David Archuleta thrilled to be back in the Philippines: 'I feel part of everyone here'

David Archuleta is back in the Philippines after six years, and he couldn't be happier.

The American singer, who shot to fame after competing in "American Idol" in 2008, visited "Unang Hirit" on Thursday ahead of his concert this weekend.

"I've been waiting six long years to come back, there's the whole pandemic and everything that happened," he said.

"I missed the Pinoys, the people, the culture, the food," he added.

David said that Filipinos are great at making people feel at home and welcome.

"When I come here, not only are they big fans of 'American Idol,' the songs I release," he said. "I feel like we act the same."

"I see myself so much in the Filipino culture, and I'm like, oh my gosh, am I Filipino?" he joked with a laugh. "Everyone thought so. I just feel so a part of everyone here, and they're a part of my life now."

He also plans on making the most out of his stay — he said he was looking forward to eating mangoes, sisig, pancit, bangus, and adobo.

David will hold his show, the "Playback Presents: The Best of David Archuleta Live in Manila," at the New Frontier Theater on September 14.

In "American Idol" Season 7, he finished as the runner-up. He is known for hits like "Crush" and "A Little Too Not Over You."

He previously visited the Philippines in 2018 for a fundraising concert. He also came to the Philippines in 2012 to film a series.

David also covered South Border's "Rainbow" and dedicated it to his Filipino fans. —JCB, GMA Integrated News