When Maymay Entrata was announced as a special guest for the June 28 stop of Korean-American artist Jay Park at New Frontier Theater, it marked more than a typical opener slot. Park’s post-idol trajectory may be independent now, but his following remains deeply rooted in Korean pop culture, which makes the decision to include Entrata a notable one. It places a Filipino artist into a slot traditionally reserved for genre-adjacent imports. Instead of filling the assigned time slot, her presence suggested a rethinking of who gets to warm up a room full of regional fans.
It’s rare to see local acts booked as openers for Korean artists with global followings; even those like Park, who have long stepped outside the traditional idol system. He has carved his own path through AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC — two record labels he founded — so his status comes from years of building an identity that cuts across genre and geography. That’s what makes Entrata’s appearance at the Manila leg of the “Serenades & Bodyrolls” tour worth taking note of. While major Korean acts have regularly packed out Philippine arenas and convention centers for years, the opening slot has usually gone to other Korean labelmates or pre-show DJs.
Entrata has released certified pop singles, including “AMAKABOGERA,” “Puede Ba,” and “Tsada Mahigugma.” She balances fierce rap verses and bombastic pop choruses that equalize the X factor for the Park show.
Past examples are few and far between. Pilita Corrales and Ian Veneracion were included in a show featuring BoA and TVXQ! back in 2022 for their Manila and Cebu visit, but those bookings felt more like TV special cameos than musical co-signs. Entrata’s slot as a solo opener at a Park headline show gives it more weight. It suggests a growing awareness, especially among promoters and organizers, that the local crowd wants to see local names on the same bill too.
