(From left) Maine Mendoza, Arjo Atayde. Images: Instagram/@mainedcm, Twitter/@mainedcm
Maine Mendoza couldn’t help but express her disappointment after being unable to watch the majority of Bruno Mars’ concert in Bulacan, saying she had the chance to see its “last two songs.”
Singer-songwriter Bruno Mars returned to the country for a two-day concert at the Philippine Arena last June 24 and 25, where he performed his greatest hits including “Versace on the Floor” and “Treasure,” among many others.
Following this, Mendoza took to her official Twitter page on Saturday, June 24, to share her experience of seeing the “24K Magic” star in the flesh which turned out to be a “hassle.”
“Went to see Bruno Mars in Philippine Arena and made it to the finale. Happy pa din kasi umabot sa last two songs. Napaka hassle lang talaga ng entry and exit (I’m still happy because I was able to watch the last two songs. The entry and exit was such a hassle)! Has it always been like this?” she said.
Went to see Bruno Mars in Philippine Arena and made it to the finale. 🥲 Happy pa din kasi umabot sa last two songs. Napaka hassle lang talaga ng entry and exit! Has it always been like this? Kumusta ang previous concerts dito? And Tamang Panahon?! Shocks sorry kung ganito din…
— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) June 24, 2023
The host-actress then apologized to her fans, as she recalled Eat Bulaga’s “Tamang Panahon” special in October 2015 which was held in the same venue.
“Kumusta ang previous concerts dito? And Tamang Panahon?! Shocks sorry kung ganito din ka-hassle,” she said.
(How was the experience of the previous concerts [held at the same venue?] And “Tamang Panahon?!” Shocks, I’m sorry if it was this much of a hassle.)
The “Imagine You and Me” star also shared a photo with her fiancé, actor-turned-politican Arjo Atayde, while hinting that she would pass on Coldplay’s upcoming concert in the country.
“Happy na din ako to see this! Sending my best wishes to everyone attending next year! Pass na muna siguro ako. Arrive early then suffer after the show, ganun. Yikes (I’m happy to see this! Sending my best wishes to everyone attending next year! I might pass on this. I’ll arrive early then suffer after the show, in that way. Yikes),” she said.
Happy na din ako to see this! ❤️ Sending my best wishes to everyone attending next year! 🫣 Pass na muna siguro ako. Arrive early then suffer after the show, ganun. Yikes. 🥵 pic.twitter.com/FWEvqsZf1S
— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) June 24, 2023
Many netizens appeared to agree with Mendoza’s tweet, as some went on to share their concert experiences at the Bulacan-based arena.
One @fangurl_aly said, “PH Arena is a LOGISTICAL NIGHTMARE. Not everyone has personal drivers, and yung iba doesn’t even have cars. Also, the Arena is not made for concerts naman talaga it’s for religious congregation kaya yung stage size hindi din approve sa concert ng ibang artists.”
PH Arena is a LOGISTICAL NIGHTMARE. Not everyone has personal drivers, and yung iba doesn’t even have cars. Also, the Arena is not made for concerts naman talaga it’s for religious congregation kaya yung stage size hindi din approve sa concert ng ibang artists. https://t.co/RCEtnaiUPU
— Aly was in SUGApore (@fangurl_aly) June 25, 2023
Another @marqbea pointed out, “This is exactly why fans, especially kpop fans, [don’t] recommend normalizing Philippine Arena (no matter how big it is) as a concert venue. Sobrang hassle from pre-concert to post-concert experience.”
This is exactly why fans, especially kpop fans, dont recommend normalizing Philippine Arena (no matter how big it is) as a concert venue. Sobrang hassle from pre-concert to post-concert experience. https://t.co/qa0zyqPX2V
— limario (@marqbea) June 24, 2023
Twitter user @_you_like_TOP said the arena is “not that accessible to commuters.” while pointing out that there are “no nearby food stalls [or] establishments,” as well as a place to stay.
PH Arena is not that accessible to commuters. Too many hassles that always happen in every concert.
No nearby food stalls/establishments & airbnb place. Iyakan sa pagpunta at paguwi if commute. Stressful sa parking. https://t.co/H8Hh1F56yg
— deechoi🥀 l WELCOME TO SANDARA PARK (@_you_like_TOP) June 25, 2023
Meanwhile, entertainment journalist MJ Marfori revealed that she had the same experience with Mendoza at “three previous concerts at the venue.”
Experienced this in three previous concerts at the venue. Sad to hear this https://t.co/PbKEM03YBE
— Mj Marfori🌏 (@mjmarfori) June 25, 2023
On the other hand, one @jenokundesu said the location of the indoor arena is a reminder to pay attention to the importance of “proper infrastructure in urban cities.”
also, i think, instead of directing our anger and frustration solely towards the artists and organizers, we should acknowledge that they are just one part of a larger system. it would be more productive to shift our focus to the responsible parties who have neglected + https://t.co/Gwo0GMmttl
— jhe | broken melodies (@jenokundesu) June 24, 2023
Aside from Mars, some of the music acts who recently held concerts at the Philippine Arena include Seventeen (December 2022), Harry Styles (March 2023), Blackpink (March 2023).
K-pop groups Tomorrow X Together and Twice, as well as British rock band Coldplay are set to hold concerts at the venue.