Attending Ed Sheeran felt like a full-on festival, with pure talent from the very first note—shoutout to Calum Scott for kicking it off! Read my blog for the full night.

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

March 25, 2024
Pasay City

Date of Concert – March 9, 2024 (Saturday)
SMDC Festival Grounds
Section: 605
Date of Purchase – Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:11 PM

Event Schedule:

3.30PM Ticket Validation
4:00PM Doors Open
5:45PM Special Guest – Calum Scott
7:00PM Special Guest – Ben&Ben
8:25PM Ed Sheeran

Ticket – PHP6,900

I’ve had a strong desire to experience an Ed Sheeran concert live, largely due to the glowing reviews I’ve heard about his performances. Last year, I finally took the plunge and purchased a ticket to see him in 2024. While I had contemplated catching his show in other parts of Asia, I’m immensely pleased with my decision to attend the concert in the Philippines. Not only is it my home country, but the energy and enthusiasm of the Filipino crowd are unmatched. There’s something incredibly special about witnessing fellow Filipinos embrace Ed’s music, seamlessly interweaving Tagalog words and rhymes into the experience. Additionally, the inclusion of Filipino artists joining Ed on stage adds an extra layer of magic to the performance. It’s an experience that’s truly unparalleled and close to my heart.

At last, the awaited concert day arrived, and I was utterly amazed to discover that the two opening acts were none other than the incredibly talented musicians Calum Scott and Ben&Ben, the beloved Filipino band. Being a fan of both artists, it felt akin to attending a music festival rather than just a concert.

I arrived around 6:00pm and was pleasantly surprised to find that there wasn’t a long queue. The organizers had done an excellent job of managing the line efficiently. Opting not to bring any bags with me made the security checks much easier and quicker. As the food kiosks were quite crowded, I made sure to grab a bite to eat beforehand. The venue, SMDC Festival Grounds, is conveniently located near Ayala Malls, Mall of Asia, and IKEA.

As Calum Scott took the stage, his performance was enchanting, especially against the backdrop of the setting sun, lending an air of romance to the evening. Every song he sang, particularly “You Are The Reason” and “Dancing on My Own,” resonated deeply with me. While I had hoped to hear “Woke Up In Love,” he didn’t include it in his setlist. Nonetheless, witnessing him perform live, including his latest song “Where Are You Now,” was still a thrilling experience.

Following Calum Scott’s performance, it was time for Ben&Ben, a remarkable Filipino band, to take the stage. They captivated the audience, and as a Filipina, I felt immense pride singing along with them. Their performance was truly spectacular, showcasing the talent of their nine-member ensemble. If you’re interested, you can listen to their music here, Among their tracks, my personal favorites are “Pagtingin,” “Make it With You,” and “Maybe the Night.”

Following Ben&Ben’s electrifying performance, it was time for the main event: Ed Sheeran. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, consisting of 29 uninterrupted songs that held the entire audience spellbound. Utilizing his five loop stations and a variety of guitars, he effortlessly commanded the stage, showcasing his musical prowess. The spectacle was made even more unforgettable by the fireworks illuminating the night sky, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been there to witness it firsthand. One particularly magical moment was when Ed joined forces with Ben&Ben to perform “Maybe the Night,” adding an extra layer of enchantment to the evening. Ed Sheeran’s performance was flawless; he proved himself to be a musical force to be reckoned with, commanding the stage solo without the need for a backing band (most of the time).

The Mathematics Tour remains unparalleled as the most exceptional concert I’ve ever attended. The memories from that night are etched in my mind, and from now on, I’ll always prioritize attending concerts in the Philippines. The Filipino crowd’s enthusiasm and thunderous cheers make every moment unforgettable.

Things to Note
-Opting for accommodation near the concert venue is highly advisable, as the area tends to become extremely crowded post-concert, making it challenging to secure a Grab car or motorbike. Drawing from my past concert experiences, I wisely chose to book accommodation close by. This decision proved beneficial, as I could conveniently walk from the event venue to the nearby mall in just 20 minutes. From there, I easily booked my Grab ride, minimizing stress and hassle.
-It’s advisable to refrain from bringing a bag to streamline the security check process, and it’s also wise to have a meal before heading to the event.
-Cellular signal is often unavailable during concerts, so it’s a good idea to let your friends know where you’ll be after the event.
-The standing section can pose a challenge due to the prolonged duration of standing, so if you wish to book seated seats much better.

Although I have plenty of videos (I am unable to post here), feel free to take a glimpse at some of the photos captured during the event.

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie