Organized ‘chaos’ at Bruno Mars after-show party

MANILA, Philippines — It was not the kind of a private party that you might expect from one who just came from a jam-packed state-of-the-art arena where he was boldly the star. Yet the after-show party hosted by Bruno Mars himself was neither a settle-down and mingle-with-diners affair.

Held at the Chaos Bar in the world-class City of Dreams (Pasay City), the event was a crowded bar gig that gave opportunity for those who couldn’t grab concert tickets to see the part-Filipino phenomenon perform up-close. He appeared on stage at 1:50 a.m. Friday morning and launched himself to performing a few of his songs, namely, Finesse, Locked Out Of Heaven and 24K Magic, the song that lent its name to the current world tour he and his Hooligans are embarking on.

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the official 24K Magic after-party,” Bruno declared to the delight of his fans, some of them seated comfortably on a paid table with families and corporate teammates. The rest, however, were jockeying for position to find a good spot to see him in flesh performing.

Free drink and beer stubs were provided for these standing-room only ticket holders. But this is not the typical general admission crowd, but one dressed to kill and anticipating for a Grammy winner and hit-making machine to appear in their midst, or possibly even get a selfie privilege.

The long wait that officially began 11 p.m. Thursday night or some minutes after Bruno’s MOA Arena concert proved worthy as his presence alone galvanized the gathering and turned the warm bodies from leg-tired partygoers into an energized pool armed with video-on smartphones.

Bruno though must be already tired of seeing high-tech phones being directed right at him and understandably had enough of that coming from his concert. He egged on the crowd, “I’m gonna be honest with you guys. We’ve never been to a place and see this many people not dancing.”

It may already be in the wee hours of the morning. But Bruno kept his energy level high enough to give the attendees a quick performance to last long in the memory. And to think he has another Manila concert spectacle to deal with in less than 24 hours.

Bruno’s latest album, 24K Magic, swept the Grammy Awards last January after winning both the Record and Album of the Year honors. He sang some of his hits in his Thursday night’s concert, including Treasure, When I Was Your Man, Uptown Funk and his signature hit Just The Way You Are.

To flatter the Pinoy, or should we say the Pinay crowd at MOA Arena, he melodically uttered, “Miss kita Mahal” and struck some pelvic thrusts as captured by the big-screen projection. At the after-party, he only needed to come out, say something, and, as bonus, perform a couple of songs — definitely without the fireworks yet with the same vocal firepower that made him the idol that he is.

(Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic Tour is a Smart Music Live summer concert event. Binge watch on Bruno Mars videos via #FreeYouTubeEveryDay for Smart subscribers).