Clark to host P32 billion entertainment complex

Ready for Taylor Swift?

MANILA, Philippines — Are you ready for this?

The Philippines is aiming to be capable of hosting concerts by the likes of global pop icon Taylor Swift by 2028, through a P32-billion entertainment complex that will rise in Clark.

Speaking at the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum in New Clark City in Tarlac yesterday, Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president and CEO Arrey Perez said the plan is to build a 40-hectare entertainment center in Clark to host major international events like concerts.

“We will be Taylor Swift-ready by 2028 by building that arena,” he said.

He said three firms have expressed interest in the project – one from Singapore, one from the US and one a local company.

“Next year, we are expecting that we are going to sign with a private proponent for the construction of these facilities,” he said.

He said CIAC will need about six to nine months for processing of proposals after these are submitted.

CIAC is also looking to tap a transaction adviser to assist in the project.

After a contract is signed next year, Perez said construction will also immediately start in that same year.

“Then you have two to three years to build this entertainment complex,” he said.

In terms of capacity, he said their studies have shown it is ideal to have 25,000 to 35,000 seats.

“We hope that by that time when we build our complex, we will be ready to really host her (Swift) and she will agree,” he said.

Swift’s ongoing Eras tour only had Singapore as its stop in Southeast Asia following an exclusive deal struck by the Singaporean government with the concert organizers.

Swift’s six sold-out shows brought economic benefits to Singapore, with Swifties including those from the Philippines flying there to watch the pop icon perform.

Perez said the entertainment complex is being pursued as part of efforts to attract more passengers to the Clark International Airport.

“Our mandate is to make sure that the airport will grow as we are CIAC. Entertainment is not our business, but all these developments are meant to support the growth of the airport, the Clark International Airport,” he said.