Philippine Arena / Stadium Concert Checklist [8 Must Haves!]

The Philippine Arena and Philippine Sports Stadium quickly became popular as go-to concert venues for international artists. While these venues are ideal for accommodating 50,000 attendees (or more), we all know they’re not the most convenient locations for us concertgoers. Still, no amount of heat or discomfort can keep us from seeing our faves!

Photo Source: https://www.projectlupad.com/philippine-arena-aerial-tour/ 

So here's a list I think you should have when attending a concert at the arena and stadium.  

1. A STURDY BAG

I've had my fair share of bag mishaps at concerts — from my bag strap breaking at Kpop Overpass to spilling the contents of my bag for the entire standing floor to see during Super Junior’s SS9 show. Finding the perfect concert bag is essential; it needs to hold all your concert essentials, be easy to carry around in a huge venue and be able to withstand all the jumping and dancing you will be doing.

Find a bag you're most comfortable in using.  A tote bag, a sling bag or a back pack. Just make sure it fits the usual 12" x 12" requirement.

2. POWERBANK

I used to bring around a 30,000mAh power bank (plus a cord), but I quickly realized how heavy that was. After testing several options, I’ve finally landed on the perfect combo: the lightest 20,000mAh power bank I’ve ever found, plus a 10,000mAh MagSafe power bank. Now, I always go to concerts with a MagSafe phone case, so I can charge up without a cord dangling from my bag to my phone. Once the MagSafe charger runs low, I recharge it inside my bag with the 20,000mAh backup.

3.  TICKET & ID HOLDER

I know some people put them together with their wallet or a small bag pocket, but I personally find it easier to keep it in a separate organizer together with my vaccine card and a valid ID so it's easier to present it at the gate.  There are a lot of personalized ticket holders being sold on either X or the orange app, but I personally prefer a generic vertical A5 plastic envelope and fold them in half.  I keep the old tickets in the lower portion and the ones I will use on the portion nearer to the opening.

4.  CASH

Friends, we know this! No matter how much money you have in your mobile wallets, credit cards and debit cards --- it's just not going to work! It will also be helpful if you break them down into smaller denominations for faster transaction with any booth (merch, food, drinks, etc) you will be buying from.

5.  CAP/UMBRELLA/SCARF

I remember attending Seventeen's Follow Tour in Bulacan and not bringing any of these and so I ended up using my polo as a shade from the scorching heat of the sun.  Bring anything that can serve as your shade may it be a cap, umbrella or scarf.  Remember to bring this specially if you are the type to go early for freebies or because you need to queue for strapping.  

Side Note: If you are going to a soundcheck session, you can use your umbrella while waiting for it to start, BUT remember to close it as you need to consider those behind you!

6.  WATER / COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLE

Stay hydrated! 💦 I can’t stress this enough — I’ve seen people faint from dehydration. I nearly did myself during Seventeen’s Follow Tour in Bulacan (Day 1) after lining up too early for the strapping, without any drinks on hand and if you were there, you know exactly how we all felt like guinea pigs being cooked that day!

You can also bring a collapsible water bottle — just remember that rules vary by organizer. Some allow water bottles, some require the caps removed, and others don’t allow bottles at all. Having a collapsible bottle on hand means you’re prepared to refill or transfer water as needed!

7.  PORTABLE FAN

I'm usually not a person that uses a portable fan a lot, but mine were overused when I attended concerts at the Philippine Arena & Stadium.  I even ran out of battery during Blackpink's Born Pink tour. 😅 Before using it, I usually pair it with a body cooling spray for maximum cooling effect!

8.  YOUR HEALTHY SELF!

I average around 600 to 1,000 steps a day—I know, I’m lazy! But on Day 1 of Seventeen’s Follow Tour, I hit 5,000 steps! You can just imagine what that did to me. So, make sure to prepare your body for the concert! As I mentioned, both the Arena and Stadium are not concert goer friendly, with infrastructure around the venue and logistics still far from ideal. Drink your vitamins, eat well, and get some exercise! Remember, you’ll be walking, jumping, and dancing a lot, so make sure your body’s in tip-top shape!

This list is based on MY personal experience, so feel free to pack whatever else keeps you safe (and alive) out there! And don’t forget to bring a friend — because nothing says friendship like sharing post-concert body aches and the inevitable post concert depression. Enjoy every second…and prepare for the recovery period together!

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