Church benefit concert organizers apologize for viral act

Metro Manila, Philippines – A local Catholic Church benefit concert gone viral has sent event organizers apologizing for drawing flak from the supposedly inappropriate performance.

The parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, the talent agency owned by GMA Network, Inc., and singer actress Julie Anne San Jose expressed their regret on Thursday, Oct. 10, for the controversial performance.

The video showed San Jose singing “Dancing Queen” and “Edge of Glory” in front of the altar, in a high-slit backless dress.

In a statement, Sparkle, San Jose’s talent management agency, said it takes full responsibility since it coordinates with event organizers and its artists.

“Julie Anne only fulfilled her duties and commitment as a true professional. She is a devout Catholic and had no intention of disrespecting the Church or its members,” Sparkle said in a statement.

The agency apologized to those who took offense and to San Jose.

“I am offering my apologies. Even though my only intentions were to share joy and to give support to the church through the benefit concert, many have felt offended about the incident I was in and with my performance which caused distress,” San Jose said in an Instagram story.

“I am not perfect but please know that I have strong beliefs and my faith is unbreakable and cannot be shaken. I pray that we can all move forward with compassion in our hearts,” she added.

San Jose said the incident was a “lesson learned” and will not happen again.

Admitting a lapse on its part, the parish priest asked for forgiveness from those who were offended by the performance.

“Inaako ko po ang lahat ng mga pagkakamaling ito,” Fr. Carlito Meim Dimaano said in a statement. “Kung maibabalik ko lamang po ang panahon, disin sana’y naisakatuparan ng tama at wagas ang gawaing ito na alay kay Maria.”

[Translation: I take responsibility for this mistake. If I could turn back time, this could have been organized correctly and purely for Mary.]