On October 6, I had the chance to watch Olivia Rodrigo’s concert at the Philippine Arena with my two teens and niece. We were lucky to score upper box tickets, all thanks to my eldest who generously treated us. While I wasn’t an Olivia Rodrigo fan initially, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed her music. Her youthful, energetic rock vibes really resonate with the younger generation, and I found myself appreciating why so many teens, including mine, are hooked on her songs.
This was also our first time at the massive Philippine Arena, and I was eager to see what the hype was about. Located in Bulacan, it wasn’t too far from our home in Quezon City, toll fee from Mindanao to Ciudad De Victoria was around P74.00 one-way, and we arrived around 2-3 PM. We parked at Parking D2, which was already half-full, and started our journey towards the main venue. The parking situation was far from ideal, with the nearest available slot being a long walk from the arena. This was just one of the inconveniences that made the day a bit frustrating.
One of the major issues was the lack of nearby amenities. There’s no nearby mall or proper food areas, so we had to settle for overpriced food inside the venue. After a long wait in line, I managed to get a small bowl of chickensilog for P230, which all four of us had to share. The lack of seating outside and inside the arena while waiting made the experience uncomfortable, but we powered through.
Once inside the arena, we were struck by its sheer size—it felt like a football stadium. However, reaching our seats was another challenge, as we had to climb several levels of stairs, which was exhausting. The excitement of the concert, though, made up for most of the hassle. Olivia Rodrigo’s performance was fantastic, and her talent shone through every song. The crowd’s energy was electric, with everyone singing, screaming, and stomping their feet.
Unfortunately, not everything was perfect. The LED screens on the sides weren’t working, and with my not-so-perfect eyesight, I had to rely on the central screen to catch glimpses of Olivia. Despite these technical issues and the physical strain of getting around the venue, the concert itself was an unforgettable experience.
While the show was amazing, I can’t say the same for the Philippine Arena. The logistical challenges and lack of conveniences make it difficult to recommend for smaller shows or events. Unless there are improvements, it would take a truly outstanding artist to convince me to endure the same hassles again.
