Showbiz Roundup: Julie Anne San Jose’s church brouhaha, Jen Barangan’s phone flash

October was a turbulent month for internet personality Jen Barangan, who went viral for recording herself during Olivia Rodrigo’s concert in Bulacan, all while her phone’s camera flash was turned on her, disturbing other concertgoers. She then issued a brief apology after the backlash.

Meanwhile, Julie Anne San Jose was on the brunt of criticism after performing at a church in Mindoro, which led to her agency, Sparkle GMA Artist Center taking responsibility for the incident. She, on the other hand, reiterated that she’s a devout Catholic and that the incident was a lesson to be learned.

All these and more, as we revisit the biggest entertainment headlines of INQUIRER.net from October 4 to 10.

Jen Barangan’s ‘apology’

After receiving backlash for alleged excessive use of her phone camera’s flash during the concert of Olivia Rodrigo at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, internet personality Jen Barangan appeared to issue a non-apology to bashers who called her out.

Barangan was trending on social media for allegedly failing to observe concert etiquette when she took a video of herself singing her heart out to the American popstar’s songs — all while her phone camera’s flash was fully turned on herself, thereby disturbing those who were watching behind her.

Replying to one of her critics on Tiktok, Barangan said, “[t]here are moments when I just silently film or not film at all while jamming with the artist. Magalit ka lang Joshua sa private account mo, basta ako nag enjoy,” she said

After a deluge of comments dissing the content creator, Barangan issued a brief apology in response. “To everyone, I’m so sorry for my actions. Best, Jen,” she wrote.

Barangan’s apology didn’t sit well with netizens, with many calling her out for her “insincere apology” and “giving nothing.” Some pointed out the “excessive” criticism coming her way on social media.

Sparkle owns up to Julie Anne San Jose

Sparkle GMA Artist Center announced that it would take full responsibility for the event involving Julie Anne San Jose, who went viral for her inappropriate look and performance at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church in Mindoro.

In that event, San Jose sang ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” while wearing a sparkly sleeveless halter dress with a high slit. Her song performance, as well as her outfit earned the ire of churchgoers and those who saw her in social media, deeming them unsuitable for church.

In a statement on October 9, Sparkle came to her defense, saying it’s the agency’s job to “coordinate and clear details with the organizers.”

“Sparkle would like to officially address the current issue regarding Julie Anne San Jose’s performance at the Nuestra Senora Del Pilar Parish,” it said. “Sparkle GMA Artist Center takes full responsibility for Julie Anne’s attendance at this event. It is our job to coordinate and clear details with the organizers and relay the instructions to our artist.”

The agency stressed that San Jose was only doing her job at the time, and had no intention of “disrespecting the church or its members.”

“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 or its members,” it said. “We are truly sorry to those we have offended. We hope that this puts the issue to rest. We apologize to Julie Anne as well. Moving forward, we will be more vigilant in our coordination efforts to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

Julie Anne San Jose sorry after church incident

Julie Anne San Jose acknowledged her mistake following backlash on her supposed “disrespectful” performance at a church in Mindoro that recently held a benefit concert.

In a Facebook statement on October 10, San Jose apologized for having offended the public after her viral church performance.

“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,” she said.

The actress-singer said the viral incident is a “lesson learned,” while reiterating that her faith is “unbreakable and cannot be shaken.”

“I truly, sincerely apologize. This is a lesson learned and it is assured that it will not be repeated. I am not perfect but please know that I have strong beliefs and my faith is unbreakable and cannot be shaken. I pray that we can all move forward with compassion in our hearts. Thank you,” she said.

San Jose earned the support of her followers in the comments, while some pointed out that the church should be held accountable as well for organizing a benefit concert in the first place.

Jesi Corcuera pregnant with first child

“Starstruck” and “Pinoy Big Brother” alum Jesi Corcuera — who goes by the pronouns he and him — announced that he’s pregnant with his first child.

Corcuera announced his pregnancy on Instagram on October 5, as he shared his unusual pregnancy journey, as well as his wish to become a parent since 2018.

“I started planning to have a baby in 2018. At that time, I struggled with a lot of things, especially financially, since the expense of having a baby via IVF (in vitro fertilization) is no laughing matter. And then Cams and her children returned to me, I thought that it was a sign from the Lord,” he said in Filipino, referring to his partner.

Corcuera shared that being a father to Cams’ children helped him in preparing to be a parent. “What I want is simple, to have kids that I can call my own. In all my decisions in life, Cams and her children are a huge part of who I am now. Come join me in my new journey. I hope this will serve as a lesson and inspiration to many.”

Jesi Corcuera’s baby conceived through artificial insemination

Jesi Corcuera revealed that his baby was conceived through artificial insemination in a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview on Oct. 8. Corcuera recalled how his child was conceived through artificial insemination, which was successful after the fourth attempt.

Corcuera, who still wanted to undergo IVF at the time, ultimately decided to opt for artificial insemination due to his age. He added that his pregnancy was “three years in the making,” and he even stopped taking hormones to make sure that his baby would be safe.

At the time, he considered many options that could fit his budget, including allowing his partner Camille to get pregnant instead.

The internet personality then shared that he’s expecting a baby girl, and refers to her as “ninja” for the time being. He didn’t disclose when he would give birth.

Heart Evangelista in tears as she remembers ex-glam team

An emotional Heart Evangelista wrapped up her Paris Fashion Week journey, hoping that she was able to fulfill to her current glam team the “shortcomings” she had with her previous one.

Evangelista documented her last day in Paris through an Instagram video on Oct. 3, which included her fittings, meetings, and attendance at the Louis Vuitton show. She also gave a glimpse of her “traditional coffee-giving” for fashion week photographers, in which they gave out coffee, pastries, and small gifts for them.

In the latter part of the video, Evangelista and her team had a pictorial on a street in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. She then became emotional as she exchanged hugs and words of appreciation with her team. The group also expressed their gratitude to Evangelista for “fighting for [them].”

“We’ll fight for you, dear, no matter what. Trust us, we are different,” one of them told Evangelista, who already burst into tears.

Evangelista then explained that the last time she was here, she was with a different team, and she prayed that everything would turn out well. She was apparently referring to her former glam team whom she had a falling out with.

“So I prayed in Jesus’ name that if I have been remiss at something, I hope to be able o give it to you because I really want you guys to be happy.” she further said.

Celebs run for public office

TV host Ion Perez, actor Marco Gumabao, and vlogger Rosmar Tan are among the celebrities who have declared their intent for public service and filed their certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm polls.

“It’s Showtime” host Perez is vying for a councilor post in Concepcion, Tarlac, while Gumabao is running for Camarines Sur 4th district representative. Gumabao filed his COC alongside his actress girlfriend Cristine Reyes.

Tan, meanwhile, is running for councilor in the 1st district of Manila. Tan, who also vied for Manila’s 4th district councilor post in 2022 but lost, said she was “urged” to run for public service to help more people.

Actor Enzo Pineda also filed his COC for councilor in the 5th district of Quezon City. Pineda was with his mother and his actress girlfriend Michelle Vito during the filing.

Another social media star who has tried his hand at politics is Deo Balbuena, more popularly known as Diwata. He filed a certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) as the fourth nominee of the Vendors’ party-list group.

Among the celebrities who are seeking re-election in the midterm polls and have already filed their COCs are Arjo Atayde (Quezon City 1st district representative), Alfred Vargas (Quezon City 5th district councilor), Alex Castro (Bulacan vice governor), Jolo Revilla (Cavite 1st district representative), Lani Mercado (Cavite 2nd district representative), Yul Servo (Manila vice mayor) and Jaycee Parker (Angeles City councilor).

Aside from them, Tito Sotto, Bong Revilla, and Lito Lapid are also seeking Senate reelection, and Manny Pacquiao is bidding for a Senate comeback.

Celebrity political hopefuls also include National Artist Nora Aunor (People’s Champ partylist second nominee), Marjorie Barretto (Caloocan city councilor), TV host and incumbent party-list representative Sam Verzosa (Manila City Mayor).

Other celebrities hoping to win their desired seats in public office are Ara Mina (Pasig City 2nd district councilor), Arron Villaflor (Tarlac 2nd district board member), Cai Cortez (Taytay, Rizal councilor), Aljur Abrenica (Angeles City, Pampanga councilor), Samantha Panlilio (Agimat partylist second nominee), Philip Salvador (senator), DJ Durano (Sogod, Cebu mayor), Abby Viduya (councilor of Parañaque’s 1st district), and Angelika dela Cruz (Malabon vice mayor).

Meanwhile, Aiko Melendez will seek re-election as councilor in Quezon City’s 5th district. In a Facebook post, she said that she hopes to continue her brand of public service.

Another celebrity seeking re-election is Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2019 Leren Bautista who filed her COC for re-election as Los Baños councilor, as seen on her Instagram Story. Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines national director Shamcey Supsup is seeking a council seat in the Pasig City 1st district.