Real estate firm helps bring JLo show to MoA

The concert business is a risky endeavor, especially shows featuring foreign artists. That is why, when the stakes are very high, most promoters will rely on corporate sponsors to help bankroll the project.

Take the Jennifer Lopez concert set November 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, which is part of her ongoing “Dance Again” world tour:

Initial reports in May said the show was set for November 24. Apparently, the deal fell through.

Another independent promoter was said to have made a bid for the JLo  concert for $1.5 million. Again, the singer’s US agent allegedly found this “unsatisfactory.”

Finally, Francis Lumen—former honcho of MTV Philippines and now back in the broadcast biz as CEO of new FM station Radio High 105.9—snagged the deal and is bringing JLo’s  show to the MoA Arena.

Lumen said Vista Land, a real estate firm identified with Sen. Manny Villar, had come in as “presentor”—which means the company is giving cash sponsorship.

According to industry practice, a concert presentor is given a block of seats in the VIP section.

The SM tickets website indicate that VIP tickets, at P25,000 each, are “sold out.” Which could mean that a big chunk of the seats in that special section have been allotted to Vista Land.

The rest of the ticket prices are as follows: Patron and lower box A at P18,610; patron (standing) and lower box B, P15,510; lower box C, P10,340; upper box, P7,760; and general admission, P2,590. Pocholo Concepcion

‘Phantom’ extended

“The Phantom of the Opera,” ongoing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, has been extended for another 16 shows.

Producer James Cundall, CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, however, said the season must end on October 14.

The Guinness Book of World Records has officially declared “Phantom” the longest-running Broadway show in history as of this month.

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