Cebu is increasingly becoming a prominent destination for concerts and other live events, attracting both local and international artists, including LANY. The band is known for their dreamy pop sound and often includes various cities in their tours, and Cebu is one of the popular stops. It was their first time in the Queen City of the South to hold a solo headline show.

In the week of October 13th to 15th, 2024, LANY’s three sold-out shows at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino gave a much-needed boost to Cebu’s tourism. Over the course of three nights, the concerts drew close to 10,000 fans, which is good for businesses in the areas. The hotel where LANY performed made a lot of bookings from the fans. Additionally, it has had an effect on the restaurants and other businesses in the surrounding area. This is one of the goals of the Tourism Promotions Board in partnership with Live Nation Philippines—to increase the number of visitors to Cebu by becoming a global entertainment hub. This is because Filipinos have a strong affinity for live music, and Cebu is already a popular destination for international tourists. It’s worth mentioning that tourists can easily reach Cebu through Mactan International Airport.

The LANY tarpaulins welcomed me as soon as I arrived at the Mactan International Airport. Undoubtedly, it was one of the biggest live events in the Queen City of South this year.

Having never been to Cebu before, I was looking forward to not only watching LANY but also exploring the city’s tourism attractions and trying out its many cuisines. The travel time to our destination at TOPS Cebu took us close to thirty minutes. There is a spectacular view of Cebu City from the Tops Cebu lookout observation deck. The well-known attraction has also been enhanced by the addition of a number of dining establishments that cater to the gastronomic requirements of the guests, as well as a large number of parking spaces. One hundred pesos is required to enter the premises, which is good, and I am aware that it is for the purpose of ensuring the place is maintained and cared for.

View from TOPS Cebu

It took us a little more than five minutes to drive to Temple of Leah from TOPS Cebu. The love that a husband had for his late wife is beautifully expressed and honored in this amazing tribute. Additionally, it is a museum, a library, and an art gallery in addition to having a Greco-Roman architectural design. Moreover, the temple provides a breathtaking panorama of the city of Cebu.

Temple of Leah

Despite the fact that their schedules were extremely full, LANY’s Paul Klein and Jake Goss were able to immerse themselves in the culture of the region during daytime. This provided them with the opportunity to learn about the local traditions. Fort San Pedro, the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu, and the Casa Gorordo Museum were some of the notable cultural landmarks that they visited during their time on the island. Fort San Pedro was also one of the places that they visited.

Photos courtesy of Casa Gorordo Museum

Photo courtesy of National Museum Cebu

Concert tourism in Cebu has proven the immense economic advantages that prominent music events can offer to the tourism industry, and this is just the beginning. These concerts have been a boon to local companies and tourists alike, drawing in huge crowds from other provinces in the country and fans from overseas. With each new big-name performer and the completion of the Seaside Arena in 2025, Cebu is poised to establish itself as a world-class entertainment hub. The clever use of exclusivity deals and meticulous event planning by local concert promoters and the government can sustain this development and reap long-term benefits for the city-state’s tourist business.

The Filipino people are known for their warm and friendly nature, plus the fact that we have a passion for music and entertainment makes us a perfect host for large-scale concerts. With all the partnerships from the private and government sectors, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming live music events in Cebu.

The following are some of the reasons why Cebu is also an excellent destination for international acts:

1. Vibrant Music Scene: Cebu has a diverse music culture, with various genres represented, from traditional Filipino music to contemporary pop, rock, and electronic.
2. Infrastructure: The city boasts several venues suitable for concerts, including the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, amphitheaters, Seaside Concert Grounds and its upcoming indoor arena, and intimate bars capable of accommodating various audience sizes.
3. Accessibility: Cebu City serves as a major transportation hub in the Philippines, making it easy for tourists to get there. Mactan-Cebu International Airport connects easily to many destinations.
4. Rich History and Culture: Concerts in Cebu often incorporate local culture, offering a unique experience with performances that highlight Filipino traditions.
5. Festivals: The city hosts numerous festivals, such as the Sinulog Festival, which often features concerts and live performances, drawing in large crowds.
6. Tourism Attractions: Besides concerts, tourists can explore beautiful beaches, historical sites, and delicious cuisine, making it a well-rounded travel destination.
7. Growing Artist Scene: With a growing number of local artists and bands, Cebu is nurturing homegrown talent, leading to more concerts and music events.

Overall, Cebu City has everything needed to be a thriving concert destination, blending music with culture and tourism.

Special thanks to Tourism Promotions Board and Live Nation Philippines