Following intense criticism over her controversial performance in a church fund-raising activity in Mindoro Occidental, GMA Sparkle artist Julie Anne San Jose and other celebrities who attended the event expressed their regrets in separate statements to atone for what viewers tagged as inappropriate at disrespectful.

San Jose was criticized after videos of her performing ABBA’s hit song ‘Dancing Queen’ and Lady Gaga’s ‘Edge of Glory’ inside the Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Shrine and Parish in Mamburao town appeared online and in various social media sites.

Apart from her spirited performance, her critics, most of whom are staunch Catholics, also called out the actress-singer’s attire--a sleeveless long gown with a thigh-high slit—as “inappropriate” in a church setting.

In the video, San Jose was seen singing in front of the altar while the crowd watched her dancing and gyrating as one of the performers in the ‘Heavenly Harmony Concert’ organized by the parish and held last Sunday, October 6.

“Sa altar ka pa gumiling. Hindi mo man lang ba naiisip na iyong ginigilingan mo ay harap ng San(to) Christi kung saan dapat ang lahat tuwing haharap ay (yumuyuko) upang magbigay galang,” a Facebook user reacted.

“It can definitely be unsettling when a place of worship, known for its peace, reflection, and spiritual significance, is used for something that seems disconnected from its purpose. Churches are often considered sacred spaces, and seeing them used for secular or non-religious events, especially if the event’s tone feels inappropriate, can evoke a sense of sadness or discomfort,” another user posted.

“Ang daming lugar na puwede po, ba’t naman ginawang concert stage iyong altar! I mean, common sense po,” others commented.
In response, San Jose and her co-performers released separate statement to express their regret over the issue.

“I am offering my apologies. 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,” the Sparkle artist enthused in her Facebook post.