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Not even the rains of Tropical Cyclone Ofel could stop fans of English-Albanian singer and songwriter Dua Lipa from trooping to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan for the November 13 Manila stop of her ‘Radical Optimism’ tour. Some fans even arrived as early as 1:00 PM for the 8:00 PM show, a common practice among concertgoers to beat out the traffic and parking in the Arena.
One such fan is MJ, who is dressed in a Dua Lipa shirt and wearing a pair of heart-shaped rose-colored glasses, a nod to Dua Lipa’s lyrics in her song ‘Illusion’. MJ has been a fan of Dua Lipa since her Wish Bus performance seven years ago, so when the opportunity came to see her in concert, he made sure to secure tickets.
“Nasa Siargao kami nag-bobook kami nun. Kahit walang signal nag-hanap talaga kami ng signal para makapag book ng tickets.” (We were in Siargao when we were getting tickets. Even if there was no signal, we really made an effort to find a signal so we could book tickets.)
To prepare for the concert, MJ watched fan videos of Dua Lipa’s concerts and took note of the choreography so he could ‘dance the night away’ for the show. When asked what song he is most excited to see perform live, MJ answered “Electricity, because this is the most memorable song for me, It’s the song of my life,” he says.
Bedazzled pretty young things
As audiences made their way to their seats in the Philippine Arena, you would notice fans dressed in their best party outfits, lots of black dresses, and bedazzled attire shining in glitter and rhinestones. Some even with jewels in star and heart-shaped patterns on their faces and hair. High boots and different patterned stockings were also a popular choice among concertgoers.
It was also worth noting the number of dads who accompanied their young daughters to see the show. We all love girl dads who would give up a day to chaperone their kids to a Dua Lipa concert.
Dua Lipa is ‘the One’
The crowd came to a deafening roar and applause as the lights closed and the pulsating music grew louder and louder. The sound of an announcement akin to that off a flight taking off got the crowd in a frenzy.
Finally, the moment that fans like MJ had been waiting for became reality—Dua Lipa strutting down the stage, swaying her hips left and right as her sultry voice enveloped the whole Philippine Arena, which was filled to capacity of screaming and eager fans.
“They told me tonight was going to be crazy. They told me tonight was going to be loud.” Dua Lipa told the crowd and whoever shared this information with her was right on the money.
Dua Lipa performed her hits, fan favorites, and tracks from her latest album Radical Optimism and it really was a party led by the hottest girl in the room, fans were singing and dancing.
“Thank you for your energy. Thank you for being so loud.” Dua Lipa told the loud and appreciative crowd.
Not only was the 29-year-old Dua Lipa an all-out performer but her energy was matched by her equally impressive band and dancers.
It was a nice detail that these supporting players got to shine through dance breaks and solo performances—such as a stripped-down rendition of “Anything for Love” accompanied only by a piano.
Aside from Dua Lipa’s incredible dancers and band, the visuals used for the stage were impressive as well, with some songs even having their own assigned background, from a sparkling galaxy to a beautifully lit cityscape. A pre-recorded video of Dua Lipa writing “Radical Optimism” on the screen was also wildly received.
At this point, the concert now doubles as a festive dance party further enhanced by both the pulsating and colorful lights and the raining confetti.
‘What matters is us now’
Addressing the crowd, Dua Lipa says, “One thing that’s really important is that whatever is happening outside of these walls, what matters is us, here and now.” For fans like MJ who have waited for years to see her perform, it was an easy thing to forget the worries and the reality just waiting outside the walls of the arena. It was just the artist, the fans, and music.
“Come back more often,” MJ says when asked if he had a message for Dua Lipa and if the night of the concert was any indication, Dua Lipa will likely be back.
Image credits: Ica Hontiveros-Cheng