first visit to the country since his 2016 concert, after a planned 2018 show was canceled.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News entertainment reporter MJ Felipe, he was candid about the gap, his new album, his life as Professor Puth, and what Filipino fans mean to him.
“I’m surprised no one’s mad at me. I mean, it’s been a long time. I feel like people are going to get mad at me,” he said.
But the wait, he explained, was never about forgetting. It was about making sure that when he finally came back, it would be worth it.
"I was just working. I was making sure we could put together the best show we could possibly put on. I never want any show I do to be the same. Because I feel like people would get bored. So they can expect something very different but familiar at the same time. They're not gonna watch it and be like I don't understand it at all. So hopefully, they'll appreciate it," he said.
Charlie's history with the Philippines goes back to 2015, when he visited the country for the first time. He said he came in already knowing what to expect from Filipinos, and the experience did not disappoint.
"My first time in the Philippines was in 2015, and I remember it was just such a beautiful and different place than wherever I'd ever been before. And the people are so friendly, and everybody knows how to sing for some reason. And everybody's just so nice. I remember just looking forward to doing the show because the understanding around the world is that everyone in the Philippines is very nice. So I was really excited to experience that for the first time," he said.
That first visit also gave him one of his most treasured creative memories. It was in a Manila hotel room that he produced the beat for "We Don't Talk Anymore," the hit he later recorded with Selena Gomez.
He had begun working on the song during an earlier trip to Japan, where he developed the guitar line, before completing the production in the Philippines.
"Making 'We Don't Talk Anymore' in the hotel room was a pretty great memory. Whatever hotel we were staying at, I just remember being immersed in the culture for the first time," he shared.
His new album, also titled Whatever's Clever!, is one he describes as his most personal to date. He said fans who have followed him from the beginning will find familiar ground, but this time, the door is open a little wider.
"I think it's the same sound. I think it's kind of what it's always been – but maybe a bit more honest and specific this time. You still have your 'One Call Away,' you still have 'See You Again,' your 'Attention' – the songs that cast a wide net. But I think on this project specifically, you really zoom in and get to know me a little better – which I don't know if I let people in this much prior. All of it is gonna feel familiar and really exciting. And I think it's the biggest venue I've ever played in the Philippines, which is really exciting for me," he said.
Beyond the music, Charlie also spoke about Professor Puth, the persona he has built on social media where he breaks down the theory and craft behind his songs in a way that is easy for anyone to follow. For him, it is less about showing off and more about giving back, particularly to aspiring musicians who may be losing steam in a tough industry.
"Well, that's because I want people to learn. Obviously, I want people to show up to the concert and have fun. If they wanna do that, that's just fine – especially in the Philippines. There's some great artistry that comes out of the Philippines and some great music that comes out of where you are as well. So, if there's someone who's a bit discouraged because the music industry can be kind of tough sometimes, maybe they can be inspired by the wonderful musicianship on stage. Like my band is – I think – the best band in pop music. And they can be inspired by that, be inspired by the songs – just like they inspire me," he said.
He closed the interview with a direct message to the fans who have been with him since the beginning, and a preview of what they can look forward to in October.
"To all my loyal, OG Filipino fans, I hope you come to our show. It will be filled with nostalgia, and you'll also be introduced to me in a new way, like you were when I first came to you in 2015. And I think it's the best we've ever sounded, and the band and the singers that share the stage with me add so much musical value to what these songs mean. And I love it when my Filipino fans sing back all the lyrics that I wrote. It's amazing," he said.
The Manila show of "Whatever's Clever!" is on October 14, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena.