Dashboard Confessional, the band responsible for hits such as "Hands Down," "As Lovers Go," "Screaming Infidelities," "Stolen," and Spider-Man soundtrack "Vindicated," came to Manila last month.   The quartet–Chris Carrabba, John Lefler, Scott Schoenbeck, and Mike Marsh–had a meet-and-greet session with the press and fans on May 26.   The day after that, they performed at Trinoma, singing songs from their new CD, Alter the Ending and past hits that had us mesmerized.   SPOT.ph lists 10 reasons why the band's Pinoy fans will miss them.

Chris Carrabba started out strong.

1.   They interact with their fans.

They showed genuine interest in their fans.   During the photo op, fans would ask if they could wear the accessories of the members and they happily obliged.   A girl got to wear Carrabba's cap and a boy in hoodie wore drummer Marsh's sunglasses.   The band was even more animated at the concert, graciously letting the audience sing the choruses.

Chris Carrabba talks about writing songs.

2. The band's deep bond is not just for show.

You won't get No rock band drama here–this talented quartet shows no anonymity for one another even after their long years together.   Lead guitarist Lefler even said that before shows, they would always put their heads together.   "There was this one show where we didn't do it and we screwed it up," he said.

Dashboard Confessional performs Weezer's "El Scorcho."

3. They are not afraid to like other bands.

Lefler idolizes U2. Marsh digs Scott Gabriel. Carrabba likes Weezer. (Schoenbeck, who had a throat infection during the meet-and-greet could not talk.)   "People expect you to listen to yourself," Carrabba said.   He emphasized, though, that they also appreciate the music of other bands.   True enough, the band acknowledged Franco who opened for them and included Weezer's "El Scorcho" in their set list.   Chris explained that it's their tradition to play one of the songs of the band they have toured with.   If Weezer had been listening, they would have been more than happy with Dashboard Confessional's cover.

Dashboard Confessional performs "Hands Down."

4. They're humble.

Carrabba revealed that when he started out, he played for "anyone who would care to listen."   Despite worldwide success, Carrabba admitted that he still hasn't gotten a 100 when he plays the guitar part of "Hands Down" in Rock Band. "But I'm proud to say I'm a real guitar player," he joked.

Dashboard Confessional performs "Belle of the Boulevard."

5.   Their lyrics are wrought from real life.

"Our inspiration comes from everywhere," said Carrabba, briefly mentioning girls they date as an example. "There are songs that come out during our worst times."   In fact, "Stolen" is based from his experience of dating the daughters of rich tourists who would visit the town where he lived. "I fell deeply in love with one of these girls for a week," he said. "It's great. I highly recommend it."