A sold-out audience at the Philippine Arena in Manila made Olivia Rodrigo‘s dreams come true — and all they had to do was show up. The Guts tour landed in the Philippines over the weekend, marking the half-Filipino musician’s first-ever performance in the country. It was the also the biggest headlining show of her career to date with an attendance of more than 50,000 fans.
“Been dreaming of this show for a whileeeee,” Rodrigo wrote on Instagram. “My first time in the Philippines and also my biggest venue ever!!!!! Thank you to everyone [in] Manila for welcoming me so generously and making me feel so loved.”
During the show, the singer-songwriter donned a custom sash that read “Miss So Filipina” and told the crowd: “I’m so, so happy to be here tonight, I cannot even tell you. You guys are the most gorgeous crowd ever.” Rodrigo also wore a custom tank top that read “Pinoy Pride” during another section of the concert.
While performing “Logical,” Rodrigo made a shout-out to a section of the arena where the daughter of famous Filipino actress and actor Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes were seated. After seeing the singer wave excitedly towards the area, the young girl proclaimed in a video: “Mama, she said hi to me!”
Beyond connecting with her heritage at the milestone show, Rodrigo prioritized impact and accessibility during her visit to Manila. Tickets for the Guts tour stop were capped at $30 including fees with all net proceeds benefitting Jhpiego, the non-profit organization aiming to provide healthcare to women and girls internationally. The donation was made through Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good initiative, which she launched in conjunction with the Guts world tour with a commitment “to building an equitable and just future for women and girls,” according to her official website.
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“I got to visit the organization while I was in Manila and was so impressed by the work they are doing providing healthcare to women and girls in the Philippines,” Rodrigo said on Instagram about Jhpiego, which has assisted tens of thousands of people in the Philippines since 1980. “It was the most special show and the most meaningful trip. to say I’m grateful doesn’t even cut it! Mahal kita ❤️.”
Last year, Rodrigo told Rolling Stone about her plans to tour in the Philippines. “People there are so welcoming and hospitable and awesome,” she said at the time. “Filipino people ride for other Filipino people.” One of her earliest — and only — memories of being star-struck, she shared, was when she first met Vanessa Hudgens. “I freaked out,” she said. “She’s Filipino like me, and I remember thinking that was cool.”
