Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘GUTS’ and proud Pinoy heart
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American pop star Olivia Rodrigo not only set the tickets for the Manila stop of her “GUTS” World Tour at just P1,500, but she also donated all proceeds to Jhpiego, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare for women and girls in the country.
The announcement came after the vampire and driver’s license singer took the stage for her Manila concert on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
“Been dreaming of this show for a whileeeee. My first time in the Philippines and also my biggest venue ever!!!!! Thank you to everyone Manila for welcoming me so generously and making me feel so loved,” the 20-year-old hitmaker wrote in her Instagram post.
“I’m so stoked that all the net ticket sales from last night could be donated to @jhpiego through my Fund 4 Good,” she said.
Olivia’s decision to direct the net proceeds to Jhpiego Philippines was aligned with her global initiative, Fund 4 Good. The charitable organization that she founded currently supports community-based nonprofits focused on advancing girls’ education and reproductive rights, and preventing gender-based violence.
Her contribution to Jhpiego Philippines particularly aims to “improve the health and lives of women and girls in the Philippines, especially in underserved and conflict-affected areas.”
The former Disney channel actress also visited the organization’s headquarters in Manila and praised their efforts in providing healthcare services to Filipino women and girls.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Olivia had described her first visit to her ancestral country as both “special” and “meaningful.”
“It was the most special show and the most meaningful trip. Saying I’m grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it! Mahal kita,” she wrote in her post, using the Filipino phrase for “I love you.”
During the concert itself, Olivia, whose father is Filipino, declared her Pinoy pride as she expressed her joy to be in the country for the first time. Ahead of the concert, she was spotted visiting tourist spots like Intramuros and checking out local restaurants.
“I’m so happy to be in Manila. This is a dream come true. I wanted to come here for as long as I can remember. Today is the day. I’m so thankful you guys showed up. It means so much,” she told the crowd of fans, fondly known as “Livies.”
“I had the best time exploring the Philippines, exploring the city… You have been so kind to me, I got to meet some of you guys, and I ate all my favorite food — pancit, lumpia and halo-halo every day that I’ve been here.
“I (really want) to say, proud Pinoy ako,” Olivia declared, playfully referencing her song So American as she shared how she felt “so Filipino” before launching into her performance at what she described as her “biggest venue ever.”
The successful turnout was also made possible by Olivia’s decision to sell only Silver Show tickets, priced at P1,500 each, for her Manila concert so that more people could attend. In comparison, ticket prices for her Singapore concert, held prior to the one in the Philippines, ranged from 100 to 300 Singapore dollars, or around 4,000 to 13,000 Philippine pesos.
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