KTX becomes go-to digital event platform in this time of pandemic

More than just a ticketing platform, ktx.ph has evolved into a go-to digital venue of events, concerts and some movies, thus, helping the entertainment and music industries to thrive in these tough times.

Gian Carlo Vizcarra, head for Business Development of ktx.ph, shared with The STAR in an exclusive interview how the online portal transformed from simple online ticketing services to become a profitable digital events platform.

ktx.ph started off as an ABS-CBN’s ticketing platform for network shows and events launched in 2018. Gian joined ktx.ph end of 2019 and was tasked to expand the platform to ticketing events, theater plays and concerts. And then the pandemic struck in 2020 where live and public events were canceled and cinemas closed. The industry has been badly affected by the pandemic crisis.

However, by “some stroke of (pandemic) luck,” ktx.ph was “first to pivot to having online ticketed events,” said Gian. “At that time na people (artists) were doing online concert events for fundraising, we worked with our United Kingdom (UK) partner para makagawa ng move para makapag-ticket. ‘Yung UK nag-ti-ticket na sila for digital events. So, pinasok na sa ktx.”

Back then, most of the producers were afraid to take risks for paid online tickets because there were free digital concerts already getting streamed. The mindset at that time was, “Bakit kami magpapabayad eh libre lang online concerts,” according to Gian. “But ‘nung tumagal-tagal na parang sabi nila hindi ata ‘to sustainable. Buti na lang, we had Jed Madela, the first major concert na tumaya.”

They “were getting the groove” after that, unfortunately, the shutdown of the ABS-CBN happened on May 5, 2020 after the media giant failed to secure the congressional franchise renewal.

Gian and his team were retrenched and ktx.ph was dissolved.

Luckily, Star Cinema got them back. “Nagbago ang management basically. By some stroke of fate, galing ako ng Star Cinema. Ang hahawak ng ktx was my former boss, Enrico Santos,” detailed Gian.

Star Cinema revived ktx with the mandate that they have to be self-liquidating. And it did with the finale of Boy’s Love (BL) series Hello Stranger and Daniel Padilla’s Apollo digital concert’s impressive sales, “enough for the team to be confident.” “Sobrang lakas ng Daniel. It was phenomenal. Hello Stranger and Apollo concert paved the way for where it (ktx.ph) is right now. That’s why nakapag-produce pa ng Regine Velasquez, Darren Espanto (concerts) ang ABS-CBN events,” shared Gian.

“Eventually, from day one of the new management, profitable ang ktx… It’s basically that we were there at the right time… (Imagine) having one ticket for one family,” added he.

The online platform so far has hosted more than 100 concerts in 10 months and the most successful music events were those headlined by Sarah Geronimo, Daniel, Regine and they are anticipating the P-pop band SB19 concert on Aug. 1 and Vice Ganda’s upcoming virtual music show on July 17 to break record sales.

The “surprise hits” were Side A’s Calesa, Nina, 4th Impact, Joel Lamangan’s film Anak ng Macho Dancer and Miss Universe Philippines. The Calesa: Side A Redux benefit show gave birth to hosting Neocolours, Joey Albert and JoAnne Lorenzana musical events the following months.

Although the majority of the audience are millennials, the older generation also turn to online to watch their music idols. “You have to be flexible and do things na para mas maging madali (to the older generation). Kasi hirap sila, mag-register ka, maglalagay ka ng e-mail, kailangan kang mag-verify at magbabayad ka digital,” explained Gian.

Compared to the physical concerts and cinema experience, one of the digital event’s advantages would be the “democratization of the content.” “Because everybody (can watch) sabay-sabay, it can become a family thing. At mas mura. You go to a mall, watch a movie. For the entire family, you buy five tickets with popcorn, etc. With digital, ktx, one ticket, nakakapasok na yung pamilya. (Another advantage is) ‘yung mga nasa probinsiya, makakapanoood  ng concert, kasabay ng nasa Manila.”

Most of their viewers are in Metro Manila, but fans and supporters abroad and in provinces can also access the platform and watch the shows.

Another interesting component is that the online event platform has a meet-and-greet feature where the audience can interact with the stars, as well as a chat box where fans can react in real time. You can also share access with a friend or family members, one gadget at a time, and send a gift voucher to your loved ones with a personalized message.

When asked if the team is ready when live events will be back to normal after this pandemic, Gian is confident ktx.ph would still be around. “Alam mo nakaka-touch, the best thing about ktx when fans outside Metro Manila message us ‘na sana po kahit bumalik na ang old normal, nandiyan pa kayo kasi kasabay naming napapanood yung nangyayari sa Manila.’ Kasi dati punta ka pa sa Manila para manood ng concert. Wala kang chance, ngayon sabay-sabay,” said Gian.

“The content or the concert is democratized,” added he. “Na-democratize ‘yung Manila centric na point of view because everybody can watch all at the same time kahit nasa ibang bansa ka. I think because it has been introduced (with ktx) na pwede naman pala sabay,” he added.

Gian and the management expect and hope for “blended” normal in post-pandemic scenario. “If live goes back, may live, may livestream to cater to other people na hindi makakapunta sa venue dahil ma-traffic. Or (prefer) family bonding. Kasi the way things are going right now, iba na ang consumption ng content. Dati, bibili ka ng limang tickets para sa isang concert. Ngayon isa na lang for the entire family. Maganda siyang proposition in the new normal.”

Ktx.ph is not only exclusive to ABS-CBN shows, they are open to clients and producers outside the media company. “We work with everybody, we want to help everyone. At the very least, we help other people and other companies via ktx,” said Gian.

He furthered that music artists and producers thanked digital platforms like ktx.ph for hosting such shows and events as a way to relive the pre-pandemic moments somehow. “Sinasabi nila, salamat at nagkaroon ulit kami ng concert at nakakanta with the live band. ‘Yun palagi sinasabi nila kasi hindi na nag-li-live band. Kasi nga sabi ni Martin Nievera sa concert niya? iba ‘yung feeling na ‘yung mga singers (get) to sing with a real band ulit. And usually, when they do it with ktx, naka-live band sila.”

Ktx.ph also ventures into more family-friendly content, edutainment, virtual tours and caters to private events. “We are very lucky that people continue to support us. Masaya yung feeling na nakakatulong ka sa industry. ktx is very flexible in giving opportunities for producers to earn beyond ticket sales,” enthused Gian.

Crash Landing on You lead star Hyun Bin will also be holding virtual fan meet via ktx.ph on July 11 sponsored by Bench.