Popular R&B singer Ne-Yo arrived in the Philippines early Thursday morning for his two-day concert in Manila on February 29 and March 1 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Grammy Award winning artist arrived in Manila with his entourage of musicians and fellow performers. Ne-Yo (real name Shaffer C. Smith) was all smiles as he was greeted by waiting media men at the airport.

This is his first trip to the Philippines but the singer said he is no stranger to Asian culture as he boasted a unique blend of African-American and Chinese heritage.

In an interview with Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo, Ne-Yo promised his Filipino fans a concert to remember during his two-day gig.

“It’s my first time to go to the Philippines and it’s something new for me. I heard that I have a lot of fans out there and I’m thankful to them. I promise them a memorable show. I will do all the songs that they want to hear,” he told Lo.

Ne-Yo is the voice behind popular hits such as “So Sick,” “Because of You,” “Go on, Girl” and the radio favorite collaboration with singer Rihanna, “Hate that I Love You.” He is also a songwriter for big name artists such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Britney Spears.

Ne-Yo recently bagged the Best Contemporary R&B Album award for Because of You in the recent Grammys. Other honors include 2006 Billboard’s Male R&B Artist of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Artist of the Year; and 2006 Billboard nominee as Male Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year and R&B Hip-Hop Single of the Year (for So Sick).