OR those two nights that “Queen of Pop” Madonna wowed Filipinos at SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM Prime Holdings Inc. president Hans Sy was omnipresent at the concert venue—not so much to dance to tunes but to keep the house in order. As host of such a much-awaited event, the big boss himself took active command of every night’s watch.
 
“While it’s very exciting, you don’t know the work that goes on behind the scenes—the security side. It was a bit intense. We had to make sure that the area was safe,” Sy told reporters during the turnover ceremony of the P400-million UP BGC building. “As I always believe, barking dogs don’t bite, kung tahimik dun ako natatakot (when it’s all quiet, that’s when I’m fearful).”
 
But Sy said he was glad everything had gone smoothly, noting that Madonna—who performed in this part of the world for the first time—was herself “very cooperative.”  All told, he said the two-day “Rebel Heart” run was among the best-reviewed events at the Arena (excluding criticism from the clergy and the historical commission).
 
Based on Sy’s personal assessment, there had been two superb events so far held at Arena: the 2016 Madonna concert and the 2012 Lady Gaga performance (which likewise courted criticism from the clergy).
 
What made these two gigs stand out from others, Sy said, was that both artists had brought in most of the props (in Madonna’s case, elaborate mechanics and creative use of video walls/floors outclassed other major production seen in this venue).
 
What’s the next big thing? Sy said SM was still working to bring Irish rock band U2 and, for the younger folks, British band Coldplay is slated to perform next year.
 
“I’m very happy that a lot of these foreign artists are coming here. Hopefully we can bring a lot of surprises,” he said.