Within minutes of her GUTS concert stop in the Philippines, popstar Olivia Rodrigo asked the Filipino crowd to “jump, scream, sing on the top of [their] lungs.”
“It’s such an honor to be here tonight as it’s my first time in the Philippines. We’re gonna have so much fun. I can’t tell you how special tonight is, and I’m so thankful that you’re here. Salamat po (Thank you),” the singer-songwriter said.
Even before Olivia graced the stage on Saturday, October 5, the anticipation for the show was already palpable as Filipino Livies — her fans — flocked to Philippine Arena in Bulacan in shades of silver and purple ‘fits.
But the energy went over the roof when Olivia appeared onstage in a glimmering silver brassiere and skirt to kick off her one-night show with spirited performances of “bad idea, right?” and “ballad of a homeschooled girl.”
Throughout the two-hour show, the singer consistently invited the audience to sing along to each of her performances. In “traitor,” for example, Olivia asked the crowd: “Can you sing it?” With Filipino Livies loudly belting the lyrics “You didn’t cheat, but you’re still a traitor” in response.
After breezing through a dynamic four-piece opener, Olivia treated the audience through a slower, more intimate set as she took the piano for her renditions of “driver’s license” and “teenage dream.”
Her “teenage dream” performance, in particular, became more sentimental as the singer gave a piece of advice to her 18-year-old self, who wrote that song. “I’d like to tell her not to worry so much. That she has no idea of those magical things around the corner,” Olivia said before her performance. There were also clips from her childhood that were playing on the LED screens while she was singing the song.
Changing to an all-black ensemble, Olivia continued to energize the crowd with her “pretty isn’t pretty,” “love is embarrassing,” and “making the bed” performances. She also asked the crowd to show appreciation for her dancers and live band members, which she took some time introducing.
Perhaps one of the main highlights of the show, though, is when Olivia was on top of a crescent moon-shaped prop suspended from the venue’s ceiling. It appeared to be “floating” around the arena as the singer kept on waving to the crowd during and after her performance of “logical.”
“Oh my gosh, there are so many people in here,” she said at the audience at the 55,000-capacity venue. While the organizers have yet to issue a number for the total attendees of the show, the GUTS concert in the Philippines is considered to be Olivia’s biggest show yet in her entire career. On her Instagram stories, the singer said that Philippine Arena is “the biggest venue [she] ever played.”
Admitting that she’s trying her best to not to get emotional, Olivia told the crowd that she’s “so grateful.” “Tonight is really a night to remember. Thank you guys for showing up. This is such a dream come true. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
The singer also revealed that she’s chosen JHPIEGO, a non-profit organization in the Philippines that provides medical services to women and girls, as the beneficiary for the charity concert. To note, the GUTS show in the Philippines is a “silver star” show — wherein all tickets from across all sections were priced at P1,500 and net proceeds went to Olivia’s “fund 4 good.”
In between her performances of “enough for you” (which Olivia says is her personal favorite) and “lacy,” the popstar also paid homage to her Filipino roots — even donning a “Miss So Filipina” sash that she got from one of the attendees.
“I have wanted to go here for as long as I can remember. And I can’t thank you guys enough for welcoming me here,” she said.
On several accounts, Olivia has previously opened up about having Filipino roots from her father’s side, how much she loves lumpia, and how she’d like to visit the Philippines one day.
And the GUTS concert tour became something of a homecoming for the global star. “I had the best time exploring the city. You’ve been so kind to me. I’ve been eating all my favorite Filipino food — pancit, lumpia, I had halo-halo everyday I’ve been here,” she told the audience.
“I want to say Proud Pinoy ako,” she added, much to the endearment of her Filipino fans. “My Tagalog isn’t that good yet, but I’m working on it.”
While she was preparing her guitar for her “so american” performance, she also told the audience: “But tonight with you guys, I’m feeling like I’m so Filipino.”
She kept on showcasing her live vocals and commanding stage presence with back-to-back performances of fan-favorites “jealousy, jealousy,” “happier,” “favorite crime,” and “deja vu.”
Even as the show was coming to a close, Olivia’s energy remained relentless with her high-powered numbers of “the grudge,” “brutal,” “obsessed” and “all-american bitch.”
For her encore set, Olivia returned onstage wearing a white customized tank top with the phrase “Pinoy Pride.” She wrapped up her first show with “good 4 u” and “get him back.”
“I’m so happy to be here tonight. You guys are the most gorgeous crowd ever,” she told Filipino fans.
On Sunday, October 6, Olivia took to Instagram story to share her initial thoughts on her Philippine stop. “One of the most special nights ever. Thank you so much to everyone who came. First time in the Philippines was a dream come true,” she wrote. – Rappler.com
