Filipinos love concerts, but venue infrastructure gaps are a threat to the experience

Countries with superior, larger, and more competitive concert venues have enjoyed economic advantages, particularly due to the substantial impact of popular international acts like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and Coldplay's World Tour on consumer behavior and expenditure.

Drawing in tens of thousands of devoted fans, the triumph of these concerts acted as an economic catalyst for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian nations like Singapore and Japan. Filipino enthusiasts, in particular, spared no expense and traveled great distances to witness superstar Swift's exclusive performance at Singapore's National Stadium, while others flocked to Japan's Tokyo Dome and Sydney's Accor Stadium in Australia. These massive concert events bolstered the economies of their respective host countries, significantly benefiting sectors such as entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transportation.

While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.

2. Concert Experience

Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof and comfort cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts from all over the world. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate.

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Take for example the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – that has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances.

Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features, comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

Undoubtedly, entertainment holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, with a fervent enthusiasm for live shows. In fact, Filipinos rank as the fourth highest spenders on concerts in the Asia-Pacific region, as reported by digital payments company Visa. This serves as clear evidence of our deep-seated passion for live performances.

By directing efforts towards the advancement of contemporary, intelligent, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert aficionados can continue to immerse themselves in and celebrate live entertainment with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Moreover, beyond mere amusement, thoughtfully curated, intelligent, and innovative concert facilities have the potential to generate significant economic benefits for both the national and local economies of the Philippines. This includes additional local spending in sectors such as retail, tourism, and hospitality, thereby amplifying the overall impact.