Carly Rae Jepsen (Sept. 14, Smart Araneta Coliseum)
Carly Rae Jepsen’s second Manila concert, originally scheduled for Aug. 12, was postponed due to inclement weather. It’s actually a good thing that it got rescheduled, as her sophomore album, “E•MO•TION” was released worldwide last Aug. 21.
As shown by the radio hit “I Really Like You” and the latest single, “Run Away With Me,” “E•MO•TION” is equal parts sassy and charming, full of kilig sentiments and sweet, catchy hooks reminiscent of ‘80s bubblegum pop (kind of like a millennial version of Debbie Gibson). By the time Sept. 14 rolls in, tweens and tweens at heart alike will have familiarized themselves with her new songs, enough to sing their giddy little hearts out.
Carly Rae’s concert is mounted by Concert Republic. Tickets are available at TicketNet branches, and prices are as follows: VIP Patron – P5,000; Patron A – P4,500; Patron B – P4,000; Patron C – P3,000; Box – P1,500 (exclusive of ticket charge). Previously purchased tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date.
Maroon 5 (Sept. 17, SM Mall of Asia Arena)
As the next act in Music Management Inc. (MMI)’s concert lineup for 2015, Maroon 5 is set to bring its “V Tour” to Manila on Sept. 17, with Swedish trio Dirty Loops as the front act. This marks the band’s fourth time to play for its Filipino fans, having staged jampacked shows in 2008, 2011, and 2012.
Tickets for this one have long sold out, but many fans are still hoping for a miracle, such as a last-minute opening of new sections or standing-room-only tickets. Pray hard, kids – your goals of hearing “Maps,” “Animals,” and “Sugar” live (and witnessing Adam Levine’s smoldering onstage charisma up close) are banking on it.
AsiaPOP Comicon Manila (Sept. 17-20, World Trade Center, Pasay City)
Pining after international comic conventions? This might satisfy your craving. The 4-day inaugural AsiaPOP Comicon (APCC) Manila looks to gather some of the best and brightest in the realms of film, television, comics, cosplay, gaming, and everything related to pop culture.
Celebrity guests Paul Bettany (Vision in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Archangel Michael in “Legion”) and Colton Haynes (aka Roy Harper/Arsenal in “Arrow” and Jackson Whittemore in “Teen Wolf”) will make an appearance on Sept. 19-20. Sorry, Khal Drogo fans – Jason Momoa won’t be gracing us with his presence due to last-minute filming commitments.
Get to meet notable personalities such as Simone Legno, co-founder and creative director of tokidoki; Marvel artist/writers David Mack (Daredevil, KABUKI graphic novels); and teen idol Jeremy Shada, aka the voice of Finn the Human in “Adventure Time,” together with his band Makeout Monday.
Cosplayers can strut their stuff and win an international stint, with “America’s Next Top Model” star Allison Harvard leading the panel of judges, while artist hopefuls can get scouted by representatives from both DC and Marvel brands.
Day 1 (Sept. 17) is open to industry professionals only with a valid PRO-pass, while Days 2-4 (Sept. 18-20) are open to the public from 10am to 8pm. Tickets are available for P500 (one-day pass), P800 (two-day pass), and P 1,000 (three-day pass); these will grant the ticketholder access to stage activities, performances and the main show floor. Exclusive VIP and Experience convention passes will offer special entitlements to its holders, such as exclusive APCC items, priority VIP seating, and photo opportunities with celebrities, among others. Check out asiapopcomicon.com for more details.
Spandau Ballet (Sept. 21 at SM MOA Arena)
No matter what era you were born in, you’ve grown up with at least one of their songs; we know this much is true. For those of you who would love the chance to hear that ubiquitous pang-romansa song “True” and the power song “Gold” live, this is it – one of the most influential ‘80s British bands has reunited, and they’re headed our way.
The members of Spandau Ballet reunited in 2009, launched successful comeback gigs, and started recording new songs. This month, Ovation Productions and Dainty Group Asia will be flying in Tony Hadley (lead vocals), John Keeble (drums), Gary Kemp (guitar), Martin Kemp (bass) and Steve Norman (guitar) for a one-night-only concert in the country. This is part of their “Soul Boys of the Western World” tour to promote the band’s documentary of the same name. (Hadley had been in town several times in the past, most recently for a solo gig at Solaire early last year.)
Fra Lippo Lippi’s Per Sorensen will open for the band, which makes this concert the ultimate trip down Europop memory lane.
Tickets are available via SM Tickets outlets and website, and prices are as follows: VIP – P7130, Patron – P6080, Lower Box A – P5020, Lower Box B – P3960, and Upper Box – P2,910.
Road to ULTRA Philippines (Sept. 26, SM MOA Concert Grounds)
Mounted by Black Water Events Management and Ovation Productions, the international EDM festival franchise makes its way to our shores and promises to “host the biggest party the Philippines has ever witnessed.” With EDM juggernaut Skrillex as headliner, the lineup also includes internationally acclaimed acts A-Trak, Fedde Le Grand, Mija, Vicetone, W&W, and Zeds Dead.
Tickets are available as Premium General Admission (P5,810) and General Admission (P3,700). Premium General Admission (GA) includes admission to RTU Philippines, dedicated express entry lanes, and access to the Premium GA Lounge, bar and amenities. For VIP table packages, e-mail tables@ultraphilippines.com.