MERCA, 'PAKULO' AND FAN MAGIC

my turn

- RICARDO T. PAMINTUAN

As an ARMY dad, I may not have mastered the dance moves, but I can name every BTS member, recognize their songs, and occasionally surprise my daughter by keeping up with their latest releases—even beating her to the news sometimes. Supporting my daughter's love for BTS isn't just indulging a fleeting interest—it's about embracing something that genuinely brings her joy. Sharing this passion has opened my eyes to how concerts have transformed into immersive, community-driven events far removed from the simpler experiences of my youth.

Back then, concerts were straightforward. You'd hear live music, grab a T-shirt or a poster, and call it a night. Today, the journey begins long before the show, starting with the high-stakes battle for tickets. Gone are the days of queuing at the box office; securing a seat now requires lightning-fast clicks in online sales that feel more like a virtual Olympics. And once the coveted ticket is in hand, the real adventure begins.

Take concert merchandise, for example. For an old-school guy like me, the way concert merch has mutated as an event in itself is quite remarkable, bordering on the ridiculous. It's no longer just about a souvenir shirt or machine-autographed photo. Fans line up for hours or even days just to gain access to exclusive goodies tied to their favorite artists. Apparently, it's become an all-day affair, with fans queuing up early—some even camping out overnight—to snag exclusive items and grab some fan swag that's too special to miss.