FBT Audio Gear at Swearing-In of Puerto Rico Governor

	As both owner and sound engineer, Mercado credited the event's success in no small part to the FBT audio system he utilized for the event.

Despite a widespread blackout plunging much of Puerto Rico into darkness on New Year's Eve, the island came together in celebration as Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon was sworn in as Puerto Rico's new governor on January 2. The inauguration festivities at Plaza del Quinto Centenario went on as planned.

The event highlight was a performance by Dominican sensation Natti Natasha, who, despite an emergency hospital visit earlier that day, took the stage in front of a crowd of approximately 20,000. According to Los 40, a popular international Latin radio network and media platform, "The crowd did not stop cheering, dancing, and applauding." Alongside Natti Natasha, a lineup of artists -- including Joseph Fonseca, Bri La Pelua, Grupo Mania, Banda Algarete, DJ Nelson, and DJ Playero -- kept the energy high throughout the event.

A key force behind the event's sound production was Show Experience, LLC, led by Harry Mercado. For more than a decade, Mercado has used FBT's premium Italian-designed speakers for his productions, sourcing them exclusively through Ideal Sound Importers (ISI). When ISI -- formerly known as Italian Speaker Imports -- partnered with FBT to introduce the brand to the US market, founder John Krupa turned to Mercado to help expand FBT's presence in Puerto Rico. "Harry's passion for great sound and his dedication to the brand played a key role in establishing FBT in Puerto Rico," Krupa says.

As both owner and sound engineer, Mercado credited the event's success in no small part to the FBT audio system he utilized for the event. The event used eight Muse 218 SNs, 18 Muse 210s (seven boxes per side and four for front fills), six Ventis 112MAs, four XPros 112 MAs, and four Mitus 206 LAs (two per side).

Plaza del Quinto Centenario, also referred to as Totem Square, is a square in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico that commemorates the European discovery of the Americas, the Spanish conquest of Puerto Rico, and the settlement of San Juan. Built in 1992, the square has hosted musical performances before as well as events of cultural significance. It is one of the main locations at which the annual San Sebastian Street Festival takes place and was the site for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of San Juan in 2022. This historical and cultural significance made it an ideal location to host the 2025 governor's inauguration party.