What Really Happened At The Coke Studio Christmas Concert

Photo by Coca-Cola Philippines

Manila, Philippines - Coke Studio Christmas Concert suspended its FREE concert to the public last December 7, 2018 at MOA Grounds for a reschedule. 

Wearing Coke Studio PH hoodie in a nearby B2B event lol

I was part of the audience. Partly media/VIP. I went to the venue around 6PM since work was just near instead of 3PM calltime. Expected the volume of traffic given the FREE concert. Apparently 80-90% of the audience were high school to college age bracket. Some were in their uniforms, and some changed early. Saw a gang of friends came in to add the spice of 'fun'.

But 'fun' to our extent was unexpected. The capacity outgrown overtime in a span of hours. From 3PM calltime, it was 6PM and none has started yet. We heard an announcement from the host that there was technical difficulties so we had to wait for another 2-3 hours. We waited.

I, part of the media, was on hold upon entrance too. Seemed like Coke management, SM, PNP, City of Pasay and music artists were discussing about the event circumstances. I had dinner with a co-blogger to lessen the tension, until we were invited again to enter with our passes finally around 9PM. Given the time, almost or ALL of the audience was jeopardizing in protest. Saying why was it taking too long, most were shouting in general. It was late when artist Quest, announced the reschedule of concert by next year. 

The audience gave violent reactions to the news. Throwing bottles, condoms, shouting bad words, pushing barricades, and other actions one shouldn't do in a FREE concert.

I know how it feels for the kids, but I also know how it feels for the management. It's just a win-win situation for everyone's safety. The event hasn't started but numerous medical cases were listed, and these reports were plainly kids. What more in the middle of the concert, with lack of security? No doubt STAMPEDE and CHAOS will happen.

As a blogger, I don't want to share information that is one-sided. Let's be fair on both. Here are some points to consider:

Audience:

• It's a FREE concert. Expect a huge number of crowds to come. Traffic, long line-up, late entry. You're one of thousands hoping to come in the gates. Was it worth the risk?
• Don't protest or claim the right to argue, since this was free and you owed nothing to the management.
• Attitude. That's where it all started. Gates were closed, yet still tried hard to jump off your feet on the other side or pushed other mates on the barricades. See the aggressiveness?

• Some kids fainted and got injured before the event, what more during? The management is your parents too.
• Please understand that the management wants your safety, although they announced it late. There's a bigger surprise coming next year!

Management:

• Since this was a FREE concert, double the expectation of fore-seeing the capacity of attendees. I noticed your ads were very active, hence the post reach as well. This means your ad is very effective not only in Manila, but the whole nation is looking forward to your events. Word of mouth.
• Indicated was a FREE concert on the promotion, but no terms and conditions were stated. You see, these internal details are very important to us to avoid conflict in the future. Include us with this information.
• For sure, before the call time, many attendees anticipated onsite. Should have at least inform them until they got many regarding the event closure and precautions. 
• Lack of security. The outnumbered concert goers have been waiting long, don't make them think less about what was going to happen. They have brains too. A friendly advice, plan everything in order from entrance, cut-off, max. capacity, barriers, security, crowd control, time flow, exit, etc.
• Delay of information. Time was too late until it was announced, expect that the concert goers will react violently. If it was announced beforehand/earlier, less reaction will be received. It was around 10PM I think. Please inform the concert goers soon so they won't take an effort from taking a bus from afar, declining other events, and preparing themselves for an event than won't happen. 
• Above all, their decision was right. Not even a single person in the management would want to continue the free in concert for a possible stampede/chaos to happen. The number of security personnel did not fit the number of concert goers. It would be hard and minimal for a 1-2 ambulance van to rescue the needy. So, even though it made our hearts heavy for the announcement, understand that the decision was made for the better of our safety.  

Let's stand up our hearts once again for the love of OPM at Coke Studio PH on the first quarter of 2019. #CokeStudioPH #CokeStudioChristmas #CokeStudioHomecoming