Parish priest, apostolic vicariate issue public apology after Julie Anne San Jose’s viral performance

The Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose in Mindoro and Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Carlito M. Dimaano have released public apologies following Julie Anne San Jose’s viral performance in the church.

In a statement posted on the official Facebook page, the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose in Mindoro  said the parish priest, Fr. Dimaano, is taking "full responsibility for all that happened" at the event.

"He recognized all the mistakes and apologized,” they said.

“We are very sorry for those who have been offended and scandalized. We seek your understanding and beg for forgiveness,” the apostolic vicariate added.

Dimaano’s public apology was also posted on the apostolic vicariate’s Facebook page.

He wholeheartedly asked for forgiveness from those who were offended from the “mga pagkakamaling nasaksihan,” and took full responsibility.

“Inaamin ko pong may mga mali kaming desisyon ukol dito. Inaako ko po ang lahat ng mga pagkakamaling ito,” Fr. Dimaano said.

Dimaano explained it was a "secular concert" that took place in the church.

"Tinatanggap ko pong ito ay nakasakit sa damdamin ng mga mananampalataya. Humihingi po ako ng tawad,” the parish priest added.

Dimaano asked for forgiveness from Julie Anne and Jessica Villarubin, who received negative comments following their performance, and from Bishop Tagura as well.

“Hindi ko po naingatan ang inyong pangalan dahil dito,” he said, adding he learned a lot from what happened.

“Kung maibabalik ko lamang po ang panahon, disin sana'y naisakatuparan ng tama at wagas ang gawaing ito na alay kay Maria,” he said.

“Ipinapangako ko pong hindi na mauulit ang nangyaring ito,” Dimaano said to end his statement.

Julie Anne performed at the Heavenly Concert at the Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Shrine and Parish in Mindoro on Sunday, October 6. Videos of her performance went viral, with netizens saying that her song choice, “Dancing Queen” by ABBA as well as her outfit of choice, a gown with a high slit, were inappropriate.

In her public apology, released on Instagram Stories Thursday, the singer and actress acknowledged that her performance “caused distress.”

"I truly sincerely apologize. This is a lesson learned and it is assured that it will not be repeated," Julie Anne said.

Julie Anne’s management, Sparkle, took full responsibility, saying "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 and its members," Sparkle added, and said it was their "job to coordinate and clear details with the organizers."

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News