Concert photography is rewarding – it combines your passion for music and photography. Not only it allows you take memories from the concert but also places you a few feet away from your favorite artists while taking portraits of them. While it can be exciting, it can also be very challenging because of the drastically changing lighting situation in concerts that usually comes along with a music venue. However, with the right camera settings, you can prepare yourself to this situation to save you from the frustration of going home with blurry or overexposed images. Want to know how you can take great concert pictures? Whether you are an avid fan who simply wants to capture the best moments of your life or a novice photographer who looks into concert photography as a likely career, take a look at these tips on how to get the perfect shot even on low light. Use the Right Lens Firstly, you will need to equip yourself with a fast lens with the lowest f-stop possible . It has an aperture with a wider opening, permitting more light to enter the camera sensor. This allows for faster shutter speeds which result to clearer photos even in low light conditions. Investing in reliable fast lenses allow you to get the job done with greater ease and clarity. Lenses such a 24-70mm f/2.8 and/or a 70-200mm f/2.8 are ideal for concert photographers. However, these two can be very expensive. But, you can always start with a cheaper 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.8 lens. These lenses lack the ability to zoom, but they make up for it greatly with their wide aperture while you save on cash. Switch to Manual Mode An aperture priority mode is a great option for beginners. However, this can easily produce false exposures at times of sudden lighting changes. For that matter, it’s ideal to switch into manual exposure mode during concerts where there is a dramatic and varying light condition. It allows you to better control your exposure rather than allowing the camera do the work for you – like in an aperture priority mode. When done properly, it produces clearer and better concert photos. Shoot with the Lowest Aperture The next thing you have to do is to set your aperture to the smallest number on your lens. Shooting with the lowest aperture will allow more light to enter your camera sensor and is an important setting in low-lit concert stages. Lenses with an aperture of f/1.4, f/1.8 or f.2.8 will work great in concerts with ultra-low light conditions. But, for beginners, a 50mm f/1.8 lens will already do. Adjust the Shutter Speed In low lighting conditions, it’s ideal to maintain a shutter speed of 1/250 or faster to pull off decent concert photos. This also works during lively concerts to freeze the action. However, an exception to this rule is when you’re in a concert with a very low lighting but the artist is not as active on stage. In this case, you can already do with a shutter speed slower than 1/250 and yet don’t risk blurred photos. Set the ISO Finally, the last of the primary settings you have to take note of is the ISO – the sensitivity of your digital sensor to light. The higher the ISO setting, the less light is needed for proper exposure, but the more your camera will be sensitive to light. It makes sense that in concerts with low light conditions, given the ability of your camera, to try starting off with an IS O of 1600 . You can work your way up with that until you are satisfied with the image. However, you have to keep in mind that the higher the ISO, the grainier your photographs are. But still, with the many post-processing programs available, this issue can be easily addressed and it’s far better than a blurred image. Being a concert photographer is always exciting and tough. But, the more you engage with concert photography, the more you become adept at it. What’s important is to understand your settings and learn from the circumstances that come with it. You’ll be surprised to see yourself becoming more confident and comfortable with yourself and with your camera. Did you love what you read? To whose concert would you love to apply these tips? Let us know in the comments section below. Read our blog for more interesting and helpful tips!

2017 was a grand year for music fans in the Metro who were treated with a roster of live performances from the likes of Ariana Grande, Coldplay, Britney Spears and a lot more. Apparently, the upcoming year seems to only get better with a new list of international artists set to take the stage as if one isn’t enough to get everyone on their toes. Here, we’ve rounded up # upcoming concerts in Manila we know so far: 1. Foster the People Image Source: Twitter @philconcerts Foster the People is bound to set foot in Manila once more to promote their new album, The Sacred Hearts Club . The last time fans saw the indie rock band on stage was in 2012 when they debuted their first studio album, Torches . When : Jan. 26, Kia Theatre Tickets : P5,250 (Level 1), P4,725 (Level 2), P3,675 (Level 3), and P2,625 (Level 4)   2. The xx Image Source: Philippine Concerts With the Filipino fans being known as one of the biggest and most supportive fandoms, it’s no wonder The xx is just another band who’s making a comeback. If you’ve missed their sold-out 2013 concert, this is your chance to see the English indie pop band in the flesh! When : Feb. 7, World Trade Center Manila Tickets : P5,565 (VIP A), P4,505 (VIP B and C), P3,445 (Patron A), and P2,385 (Patron B and C)   3. Incubus Image Source: Philippine Primer The well-loved American rock band is coming for the third time in Manila to promote their eighth and latest album, 8. Of course, fans are expecting to hear their newest tracks such as Nimble Bastard and Glitterbomb . When : February 17, Smart Araneta Coliseum Tickets : P6,905 (Level 1), P5,905 (Level 2), P3,905 (Level 3), P1,905 (Level 4), and P1,055 (Level 5)   4. Paramore Image Source: Facebook @mmilive With tickets selling out in 48 minutes since its release, there’s no way Hayley Williams wouldn’t feel the excitement of Filipino fans for their upcoming concert. It will be the third time the pop punk band is performing in the country following its successful 2013 show. When : Feb. 18, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P8,000 (VIP), P6,890 (Patron), P4,786 (Lower Box A), P2,756 (Lower Box B), P1,855 (Upper Box), and P1,325 (General Admission)   5. Fifth Harmony: PSA Tour Live in Manila Image Source: Facebook @wilbroslive Filipino Harmonizers are in for a treat as the girl power group is bound to set foot in Manila for the second time. Despite the unexpected exit of member Camilla Cabello, it appears that Fifth Harmony remains strong with a second album under their belt. When : March 6, Kia Theatre Tickets : P6,825 (VIP 1 Standing), P5,250 (VIP 2 Standing), P4,725 (Loge), and P3,150 (Balcony)   6. John Legend : Darkness and Light Tour Image Source: Ticketnet Online For the second time around, the award-winning singer-songwriter is bringing his ballads to Manila once more. This time he is out to promote his latest album Darkness and Light, which includes his hit singles, Love Me Now and Penthouse Floor. When : March 21, Smart Araneta Coliseum Tickets : P12,600 (VIP), P8,400 (Patron A), P6,300 (Patron B), P5,250 (Patron C), P4,200 (Box), P2,625 (Upperbox), P1,050 (GA)   7. Katy Perry: Witness the Tour Image Source: Facebook @ovationproductions In the wake of the successful North American tour, Roar singer announced the Asia leg of her Witness Tour. The concert is sure to feature stunning stage design, theatrics and whimsical costumes which Katy Perry is known for. When : April 2, Mall of Asia Arena Ticket : P19,540, P16,370, P13,200, P6,870, and P2,640.   8. Ed Sheeran Image Source: Twitter @ovationprod The British singer-songwriter was slated to perform in November. However, thanks to a bicycle injury, he was forced to reschedule his Divide Asia tour in April to allow for time to recuperate. Fans have long been anticipating to see the singer perform his hit single, Castle on the Hill, among others. When : April 8, Mall of Asia Concert Grounds Tickets : P13,040 (Patron A), P11,450 (Patron B), P8,290 (Patron C), P4,060 (Gold), P3,010 (Silver), and P1,950 (GA)   9. The Script Image Source: Philippine Concerts The Irish rock trio is set to hit the stage again with its latest album, Freedom Child. But, VIP fans are in for a special treat – each will receive an exclusive 2018 tour gift, a tote bag, a signed 2018 tour program, and a commemorative laminate and custom lanyard all worthy of the VIP experience! When : April 14, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P12,720 (VIP Experience), P9,010 (VIP), P7,950 (Patron), P6,360 (Lower Box A), P4,240 (Lower Box B), P2,650 (Upper Box), and P1,060 (GA)   10. Harry Styles : Live on Tour Image Source: Twitter @smtickets Easily one of the most-awaited concerts of 2018, fans are bound to see a One Direction member performing solo in the form of Harry Styles. Since the British boy band went on a hiatus, the 23-year old has been out and about, bringing his first single hits on top of the charts. When : May 1, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P6,890 (VIP), P5,830 (Patron), P3,975 (Lower Box), P2,650 (Upper Box), and P1,325 (GA)   11. Bruno Mars : 24k Magic Tour Image Source: Twitter @manilaconcerts The sold-out tickets on the first hour led to the addition of a second show for Bruno Mar’s concert. Obviously, the hefty price tag of the tickets, which is worth P23,850 for the VIP, didn’t stop fans for showing their love for the singer. When : May 3-4, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P23,850 (VIP 1 Standing), P18,550 (VIP 2 Standing), P13,250 (Lower Box A), P8,480 (Lower Box B), P4770 (Upper Box), and P2,650 (GA)   12. Niall Horan : Flicker World Tour 2018 Image Source: Philippines Concerts Apparently, it’s not only Harry Styles that is performing in Manila. Niall Horan is also geared up for his first tour as a solo artist. In addition to the fact that the singer is making a stop in the Metro, fans are in for a special treat with a chance for a Meet & Greet package! When : June 10, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P33,800 (VIP Seating/Standing with Meet and Greet), P6,784 (VIP Standing), P5,512 (VIP Seating and Patron), P4,240 (Lower Box), and P2,968 (Upper Box) Aside from all these, there’s also the Wanderland Music & Arts Festival and as well as the Paradise International Music Festival unfolding next year. You can always count on these festivals to liven up your summer with indie music both from foreign and local artists alike. Got your tickets to these concerts ready? Which one are you most excited with? Let us know in the comments!

LED walls are one of the latest technologies that have been seeing a lot of action lately. This increasingly popular innovation consists of a series of LED tiles that when linked together, creates a large high-definition display screen. As huge as this graphic display is, it also has huge benefits to offer during your event – and your wedding is no exception to that. For your upcoming wedding, renting an LED wall is probably one of the greatest decisions you will ever make (of course, that’s next to saying I do to your future spouse). Here’s what an LED wall can bring to your wedding: 1. It Delivers High-Quality Display LED walls are designed particularly to deliver crisp, top-quality display. But, the real advantage of using an LED wall is that its brightness is calibrated to provide a clear display, regardless of whether your wedding is held indoors or outdoors. The visuals are guaranteed to remain clear and easily visible both day and night. 2. It Brings a New Form of Entertainment This technology is also dedicated to producing a new form of engagement among your guests. While you may initially rent an LED wall to display your wedding video or a retrospective of your relationship, you will be surprised to discover that it works as well as an interactive display for your guests. 3. it Adjusts to the Size that You Need Likewise, LED walls can be built according to your specifications. Whatever size you may require – whether you need a large screen to maximize the outdoor space or a smaller screen for an indoor venue – LED screens can deliver. Another major breakthrough is the availability of curved LED screens which allows for an even better display. 4. It is User-Friendly LED technology is probably one of the most advanced equipment that you’ll get. But, while it is comprised with high-tech features, you’ll find it surprisingly easy to navigate. Plus, it comes with various input options, which makes it compatible with DVI, HDMI, VGA and HD-SDI formats. 5. It Creates a Front-Row Experience for All If you are having a large wedding, you’ll likely worry about how your guests can get a clearer view of the ceremony. LED walls instantly address this issue by supporting live video streaming. Have it installed on a raised level or hanged over the ceiling so even the guests at the back can have the same front-row experience. 6. It’s More Efficient Additionally, as big and advanced as they may seem, LED screens require less energy than conventional screens . It is also affordable and can even be customized to fit within your budget, allowing you to save money while conserving energy at the same time. To add, LED walls can perform well under a variety of conditions, reducing you the risk of paying for damage and repair.   Considering how an LED wall can instantly upgrade your wedding, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for renting one. Red Damien has the perfect LED solution for your wedding, providing you with the top-notch LED wall rentals , along with its expert technical assistance for a memorable audio-visual experience. Contact us today for our wide range of LED equipment. Do you consider renting and led wall for your wedding? Let us know in the comments! Read our blog for the latest news and more interesting tips!

Coachella, the crowd-puller and star-studded Music Festival in California, has announced its 2018 lineup. Beyonce’ is this year’s headline of the festival, making good with her promise from last year’s edition. In 2017, she was slated to headline the music and arts festival, but she was pregnant with twins and had to back out as advised by doctors. So Lady Gaga stepped in as the headliner. After giving birth to her twins Sir & Rumi, the Queen Bey is now ready to do her first live show since the 2016 Formation world tour. This Coachella announcement also spurred rumors she’s preparing for the release of a new single. [Related Content: From Newport Jazz Fest to Coachella: Music Festival Through the Years ] Along with Beyonce, Eminem will also headline the festival, after a successful release of his comeback album Revival that reached number 1 in UK and US hit charts. The Weeknd complete the list of headliners for Coachella 2018.   https://twitter.com/coachella/status/948346956362825728 Fans and festival goers will also come to watch chart-toppers like Migos, Post Malone and the record-breaking rapper, Cardi B. Fan favorite bands and group like LANY, Portugal. The Man and War on Drugs will also grace the Coachella Stage. If you can’t come and see the music festival, Coachella released a mobile app that lets you listen to a curated playlist of the performing artists, so you can have a good dose of Coachella feels. https://twitter.com/coachella/status/955546386270887936 To learn more about the music event visit the Coachella official website, here . Visit our blog to find the most interesting news and updates in the professional lights and sound industry.

The Larimer Lounge is a popular concert venue in Denver as they offer sound quality and intimate space that makes way for superb entertainment. However, the tables turned for Larimer Lounge when the fog machines used for the Hundred Waters concert failed to work properly. As the venue has been a popular setting for promising talents and quality entertainment, the audience had high hopes from the performers that went on stage.  Hundred Waters, an electronic trio with a loyal following, was just in the first set of their performance when the fog machines failed. Initially, the fog machine worked to provide a cooling effect. However, as the performance went on, the smoke machine also kept going--too much that the front stage was covered with smoke, making it barely visible. To make the matters worse, people started to feel the effect of the smoke, as well as it’s musty smell that they have started coughing while the event is ongoing. As the performances went on, the smoke from the fog machine failed to dissipate. And though the band continued with its act and still managed to provide fantastic music to the crowd--from ballads to danceable grooves, it was clear that technical failure was present during the concert. Preventing Technical Glitches in Live Performances Technical glitches happen, whether the one involved is a professional or amateur. However, the team behind the concert should have been prompt enough to be able to mitigate and avoid disappointment for both the audience and performers. Special effects such as smoke machines/fog machines are intended to add drama to an act and to capture the attention of the audience. But without the right equipment and expertise in handling failures, errors that can affect the overall success of an event may occur.   To learn more about this story, read here .   In search of fog machines for your event? Red Damien, a dependable provider of sounds and lights equipment, offers fog machine rentals and sales, as well as technical assistance to ensure the success of your event. Contact us for inquiries.

Vogel’s Professional, known for its unique and timeless design on wall solutions, is bound to introduce its universal video wall series at the ISE 2018 which will happen on February 6-9, 2018 at the RAI Amsterdam. The event is the largest show in the world that focuses mainly on the integration of AV and systems Vogel’s has continued to win design awards worldwide because of the beauty of its products that are also marked by sophisticated functionality. This year, the company is introducing a new Connect-it Universal video wall series at ISE 2018. This is in line with the company’s expansion in terms of the applications of LCD video walls, as well as the LED walls solutions that are geared in achieving a future-proof standard. Vogel’s is focused on a universal and modular concept that stands out in quality and ease of installation. Aside from the Connect-it interface bars and display strips that the company is known for, Vogel’s now offers dedicated strip sets that are intended for mounting the tiles of LED walls. This innovation will allow LED walls to be mounted higher, therefore allowing users to install their LCD and LED walls with ease whether they require ceiling, floor-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, free-standing, fixed, or mobile solution, Watch out for this LED wall solution at the ISE 2018 as Vogel’s will present this at Hall 1 Stand M30. Read more about the latest solution for LCD and LED Walls from Vogel’s, here .   Stay up-to-date about the latest in professional lights and sounds technology by regularly visiting our blog .

Be it a wedding, a concert, or a corporate conference, there’s bound to be an LED wall in place somewhere in the venue. LED walls not only display content with incredible clarity, but they instantly add wow factor to any setup. You can’t buy an LED wall without forethought, however--it takes careful planning to pick the right display for your needs.  To help you get the most out of your purchase, there are a few things to take into consideration when buying an LED wall. 1. Display Location Will you be using the LED wall indoors or outdoors? Remember that the screen will be exposed to sun and rain if it will be placed outside. LED walls are known for being low-maintenance, but sunlight may make your LED wall appear dark if the wall isn’t bright enough. If the LED wall will be used indoors, take note of any ambient light sources. A display wall located next to, say, a large window should have high maximum brightness to remain readable despite ambient light and glare. 2. Content You should also consider the kind of content that your LED wall will display. LED walls come in colored and monochrome varieties, with colored LED walls being more expensive than their monochrome counterparts. Some applications such as insurance firms can work with a monochrome display to simply display text. However, if you want to show images and videos, a colored LED wall is the way to go. If the content that will go on display is highly detailed, like in the case of a map, you’ll need a wall with higher resolution. Also, try to find an LED wall with multiple format support to make room for more creative display options and audience engagement. 3. Viewing Distance How far from the LED wall will your audience be standing? Indoor display screens are suitable if viewers will be standing a few meters away--think exhibits and smaller events. Shorter viewing distances require more detail, which translates to a screen with high resolution. Meanwhile, outdoor display screens are better if viewers will be much farther away, such as with an arena-sized event or a carnival in an open area. An LED wall placed outdoors will not need not as much detail and will be fine with a relatively low-resolution screen. The distance of your audience from the display will also affect the required pixel pitch. The LEDs in a screen are arranged into pixels, and pixel pitch refers to the distance between two pixels. Smaller pixel pitch means less empty space between pixels, higher pixel density, and improved screen resolution. Prices will most likely be higher for screens with smaller pixel pitch, though. Again, an LED wall placed outdoors and with a viewing area several meters away will be fine with a higher pitch display. The LED screen industry has a few equations to help estimate the needed pixel pitch. Start with a certain average comfortable viewing distance , an estimate of the comfortable viewing distance for most people who will look at your screen. Take your average comfortable viewing distance and multiply it by 2 to get the visual acuity distance. This is the calculated distance that a person with perfect vision should move away from an LED wall to see a non-pixelated image. Then, divide the visual acuity distance (in metric units of length) by 3,438 to get the required pixel pitch. Example: Average comfortable viewing distance: 4’ 3” or 1.29m Visual acuity distance: 8’ 6” or 2.58m Pixel pitch: 2.58m / 3,438 = 0.00075m or 0.75mm 4. Maintenance and Lifespan LED screens, in general, are more rugged and long-lived than LCD screens. Even rain cannot easily damage an LED wall. However, these screens will also start to degrade after some time. If an LED or two fails, the damaged part can be replaced quickly and on-site, minimizing downtime. LEDs also generally lose 20% of their initial brightness after the first 2,000 hours or 3 months of use. The LED then degrades very slowly until dying after 100,000 hours or 11 years of use. So, when buying an LED wall, remember that the claimed display brightness of the wall will drop by around 20% after 2-3 months. One final tip to help you choose between two screens with the same specifications and price range: ask how many individual LEDs the screens have. Between two screens with the same number of pixels, the screen with more LEDs will be brighter and clearer than the other. If your LED wall is the wrong size, you’re wasting money. If the screen is too dim or the pixels either too close or too far apart, you’re also wasting money. Plan well and keep this list in mind when you buy an LED wall. Looking for more stage design tips and entertainment industry news? Follow our blog for fresh updates.

A new year means a new lineup of world-class music acts headed your way, and 2019 is no exception. Here’s a list of some of 2019’s biggest music events and concerts in Manila . Note that these are the music events that have been announced so far, though. You’ll still want to keep an eye out for any announcements in the middle of 2019! 30 Music Events to Catch in 2019 January 2019 1. Planetshakers Praise Party Jan 18 Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City The Christian music sensation comes to Manila early in the year, introducing the Planetboom band, symbolic of the next generation of Planetshakers. Buy your tickets and find out more about this concert here . 2. KINGDOM: Planetshakers Conference Jan 19 Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City Can’t get enough of the Planetshakers even after the Praise Party? Join Pastors Russell & Sam Evans and the band for one more night of praise and worship. Sing along to top hits such as “Majesty,” “Endless Praise,” and “Prophesy.” Get more details here . 3. The Great Seungri Tour Jan 19 Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay Here’s a treat for Philippine fans of legendary K-Pop group BIG BANG. Seungri, BIG BANG’s youngest member, will be flying to Manila for a solo concert. It’s said that this could be his last tour before he enters South Korea’s mandatory military service. Ticket prices are up, but sales have yet to open. Keep posted through the event’s Facebook page . 4. Taking Back Sunday Live in Manila Jan 26 New Frontier Theater, Quezon City Celebrate 20 years with Taking Back Sunday! Listen and revel in nostalgia as the band performs their entire debut album, Tell All Your Friends . Get your tickets to this concert here . 5. Queen Nation Live Jan 30 Cove Manila, Okada, Parañaque If you’ve ever wanted to hear “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “We Are the Champions” performed live, here’s your chance. Get ready to sing at the top of your lungs with tribute band Queen Nation. Get more details on this upcoming tribute concert here .   February 2019 6. SiKAT Ako: Katrina Velarde Live in Concert Feb 1 New Frontier Theater, Quezon City The petite Suklay Diva hits the stage in her own solo concert in 2019! Who knew that a viral video and a plastic comb could set this girl speeding down the road to stardom? Buy tickets here . 7. BLACKPINK In Your Area World Tour Feb 2 Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay We hope you already have your tickets to see the four girls of Korean sensation BLACKPINK--this concert was sold out mere hours after the opening of ticket sales! Out of luck? Check out this list and catch BLACKPINK at their other Asia stops in 2019. 8. Love Rocks! Feb 6 Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Mall, Pasay Feel the romance in the air at this concert hosted by no other than J Michaels. This edition will also feature Jonathan Potenciano and Dan Hill, singing pop classics such as “I Think of You” and “Sometimes When We Touch.” Grab your tickets here . 9. The Golden Sound of the Platters Feb 7 Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Mall, Pasay Travel back in time to the 60’s with performances from this world-famous Platters tribute group. Try asking older relatives if they’d like tickets, too! Get your tickets here . DID YOU KNOW? The Platters originally formed in 1952. They’ve undergone several changes in their lineup since. 10. Syzygy Music Festival Feb 9 Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Pasay Party the night away with the kings of tomorrowland. Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike set the dance floor alight together with Jason Dewey, Marc Marasigan, Ron Poe, Jennifer Lee, and more. Buy tickets here or from SM Tickets outlets nationwide. 11. Found Music Festival Feb 9 Globe Circuit Events Ground, Makati Australian duo For King & Country headline this year’s Found Music Festival, a celebration of Christian music. This concert also features Aia De Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Quest, talents from Upper Room Worship and Victory Worship, and special guest speaker Josh Gurango. Find out more about this event here . 12. Earth Wind & Fire Experience Feb 10 Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Mall, Pasay Shake it to “Let’s Groove Tonight,” “September,” and “Boogie Wonderland.” You’ll get an earful of EWF’s original feel, as original guitarist Al McKay will be performing with the Al McKay Allstars. Buy tickets to this upcoming tribute concert here . 13. Timeless Classics Feb 14 PICC Plenary Hall, CCP Complex, Pasay Here’s a one-of-a-kind idea for a Valentine’s Day date in 2019! Concert king Martin Nievera and Asia’s nightingale Lani Misalucha share a stage for one spectacular night. Read more about this concert here . 14. Phantom of the Opera Feb 20 The Theater, Solaire, Parañaque After six years, the legendary musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber returns to Manila! Sing along with us, now: “The Phantom of the Opera is here…” Buy your tickets here while they last! DID YOU KNOW? Phantom of the Opera is currently the longest-running Broadway show in history, reaching its 10,000th Broadway performance on February 11, 2012. 15. Josh Groban Bridges Tour Feb 22 Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay 12 years after his last visit to Manila, the talent behind the iconic song “You Raise Me Up” will be back for a post-Valentine’s Day concert. Josh Groban will be performing old and new songs for fans, including tracks from his new album Bridges . Get your tickets here . 16. Years & Years Palo Santo Tour Manila Feb 25 New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City That’s right, British electro-pop trio Years & Years is coming to Manila in 2019! Listen to live performances of tracks from the group’s second album Palo Santo . Check out ticket prices here . 17. Kodaline Politics of Living Tour Feb 26 New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City Loved “Head Held High” and “All I Want?” Then you’ll want to save up for tickets to the Manila leg of Kodaline’s Politics of Living Tour. Get your tickets and read more info here .   March 2019 18. Ang Huling El Bimbo Starting Mar 1 The Theater, Solaire, Parañaque Centering on a tale of friendship helped along by Eraserheads hits, this musical will surely set off a wave of nostalgia. Get your tickets here . 19. Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival Mar 1-2 Puerto Galera Catch Anomalie, IV of Spades, Ian Lofamia Band, Extrapolation, and more at the ninth installment of the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival. This upcoming event is also a great excuse to check out the picturesque Puerto Galera, a local gem in itself. Read more details and buy your tickets here . 20. Maroon 5 Red Pill Blues Tour Mar 5 Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay Maroon 5 returns to Manila once more to promote its latest album, Red Pill Blues. However, you can expect to hear live performances of Maroon 5 hits such as “Maps,” “Payphone,” and “She Will Be Loved.” Check out ticket prices here . You can also buy tickets from SM Ticket outlets nationwide. 21. Wanderland Music & Arts Festival Mar 9-10 Filinvest City Event Grounds, Alabang For the first time, the upcoming Wanderland Music & Arts Festival will span two whole days! Prepare for twice as much music, art, and magic, with live performances from Two Door Cinema Club, Sandwich, Unique, and more. Get your tickets here while they last! 22. Rita Ora Phoenix Tour Manila Mar 10 New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City British singer-songwriter Rita Ora will be coming to Manila for the first time in 2019! Her fans can grab the chance to enjoy “Let You Love Me,” “Girls,” and “Your Song” live. Check out ticket prices for this upcoming concert here . 23. PULP Summer Slam XIX Mar 23 Amoranto Stadium, Quezon City Say hello to the longest-running heavy metal festival in Southeast Asia! American thrash legend Slayer headlines this year’s Slam as part of its Final World Tour, together with Emmure, Her Name In Blood, Thy Art Is Murder, and SikTh. Grab tickets at SM Tickets or Ticketnet . 24. Andy Brown Live in Manila Mar 30 Skydome, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City Fond of British pop rock band Lawson? You’re in luck: Lead singer Andy Brown is dropping by Manila for a one night only acoustic concert, performing both Lawson hits and tracks from his debut album Cedarmont . Get your tickets here or at SM Tickets outlets nationwide. DID YOU KNOW? Lawson last performed in Manila in 2015. One of their stops during their visit: a cozy carinderia , where they sampled kaldereta and puso ng saging .   April 2019 25. Chroma Music Festival Apr 6 Globe Circuit Event Grounds, Makati Over 15 of the best DJs in the country join forces with international talents for a full day of vibrant color and energizing music. Check out the ticket prices here . You can also buy tickets from various SM Tickets outlets.   May 2019 26. Troye Sivan Bloom Tour May 1 Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay Remember how much of a hit “Youth” was? Listen to more dance-pop beats from Troye Sivan, together with singles from his latest album Bloom . Ticket sales open on January 22, 2019. Meanwhile, check out the prices here . 27. Jason Mraz Good Vibes Tour May 8 Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay Bring your loved ones along for a laid back night with Jason Mraz. With tracks like “I’m Yours,” and “I Won’t Give Up,” there won’t be any bad vibes here! Get your tickets for this upcoming concert here . 28. Lauv Live in Manila May 20 Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City If you loved “I Like Me Better” and “The Other,” then this is a concert you need to see! Get your alt-pop fix when Lauv visits Manila in 2019. Buy tickets here or get passes to his Cebu concert at the Waterfront Hotel here .   July 2019 29. LANY Malibu Nights Tour July 24 Venue to be announced Here’s your chance to listen to “ILYSB” and “Good Girls” performed live! LANY drops by Manila for a night of catchy indie pop, including tracks from their latest album Malibu Nights . Ticket prices aren’t out just yet, but you can check out the other stops in their tour here .   September 2019 30. The 1975 Sept 11 Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay That’s right, The 1975 is returning to Manila one more time in 2019! They’ll be promoting their newest album, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships . On top of that, Filipino singer-songwriter No Rome will be joining the 1975 for this concert. Check out the ticket prices here . You can also buy tickets at SM Tickets outlets nationwide. ALSO READ: 50 Best Speaker Brands   Save up, mark your calendars, and tell your friends! 2019 is set to be another great year for fans and concert-goers across the world of music. Visit our blog for more entertainment news and stage design tips.

Whether it’s May, June, or November, there’s always a fiesta in full swing somewhere in the Philippines! Fiestas can revolve around a variety of objects, ranging from images of the child Jesus  to local delicacies like mangoes  and calamay . However, they all feature a common set of activities that never fail to get the locals into a festive mood. Here are 10 classic activities you’ll find at any fiesta in the Philippines. Don’t be surprised if you have happy flashbacks while going through this list. Chances are, some of these popular fiesta activities were part of your childhood! 10 Activities You’ll Find at Any Fiesta in the Philippines 1. Street Parades You know there’s a fiesta when there’s a street parade making its rounds around town! This can be a rare chance to see the mayor in person if they’re part of the parade. Other common sights include a baton-twirling majorettes and a marching band from the municipal high school. Have you managed to find out the parade’s route in advance? Get into position early, otherwise you’ll find yourself straining your neck to get a glimpse of the parade! 2. Lively Variety Shows When a stage pops up near the municipal hall or multi-purpose venue , chances are there’s a variety show lined up for the night. Sit back and watch as town residents show off their hidden talents on stage. Clap along as a local dance group shakes it to a crisp remixed beat. Hold your breath while a star singer does an impression of Mariah Carey’s whistle. Laugh out loud at the on-point punchlines from some of the top comedians in the area. If you’re lucky, you might even get to watch a magician eating fire or turning handkerchiefs into doves before your very eyes! This is one fiesta activity that people of all ages can definitely enjoy. 3. Beauty Pageants Here’s another staple of the fiesta stage! Local beauty pageants invite the most beautiful girls from around town to show off their looks and wits. These activities often include talent showcases, swimsuit competitions, and a Miss Universe-level Q&A. Usually, the local crown isn’t the only award up for grabs. You might see sashes reserved for “Best in Talent” and “Miss Photogenic” as well. Some municipalities also hold a Miss Gay pageant, which is often a cheeky but fabulous “battle of the wits.” 4. Late-Night Discos If you lean out of your window and hear budots  music blaring in the distance, it can only mean one thing: disco night! This fiesta activity usually takes up one of the town’s roads, which is closed off with metal railings. A hired lights and sounds provider sets up large speakers, disco lights, and even smoke machines to set the mood. Locals may start to fill the dance floor early in the evening and stay there until past midnight. Thinking of dropping by the makeshift discotheque? Take a bit of pocket money with you. You might be asked to pay a minimal entrance fee before hitting the dance floor. 5. Colorful Perya Attractions Think Enchanted Kingdom or Star City but at a much cheaper price. The perya or traveling fair is a lively blend of amusement park rides and luck-based activities with kitchen utensils at stake. It first pops up a few days before the fiesta and packs up once the festivities are over. Walk around while munching on popcorn and sipping on a mango shake with condensed milk on top. Try your hand at some dart-throwing or coin-tossing games. Or hop onto the ferris wheel, caterpillar, or horror train for some classic thrills! 6. Parlor Games When was the last time you joined a sack race? The next town fiesta can give you the chance to relive your childhood with classic activities straight out of a grade-school sportsfest. Here are some parlor games you can’t miss: Sack Race  - Thought that indoor sack races were hard? Wait until you try hopping across a field of dirt and grass. Pabitin  - An old favorite for the little ones! Small prizes are tacked to a bamboo lattice and suspended for players to reach. Paluan ng Palayok  - The Filipino version of the piñata. Blindfolded players try to smash a clay pot with a wooden stick. The players are usually made to turn a few times, making them dizzy for an added challenge. Agawang Buko  - Participants struggle to take hold of an oiled coconut. It’s a lot harder than it sounds! Palo Sebo - Players take turns trying to climb an oiled bamboo pole to grab the prize at the top. Believe it or not, someone always manages to reach the prize. Culiot  - Tug-of-war never gets old, even in the Philippines. Expect a lot of shouting and counting from team leaders to help players pull hard in unison. 7. Basketball Tournament You’ll be surprised at the number of basketball teams you can find in a single town. The fiesta basketball tournament gathers them all for an exciting showdown. Some of the more intense matches can feel like a live NBA playoff. Be sure to catch the finals! 8. Lechon All Around All right, lechon itself is more of a spotlight-stealing dish than a fiesta activity. But you’ll have a hard time finding a fiesta that doesn’t feature a giant roasted pig with crispy skin and juicy meat! Once the roast pig is set out on a banana leaf or pig-shaped wooden dish, you’d better line up fast. A single lechon can feed a few extended families, and it usually draws that many people, too. The best part about this fiesta “activity”? If you know a handful of people in the barangay, you can simply hop from house to house for your lechon fix. Call it your cheat day. 9. Eat and Drink All You Can Lechon is far from the only food you’ll spot at a fiesta in the Philippines. Want to load up on fish fillet, chicken lollipops, and the sauciest spaghetti or lasagna in town? Go right ahead, and grab a small bowl of buko pandan while you’re at it. You’d better make enough room in your stomach! Fiestas are also an excuse to go wild with the drinks. Some households will have entire cases of beer on standby in time for the festivities. It’s even better when there’s a karaoke machine around! Get ready to belt out your favorite tunes right after your drinking spree--just do yourself a favor and skip Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” 10. Fireworks Display This is one fiesta activity you won’t be able to miss even if you tried. At the end of the fiesta day itself, the entire sky lights up with fireworks ranging from glittery fountains to awe-inspiring peonies . In some cases, the fireworks can be seen all the way from the next town! Some fiestas take their pyrotechnics a step further and match them with music for a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Keep an eye out for these 10 classic activities the next time you’re in town for a fiesta! These all-out celebrations are a rare chance to bond with family, neighbors, and childhood friends. Thinking of sponsoring the lights and sounds at the next variety show, pageant, or disco in town? T reat your friends to some high-quality beats by booking an industry professional like Red Damien! This lights and sounds provider in Quezon City offers state-of-the-art equipment and expert technical support for a festive and hassle-free night. Inquire with us today  for more details! Liked this article? Visit our blog  regularly for more interesting posts.