In the vibrant city of Manila, where culture and chaos intertwine, even international stars like Chris Martin of Coldplay couldn’t escape the clutches of its infamous traffic. The lead vocalist of the British band, known for his soulful voice and captivating stage presence, didn’t just endure the congestion; he turned it into an impromptu moment by composing a song on stage during the band’s “Music of the Spheres” concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
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As the melody played, Chris humorously remarked, “Oh, we can’t wait to play in Manila again, but the traffic here is completely insane.” This candid comment, captured in various videos circulating on social media, resonated with many Manila residents, who face the notorious traffic gridlock on a daily basis. The two-night concert, held last Friday and Saturday, drew 40,000 fans to the Philippine Arena, but amidst the musical excitement, the unavoidable topic of Manila’s traffic took center stage.
With a playful tone, Chris sang, “If you wanna drive somewhere, then I’m warning you. A 2-mile drive will take a week or two. If you wanna get back home in time for your bath, well, allow yourself about a year and a half.” His song not only carried a humorous tone but also lightly poked fun at the frustrating reality of Manila’s traffic. He emphasized that this song, born out of a spontaneous traffic-induced muse, would never be performed again.
On the first night, Chris had the opportunity to share his traffic observations with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, who were in attendance. “Thank you to all of you for coming through the traffic. Holy sht!” Chris exclaimed on Friday, expressing his appreciation for the arduous journey that his audience had to endure to attend the concert. He added, “I think… We’ve seen some bad traffic, but I think you guys have the number one [worst traffic] in the world. So, thank you, thank you for braving all that bullsht to be here!”
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However, the next day, the story took a twist when the Presidential Security Group (PSG) addressed the controversy surrounding President Marcos Jr. using a helicopter to attend the concert. Major General Nelson Morales, the PSG Commander, clarified that the decision to use the presidential chopper was made to ensure the president’s security, as the massive traffic caused by concertgoers posed a potential threat.
Morales explained, “Recognizing that this traffic situation posed a security risk to the president, the Presidential Security Group made the decision to use the presidential helicopter. This decision not only ensured the safety of our leader but also demonstrated our commitment to prioritizing security in the face of unforeseen challenges.”
Despite the traffic-related controversies, Coldplay took a moment on Saturday to express their gratitude to the Manila audience. The band acknowledged the dedication of the fans, who braved the traffic to be part of this musical experience.
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Manila’s traffic may be a legendary challenge, but even amidst the gridlock, the city’s charm and the resilience of its people shone through. As Coldplay left the stage, the echoes of their music lingered, intertwined with the tales of Manila’s traffic adventures.
