Julie Anne San Jose. Images: X, Instagram/@myjaps

MANILA, Philippines — A concert designed to raise funds for a church in Occidental Mindoro province drew flak on social media after netizens criticized one of the performers, singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose, for her attire and choice of songs.

San Jose, who top-billed the concert held inside the Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Shrine and Parish in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, on Oct. 6, performed in a high-slit, nude-colored gown. Her repertoire included ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory,” Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and Filipino songs.

When videos showing her singing and dancing in front of the altar came out on social media, some netizens called her performance sacrilegious and in poor taste.

On Thursday, The Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose and the parish issued an apology. “We are very sorry for those who have been offended and scandalized. We seek your understanding and beg for forgiveness,” the vicariate said.

Scandal

Bishop Pablito Tadura added that the parish priest, Fr. Carlito Dimaano, “humbly owned all the mistakes that triggered the scandal created by this parochial fundraising concert and asked for pardon.”

Dimaano also apologized separately, saying he was taking full responsibility for “all these mistakes.”

Pagasa: Cloudy skies, rain in eastern Luzon due to shearline, easterlies

San Jose and her talent agency, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, followed suit, with the performer saying she learned her lesson.

“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,” she said in a Facebook post.