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Ben&Ben concert producers apologize to fans for disorganization during homecoming event
Ovation Productions has released a statement on the difficulties that occurred during Ben&Ben's homecoming concert last Sunday.
They said that because the "turnout was massive," the event had its share of "logistical challenges" that inconvenienced many of the fans.
"For this, we would like to apologize to everyone affected,” they said.
— Ovation Productions (@ovationprod) December 21, 2022
Ovation added that though they have mounted huge outdoor events, they have never received complaints of this nature.
They explained that though their events would normally have multiple entrances at both sides of the venue to keep lines short and fast, “there was a joint decision made by event planners and venue management to keep gates on the right side closed to spare people from walking over deep mud in that area.” There was also construction work on the right side of the SMDC Festival Grounds. This decision was also made the night before.
“Security procedures at the gates admittedly contributed in the slowing down of the flow but it was a necessary procedure. At some point, said security procedures were relaxed in order to unclog the choke points then later re-imposed when the situation improved,” they said. “This was to prevent a potentially hazardous influx at the gates from occurring.”
Ovation added that they were not allowed to put up instructional signages along the fences and streets to assist concertgoers. They assured fans that they had adequate security marshals within and outside the venue, and that they coordinated with the police and fire departments. Medical teams were also on standby.
To end their statement, Ovation thanked and apologized to Ben&Ben and Liwanag, adding, “We will do better next time.”
Ben&Ben also issued a statement to their fans, saying that they “will be more vigilant with everyone involved in the planning and preparations to ensure that what happened won’t happen again.” —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
