It’s an understatement to say that Filipinos love music. In fact, in a fun list ranking by TheTopTens, the Philippines emerged as “the No. 1 country in the world with the best singers.” Aside from being great singers and even videoke lovers, recent studies reveal that Filipinos are among the top concert spenders in the Asia Pacific region.
Concertgoers in the country are more than willing to spend on concerts, including travel expenses, accommodation, and dining, encompassing the concert-going experience. According to data, the country’s music event market is expected to grow annually by 3.9%, which could reach $97.5 million by 2028.
These numbers underscore the significance of concerts in the county, not just as a form of entertainment, but also as economic drivers. This has not always been the case throughout the decades, since infrastructure for major concerts was not always available. However, bigger arenas have been built in recent years, allowing local and international acts to hold more music events in some of the country’s biggest concert venues.
In this article, we show you the top three arenas in the Philippines, the most notable acts that have held concerts in the venues, and the best tips to make the most of your experience.
Related article: The Unspoken Rules of Videoke
The Three Biggest Concert Venues in the Philippines
1. The Philippine Arena, Bulacan
Noble Acts: Coldplay, Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars
Capacity: 55,000
Opened in 2014 and owned by the religious group, Iglesia ni Cristo, the Philippine Arena is located in Bulacan, about 83 km north of Manila. With a staggering capacity of 55,000, it is considered the biggest indoor arena in the world.
Public buses are available for transport to Bulacan, but private shuttle vans and private vehicles are the best ways to get there. However, because traffic is a significant issue, you must prepare to leave as early as possible. Parking is also challenging, so always remember your parking stall location. If concerts end late, booking an overnight stay nearby may be better than driving back to Manila.
Aside from VIP, the next best seats are the lower boxes.
It’s best to eat ahead of time since there may not be enough food concessionaires in the stadium, and outside food is not allowed. Other important info includes bringing extra clothes since it can get warm inside.
2. Mall Of Asia Arena, Pasay City
Noble Acts: Taylor Swift, BlackPink, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Jonas Brothers
Capacity: 15,000 to 20,000
The SM Mall of Asia Arena is found within the SM Mall of Asia complex, one of the biggest shopping malls in the country. It is a modern, world-class indoor venue with a convenient location surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options. Most concertgoers book an overnight stay in nearby hotels and walk to and from the venue during concerts.
The venue has limited options for public transportation and rideshare apps, so it’s best to drive or carpool since there is ample parking. The venue can also be accessed from the Mall/SMX, but you may need to ask for directions to reach the proper entrances.
For the best seats, the lower and upper boxes are the next best seats besides the VIP seats. General admission seats may be inexpensive, but they’re too far from the stage, and the staircases are steep.
There are more restrooms and escalators here than at the other two on our list, but they take time to find, so before the concert begins, you should familiarize yourself with their locations. The aisles are narrow, so if you wish to use the restroom or buy food, do so before it gets crowded.
3. Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Noble Acts: Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, Avril Lavigne, Michael Jackson, The Beatles
Capacity: 16,500 (expandable to 20,000)
The Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, is an iconic institution in the country since the 1960s. Also known as “The Big Dome,” it’s been the venue of concerts, basketball games, pageants, and boxing matches, making it a beloved and historic concert venue.
The Coliseum is the most convenient to reach in terms of public transportation. It has a central location in Metro Manila, and management recommends taking the MRT to the Araneta Station as the best and fastest way to get there. Parking in the venue is limited, but public transportation like buses, vans, and jeepney stations are available if the concert ends late.
VIP seats are the best, but it also depends on how the organizer sets up the stage, so you can’t go wrong with any seat in this venue.
The Coliseum is considered the best venue for older concertgoers since there is more space between the seats. It’s also the most convenient as establishments surround it and public transportation is abundant.
Turning Concert Nights Into Memories
Concert-going in the Philippines is not just about watching live performances, but a complete experience. Not all venues are made equal, and there are many things to plan if you want a smooth, comfortable, and convenient time to watch your favorite artists. Advanced strategic thinking and planning always pays off in the end, so buy that ticket, plan your night, and have the best concert you’ve ever experienced, until the concert.
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Featured Image by Billboard Philippines
