Location is one of the most important things that you need to consider in planning a celebration. Resorts and hotels are indeed ideal event venues especially if you’re looking to find a setting that comes with lux accommodations and a variety of amenities. Fortunately, living in or nearby Pampanga means not straying too far. It is among the well-regarded towns outside the Metro with fascinating resorts and hotels that are ideal for hosting occasions.    Whether you’re up for a cozy celebration close to nature or a sophisticated set-up with chandeliers and all, this is your ultimate list of the best resorts and hotels in Pampanga where you can throw your party at.      1. Mandelin Ville Resort and Events Place If you’re looking for a resort and events place that combines comfort, aesthetics, luxury, and excellent service, Mandelin Ville is the place to be. This resort in Pampanga is perfect for garden weddings, debuts, gatherings, and other outdoor celebrations. Get mesmerized by its stunning event square arrangement complemented by the cottages, swimming pools, and a European-themed garden dome gazebo.  Event Venue Location : 88 Brgy. Santiago, Santa Ana, Pampanga Contact Numbers: 0917-118-1392 or ​0999-925-8266 Email Address: mandelinville.hrep@gmail.com Event Space Capacity: 50 pax   2. Green Canyon Leisure Farms Want to spend memorable moments close to nature? Then the Green Canyon Leisure Farms makes a perfect choice. This resort and hotel in Pampanga is a relaxing sanctuary where you can relax and explore the wonders of the environment as you celebrate special occasions. It has an open space and a function room ideal for weddings, debut, christening, conferences, and other festive gatherings.       The bonus part? You can cap off the celebration with a tour to one of the tourist hotspots in the Philippines - Mt. Pinatubo! This resort in Pampanga offers a hiking package that includes transportation, crater trek, and a local guide.  Event Venue Location : BN4128, Clark Special Economic Zone, Bamban Tarlac Contact Number: + 63 9176294800 Email Address: hello@greencanyon.com.ph   3. Quest Hotel Clark Social events and conferences are made more special at Quest Hotel Clark. It is among the popular options for formal gatherings and it’s fairly accessible in terms of location, not to mention its cutting-edge boardroom equipment to meet your business meeting needs.  Event Venue Location : Mimosa Drive, Filinvest Mimosa + Leisure Estate, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga Contact Numbers: (+63 45) 599 8000 or (+63 2) 8236 5040 Email Address: clarkvoucher@questhotelsandresorts.com   4. Carmelita Resort & Events Place Strategically located between San Fernando and Angeles City, this resort in Pampanga puts convenience, comfort, and luxury at the heart of their service and amenities. It is ideal for just about any type of occasion - birthday parties, weddings, christening, debuts, and other events.  With the right decorations, stage design, and lighting effects, the indoor function hall becomes a sight to behold. It also has a garden setting where you can have wedding ceremonies, video shoots, and photoshoots.  Event Venue Location : Montenegro Estate, Fil-Am Friendship Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga Contact Numbers: 0977 812 0021 or 0921-953-5539 Email Address: carmelitaresort@yahoo.com   5. The Orchid Gardens Celebrate an elegant event away from the hustle and bustle of the metro at The Orchid Gardens. When it comes to accommodations, food, and leisure, this is one of the places to beat.  Here’s another reason to love this resort in Pampanga: it boasts a swimming pool where you can enjoy a relaxing dip after the celebrations! You can also venture into its wave pool where the thrill and fun await.  Tip: The Orchid Gardens is already a stunning event venue to begin with, but you can further leave your guests in awe-struck with topnotch lights design, sounds system, and ceiling styling!  Event Venue Location : Lazatin Blvd, San Fernando, Pampanga Contact Numbers: (045) 435-9138, / 09189448348 / 09177004189 Email Address: thetavern@theorchidgardens.com / resort@theorchidgardens.com   6. Yats Clearwater Resort and Country Club This resort hotel in Pampanga will allow you to experience the leisure lifestyle of suburban cities in America filled with lakes, picnic grounds, and trees. Yats Clearwater Resort and Country Club is one of Clark’s gems since it’s a perfect destination for a travel getaway and event set-ups. It has 10 different settings to match your event requirements. If you’re looking to find a venue by the lake, around a swimming pool, in an open garden, or in a function room, this resort in Pampanga got you covered.  Did You Know? Its largest venue, the Discovery Cove One, can accommodate large groups of over a thousand guests!   Event Venue Location : Creekside Road near Centennial Expo, Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Zone, Pampanga Contact Numbers: (045) 599-5949 or 0917-520-4403  Email Address: concierge@clearwaterphilippines.com   7. Villa Antonina Resort You don’t have to choose between holding an elegant event celebration and enjoying a vacation getaway because you can get the best of both worlds at Villa Antonina Resort. Imagine spending an important day surrounded by the people you love and nature’s charms. This resort in Pampanga provides a variety of settings for your event - grand gazebo, air-conditioned function rooms, and a function hall for bigger crowds. It also has a swimming pool where you can take a luxurious dip in the fun.  Event Venue Location : Baliti Road, Brgy. Panipuan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga Contact Number: (045) 436 2347 / (0933) 816 3806 Email Address: villaantonina@gmail.com Capacity: 50 to 90 pax   8. Midori Clark Hotel & Casino One of the most important components in celebrations is the food. At Midori Clark Hotel & Casino, you’ll not only be able to throw a sophisticated event but you can also let your guests indulge in top-tier cuisine that never fails to satisfy the palate. This top hotel in Pampanga also speaks volumes of elegant and modern ambiance, making it a perfect venue for formal gatherings and occasions.  Tip: A venue as posh as this one matches well with strobe lights, chandelier ceiling treatments, LED walls, and jaw-dropping stage design.  Event Venue Location : Kalayaan St., C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga Contact Numbers: +63 45 308 8888  Email Address: reservations@midorihotel.com     9. Savannah Resort Hotel If you’re looking to find an events venue that offers a modern and cozy atmosphere, you won’t regret choosing the Savannah Resort Hotel. It perfectly exemplifies the idea of an extravagant function hall filled with elegant table set-up and complementary mood lighting. Top it up with impressive stage design and sounds system and you’re on your way to a successful occasion that will leave your guests in awe.  Want to take a celebratory dip? This resort hotel in Pampanga also has swimming pools with jacuzzi rainbow lights that call for fun-packed moments.    Event Venue Location : Don Juico Ave., Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga Contact Numbers: (6345) 459-8888 or (+63) 922-871-9437  Capacity: Maximum of 250 pax   10. Azzurro Hotel The list of best resorts and hotels in Pampanga won’t be complete without the Azurro Hotel. Its Italia Function Hall is ideal for corporate events and intimate occasions such as weddings, birthdays, reunions, etc.  You’ve got every reason to love this hotel in Pampanga. Dive in the fun after a long day of preparing for the event at its bubble jet jacuzzi pool. Its comfortable beddings and excellent bathroom amenities deserve to be recognized as well. And if you’re quite fond of panoramic scenes, you can enjoy the overlooking view of Mt. Arayat as you take a delectable meal at Terrazza Roof Deck Restaurant.   Event Venue Location : 4895 Mon Tang Ave, McArthur Hi-way, Angeles, Pampanga Contact Number: +63 45 458 3254 or +63 2 488 9192 Email Address: azzurrohotel@gmail.com   11. Park Inn by Radisson Clark Boasting with 154 rooms, this hotel in Pampanga perfectly encapsulates a grand and sophisticated haven where you can mark milestone moments and hold formal meetings. Park Inn by Radisson Clark has built a reputation for staging successful events with its outstanding service and superb amenities.  Its events space covers more than 200 square meters and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Not just that, all you need is right here for it has an on-site restaurant ready to serve sumptuous dishes for your celebration. Also included in their amenities are audiovisual equipment and free high-speed wireless internet. Visit their website for more details.  Event Venue Location : M.A. Roxas Highway, Brgy. Lacandula, Mabalacat City, Malabanas, Angeles, Pampanga Contact Numbers: (045) 598 7000 Email Address: pirc.reservations@parkinn.com Size Capacity: 30 to 100 pax   12. Prado Farms Mark momentous occasions as you enjoy a cozy atmosphere away from the city buzz at Prado Farms. Especially if you’re planning on having a rustic wedding, this resort in Pampanga is definitely worth checking out. The minute you step in, you will be welcomed by the breathtaking view, fresh breeze, bountiful greens and old town-inspired architecture. It even has a chapel that can match the beauty of your wedding vows and a garden venue for that al fresco reception you’ve long been dreaming of.  Aside from weddings, events such as concerts, debut celebrations, and anniversaries are also welcomed at this captivating sanctuary. And if you’re a fan of mosaic pools, you can find one at Prado Farms. Did You Know? Prado Farms perfectly exemplifies serves luscious organic dishes using the ingredients grown and picked straight from its farm! Now that’s what you call authentic farm-to-table experience.  Event Venue Location : Jose Abad Santos Highway, Prado Siongco, Lubao, Pampanga Email Address: booking.pradofarms@gmail.com Website: http://pradofarms.com/   13. Royce Hotel & Casino When it comes to luxurious accommodations, Royce Hotel & Casino is setting the bar high with its deluxe rooms, entertainment hubs, culinary masterpieces, and grand ballrooms that can accommodate more than a thousand guests! It has packages for debut celebrations, weddings, prenups, and business meetings. This hotel in Pampanga even has a team of event specialists to assist you every step of the way.  Event Venue Location : Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Corner, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga Contact Numbers: +63 917 150 0276 / +63 45 499 7888 / +63 917 686 0069  Email Address: webinquiry@roycehotelcasino.com Event Space Capacity: More than 1,000 guests    8 Things to Consider in Choosing an Ideal Setting for Your Event   1. Location and Accessibility Your event preparations won’t be complete without finalizing the location of the celebration. It matters to consider the accessibility of the location not only for you but for your guests as well. If you’re from Pampanga, consider yourself lucky because you don’t have to set foot outside the area as there are a myriad of breathtaking resorts and hotels that await for booking.  However, if you decide to hold an out-of-town celebration, worry not because it is possible to reach nearby provinces such as Pampanga in a few hours or so.   Note: Also consider the availability of parking areas especially if you expect a lot of guests to bring their own cars.  2. Services and Amenities Holding a grand event might indeed be costly, but if you get to receive services and avail of amenities that are worth their price, then it’s money well-spent. Depending on your demands, you need to factor these things in when finding an ideal resort or hotel in Pampanga. For example, you must consider whether or not your celebration requires a live band performance, Wi-Fi access, spa services, dining and restaurants, swimming pools, shuttle services, etc.    3. Type of Event Different types of events mean varying venue requirements. For instance, if you’re holding a corporate meeting, you will most likely demand a formal conference room with audio and visual facilities. On the contrary, a garden wedding might need an open tent set-up with surrounding trees and blowing breeze.  4. Ambiance It is better to finalize the event theme before you pick a venue. This way, you can already picture how the celebration will turn out as soon as you do an ocular visit to your shortlisted resorts and hotels in Pampanga.  Keep in mind the mood and ambiance that you’d like your event to evoke - is it supposed to be cozy, elegant, formal, or a laid-back chill-by-the-nature vibe?   Tip: Awe-striking lights design is the key to enhancing the ambiance of your event!    5. Cost At the end of the day, it’s still a question of whether or not your budget meets the cost of the preferred resort. You may be eyeing the most luxurious hotel in Pampanga but if your finances make it impossible, you have no choice but to adjust - either your expectations or the budget allocations.   6. Availability on Events Date Picking an in-demand resort or hotel in Pampanga has its perks, but that also means you have to stake your claim the minute you finalized your decision. Remember to ask from the get-go whether or not the venue is available on the date of the occasion so you can immediately book for reservations.  7. Space Capacity Celebrating in the most fascinating resort or hotel in Pampanga is great and all, but the question is: will your guests fit in the event space? Be sure to consider the size capacity of the venue and the estimated headcount before booking the resort or hotel.  8. Venue Reviews It pays to know what the previous customers have to say about a particular hotel or resort in Pampanga. Not only will it help you in shortlisting your options but it will also save you from regrets of sealing the deal with a venue that has already built a bad reputation.    9. Quality of Lights and Sounds System There are many things to consider when preparing for an event, such as a debut celebration . Aside from the venue, another important component that you shouldn’t overlook is the lights and sound system. These equipment are necessary to upgrade the overall mood of your event.  When it comes to hosting celebrations, there is no such thing as being unreasonably over-the-top. After all, it’s important to leave a great impression among your guests and spend a special day without troubles. Placing careful attention to every component - from the venue, theme, event styling and down to the lights and sounds equipment will ensure that you will throw a memorable party that is one for the books.      ALSO READ: 5 Factors to Consider when Looking for a Lights & Sounds Rental Do you want to enhance the look and feel of your event? Red Damien is a team of professionals that offers sound and lighting rental services and other equipment supplies for your event!

You have convinced your friends to form a band and booked quality band equipment . All that’s left now is to find a place where you can play live music. Fortunately, for aspiring musicians, there are tons of places that support the local music scene—no matter which genre you play. Aside from bistros in Manila and hip bars in Makati, you’ll also find these gig spots in Rizal. So what are you waiting for? Head on to these hottest bars and restaurants in Rizal where you can play live music for your next gimik night!   Top 6 Places to Go in Rizal for Live Music   1. Cafe Lupe For bands just starting out, Cafe Lupe’s laidback setting would calm down nerves. It’s one of the go-to spots in Rizal for fun casual nights, KTV hangouts, and brunch. Every day except Saturdays, this Mexican-themed restaurant allows local live bands to play music in order to entertain their guests. After serenading the diners, you can go ahead and enjoy the mouthwatering Filipino-Mexican cuisine and a bucket of ice-cold beer. You can also unwind, at the same time, as you fall in love with the scenic overlooking view of Marikina, Makati, Pasig, and Manila. Address: Cafe Lupe Hostel & Resto, Brgy. Mambugan, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City For more information about Cafe Lupe, visit their official website . 2. Filio Bistro Filio Bistro is the perfect barkada  hang out where one can drink the night away and play live music. This restaurant in Antipolo also hosts acoustic nights on certain occasions,, making it the go-to destination for budding musicians.  Apart from playing great music, you should definitely take advantage of the chill ambiance of the restaurant. No wonder dreamy music videos and romantic television scenes are shot in this restaurant. Of course, don’t leave Filio Bistro without trying their delicious Filipino and American food and a wide selection of drinks from beers to cocktails! You can also celebrate intimate events at this restaurant’s function room. Address: HI-5 Arcade, Sumulong Memorial Circle, San Jose, Upper Antipolo, Rizal Contact Filio Bistro through their Facebook page . 3. Cafe Cristina Bar and Resto Cafe Cristina’s quirky decor and homey vibe can attract all kinds of guests, from a small family to a rowdy group of friends. It also entices talented musicians and bands as the cafe holds acoustic nights every Friday. After playing live music at this resto-bar in Rizal, you can chill at the outdoor dining area and get mesmerized by the sweeping views of the city.  Address: Lorrein Building, 165 M.L. Quezon Street, Antipolo, Rizal Learn more about Cafe Cristina through Zomato . 4. Little House of Cheesecakes & More Intimate setting? Check. Comfy ambiance? Check. Open mic sessions? Check. Musicians and up-and-coming bands would surely love playing at Little House of Cheesecakes & More because the place encourages participation. Aside from the quaint vibe, you can relish on the variety of cheesecakes available. Who wants some cheesecake on a stick? You’ll surely keep coming back for their menu filled with exciting twists. Address: 421 Diamond Lane, Cristimar Village, Brgy, San Roque, Antipolo, Rizal Visit Little House of Cheesecakes’ Facebook page for inquiries. 5. Sanctuary Liquor Profiles Sanctuary Liquor Profiles is another bar in Rizal that got you covered when it comes to chill gimik nights. Aside from the rustic ambiance to the wide selection of booze and food, this is also the go-to place for local live music performances. So sing (and play!) your heart out at this “sanctuary” in Rizal. Address: The Avenue, 112 Felix Avenue, Cainta, Rizal Contact Sanctuary Liquor Profiles through their Instagram account . 6. Zili Nasi Goreng Known as the “OPM Hub of the East,” one visit to Zili Nasi Goreng would tell you why it’s referred as such. Not only can you play live music at this resto-bar in Rizal but you can also encourage diners to sing out loud with you. Here, you can even meet fellow musicians as well as some of the most popular bands in the Philippines. So take advantage of it by making connections over ice-cold beer and the Zili’s signature nasi goreng kampung —a Malay countryside fried rice dish. Address: 40 Felix Avenue, Cainta, Rizal Check out all the things Zili Nasi Goreng has in store for you by visiting their Facebook page . Budding musicians and bands can take comfort in the fact that even though western artists and K-pop groups have made their way to the country, there are still a lot of places that support the local music scene. So head on over to these bars and restaurants in Rizal where you can play live music. ALSO READ: Band Equipments for Beginners: What You Need to Start a Band Want to make the most out of your gigs? It’s best to invest in quality band equipment as well as professional sound systems . Red Damien Studios, the leading lights and sounds provider in the Philippines, can help you acquire the equipment necessary for your live performances. Contact us today to learn more! Liked this post? Visit our blog for other informative articles.

Stage designs enhance the look and influence the mood of any event through the use of product elements such as lighting, audiovisuals, decorations, backdrop, and props among others. Good lighting keeps everyone safe from inconvenient incidents at the venue while high-quality audio creates clear and crisp sound during presentations. All these highlight the appeal of the event which improves the overall experience of the audience.    Finding unique ideas for different types of stage designs that will complement your specific events requires careful planning. So here are some inspirations that you could consider when planning your next events.   8 Types of Stage Designs for Your Upcoming Event 1. Mystic Stage The supernatural style stage designs are not only suitable for productions or plays. The magical or even theatrical ambiance this exudes on stage can be used to simulate day or night, to create a creepy mood, to copy a scene from a famous stage production, or to indicate various seasons of the year. 2. Roof Projections Projections are often utilized in stage designs because they can produce a whole new look and create an ambiance to any event space. Just remember to keep the projection simple so the main focus is on the speaker or performer but makes it also striking to generate conversations and keep the interest of attendees. 3. Prisms of Light Prisms can make an event interesting through the sufficient use of lights and colors in a setting. You can use an installation or lights to create the desired effect in stage designs. Meanwhile, color can influence the mood so utilize it strategically throughout the event. You can change the color of the stage to indicate another speaker or topic or place it as an installation to greet the guests. 4. Shape Designs The use of shapes is a good idea for corporate events or concerts. Shapes can be very powerful stage designs when executed properly. With shapes, you can customize by changing the pattern, and the color, and adding some layers of effects to suit any type of event. 5. Roomful of Mirrors Mirrors are one of the most vibrant components in stage designs. They create multi-colored effects for a venue depending on their shapes, sizes, and angles. Color and light are reflected while the mirrors produce moving figures of performers and the audience. You can also use foils or sheet metals to simulate the effect of mirrors that are not allowed to be used in the venue. 6. Painting a Grand Entrance The stairs can become focal spots in your events by making a grand entrance for your guests in your stage designs. Paint splatters on the floor can lead people to different areas at the venue. Aside from making the scene look appealing, colors can be assigned to direct guests to various locations. 7. Unusual Items Think out of the box by transforming ordinary materials into unique backdrops. You can consider using rolled paper, cardboard boxes, PVC pipes, chicken wire, paper and styrofoam cups, or coffee filters in your stage designs. With some creativity, items such as styrofoam cups can produce a stunning light and shadow background when lit from diverse directions. 8. Greenery Features The use of living elements as features can provide a unique stage for your events. Trees, plants, and flowers can provide a lush backdrop for the garden or forest details of your stage designs. This works well for outside events but this could also be done indoors if the space permits.   ALSO READ: Sound System Basics: 5 Equipment You Need for Your Event Stage designs improve the overall appearance and mood of any event. These include the proper use of lighting, audiovisuals, backdrop, and props among others. There are different types of stage designs that you can consider while planning for your venue. Choose carefully what you think is the most suitable one for your event. An excellent stage design adds to the positive reaction of the audience in the end.    Speaking of stage design, Red Damien offers stage and trusses rentals for all your stage requirements. With more than a decade in the industry, we provide professional help in staging your event. Give your event an attractive stage design that can hold stage fixtures and equipment safely for the people on and off stage. Our services also include Sound System Rentals, Lights and Special Effects Rentals, Band Equipment Rentals, DJ Equipment Rentals, Power Generators Rentals, Video Equipment Rentals, and Audio and Music Production. For stage and trusses requirements for your upcoming event, contact Red Damien.   Red Damien Can Support Your Stage and Trusses Rental Requirement Let us help turn your ideas into an amazing stage production. With more than a decade in the industry, we are happy to share with you our expertise when it comes to staging an event. We offer stage and trusses rentals so you can give your event a stunning stage design while at the same time having the peace of mind of knowing that these can firmly hold the stage fixtures and equipment safely for the people on and off stage. INQUIRE NOW. ALSO READ: Sound System Basics: 5 Equipment You Need for Your Event

Event lighting is one of the most essential aspects that needs thorough planning. For event planners, it means more than brightening up the venue--its quality can affect the overall outcome of an event. Aside from its ability to direct the attention of your guests, event lighting can also further enhance the decorative materials like arrangements, centerpieces, and other party decors. It easily sets up the mood , adds depth, ambiance, and special effects to your event. Plus, getting creative with lights is fun! With the right event lighting , you can transform a venue from lifeless into a memorable place. This infographic by Red Damien will serve as your ultimate guide in designing your event using lights--these eight quick event lighting ideas will surely leave your guests in awe! Got more event lighting ideas to add to our list? Share it with us by leaving a comment below!

Christmas is just around the corner and you know what that means - events go firing left and right! A season as joyful as this indeed needs some merry touch of activities to bring the holiday spirit. If you’re preparing for the big day, be it a small-scale Church event or lavish Christmas concert, you certainly need to ready that checklist to make sure your event won’t disappoint. And one thing you should never neglect to include in your stage design.  It is of paramount importance that you place high attention on stage designs. After all, you wouldn’t want people to feel bland on such a festive holiday. To help you out, get inspired by these creative stage designs perfect for your event this Christmas.   11 Christmas Stage Design Ideas for Every Kind of Event   1. Frost and Snowflakes Bring winter to your event by having these huge cutouts of frosty windows and crafty snowflakes grace the stage. You can also add falling snow to the ground to amplify the wintertide effect. With the perfect lighting effect , you can definitely pull off this design! 2. Hanging Christmas Lights  Christmas is all about the glowing lights. Make a long chandelier by hanging Christmas lights into the ceiling. You can also create an illusion of floating lights by making the strings or wires blend in with the background color.  3. Children’s Room Children love magic and Christmas is the perfect time to let them indulge in a make-believe world where Santa Claus exists. You can set up a room full of toys, gifts, or even show a hint of sleigh outside the window to make the childlike wonder come to life.  4. Raining Glitters and Sparkles Sprinkle joy to your event by filling the stage with glitters and sparkles. For instance, you can coat desired figures, such as curtains or snowflakes, with silver dust. They will make an elegant appeal while spreading the holiday spirit like the dust of shimmers. After all, a season as bright as Christmas deserves shining accents as well.  5. Digital Letters People always look forward to seeing something new at Christmas events. If you want to exclude a modern appeal, you better set the mood straight up. Draw modernity into your stage design with digital-looking signages. This makes a perfect stage design for music concerts and future-themed Christmas events.  6. Huge Lanterns You know it’s Christmas when there are Christmas lanterns that light up the homes and streets.  Bring the warmth of the Christmas season to your event with giant lanterns. Talk about elegance at its finest.  7. Inverted Christmas Trees The upside-down formation of Christmas trees gives the stage a cave-like appearance. You can hang these trees from the ceiling to turn them into stalactites.  8. Cartoon-like Designs   Remember those Christmas illustrations in children’s books and stories? Breathe life into them through stage designs! A simple cutout of conical Christmas trees and clouds can incorporate the idea of storytelling in your event.  9. Chandeliers Made of Candles Candles are one of the items that don’t go missing on the Christmas decorations list. Elicit a more intimate setting with a candle-filled stage arranged perfectly to make figures of chandeliers. This design is ideal for more solemn Christmas events like church ceremonies and Thanksgiving masses.    10. Celestial-Themed  Silent night, it is! Take back your audience to the night Jesus was born , with starlights giving that guiding light amidst the dark mountains. After all, the primary reason behind Christmas is to celebrate the coming to life of Jesus.  Tip: A wood texture on the back wall can give a warm and rustic feeling to your event.  11. Giant Ornaments Shrink your audience and fill the stage with large ornaments and Christmas tree branches. It will make them feel tiny as if they are one with the decorative pieces living in a giant Christmas tree.    Christmas is indeed a joyous time and your stage design should speak volumes to complement that thought. No matter how humble or extravagant your event is, people will most likely look forward to it. While the preparations may be tiring, there are ways by which you can steer clear from the stressful process of designing and creating the event stage. You can always seek help from stage design and fabrication service providers, like Red Damien, who can dedicate their time, effort and materials to spice up your event through topnotch backdrops.  Need a hand for your stage design preparations? Red Damien is more than pleased to be of service! Check out our services now.

The Nashville-based enterprise, Hurdl just launched wearable LED wristband for concert goers at the 50th Annual Country Music Awards. Hurdl’s Pixl LED wearables allows concert performers to communicate with audiences at concerts. This radio-frequency-controlled LED wearable displays different colors as controlled by the event lighting director. This bridges the gap between performers and audiences as the latter are engaged in the event lighting show. The Pixl LED is activated through SMS through which users respond to a series of questions particular to the event e.g gender, birthday, favorite sports team, civil status and other characteristics. Their responses are saved to the Pixl database, and the lighting director can use this information to illuminate the LED wearables on each fan as he sees fit throughout the show. The LED wearable is expected to shake up “the multi-billion dollar live event industry, which hasn't seen innovation in 30+ years." This innovation, as reported by VentureBeat , is “creating a way to reach fans. It provides a marketing network to target fans and gives the industry means to leverage additional revenue opportunities during and post-event.”

LG will be unveiling its latest line of speaker and audio devices in this years’ CES 2017 event. The electronics mogul is expected to debut the SJ9 soundbar that sports Dolby Atmos technology and features “4K High-Resolution Audio” quality. Slashgear, a leading tech editorial, notes that this 4K soundbar has two units of 24-bit/96kHz channels which when combined offers up to 4,000kbps of audio. The SJ9 Soundbar This soundbar heads the lineup of the latest audio devices from LG. According to reports, it will come with a slim and sleek profile and has an audio that can be connected to produce high-quality sound from the users’ TVs. It features a “4k High-Resolution Audio” which is the latest innovation in speakers. Also included in the lineup is the SJ8 Soundbar that also features 4k high-resolution audio and 4K pass-through in 1.5-inch thick profile. Last but not least is the SJ7 soundbar flex that features 320W soundbar and two units of audio speaker. The speakers are connected wirelessly and one unit includes Bluetooth capability.   These new line of audio and speakers are the latest upgrade to the new range of 2017 TV models of the company. The CES 2017 event is a consumer electronics show that is held annually to feature the latest TVs, laptops, speakers and other devices. Learn more about the recently held CES event here

Music is life, but during a concert you have to make it spectacular. And there is no better way to do that other than by taking stage design seriously to create a breathtaking experience for the audience and the performers as well. While concerts are held everywhere, only a few are able to break records and make their mark in history. Aside from the much-awaited performances of artists, one of the things that are highly anticipated in a concert is the stage’s design which is highly relevant in making or breaking the concert’s success. Kudos to the production team that usually goes all out in creating a stage that will represent the artist and the theme of the concert. To recognize spectacular designs seen on stage, this article presents a list of the biggest, grandest and most expensive stage designs that went down in history! 5 of the Best Stage Designs in History 1. David Bowie's Glass Spider 1987 The late David Bowie is a legend in pop culture and music. His 1987 Spider Glass tour is nothing short of deserving to be hailed as legendary. The tour was tied to his album, Never Let Me Down, and was his explosive return to rock after plunging into the pop music scene. It was said that it was so spectacular that despite its success, he dared not repeat it. Why it was remarkable: The Spider Glass tour was set in a massive stage of giant spider with humongous illuminated tube legs. At the start of the show, Bowie would emerge from the spider’s head as his theatrical entrance. The set design measures 18 meters tall and 19 meters wide. This 360 tons contraption needed 43 trucks to be transported. The Telegraph stated: “The New York Times ruled the tour to be "one of the most elaborate rock shows ever mounted", and it has since gone on to inspire the 90-minute-long, big-budget arena shows put on by artists ranging from Lady Gaga to U2.” 2. Pink Floyd Division Bell Tour (1994) Pink Floyd’s 1994 world tour entitled Division Bell was the most massive stage ever built at the time. Architect Marc Brickman who is the name behind the stages of Madonna, U2 and Lady Gaga, constructed this 700 ton steel structure. Why it was remarkable: The 180 ft stage features a steel bowl inspired by the Hollywood Bowl and measures 130 ft. It required about 53 trucks to transport the stage. Due to its size, it took three days to load-in and completely setup the stage. They had to prepare three identical stages and rigs to set up from one venue to another. At the time it was also the most technologically advanced stage, featuring a round screen, dancing lights and lasers, and the quadraphonic sound. Overall, the show’s overhead costed US$ 25 million. 3. Rolling Stones' the Bigger Bang Tour 2005-2007 The 2005 "A Bigger Bang" world tour of rock legend, The Rolling Stones was indeed a bang! It was dubbed as one of the highest grossing tour of all time earning $558 million of sales. Why it was remarkable: The stage was deemed the largest portable set ever made as it has the size of two basketball courts. Mark Fisher was the one in charge of stage design. It was modelled on the Globe Theater in London which has tiered seating right on the stage. This setup created a live backdrop with the seated audience taking part of the spectacle. The balconies change their colour and texture, thanks to an array of LED lights to lit the set. Between the two balconies was a high resolution LED screen that shows videos and graphics for the event. Overall, it costed $1.6 million to put up the stage on each show. 4. Lady Gaga Born This Way Tour (2012-2013) In 2012, the world saw Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way Ball’ where it featured a gothic castle and a whole lot of spectacles. She herself designed the stage and was realized by Mark Fisher. Why it was remarkable: It was a gigantic structure of five stories high and weighs 30 tons. It featured 400 sq.ft of LED lights and despite its grand size, it only took 6 hours to assemble the stage. That’s a great architectural and technological feat! The gothic castle costed around $2 million to create and it costed $1 million to put them together each time. The tour reached a whooping $181 million earning. In history, the Born this Way Ball ranked the fifth highest grossing tour by a female solo artist. 5. U2's "The Claw" 360° Tour 2009-2011 In a span of two years over 7 Million people in 4 continents had witnessed the spectacular concert of U2’s 360° world tour. To date it is said to be the highest grossing tour in history. According to the Daily Mail , it also bagged world records: “It was not only the biggest ever staged by a rock band, not only the most technologically innovative and the most expensive; it also featured the largest stage and the loudest sound system ever assembled for a rock ’n’ roll tour.” Why it was remarkable: The grand stage called “The Claw” measures 213 ft. wide, 161 ft. deep and 89ft tall. It featured a 14,000 sq.ft LED screen that can display videos from NASA Space Station and even a message from Desmond Tutu. The stage supports 250 tons of audio and visual equipment (e.g 250 loudspeakers and lights). To transport this massive production, they had to spend $750,000 a day and employ 120 trucks. The Claw certainly dwarfed every stadium it sets foot onto. What’s surprising about this record-breaking stage is that it was conceived at Bono’s breakfast table--quite simple. What concerts have you attended to date? Share us your best concert experience here. Looking for  stage and trusses rentals ? You’re in luck! Red Damien offers quality and durable trusses for your concerts and festivals.

While business meetings are essentials of a business, there’s no doubt that they also take up a huge portion of an employee’s working hours, thereby also affecting productivity. In that case, no amount of technical glitch should get in the way of conferences and meetings. In a world where time is gold, meetings could mean losing a huge amount of money--especially when your audiovisual equipment starts to fail! Dependable audiovisual equipment plays a huge role in productive and cost-efficient conferences and meetings. To ensure that technical problems are avoided, here’s an audio-visual checklist for conference and meetings, along with professional tips to ensure that potential technical problems leading to losses will be kept at bay. Tips for a Hassle-Free Conference or Meeting Since no tech setup is foolproof, you need to work early to put backup plans in place in case of a glitch. Here are some of the tips to prevent errors from happening once your team sets up a meeting. #1. Start with an Audio Visual Checklist for Conference and Meetings A checklist ensures that the agenda is followed and topics are communicated clearly among attendees. It also provides a quick assessment if your backup equipment is sufficient to prevent unnecessary waste of time and money. Here’s a list of the audio-visual supplies that you’ll need: LCD or DLP Projector Projection Screen and stands Remote control for projectors Video equipment e.g television, teleconferencing Microphones Computer/Laptops Loudspeakers Analogue Mixer Lighting #2. Prepare Your Audio Visual Equipment Microphone You basically need a quality microphone for your conference  or business meeting. There are several types of microphones that work for a range of setups. A push-to-talk microphone is useful for roundtable discussions and conferences. Push-to-talk mics are more convenient than handheld ones if the people are in a conference table. Gooseneck microphones are for podiums. Wireless microphone is best for interactive discussions as it gives the speaker more freedom to move. Wired microphone is versatile as it can be used for the podium or table with the use of microphone stand. Lavalier microphone (lapel)  offers greater freedom for speakers. This is useful for doing demonstrations and audience interactions. Best Practice : use as minimal microphones as possible to lessen audio problems. The more sound channels available, the more noise produced and the higher risk of having audio feedback. For a podium with two gooseneck microphones, only one should be turned up. LCD or DLP Projector People learn faster with visual contents. To deliver a lecture, speech or report, a good projector is what you need. There are various types of projectors to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Here are two of them: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)  - delivers a sharper image with rich color dynamics in ambient light. It is also quieter and heats less. DLP (Digital Light Processing ) - More portable and reliable; delivers smoother video with less pixelation and better contrast. Most cinemas use DLP projectors Best Practice:   the distance of the projector to the screen, called throw distance, is largely determined by the size of the screen and the type of lens in the projector. Multiply the screen width by two to get the best throw distance. Ex. with a screen of 6ft, place the projector 12 feet apart. Also, you should check the projection focus at the audience area not at where the projector sits. Loudspeakers and Analogue Mixer Make sure the conference or meeting room is well equipped with enough loudspeakers so everyone can hear the person speaking. Also, it is important to have an analog mixer so you can control the audio in the room while minimizing feedbacks, especially when there is a lot of sound sources e.g several microphones. For instance, a mixer helps to amplify the voice of a soft-spoken person, while it minimizes the volume of a highly modulated individual. Best Practice : Label your sound source with a tape so you will never find it hard to identify the audio component in your mixing board. #3. Learn Pro tips to avoid Glitches Planning and preparation are important to keep glitches away during conferences and meetings.  Here’s a quick list of pro tips to minimize technical difficulties . Note the equipment available in the room or location. Check your cables and adapters. Broken cables or missing adapters are some of the most frequent glitches in conferences. Line the cables discreetly and tape them on the floor or use cable covers. It is also important to label the destination ends of each cable. Make sure to have a reliable wifi connection in the room. You’ll never know what you’ll need to get from the cloud or in the internet. Confirm the compatibility of your laptop and devices to the equipment and devices in the location. Do you find this article helpful? Share us your thoughts by commenting below

While business meetings are essentials of a business, there’s no doubt that they also take up a huge portion of an employee’s working hours, thereby also affecting productivity. In that case, no amount of technical glitch should get in the way of conferences and meetings. In a world where time is gold, meetings could mean losing a huge amount of money--especially when your audiovisual equipment starts to fail! Dependable audiovisual equipment plays a huge role in productive and cost-efficient conferences and meetings. To ensure that technical problems are avoided, here’s an audio-visual checklist for conference and meetings, along with professional tips to ensure that potential technical problems leading to losses will be kept at bay. Tips for a Hassle-Free Conference or Meeting Since no tech setup is foolproof, you need to work early to put backup plans in place in case of a glitch. Here are some of the tips to prevent errors from happening once your team sets up a meeting. #1. Start with an Audio Visual Checklist for Conference and Meetings A checklist ensures that the agenda is followed and topics are communicated clearly among attendees. It also provides a quick assessment if your backup equipment is sufficient to prevent unnecessary waste of time and money. Here’s a list of the audio-visual supplies that you’ll need: LCD or DLP Projector Projection Screen and stands Remote control for projectors Video equipment e.g television, teleconferencing Microphones Computer/Laptops Loudspeakers Analogue Mixer Lighting #2. Prepare Your Audio Visual Equipment Microphone You basically need a quality microphone for your conference or business meeting. There are several types of microphones that work for a range of setups. A push-to-talk microphone is useful for roundtable discussions and conferences. Push-to-talk mics are more convenient than handheld ones if the people are in a conference table. Gooseneck microphones are for podiums. Wireless microphone is best for interactive discussions as it gives the speaker more freedom to move. Wired microphone is versatile as it can be used for the podium or table with the use of microphone stand. Lavalier microphone (lapel) offers greater freedom for speakers. This is useful for doing demonstrations and audience interactions. Best Practice : use as minimal microphones as possible to lessen audio problems. The more sound channels available, the more noise produced and the higher risk of having audio feedback. For a podium with two gooseneck microphones, only one should be turned up. LCD or DLP Projector People learn faster with visual contents. To deliver a lecture, speech or report, a good projector is what you need. There are various types of projectors to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Here are two of them: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) - delivers a sharper image with rich color dynamics in ambient light. It is also quieter and heats less. DLP (Digital Light Processing ) - More portable and reliable; delivers smoother video with less pixelation and better contrast. Most cinemas use DLP projectors Best Practice:   the distance of the projector to the screen, called throw distance, is largely determined by the size of the screen and the type of lens in the projector. Multiply the screen width by two to get the best throw distance. Ex. with a screen of 6ft, place the projector 12 feet apart. Also, you should check the projection focus at the audience area not at where the projector sits. Loudspeakers and Analogue Mixer Make sure the conference or meeting room is well equipped with enough loudspeakers so everyone can hear the person speaking. Also, it is important to have an analog mixer so you can control the audio in the room while minimizing feedbacks, especially when there is a lot of sound sources e.g several microphones. For instance, a mixer helps to amplify the voice of a soft-spoken person, while it minimizes the volume of a highly modulated individual. Best Practice : Label your sound source with a tape so you will never find it hard to identify the audio component in your mixing board. #3. Learn Pro tips to avoid Glitches Planning and preparation are important to keep glitches away during conferences and meetings.  Here’s a quick list of pro tips to minimize technical difficulties . Note the equipment available in the room or location. Check your cables and adapters. Broken cables or missing adapters are some of the most frequent glitches in conferences. Line the cables discreetly and tape them on the floor or use cable covers. It is also important to label the destination ends of each cable. Make sure to have a reliable wifi connection in the room. You’ll never know what you’ll need to get from the cloud or in the internet. Confirm the compatibility of your laptop and devices to the equipment and devices in the location. Do you find this article helpful? Share us your thoughts by commenting below

Just at the start of the year, we’ve been hearing people talking about their favorite April weekends where celebrities and music icons gather for a grand celebration. They call it the Coachella festival. Unfortunately, there are some of us who are unaware of this music and art festival. Certainly because it is held thousand miles away from the Philippines. To get in the know about Coachella, we give you a rundown of essential things that you should know about this event. With this article under your belt, you are now in the loop of what’s been talked about in Twitter and Facebook. The Coachella Festival is a grand musical celebration happening annually, where celebrities and music icons gather together. This is a highly anticipated event that words about it spread like wildfire as soon as the year starts. However in the Philippines, not everyone is aware of the biggest music and art festival in the world. For the music lovers who want to fill their information gap, this article gives you a rundown of the most important facts to know about this event--so you can stay informed and in the loop of what the people in your circle are talking about! What is Coachella? Coachella Festival is a grand celebration of music and art. It is officially called 'The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival' where famous artists in the music industry and art gather for a lit celebration. It is yearly hosted at the Empire Polo Club in the Coachella Valley, California where there are 5 main stages for performances and innumerable art installations donning the place. It is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, attended by almost half a million music lovers. How did it all start? It all started just few days after Halloween in 1993 when Pearl Jam boycotted Ticket-master and all venues associated with the company. They did this because the band wanted to sell concert tickets for a minimal price but the company balked and piled on the prices. As such, the band looked for a location that has never held a music festival before. The ready answer was Coachella Valley in the middle of Colorado dessert. Their concert in Coachella lured about 25,000 fans, and since then the place earned a reputation for hosting large-scale event. Later, in 1999 the concert was inaugurated as a yearly music festival. From then on, the Coachella Music and Arts Festival became a name of its own. What makes Coachella such a big event? Coachella Festival is one of the world's most loved music festivals because it is unique, big, and star-studded. Unique, because it is in the middle of a sun-kissed desert in California. While people rave about the music, and dances with all their strength, there are art objects such as sculptures and art-installations all over the place, thus it is also named an art festival. Moreover, it is special because it has five main stages that host performances from emerging and great artists of varied music genres. Coachella festival has seen big names perform live: from Madonna, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, to Beyonce, Ellie Goulding, Lana del Ray and Calvin Haris. With more than half a million attendees, this is considered as one of the largest music and art event in the world, beating the population of countries like Bahamas, Brunei or Belize. Why type of music should I expect? Coachella Festival is for all types of music lovers. It offers an eclectic mix of modern and classic music from performers in genres like rock, indie, pop, hip hop and EDM. Here you will see big names performing live along with up-and-coming artists that will surely give every attendees an ‘eargasm’. Who will be performing this year? This year's headliners are Beyonce, RadioHead, and  Kendrick Lamar. Other must-watch performers are Lorde, Bon Iver, Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, Tove Lo. You can see the full lineup here . Can I still get a Ticket? Unfortunately, tickets were already sold-out in just 3 hours after announcement. However, you can still score a ticket from resellers in eBay or StubHub. Just take note that resale tickets are priced heftier than the original price. The festival sold General Admission priced at $399 each. How should I prepare? If you finally have your ticket, it is important that you know these unspoken rules at the festival. You will see everyone dressed to the nines here. Why? Because it is also filled with fashion moments. People generally wear Boho-style with comfortable and breathable apparels. As the place is sunny, you might want to wear a good pair of sunglasses, wide-brim hat and sunscreen. Lastly, you will notice that all have their own bandana. You should have yours too! Did you find the information you want about the Coachella Festival? Got some thoughts to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Concerts undoubtedly beat the satisfaction from even the best sound system you have at home and for the music lovers, nothing compares to seeing their favorite artists perform live in a concert. To top it off, the adrenalin is higher when a performance is watched with a huge crowd that has the same level of excitement. But while seasoned attendees are already very much aware of the dos and don'ts, the first-time concert goers can get too overwhelmed by the experience that they tend to forget the essentials to bring along. To ensure that you will have the best concert experience, here’s a survival checklist to guide first-time concert goers--and even the seasoned attendees! The Concert Goers’ Survival Checklist 1. Sunscreen A sunscreen is extra useful during outdoor events. If you are attending a concert that will be held in an open space, you wouldn’t want to be held back from enjoying the event just because of the tendency for your skin to get burned. Keep it handy. For added protection choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. 2. Comfy Clothes & Shoes A concert hall is not the best place to wear your favorite dress or pumps. Keep in mind that you will be joining a huge crowd and will only be given limited space to move around. The last thing you’d want is to feel discomfort because of your chosen OOTD. Below is a helpful guide in choosing your outfit: ● Choose breathable clothes. Cotton and linen fabric are most preferred to keep you fresh. ● Don’t let dirt and sweat stains bother you by opting for dark colored clothes. ● Avoid the inconvenience of rompers and jumpsuits or you’ll waste too much time in the restroom while the concert is ongoing. ● Don’t let achy feet get in the way of fun. Make sure to wear only the most comfortable but stylish footwear. 3. On-the-go Snacks and Water Hunger pangs are hard to ignore--and worse, you may feel them at the most exciting part of the concert. Don’t be distracted and get torn with the idea of queueing at food stations or resisting your hunger. A candy, snack and a bottle of water can save a concert goer’s day. 4. Fully Functional Devices Sure you want to share your once in a lifetime moments at the concert, but only a fully charged phone with data connection can make this happen. As such, it is important to  ensure that your phone and other gadgets are fully charged, functional and ready to go. Don’t forget your prepaid load because you’ll never know if there’ll be a need to contact your friends or family. 5. Flashlight Even with outstanding stage lights and effects, you may find the need for a bright and normal lighting to check your path or to pick something that you dropped. Just make sure that you’ll choose a flashlight that you can easily keep and carry. 6. Hygiene Kit You wouldn’t want to cut short your concert experience just because of a ‘messy situation’. Face it, you’ll be in a crowded place with insufficient lighting and you’d be lucky if you’d be able to keep yourself clean all throughout. Keep sanitizers, wipes and tissue handy, just in case there’ll be a need for you to tidy up. 7. Cash During concerts, you need to keep a certain amount in your pocket because you can never tell if you’ll feel the urge to buy food, drinks and even souvenirs. You’ll surely be disappointed to find that you don’t have cash in hand, especially if you can’t find any ATM machine near the concert venue. 8. Necessary Meds Rescue medications are most important for people who are suffering from health conditions, such as asthma, respiratory and heart problems. Congested places can trigger medical conditions and even if you are in perfect shape, it will still be smart to bring medications such as paracetamols, pain relievers and antiemetics, in case of emergency. A concert goer’s checklist can be your lifesaver and can keep any sort of inconvenience get in the way of your first concert experience. Do you find this article helpful? Share us your thoughts by commenting below.