During a recent event in Occidental Mindoro, there were reports indicating that OPM band Orange & Lemons left the stage following an alleged interruption by Kapamilya actress Francine Diaz.
Videos circulating online depict the Filipino band already positioned on stage when Diaz made her entrance, exchanged greetings with the audience, and seemingly signaled for her performance to commence. Observers noted expressions of dismay from the band members, who engaged in discussions with event staff.
With no musical cue for her performance, Diaz proceeded to sing acapella. This prompted the vocalist of Orange & Lemons to display signs of frustration and gesture for the band to exit the stage.
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In a separate video, Clementine Castro, the band’s lead guitarist, expressed that they had been awaiting their turn to perform and emphasized the importance of respecting the established lineup.
“Gusto ko lang manghingi ng paumanhin pero kailangan ko sabihin ‘to para sa mga artist kasi dapat kanina pa kaming 11 dito so sana naman walang sumisingit. Respeto lang ba,” Castro stated.
A staff member from the event’s sound system department offered insight on Facebook, explaining that according to the program, Diaz was scheduled to perform last. However, Diaz’s manager purportedly insisted on her performing first, which caught Orange & Lemons off guard.
“Hindi po namin alam kung sino po ang susundin namin, nasa program po lahat, na last po si maam francine, pero siningit po ng manager ni maam francine na siya unahin kahit hindi po nila nasabihan ang orange and lemon,” the staff member wrote. “May program po kaming sinusunod, hindi lang po nagkaintindihan yung manager, organizer, at host ng event. Kami po kung ano lang yung sinabi nila yun lang po sinusunod namin, kaya po kahit kami nagulat sa nangyari. Nagtatanong po kami every 5 minutes sa organizer para malaman po namin kung ano magiging hakbang po namin sa event.”
Netizens responded, arguing that Diaz should not be held accountable, and attributing responsibility to the organizers for mishandling the lineup.
Following the event, Diaz shared on her Instagram story a gift she received from fans and thanked them for their patience despite the delayed performance.
“Respect goes both ways,” she wrote in her caption.
LionhearTV expressed readiness to hear from Francine, Orange and Lemons, and the event organizers to provide clarity on the incident.
