Filipino Experience: Olivia Rodrigo ‘Guts Tour’ in Manila 2024

Filipino Livies who were unable to secure tickets online gathered at the malls in response to the announcement of over-the-counter sales. Many spent the night waiting in line, only to learn that only a limited number of tickets were available and that the show had already sold out.

This led to widespread disappointment among the fans, as hopes for attending the event diminished. Many expressed dissatisfaction on social media, claiming that only 10 to 20 tickets were sold at each outlet. Calls for improved communication and transparency from the organisers ensued.

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Rodrigo arrived in the Philippines for the first time on October 3, just two days before her show. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, British actor Louis Partridge, who is known for his roles in Netflix’s Enola Holmes and mini-series Pistol (2022) and Disclaimer (2024). 

Upon landing, the artist posted a photo of halo-halo, a Pinoy-favourite dessert. “Halo-halo secured! So excited to be in the Philippines,” she said. 

Videos of fans casually meeting Rodrigo surfaced online. The artist was seen several times inside mall stores and Intramuros, Manila, where she casually toured with Partridge.

Related: Pinoy Pride: Filipino-Americans Take Over Grammys 2022—Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R., and More

My friends and I arrived at the Philippine Arena just before lunchtime. Our carpool decided to drive us early in the morning to secure a better parking spot and avoid the usual traffic congestion in NLEX. Coming early proved to be beneficial, as it allowed us to avoid being caught in a bumper-to-bumper car jam on our way out. We heard that it took others an hour before they could leave.

The waiting time before the concert was not particularly enjoyable. The heat, lack of proper waiting space and ventilation, and long queues in the food and comfort rooms are important considerations for anyone planning to attend a gig at this venue.

Additionally, there was a shortage of marshals to assist the large number of concert-goers. My advice: keep your street smarts with you. 

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I pay attention to things most people ignore: The concert ground was a feast for the eyes as attendees adorned themselves in various shades of blue, black, white, and purple in true Olivia Rodrigo fashion. 

From where we were seated, the crowd’s energy remained consistently high throughout the performance, from the countdown to the final song. 

Rodrigo began her show with Bad Idea, Right? This was followed by Ballad of a Homschooled Girl and Vampire, which topped the Hot 100 chart in July and again in September.

See also: Olivia Rodrigo's Best Looks: See Her Style Evolution

People were especially loud when she played Sour hits such as Traitor, Drivers License, Happier, and Deja Vu. However, it was during All American Bitch that the attendees truly reached a fever pitch, responding to Rodrigo's invitation to channel their emotions and scream at the top of their lungs.

Among the show's highlights was Rodrigo's encore shirt, prominently displaying the phrase "Pinoy Pride." Additionally, she playfully modified the title of her song So American to So Filipino.

Fans seated near the VIP pit captured an emotional moment as Rodrigo became teary-eyed while performing Enough for You.

“I cannot tell you how special tonight is. I am so thankful you’re here. Salamat po!” Rodrigo said amid the show. “I am so happy to be here tonight. I can’t even tell you. You guys are the most gorgeous crowd ever—you are all so loud and gorgeous, and you’re wearing such cute little outfits.” 

For Filipino fans, the concert was one big karaoke night.

All proceeds from the concert will be donated to Jhpiego, an affiliate of John Hopkins University with five decades of expertise serving women and families worldwide. 

“We translate five decades of experience into moments of care that mean the difference between life and death. The moment a woman gives birth. The moment a midwife helps a baby breathe. The moment a community health worker tells a man he is HIV-free,” the organisation said on its website. 

Rodrigo was able to visit Jhpiego Philippines during her stay in Manila. “I was so impressed by the work they are doing providing healthcare to women and girls in the Philippines,” she said on Instagram.

Attending a concert as magical as this often leads to a dopamine crash afterwards. My friends and I are nearing 30, yet we managed to channel our teenage selves throughout the show—how often can you say that in life?

In her latest post, Rodrigo expressed her gratitude to her Filipino fans. “Been dreaming of this show for a while. My first time in the Philippines and also my biggest venue ever. Thank you to everyone [in] Manila for welcoming me so generously and making me feel so loved—it was the most special show and the most meaningful trip. To say I’m grateful doesn’t even cut it! Mahal kita.”

The sense of Filipino camaraderie truly enhanced the concert experience. It was a pleasure to relate with fellow fans, strangers, and even parents who were there to accompany their children to the concert. 

All things considered, seeing her that night was a good idea, right? 

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