My First Coverage: OPM Icons at the MOA Arena Grand Launch

I am very psyched and excited posting my first coverage as a blogger.  It's always thrilling to try something new and to experience things I have never done before.  As a fellow blogger commented while we're waiting for the VIPs to arrive, "now Ed you're on the other side of the fence."

Last June 16 the Mall of Asia Arena, world-class venue for the world-class Filipino talents finally held its Grand Launch in a music event entitled “ICONS at the MALL OF ASIA ARENA.”

We were there as early as 4PM to get our tickets since we were also in MOA to meet friends who are crazy enough to line up just to get inside Uniqlo.  Anyway, this event is history in the making, a once-in-a-lifetime treat where the biggest names in the Philippine music industry perform in one perfect venue. OPM icons like Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Freddie Aguilar, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Juris, Jed Madela, Piolo Pascual, Bamboo, Arnel Pineda, The Company, Verni Varga, Dulce and Rachel Alejandro performed OPM classics written and composed by composers Ogie Alcasid, Willie Cruz, Goerge Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, Jose Mari Chan and Louie Ocampo.

Hosted by OPM icon himself Jim Paredes and the concert queen Pops Fernandez, the concert did not only honored the country's OPM icons but the very ICON who gave his whole life in providing world-class malls, properties and events place like MOA Arena. A perfect Father's day gift to Henry Sy, Sr. who was present at the event with his whole family.

Comedians and TV personalities Pokwang, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola provided ICONIC comic antics and impersonated OPM icons Gary V and Martin Nievera. Pokwang was very brilliant in impersonating Jessica Sanchez and Mommy Dionisia.

Pasay City's Congresswoman Calixto Rubiano

According to Hans Sy, President for SM Prime Holdings, who was accompanied by his family at the ribbon cutting. “The MoA arena is a testament to the Filipino people and its spirit – resilient and persevering in the pursuit of excellence. Through the MoA Arena, we hope to give Filipinos a taste of world class entertainment in a truly innovative and luxurious setting,”

Also present at the ceremony were distinguished government officials including Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Sec. Armin Luistro, Maryo Antonio Calixto, Congresswoman Calixto Rubiano.

Apologies dear poets, I was not able to take photos. I learned that I should now seriously plan on buying my own camera. For more photos, you may click other blog posts from Ruth Floresca here .

Also revealed in this grand launch by Mr. Hans T. Sy along with Mr. Edgar C. Tejerero, Senior Vice-President of West Avenue Theatres Corp. is MoA Arena’s upcoming exciting event line-up.

Sporting enthusiasts will have reason to cheer as they watch the opening of the UAAP’s diamond season and NBA All-Star Basketball challenge at the MOA Arena. Hot on the heels of the successful Lady Gaga concert will be Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday Tour.

Juris ans Jed Madela

Other events Filipinos and of course yours truly can look forward to in the MoA Arena are the return of Cirque du Soleil with Saltimbanco, the Yahoo OMG Awards and the E-Plus Teen Assembly.

Now dear poets, I have witnessed and can say that true to its vision of Changing the Game, Elevating Entertainment, the Mall of Asia Arena IS truly a world-class venue for the Filipino people. It has a 20,000 full seating capacity and I have seen the very (they said) expensive and posh Corporate Suites, VIP-level services and amenities, and a vast offering of food and merchandise.

The MoA Arena is posed to become the country’s premier entertainment venue.

So for ticket inquiries, call 470-2222 or log on to www.smtickets.com. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/mallofasiaarena and follow us at www.twitter.com/moaarena.

Thanks to Tatak Digitista for the tickets and the experience!