A Catholic parish priest in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro has issued a formal apology following a controversial secular concert held at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine and Parish on October 6, 2024.

In a statement released by the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose in Mindoro, Fr. Carlito Meim Dimaano expressed regret over the event, which he acknowledged had caused distress to some worshippers.

“Isang Secular Concert ang naganap sa loob ng Simbahan. Tinatanggap ko pong ito ay nakasakit sa damdamin ng mga mananampalataya,” Fr. Dimaano wrote in his statement.

The priest also addressed the inappropriate comments targeted against performers Julie Anne San Jose and Jessica Villarubin.

San Jose’s rendition of “Dancing Queen” song inside a rather place of worship had gone viral but received torrents of negative reactions from Catholic followers.

“Sa mga naimbitang po naming nagtanghal-Julie Anne San Jose at Jessica Villarubin – na nakatanggap ng mga hindi kaaya-ayang komento, humihingi po ako ng tawad,” Dimaano said.

“Natuto po ako ng lubos sa pangyayaring ito. Kung maibabalik ko lamang po ang panahon, disin sana’y naisakatuparan ng tama at wagas ang gawaing ito na alay kay Maria,” Fr. Dimaano added.

Meanwhile, Sparkle GMA Artist Center has also issued a formal apology regarding the controversial performance by actress Julie Anne San Jose at Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Parish, taking full responsibility for any offense caused.

In a statement, the talent management agency acknowledged its role in coordinating the event and admitted failures in its communication with organizers.

The agency explained that San Jose, whom they described as a devout Catholic, had no intention of disrespecting the church or its members.

“Moving forward, we will be more vigilant in our coordination efforts to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” the statement read.

The agency also extended apologies to both the offended parties and to San Jose herself.

Sparkle GMA Artist Center, which manages numerous high-profile Filipino entertainers, promised stricter oversight of future performances to prevent similar controversies.