TV host Boy Abunda has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Julie Anne San Jose’s benefit concert, which was held in a parish church in Mindoro and has since gone viral.
The event drew criticism from netizens who felt that San Jose’s outfit and song choices were inappropriate for a religious setting.
During an episode of ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Thursday, October 10, the veteran host expressed his admiration for the Kapuso star, praising her for using her platform to help despite the backlash. Abunda said the incident should be seen as a learning experience, not just for San Jose but for everyone involved.
“This is a learning experience. I’m sure everyone involved has learned something and will be better at what they do,” Abunda remarked.
Abunda, who acknowledged San Jose’s status as one of the top artists in the music industry, was impressed by her commitment to participate in charitable events, regardless of the venue or scale.
“She’s one of the biggest stars in the music industry today. At her stature, nakakabilib because she still does fundraisers for churches. I don’t know how to say this, but it feels like she doesn’t choose whom to help. That’s what I see,” Abunda said.
However, the seasoned host also agreed with the public’s concerns regarding the appropriateness of San Jose’s attire and the venue, sharing a personal experience where he had to make adjustments for a similar event.
“Many years ago, as a manager, I went to Bicol with some of my talents like Ariel Rivera and Monique Wilson. On the day of the concert, we found out the venue was a church. Of course, we didn’t perform inside; I demanded we do it outside,” he recounted.
Abunda posed the question of whether San Jose had enough time to modify her performance when she arrived at the church venue, stating that it’s important for artists to consider the suitability of the environment.
“As a manager, I understand there are levels. Some would say, ‘I’ll do a fundraiser, but it should be in a gymnasium or a large venue.’ But that’s not Julie Anne. She just goes out and helps,” Abunda commented.
In closing, Abunda emphasized that the intentions behind the concert were good and that those involved were working with the best of intentions despite the controversy.
“Everyone meant well. I believe the intentions behind the event were pure,” Abunda concluded.
Yesterday, Julie Anne San Jose issued an apology over her controversial church performance in Occidental Mindoro. The Limitless star said that her only intention was to share the joy and give support through the benefit concert.
